The Current State of DAP - Page 3

Quaker was banned? Wow, that sounds.. ridiculous.

Trap = your failed logic
Tramp = a whore


How about no? We need Quaker on the site, he's responsible for much of our insider information, arranging meetings with Durbin's aides, and so on.

I remember when I banned Alex for a day 'cause he was being a dick, members politely asked to unban him and it was done. I can't imagine this being permanent, because that would basically make this place a joke.

I thought the point of the 'other topics' section of the website was for people to post whatever the heck they wanted. If you think that those threads are pointless then stay the hell out of there. I mean, seriously. People need to get off their high horses and stop judging others.
As for the banning of Quaker, I think that Nick or whoever banned him should elaborate on the incident given Quaker's status in the forums. Ultimately, the decision is his own but it would help us understand what really happened.

Why was he banned?

well most focus oriented Dreamers just do that. Still, I had a meeting in a local high school today and gave up both dreamactivist and DAP to teachers and student. IF any of the teachers looks at the site, it does make me look bad because I am the one recommending not only teachers but also teenagers to come here. Sorry but superficial impressions do matter.

Look I like the off topic section as much as the world. We are not asking people to give that up, just to show a little bit of restrain and a little bit of self-censorship. A little fun and a little work can go a long way. Specially because too much work will eventually frustrate most people and political empowerment through civic action does take a while. I am thinking about the Dream Act getting to the floor in September and many dreamers are thinking about getting their green cards in March.

Also, many people do all of their activism outside the site but never say a word. Probably because when someone gives a hint, those threads quickly fade away and no one ever writes a post. I am a leader through NVSC affiliated through PICO CA and PICO National. I am working my butt off to make the Dream Act a priority - the same way SCHIP was. Still, why post what no one cares to know?

Finally, I do agree that Nick needs to give an explanation as to why are we better off without Quaker. If there is a logical reasonable reason, then let's hear it. If not, Quaker should be re-instated.

Wow sorry but you all are a bunch of drama queens! It's pretty entertaining, actually. I'd just like to see what good comes out of this thread.

I would Like to see you work towards DREAM act Juan. I really would (i know you're busy, so is everyone else, i work 55+hrs a week and find time to fax,mail and blog).

As for everyone else. yeah i know the off topic site is there for a reason. But i also agree with optimistic denial, DAP is not only viewed by US and when the majority of posts are now veering off topic then it reflects bad on us.

Again on the banning. Dont ban productive members of this site. Ban trolls, ban people that attack others, ect. DONT ban people who are actually working for this.

To those who are saying "calm down" and "you're over reacting" i say this:

If we cant take THIS seriously why should anyone take US seriously?

I do agree. And in addition to this, I would like to say that too many people here feel that some members are superior to others in this forum, which to me it is another issue that needs to be addressed. I've been a member of DAP since 2007, but apparently, some members are more valuable than me according to Ark, String, and Dreamerhippie (thanks guys for the great reps -I like the color red).

I want DREAM just as much as everyone here does. I've been advocating DREAM in my own terms, in my own way. I come to this forum for information and every time I can, I contribute by sharing what I know as well. Before I felt like this forum was the place I could come to and feel like I fit in, but it just doesn't feel like that anymore.

Anywho, I do hope Nick gives a reasonable explanation for the ban and if not, I hope we can make it without quaker.

I really didn't mean that literarily. It was more like a nice way of saying "shut up and keep on working for the DREAM Act you wetback"

Although, nice try to make me do stuff.

I just got to hear about this since I have been away in Los Angeles. What am I doing here? Visiting friends at UCLA Ideas, organizing with CSUN Dreams to be Heard, hoping to meet a few more DREAM Act students and meeting with Takepart.com (The Visitor) editor on editing Dream Act videos I have shot lately.

This ban doesn't really hurt Quaker--but it is a sure blow to the DAP community and to Nick, who has now isolated himself from the national movement for the DREAM Act. Quaker is one of the most active, consistent, well-behaved members of the coalition that is working in various ways to get the DREAM Act passed this year. Without him, the national movement wouldn't really get anywhere since he does some of the most important ground work like building a database of dream act supporters and allies, connecting students to groups, sending out advocacy packets to groups that need help. He has even started getting active in the Michigan Immigrant Rights Coalition and getting them to do some actual work as well. He is also going to attend the USSA conference with other students to lobby for DREAM and was nice enough to offer to drive everyone. I don't know if I can say the same for most of the people at DAP ...

I don't know what he said but I am sure it was some healthy criticism about the lack of efforts on the part of DAP admin to actually do anything besides write about how to do things (and also not do them). It really doesn't matter to us, hence I don't bother to say anything on this issue.

But again, this is a blow to DAP, not to Quaker. He's just going to keep working hard on the DREAM Act.

You are shooting yourself in the foot here Nick, if you really care about pro-migrant work.