On (Not) Getting Political · 3:04am Nov 13th, 2016
Okay, folks, I think I better say something now and possibly prevent a headache later.
As I'm sure you're all aware, the United States' Presidential Election was earlier this week, and obviously there are strong feelings about it both here and abroad. By a coincidence, the current arc of The Iron Horse is also dipping into matters of politics, but I want to make a few things clear.
1. I had this arc planned out a long time ago, without regard for the election or the candidates.
It is only by coincidence that the story ended up being this long and just happened to arrive at this arc at this particular date.
2. While the arc deals with politics in general, I am not advocating one stance over another.
I certainly have my own opinion about the current situation, but this story is more about a discussion of ideas regarding the topics of freedom, progress, and individuality. The topic of "Celestia vs Cobbler" is not meant to mirror any person or political party. A close look into both will show that the two share traits from both the right and left, but neither one is meant to characterize one side or another.
3. This story is meant for just about anyone, and I want everyone to feel included.
I understand there are those on the Right and those on the Left who read this story. On the team - including me, the editors, and our illustrator - we've got a conservative Christian, an atheist, a moderate Mormon, and a gay dude. Everyone on the team has been helpful and we've managed to work together, so I don't see why others can't. And that's why...
4. Any overt talk about current RL politics is banned for the rest of the story.
You might think that a bit extreme, but allow me to clarify. You should feel free to voice your opinion on the characters and events. You should feel free to relate things to historical context and provide examples. In fact, there has been some really interesting discussion in the comments about the most recent chapter, and I am deeply appreciative of the fact that my work stirred such discussion.
What I don't want to see is someone saying "Man, Celestia/Cobbler is just as stupid as Trump/Clinton!" or to see an argument break out between different sides that isn't about the story or the issues raised by it. If I see that sort of comment, I will delete it. I don't ordinarily like to limit what people can or can't talk about on my stories, but I think right now people should feel safe coming here without feeling like they're under attack for supporting any candidate or even for supporting no candidate. You're all cool with me, and while there's a time and place for politics and debates, I don't think a ponyfic is it. 
If you have thoughts about this, please feel free to let me know. All my readers are awesome, and I want them to know they are welcome here, no matter what. 
I'm glad. As much as the elections screwing with me emotionally, it really doesn't belong anywhere near this.
Aaaand that's why I'am happy to be in Europe right now. Sure , we had some problem with the UK leaving (meh) , but at least we don't have to deal with that can of worms...directly at least.
It's like my friend Marquis used to say: "Friends who want to stay friends don't talk about politics or the war."
Also, I didn't realize we were so diverse. Kinda neat.
Politics don't really belong here.
Thus, I agree with this course if action you're taking, sometimes a firm hand is needed than gentle guidance in situations like these.
Not to mention, no one can predict the future so I'm sure any similarities to RL people are pure coincidence.
Your blog needs a thumbs up button.
Don't worry, my comments will stay within this story's topics. One of the main reasons I read fimfictions is to get away from the real world's things and relax. I entirely agree with what you have written in this blog.
4300147 *Yet. There are several countries in Western and Central Europe where politicians are taking cues from Brexit and Trump's win. It isn't over yet...
OP: As far as the no politics in the story's comment section goes, put a BIG, BOLD notice in the AN at the end so that everyone sees it, or it's going to happen anyways.
4300100
Exactly. Cobbler Mustang won't be saying "Make Equestria Great Again!" and we won't see characters sympathetic to Celestia saying "I'm with her!" I've worked too hard on this story to have it be bogged down in the quagmire of politics we find ourselves in these days.
4300112 Heh. Don't worry, KT, we can always debate via PMs, if you like. Though, currently, my energy for such things is about tapped.
4300172
Yep. I shan't name names here, but I think you might have an inkling of who's who.
4300294
I'm glad to hear it. I personally have no problem with people having their own soapboxes, and if some authors want to welcome such debate, I wouldn't begrudge them that. But in this case, that's not my goal, and I don't want it to ruin everyone's enjoyment. So, yeah, if anything seems like it's aimed at someone in real life, it is, as you say, coincidence.
4300415
Ha! I'll take the sentiment as an unofficial thumbs up, in that case.
4300778
Glad to hear it, not that I was worried about you or anyone else in particular, though.
Everyone has been cool so far, so this was mostly me being cautious in case my work was misconstrued.
4301046
I was going to do just that, as a matter of fact, and include a link to this blog post to explain why. I don't know if it's a serious worry or not, but, like I said, I want to be prepared, and longtime readers deserve a heads-up.
4300147
Heh! I'm a bit envious, I suppose, but I love my country very much, no matter who's leading it, and I'll be here through the rough times just as well as the rough ones. Some actions on both the right and the left have left me disgusted, but in my private life, I'll do my best to keep an open mind and an open dialogue and to try to stand up for what I believe in. In the end, though, I think things will work out okay.
Glad to see you're putting some ground rules in regards to politics and RL for this story. I think we can all agree that this election was one big headache. I don't think the last three elections have gotten so out of hand like this. What I would like is to read this wonderful story with a peace of mind. Now let's read about our favorite robot pony.
4301469 2000 was close, but you're right, none of the last three were like this one.