Ousted by Facebook
A.V. Walters
Some of my readers follow me through Facebook. My Facebook persona is a far more political animal than my WordPress presentation. I am, however, true to character. Even in the throes of a political rant, I am never foul or rude. I suppose I am pushy, since I often urge people to exercise their rights to free speech, or to seek redress with the government for infringements of our rights.
Today I have been blocked from my Facebook page. I suppose the keys to my relief are in my own hands. Facebook insists that I need merely upload a picture of government issued picture ID, in order to resume my Facebook privileges. Who is this, Big Brother? I’ll be damned (oops, slipping into profanity over this one) if I’ll tow the line on this, without some good explanation for why I should be treated differently than other Facebook members. What do they want, a tattoo on my arm? Is this someone’s attempt to silence me? Has there been some complaint? If so, say so. I’ve been trolled before, and if that’s the source, I can deal with that. But without some rationale or explanation, I won’t provide my personal identification information beyond that required of regular members. If you’ve followed me on Facebook, it’s possible that I won’t ever be able to post again. In fact, this post through WordPress may be silenced, too.
tworockchronicles 
The power of social media to form (and reform) conversation is getting frightening. I wouldn’t send anyone my DL or anything else that could then be used against me. I’m with you on this one, Alta. This isn’t government overreach, but it is why I believe the less government, the better.
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Well, I guess the problem is solved–I no longer exist on Facebook. I do wish I knew what activity it was that spurred the complaint–mostly so that I could do more of it. Government at least has laws, and the good old constitution. Corporations have no such limitations. It’s corporate power and over-reach that are the cause of today’s biggest problems. Because I’d been posting political stuff today, I suspect a troll has taken me down. Silenced by the unknown hand of who-knows-who. I may just sign up again with my full name–and go right back to causing trouble.
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Wow! I will probably be next. I have had family unfriend me over postings, and I suspect some casual friends as well. I refuse to back off.
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I’m trying to figure out who I offended. My recent posts were all in the realm of my usual rants–topics on pesticides in food (and soil and water), the NOSB’s erosion of organic standards, support for the Water Protectors, oh, and how-to instructions on reaching out to the Electoral College members to make persuasive and historic arguments on flipping the election. I just cannot imagine who would take offense!
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I don’t know whether to commiserate or congratulate. More and more I think that getting ousted from social media might be a badge of honor.
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Thanks, I’m taking it as a good thing–that I’ve caught the attention of something I oppose enough to troll me into silence.
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Unbelievable! Does that mean my undocumented friends with no state ID can’t use facebook? Bring back MySpace or some competitor. Will they require fingerprints too. Is this their reaction to try to combat fake news writers? Did you tell the press about it? #freespeechfacebbook
Teresa Hendricks
El dic 10, 2016, a las 5:07 PM, tworockchronicles <comment-reply@wordpress.com> escribi?:
avwalters posted: “Ousted by Facebook A.V. Walters Some of my readers follow me through Facebook. My Facebook persona is a far more political animal than my WordPress presentation. I am, however, true to character. Even in the throes of a political rant, I am never foul o”
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No, I think that if they stay under the radar and behave solely as info consumers (rather than info generators) they’ll be fine. Nobody has asked for my husband’s ID. I may have crossed the line through my comments on, and advocacy of, environmental and left of center policies. I’m taking the whole thing as a compliment–but I’ll be damned if I give ID.
(Hey, Teresa–tell my sister I’m out. Otherwise she’ll be left in the dark. (And of course, she’ll roll her eyes and remember that I was thrown out of Girl Guides for very similar reasons.)
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Never thought about the press–but I’ve now linked your hashtag to the posting.
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AV – Get a little creative, my friend! Give them a red herring.
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Of course I could. I could open an account under another name. It’s a bit of a time suck though, and I’m willing to wait to see how (and if) they respond to my communication.
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um – nah – I meant more like a bogus DL – photo of Lady Gaga – Trump Tower address. C’mon -mess with em a little – get in their shit! 😲
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Life’s too short… Facebook is a machine, they don’t care.
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You certainly inform. I did not know you could get ousted from Facebook unless it was terrorism or pornography. They have your email it is surely like forums where you could decide to call yourself Mommybee or whatever. Amelia
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One can only surmise, because FB doesn’t give you a reason. They merely demand that you upload government picture ID–and until you do, you disappear. Completely. Apparently, my FB activity garnered some objection that I might not be a “real person.” It’s a troll’s way to silence an effective voice.
Of course, I could comply–send them my ID and continue–until the next attack. In fact this has caused me to re-think the amount of time I spend online. With the election over, and my personal obligations in that department fulfilled, I can return to a more quiet relationship with the internet. I’m seeing this as an opportunity to reorder my priorities and take back my personal time.
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So, you liking Trump so far?
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Crossing my fingers for Dec. 19th.
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Were you hoping the decision would be for or against his presidency?
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Oh, of course I was hoping for some historic precedent by the electoral college, rejecting it. They missed yet another opportunity on Friday, when Congress could have taken note of numerous procedural problems and legally unqualified electors, and declined to certify. I didn’t expect it, but it was an opportunity to make history, to show the system works and to avoid installing the least qualified, and most vilified President the nation has ever seen. My big disappointment is the total ignorance we see of the system and all of its checks and balances. A shame…pearls before swine.
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Wow, I wondered what happened to you on FB… I have missed hearing from you… I started looking and a post was deleted from one of our decisions about bees and something was deleted saying it was abusive. I wondered what had been said… This is crazy!!! Miss you… Robin from Santa Rosa…
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Yeah, like I’m abusive! No I’m just minding my own business, sort of quietly, here in the WordPress corner. It’s a nice place, so far, uncensored.
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