Can we not get along?

[stormraiser]

I have seen this a lot lately. I don't like the way people trash one another here. I an a conservative, but I can listen to someone of a different political persuasion and debate. But what I am seeing a lot of is just trashing someone because they don't agree with you. DT posted a serious question and got hit from all sides because he said someone criticized the President. These people could be assets to the board, but we chase them off because we won't let them express what they have to say and then speak our peace. I have especially seen the some of the moderators do this, here and at WWBB. You all should be the example for us all to follow. How can new people come here and we expect them to act any different than the people who are to patrol the board and keep it clean? Let's get along and let people speak their peace and if we have something to say, say it. Don't trash them.

[sunnyday]

Stormraiser,
While I am not new here, I am often trashed on the board for taking an opposing point of view. Bless you for your kind words and good idea that everyone should be able to speak without being put down.

[stormraiser]

Hey Sunny, you and I disagree a lot, but it just makes me want to put my arm around you and give you a hug and explain what I want you to see, not cut you down and say, where are your facts? I just want us to be friends. I know most of us may be conservative, but that shouldn't make the liberals and moderates cower in the corner and never say anything. Let's have a healthy debate.

[pawlee]

a weatherboard during tranquil weather in an election year = drama. if some people's theories as to this being a bunk storm season ring true, it will only get worse... p

(always fun to watch)

[streetsoldier]

sunnyday,

I respond better to those like yourself...reasonable, calm, rational discourse.

Those that come across as angry, make personal attacks, etc., especially when they offer nothing but copied "the sky is falling" statements/links from elsewhere, or are unable to defend their statements with facts, invite me to react in kind...not the best way to do business, but I am only human.

At least, when I make a statement, I can verify my source material; after all, I spent years as a teacher, and nothing "frosts my cookies" more than unprepared, emotional assaults.

[chadtm80]

ah yes stormraiser.. But only if what they were doing was just speaking there mind and doing it respectfully.. There were a few posts deleted last night becuase SOMEONE dosent know how to conduct themselves in an adult and respectfull manner and no that person is FAR from an asset to this board or any board they belong to

[azskyman]

Unlike most boards where people come and go and attachments are by mere threads, Storm2k has a core group of people who have not only the right to speak their minds, but also a responsibility to do so in a respectful way.

I've discovered over the years that opinions are as varied as people themselves, but that those who "bash" or degrade or talk down to someone with a differing opinion are often not informed themselves. They tend to make issues personal which makes their own position even less credible.

Those who take the higher ground have every right to argue and debate issues, and that needs to be respected here. We have a responsibility to conduct ourselves with a caring heart and understanding...but never confusing someone else's opinion as a chance to pounce on them personally.

It happens, and when it does, we should step up and restate our case for respecting ALL opinions...even those we don't support.

[Stephanie]

Excellent thread Stormraiser! Thanks for posting this reminder. It's nice to see this coming from a member.

Steve - your posts are always so wise.

Bill - I know that knee-jerk feeling myself. It all depends upon how it is presented.

[pawlee]

steve, you need to write a column for the NY Times... p

[Guest]

Great post stormraiser and I love the picture on your signature. A few additional thoughts:

- Quite often what some will say about the other party is exactly what the other party will say in an opposite situation. Case in point: Democrats called Republicans sore losers while Republicans said the country was going down the drain when Clinton was elected. After Bush II was elected, Republicans called Democrats sore losers while Democrats said the country was going down the drain.

- This may really eat at some people, but generally most people are not going to be persuaded to "come over to your side" no matter how much cutting and pasting and yelling and insulting you do.

- This is a general rule that I have noticed that a lot of people follow: If I protest something, it's a well-thought out opinion. If others do it, it's whining.

- It will seem to some moderates or liberals that this board is unfriendly to them and downright hostile. That is because the board slants conservative in its off-topic section. Within any group, you have people who will attack other opinions and attempt to intimidate those from the "other side". This would be true if this board slanted left, and the moderates and the conservatives would feel unwelcome. Such is human nature in the early part of the 21st Century. This is going to be a long campaign, let's not ruin friendships and become embarrassments during these coming months.

- We are all Americans here, and no party has a monopoly on being a "better American", whatever that means. Democrats don't support terrorists, just like 20 years ago Democrats weren't communists. My father once straightened out some Shiite conservatives who told him he wasn't a true American because he was a Democrat. He rolled up his sleeve and showed them his bullet scar from WWII. He told him "I took a bullet and nearly bought the farm in Normandy so you guys would have the right to stand here and be a couple of jackasses."

[stormchazer]

Passion sometimes overcomes me, but if I dispute your claim or post, that is not necessary a personal attack but an attack on your ideal. The "personal" accusation can go both ways.

My passion can only be overcome by the fact that I am guilt-ridden when I upset people. My point is that "respect" and "understanding of ones position" is sometimes in the eyes of the beholder. I believe that most debates here are civil.

[streetsoldier]

Those of you that are interested might wish to view my posts in WidreMann's "What is communism" thread, for a look into my thought processes during a rational discourse.

[Pburgh]

Jamie, I like your reply. Thanks
Karan

[Lindaloo]

ah yes stormraiser.. But only if what they were doing was just speaking there mind and doing it respectfully.. There were a few posts deleted last night becuase SOMEONE dosent know how to conduct themselves in an adult and respectfull manner and no that person is FAR from an asset to this board or any board they belong to

I second that!!

[Guest]

sorry you are a Hypocrite.

You cannot and demand respect from others... THEN AT THE SAME TIME call anyone who criticizes a policy or one aspect of Bush as a liberal or a traitor.

ah yes stormraiser.. But only if what they were doing was just speaking there mind and doing it respectfully.. There were a few posts deleted last night becuase SOMEONE dosent know how to conduct themselves in an adult and respectfull manner and no that person is FAR from an asset to this board or any board they belong to

I second that!!

[Lindaloo]

sorry you are a Hypocrite.

You cannot and demand respect from others... THEN AT THE SAME TIME call anyone who criticizes a policy or one aspect of Bush as a liberal or a traitor.

ah yes stormraiser.. But only if what they were doing was just speaking there mind and doing it respectfully.. There were a few posts deleted last night becuase SOMEONE dosent know how to conduct themselves in an adult and respectfull manner and no that person is FAR from an asset to this board or any board they belong to

I second that!!

I most certainly can. You have your opinion and I have mine. Keep following me and attacking me DT. Just shows your great professional character.

[Guest]

sorry you are a Hypocrite.

You cannot and demand respect from others... THEN AT THE SAME TIME call anyone who criticizes a policy or one aspect of Bush as a liberal or a traitor.

ah yes stormraiser.. But only if what they were doing was just speaking there mind and doing it respectfully.. There were a few posts deleted last night becuase SOMEONE dosent know how to conduct themselves in an adult and respectfull manner and no that person is FAR from an asset to this board or any board they belong to

I second that!!

How is she a hypocrite? You mind explaining this DT?

Like others have said not everyone's views are gonna agree! Plain and simple. I dont get or understand what your saying here?

[stormraiser]

I wasn't talking about a personal attack on myself. It is something I have seen come over the board here and at WWBB lately.

We are all Americans here, and no party has a monopoly on being a "better American", whatever that means

That was my point. Let's not trash one another because we all can learn something. Like I said, I lean more conservative than most of you on this board,but I also know I can learn what the other side thinks and how to help them by listening, not by beating them over the head. That only creates enemies

[GalvestonDuck]

The grass is always greener on the other side. Now can't we all just get a lawn?

[Lindaloo]

And BTW DT, show me where I called someone a traitor or liberal.