Do we need a Political Science forum?

[E61Silver]

I think a separate form for politics might be a good thing.

I think spirited debate is fine but personnel attacks are out of line.

I think its fun to see what this group is discussing.

We can do more than say that the pictures of his or hers X5 are nice.

[blondboinsd]

Actually no avatar would insult me, its just a flipping banner, as for mine, I put it for several reasons I have listed before, as many people know I am married and feel very strongly about the marriage issue not from a homosexuality standpoint but instead for the human rights aspect, if you would like to know why your free to ask but its not meant to offend anyone or anything, Its simply something I feel very strongly about

[ylwjacket]

I'm not singling you out (OK, not just you). Several people have political things. As I said, being a moderate, I'm out to annoy everyone.

Also - FWIW - I have never said anything about whether you were married or not, gay or not, whatever. Questioning your personal matters misses the point about what I am saying on this subject. I have never asked those questions because I think that crosses a line that is inappropriate to cross. That, and it doesn't really matter.

In response to other posters, there is no question that things sometimes get personal, and the name calling should be refrained from. It happens in passionate dialogue. The framers got heated and had personal attacks, and Ben Franklin stepped in and sorted it out. It's part of our nature, and it passes.

The thing that is interesting in the 'political debates' is that you get to hear other people's views.

Politics is about compromise. Comprimise is about understanding. Understanding requires dialogue. If, however, it is judged that this is not the place for such dialogue, so be it. The people who own the site get to make that call.

Hell, I even watch the Prime Minister's Questions on CSPAN just so I can see what they argue about in the UK.

One last point, then I'm checking out of this thread - it got a little testy over the past week, most of it started over the death of a major terrorist figure. However, over time, these forums manage to stay rather apolitical. On occasion, they turn that way, but it seems to be short-lived. I'm not sure that I get the whole "I don't want to read a political thread" story. The answer to that is easy - then don't. It's hard to see the panic here.

[ylwjacket]

Originally Posted by rebound

You've said what I meant to. Thanks.

As I said before, you'll soon be getting campaign contribution requests. Then you can put whatever words you want to into my mouth.

[fln8tive]

Originally Posted by SuperGreg

I think that might be taking it a bit too far. Avatars and signatures can be turned off, they don't personally attack people, and they don't require moderation (unless they are NWS ). This is just MY 2¢

Perhaps...avatars in and of themselves are benign, but avatars coupled with a recurring and consistent viewpoint can certainly incite...they can be clever and warm without losing any impact. Or they can be random and funny. Me, I'm thinking it's time to do the superhero thing as well:

[cmyX6go]

Originally Posted by accella4.4

Perhaps...avatars in and of themselves are benign, but avatars coupled with a recurring and consistent viewpoint can certainly incite...they can be clever and warm without losing any impact. Or they can be random and funny. Me, I'm thinking it's time to do the superhero thing as well:

OMG! I think that's the stripper that was at my sister in-laws pre-wedding party! He wore a black cape, thong and mask. HE WAS FOUL! Swear to GOD. He had a pot belly, was jiggling like a jello commercial. I almost pissed my pants. Still can't figure if her girlfriend knew and did it as a joke, or if the guy really thought he was stripper material.

[asawadude]

"When you are a man, sometimes you wear stretchy pants"

Nacho Libre
2006

[Wagner]

Originally Posted by asawadude

"When you are a man, sometimes you wear stretchy pants"

Nacho Libre
2006

hhahahahahahhaha

[SuperGreg]

Originally Posted by accella4.4

Perhaps...avatars in and of themselves are benign, but avatars coupled with a recurring and consistent viewpoint can certainly incite...they can be clever and warm without losing any impact. Or they can be random and funny. Me, I'm thinking it's time to do the superhero thing as well:

Now THAT is funny, do it!!! Nacho Libre Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaan

[SuperGreg]

I like Kevin's take on this. Let's try it

"Here is my suggestion to deal with the situation at hand: We do not need a seperate politics forum. Political posts should not be prohibited. I find it interesting and enlightening to read other points of views. Some of them I flat out don't agree with and some that I had never considered. We simply need everyone to behave better. I have seen personal attacks from both sides of the political fence so this applies to everyone. If there is something posted that you absolutely disagree with and can't express it in any other way than by slinging insults, don't respond at all. All we need to do is keep the discussion and debate on a level like that of a conversation with a respected family member or maybe even your boss or a client/customer. If you wouldn't say it to one of those people then don't say it here. We should try that approach and see how it goes. Personally, I hate having to read the threads with an eye for what might need to be deleted. None of us moderators want to do that. We start to lose our own enjoyment here and that is not good. "