I would say that Pickle's first two sentences isn't the way to motivate a positive or constructive discussion.
I would say that Pickle's first two sentences isn't the way to motivate a positive or constructive discussion.
What's wrong with the forum is the demonizing and polarizing of right and left. The truth is that almost everyone has shades of grey in terms of political opinion, but now everyone is in an escape proof box, reduced to a single label. Regardless of what is said to the contrary, only the label matters.
Political leaders are fair game for criticism. That's the reason for political forums. A person can criticize a leader that represents their own political bent as easily as they criticize the opposition for reason. Whether that reason be political or based on their character as a leader, all opinion has legitimacy. Attacking members rabidly out of blind loyalty to an individual whose shortcomings are as obvious as horns on a chicken is rather hypocritical. Instead of rebuking someone for noting the shortcomings that no one really appreciates, it's more honest to recognize them and move on to what you do agree with and argue about that.
In quoting my post, you affirm and agree that you have not been goaded, provoked, emotionally manipulated or otherwise coerced into responding.
"The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems.”
Mahatma Gandhi
gamewell45 (05-22-2018)
What's wrong with the forum is bipolar dichotomizing of everything into right and left. Especially when those who complain about it the most do it the most.
What about the libertarian vs authoritarian political spectrum? You're missing out on half the fun!
Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire. ― Gustav Mahler
gamewell45 (05-22-2018)
In quoting my post, you affirm and agree that you have not been goaded, provoked, emotionally manipulated or otherwise coerced into responding.
"The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems.”
Mahatma Gandhi
No, what's wrong with the forum is that there are too many people who can't face the fact that some people disagree with their views.
when those people are challenged, they go into troll mode. They don't have the knowledge to factually support their views.
Perhaps the problem is that everyone has a different definition of snark. Just remove snark from permitted behavior. Then being an A-hole is against the rules.
In quoting my post, you affirm and agree that you have not been goaded, provoked, emotionally manipulated or otherwise coerced into responding.
"The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems.”
Mahatma Gandhi
The problem is that people fall all over the spectrum, but there will always be two competing parties--seemingly polar opposites--that people will be soaked into. I think I read that in my government class. Third parties may last for awhile, but ultimately their votes go with the most powerful party they are most aligned with.
I'm not sure whether it is a good or bad thing. There are some things that really, REALLY suck about it. But if you think about it, it does hold a sort of balance to it. One "side" gets control for awhile, and then the other "side" gets control for awhile. On the other hand, those two "sides" could be easily manipulated by special interests, lobbyists and large donor contributions, and could even both be played by the same hands. The other downside is that as we get deeper into politics, we are all "polarized" more and more by the $#@! we keep hearing every day. We get angry when something the other "side" does undercuts our "side", even if that action does not personally affect us as individuals. Team mentality. But it's also a standoff. Nobody wants to abandon their post and go "independent" for fear that the other side will gain the advantage of having less to contend with. It's so complicated.
Faith can move mountains, but don't forget to bring your shovel.
As for the bickering, I've put up with a lot of unsubstantial attacks from people since I got back (meaning, the post had no purpose other than to try to grind me down), but whatever. I'm trying to be above that. I just look at it like, somebody has to be pretty miserable with themselves to want to pull me off my cloud. And I'm just grateful I'm not as miserable as they are.
Wait another year, though. I'll probably change again.
Faith can move mountains, but don't forget to bring your shovel.
Peter1469 (05-23-2018)