Was there a decision made on politics?

[LadyCrais]

I've kind of skated through the politics threads, enjoying them but not commenting, and then suddenly there was a brouhaha of Grinner and I don't know who all else making apologies, and talks of bans and so forth, which I likewise skated through. Sorry for all the skating but I don't have anywhere near as much time as there have been words written here of late.

So what I'm wondering is... I've run across a couple of really in depth articles that I'm finding interesting and detailing a lot of information that I never see in the normal news publications. And it seemed to me it would be nice if everyone had a chance to read some of this stuff so they have a little better idea if the sound facts/attacks we keep being deluged with have any basis in fact, regardless of which side of the political fence they're on. Only I haven't a clue if I'm allowed to post the links or not.

I'm thinking even if there are enough people incapable of discussing politics for it to end up being a banned subject of discussion, it sure would be useful for folks trying to seriously assess what the situation is to have places they can be referred to. And with our 6000+ now members, that's a whole lot of folks that can point a whole lot of directions to get input from in making our own personal decisions, even if we can't reach a consensus among ourselves. (Personally, I think if people would just respect that one thread is for one side of the fence to disucss an issue and that other thread is for the other side of the fence, and quit jumping into each other's threads, the animosity would be lacking). I think it's sad that there are so many bright, experienced, well-read people here who have insights I haven't heard before that are having to be silent to maintain peace. But in lieu of hearing their opinions directly, links to articles they feel are important in informing their opinions might be a good (perhaps even better, since it would be unfiltered) substitute.

So is this allowed or not?

[AgentSun]

see i dont know, cause the passion of christ thread seems to be very well behaved and very respectable, despite the fact that the subject is highly controversial, to the par of most politics...

so i wonder why we're very well behaved on that thread and whether the recent discussions have impacted that...

[Kurt_eh]

There's an old Arrogant Worms song that sort of fits:



George Washington was the president
But now he's dead (dead)
Mackenzie King was Prime Minister
But now he's dead (dead)

So don't go into politics
You'll end up dead
Don't go into politics
You'll end up dead

Oppenheimer built the bomb
But now he's dead (dead)
Einstien was very very smart
But not enough not to be dead (dead)

So don't go into science
You'll end up dead
Don't go into science
You'll end up dead
And don't go into politics
You'll end up dead
Don't go into politics
You'll end up dead

Jimi Hendrix, Janice Joplin, Brian Jones, Keith Moon,
Jim Morrison, Roy Orbison,
John Lennon, Bob Marley, Leonard Bernstien, Elvis Presley
Well, we're not too sure about Elvis
But I think you get the point

Don't go into music
You'll end up dead
Don't go into music
You'll end up dead
And don't go into science
You'll end up dead
Don't go into politics
You'll end up dead
...

[waltersgirl]

we don't have, nor have we ever had, any intention to ban "politics". just be good to each other.

[stellar]

Ah, a follower of Bill and Ted, eh?

[recklesshumor]

Be ... "excellent" ... to each other.

[waltersgirl]

something's afoot at the Circle K.

[Kurt_eh]

Party on, dudes!

[generic_screenname]

You sank my Battleship!

[Antrobus]

Its my observation regarding politics at FMD that there are certain members (myself being one) that are strict conservatives or strict liberals - and those two sets will NEVER see eye to eye. There is also a HUGE difference in religion here as well.

There are also people on the board who want information (and sources) because they want to be educated about certain topics, etc. Its too bad for those seeking info that they end up in the middle of HOT rhetoric from us more passionate ones.

My suggestion at an attempt to reach middle ground is to simply find articles that reflect your point of view and post links to them. That way those seeking answers or info can read both sides of an issue and make up their own minds. Try and stay off the soapbox.

After going through a 12 step co-dependancy program there's one thing I learned (but often forget) and that's that you can't change anyone - and you're wasting your time if you try. So, those of us with strongly held opinions regarding politics, religion and whatnot should save ourselves the trouble (and frustration)of trying to change people.

For instance, there's no way in "you know where" that I'm going to vote for G.W. Bush, so don't even waste your time trying to change my mind - you can't. And there are those that feel just the opposite. But there are the "in between" folk who deserve more than petty bickering from us hardliners.

So, I say let's try to contribute something positive/enlightening to these hot topic threads or just avoid them completely if you know you can't keep a cool head. My .02!:D

[LadyCrais]

Very nice post Astro. Unfortunately the hotheads on both sides of the aisle are having a very difficult time putting it in practice. Nevertheless, I'm going to post a couple more tomorrow and hope it turns out a bit better than the one today has managed.

[waltersgirl]

if it makes you feel any better, FMD isn't alone.

the emotions of politics (http://asmallvictory.net/archives/006084.html#006084)

i particularly like this second piece because it addresses personal behavior and responsibility.

dance card (http://asmallvictory.net/archives/006088.html)