Did we just lose Friendly Politics?

[Travelover]

I thought the rule was never discuss religion, politics or sex.
..........

You are right, but somehow it always seems to lead there, especially politics..

 

[rswyan]

Trying to sneak in a punch below the belt after the bell rings? Ambassador, I'm (not) shocked.

Why I never would have imagined it !

:laughing:

 

[texasjohn]

Religion, politics and sex are fine...until, via individual decisions and poor judgement, the ensuing words or actions become intolerant, violent and harmful to others. Humankind has struggled with this problem for all recorded history.

 

[rswyan]

It appears that possibly the worst of the worst, and you all know who I am referring to may be totally gone. And if so, good riddance.

What ? !!!!

I rather enjoyed HS' posts ... I've never seen anyone who offered more potential "teaching moments" per unit of time anywhere ... can't imagine bidding him good riddance ... :laughing:

Signed,
Your boogeyman

 

[texasjohn]

This is TBN, we tolerate, even celebrate, lots of colors...green, red, orange, blond, whatever...

Maybe I need to change my avatar now.....

 

[IslandTractor]

Religion, politics and sex are fine...until, via individual decisions and poor judgement, the ensuing words or actions become intolerant, violent and harmful to others. Humankind has struggled with this problem for all recorded history.

I agree but we are all big boys after all (plus Farmbabe) and I think everyone understands the sticks and stones rule. This has been a bit impolite but hardly worse than a vigorous lunch room argument over similar topics. It's too bad we cannot come up with a fair way to enforce toning things down without interrupting or blocking threads. Despite the harsh words, ideas and thoughts are exchanged here which is a good thing. It is important for our democracy that we hear other's opinions directly even if they seem to come from another planet. Otherwise we just hear the ideas from politicians sloganeering to their base and that is clearly not a national discussion at all.

 

[rswyan]

Wow! Really. My respect for TBN has increased ten fold. HS

I think you may be in for a big disappointment ... :laughing:

 

[newbury]

What ? !!!!

I rather enjoyed HS' posts ... I've never seen anyone who offered more potential "teaching moments" per unit of time anywhere ... can't imagine bidding him good riddance ... :laughing:

Signed,
Your boogeyman

Yes, it's a good exercise looking up CREDITED, recognized links to refute some of his wild statements.

 

[rswyan]

I agree but we are all big boys after all (plus Farmbabe) and I think everyone understands the sticks and stones rule.

Apparently not ... assuming that this recent "Friday Night Massacre" came about as a result of someone whining ... :laughing:

This has been a bit impolite but hardly worse than a vigorous lunch room argument over similar topics. It's too bad we cannot come up with a fair way to enforce toning things down without interrupting or blocking threads.

Clear, unambiguous rules/code of conduct ... and enough moderators that actually know how to moderate (look up the meaning of that word ), and have the available time and willingness to do so. The available time is probably the biggest issue by far. Threads have to be pruned (not necessarily wholesale deleted), warnings posted or PM'ed, etc.

Takes a special person to do it - because you have to be able to put one's own personal politics and opinions aside and deal with what was posted in an objective manner. A bi-partisan team that could achieve consensus would be a must.

I'm actually kinda surprised that a decision wasn't made to increase the resources (moderators) to manage the forum ... after all, as far as I know moderators aren't paid ... so they are not exactly an expense item.

I'm on a number of other forums - one of which has probably 1/10th the traffic (posts) of TBN or less - and has half a dozen mods policing their politics forum. It has evolved, over time, to be a rather civil place ... despite very serious differences of political opinion.

On the other hand I can understand the site owner's decision to view it as a resource hog and just not worth the T & E.

Despite the harsh words, ideas and thoughts are exchanged here which is a good thing. It is important for our democracy that we hear other's opinions directly even if they seem to come from another planet. Otherwise we just hear the ideas from politicians sloganeering to their base and that is clearly not a national discussion at all.

Yup ... the dialog and exchange of ideas is what is really valuable ... the harsh words are like the wrapper on a candy bar ... they mostly just need to be tossed (ignored) once you get to the important stuff inside.

Ideas are king ... invective, while fun at times, not so much ...

 

[rswyan]

Yes, it's a good exercise looking up CREDITED, recognized links to refute some of his wild statements.

Research such as you mention is about the only way to be a truly informed citizen ... and even then it's quite a battle.