So if I post a pic of Bush on a Harley, is that too political? The fact is, the country is very divided right now and has been for a time. It’s not pretty, and ignoring it seems wrong-headed. Agree or move on seems to be the attitude in many places these days. Authoritarian/Autocratic rule is needed in some instances, and this might be one, but never expect those being ruled over to accept the rule. There’ll be some bleeding or a while, then things will go on here.
Socratic argument is a lost art and these days the talking heads continually try to raise their voices over each other-- this has bled over into the forums with ad hominem remarks, since one cannot write over another's post. I guess I participated in some of those discussions, but to tell the truth, I did not read them all and refrained from personally attacking those of differing opinions ; it weakens an argument. Attack the ideas, not the speaker. But the intellectual approach to debate has been lost and winning goes to whoever shouts loudest, while the reality is that the shouter ahs actually lost both the argument and his/her dignity. Dignity always wins. The anonymity of an online discussion board by its very nature enables some outrageous written behavior, attitudes that would not occur face to face. But they are only words. The bills still need to be paid, the daughter needs a talking to, mother-in-law needs surgery…. the world encroaches and sets things straight. I guess my biggest disappointment is that it didn’t work by adding the lounge, as Grump said. I work in a job where I have to listen to contrary opinions daily. I’m lucky. None of this reached the critical mass for me as it did for some others.
cat
some discussion guidelines
