The New McCarthyism at Oprah.com

In the wake of 9/11 Oprah was the only mainstream talk show host who attempted to address the issue of US foreign policy. She encouraged people, Americans in particular, to “wake up” to what the government was doing. Her shows on Anti-Americanism and Why Attack Iraq generated huge discussion and debate, not least of which on her message boards.

A group of posters have continued this mission of bringing to the forefront political and social issues for discussion and debate. Another group of rightwing posters have sought from the beginning to shut down any criticism of the US government.

Oprah’s board moderators have censored and censured any subject that might be seen as criticism of the US government, and have shut discussion boards down due to the complaints and disruptions caused by the other group. It has reached a level where Oprah’s boards can no longer be used to discuss anything to do with politics or the US government.

Oprah’s new message? Go back to sleep.

Oprah’s staff justify it this way: “Oprah.com is a place for members worldwide to form friendships, find support, and offer advice and encouragement. In our Message Boards and O Groups, we encourage open discussion regarding issues affecting people all over the world. However, we want to remind members to participate in these discussions for the purposes intended: to encourage open, positive dialogue. We ask that members refrain from posting hateful and negative messages. These posts are not conducive to Oprah's mission of living your best life, can alienate our members and violate our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.”

And: “As stated above, the O Groups are here for encouragement, friendship and support. Oprah.com members participating in these communities come from all over the world. If you wish to debate politics and governmental policies, there are many websites that welcome your comments without hurting the feelings of the members who participate. We hope it isn't your intent to disrupt and hurt the members who participate in the O Groups.”

Political messages on the boards were never hateful or disruptive, but simply truthful about what the US government is doing. Furthermore, there is nothing in the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy that prohibits posts about current events and politics. In addition, any posts, no matter how misinformed, that are positive statements about US policies are allowed to remain on the board whereas any responses to the contrary or providing corrections, are deleted by Oprah’s staff.

We invite you to view the messages on the discussion boards and participate in defending against the spread of the new McCarthyism.

Please become a member and lend your support. Log onto Oprah.com, go to “O Groups”, “The Meeting Place”, “Illumari: Circle of Women”, “The Rainbow Bridge”. Alternatively, go to “O Groups”, “The Meeting Place”, “Other Groups”, “Getting Together, Let’s Talk”.

Please also use the website to write to Oprah directly to express your concerns. Thank you.