Request: Bar political threads

[bisexualinsocal]

I've seen other message boards turn into a hate fest over politics and religion. Is this message board really a place for tit for tat political anger? I thought this was a message board for bisexual people? I don't know how others feel but I vote for leaving politics OUT of this forum.

[Skater Boy]

I've seen other message boards turn into a hate fest over politics and religion. Is this message board really a place for tit for tat political anger? I thought this was a message board for bisexual people? I don't know how others feel but I vote for leaving politics OUT of this forum.

This ISN'T a board for political ANGER, but it IS a board for politics. The influence of politics affects ALL people... bisexuals most definitely included. And just about every topic is related, in some way, to politics. therefore, I see no valid reason to ban discussions concerning it. But we should obviously agree to remain civil if and when discussiing such topics.

However... if y'all wanna agree to keep the Hilary/Obama issue off-limits, then that I could probably live with... ;)

As for religion... by all means discuss, but try and do so without offending those who may not share your views.

:2cents:

[bisexualinsocal]

This ISN'T a board for political ANGER, but it IS a board for politics. The influence of politics affects ALL people... bisexuals most definitely included. And just about every topic is related, in some way, to politics. therefore, I see no valid reason to ban discussions concerning it. But we should obviously agree to remain civil if and when discussiing such topics.

However... if y'all wanna agree to keep the Hilary/Obama issue off-limits, then that I could probably live with... ;)

As for religion... by all means discuss, but try and do so without offending those who may not share your views.

:2cents:

Your points are true but you'll find that the more politics invade this message board, the uglier people will become in their attitudes toward each other. Making this a less attractive place on the internet. Some people just have a hard time controlling themselves.

[Skater Boy]

Your points are true but you'll find that the more politics invade this message board, the uglier people will become in their attitudes toward each other. Making this a less attractive place on the internet. Some people just have a hard time controlling themselves.

Yes, I had noticed that too, actually. Last time we had a thread on religion, one member was so upset at what another member said, that she sent me a PM to tell me just how personally she had taken it.

The thing is, if we all take a step back whilst discussing these issues, and maintain respect for others' feelings and opinions, then, in theory, we shouldn't have any problems. The question is whether we are all mature enough to do this. Because it would be a shame to impose limits to our freedom of speech, if it can be avoided.

But, if we can't, then you may be right that we should attempt to curb our discursive habits...

[Flounder1967]

I have a great idae if you don't like the thread don't read it, but if you fell you really need to respond follow skater boy's advise

The thing is, if we all take a step back whilst discussing these issues, and maintain respect for others' feelings and opinions, then, in theory, we shouldn't have any problems. The question is whether we are all mature enough to do this. Because it would be a shame to impose limits to our freedom of speech, if it can be avoided.

Thank you for your support

[alaskacouple]

I concur with Skater Boy on this, politics and religion are important aspects of all of our lives (we are a minority group after all and GLBT issues are important in both politics and religion - so where better to discuss this than here?). But I also don't want to see this site degenerate into any type of hateful mudslinging or tit for tat. However, I would hope to think that we could discuss important subjects like adults and learn, grow and explore other points of view.

I would think that those who do not desire to discuss these topics could just choose not to participate, and those that do could. And if someone gets nasty we could all just try to calm them down a bit. I know I enjoy educated discussion, but will not participate in ignorant rants.

Just my 2 cents.

[shameless agitator]

I have to agree with Skater on this one (big surprise from the political junkie huh?) Politics are important, especially considering one of the biggest points of political contention right now is whether or not we deserve civil rights.

[TaylorMade]

Keep the threads... unlike religon, it's not as important to me, and it's easier to flat out ignore those who I think aren't saying anything I give a damn about or I feel don't know what the hell they're talking about.

*Taylor*

[The Barefoot Contess]

I have to disagree with the proposal. Most of us are bisexual, but not all, and even if we all were, why shall we limit the scope of our discussions? That sounds like essentialism to me. My bisexuality is part of me, but not my whole self.
My points are:
1. Try limiting the topics to bisexual issues and we will all be bored in a heartbeat. Talking about other issues as well is more fun, and lets you get to know people from different angles.
2. There are enough threads on bisexual issues, just have a look. And, by the way, we tend to repeat ourselves.
3. Again, no one has to reply to anything, or even read the posts. If you choose to read them, that is your responsibility. If we cannot control ourselves, it is our problem, not the original poster's.
4. Why is only politics your target? I personally love it, and, as Skater says, whether we want it or not, politics is everywhere. Thinking that bisexuality is not a political issue in and of itself in today's world is foolish thought, in my modest opinion.

[12voltman59]

Obviously, since I am one who does like to post threads that deal with politics--I am certainly oppossed to the notion that we cannot talk about politics---

I do agree that as volatile as the subject can be--it is probably best that such discussion is limited in the chat room---but not on the bulletin board.

If you don't care to have anything to do with politics--than don't read or post to those threads----

I would ask that people state their opinions and not get personal in their responses though---that serves no purpose.

Right now--we are in the midst of the politcal season--and the interest in the subject is great among most people----I know that I am more interested than most--I have almost always taken part in politics to some degree over the course of my life and to me---there is hardly a more important subject--especially now that here in the US---we are at one of those apparent crossroads points in our history----

If everyone does feel as a consensus that political discussions are verboten----I will comply with that and stop posting such threads.

I will probably have to take my leave of the site if that is the case--at least for a time--

I will vow to tone down the rhetorical tone of my posts though--sometimes when I post them---I have heard or read something that fires me up and I admit that I may go overboard!!! LOL

While I do apologize for some of those perceived or real excesses in the specific---I will not apologize for making posts like that in general---

[FalconAngel]

You can't get away from politics. Banning it's discussion is unrealistic if you want to continue to have a forum at all.

Fact of the matter is that it doesn't matter what you discuss; At some point someone is going to be offended. Either by subject matter or by something that someone says.

If we are all expected to be adults here, then we all need to have tough enough hides to deal with adversity and adverse opinions.

The problem that is the real concern is that old demon......political correctness.
Being PC has caused a softening of the underbelly of our society and is the whole reason that the request even gets made to keep politics off of the forums. I don't care if someone doesn't like an opinion of mine about (insert subject here). I should be able to express it. And as long as I don't get blatantly offensive about it, then I should be able to say it. Just as everyone else should, too.

We, as a group, are immersed in politics.

We have to be.

We want to be treated the same as the straights without having to keep our sexuality a secret.

That is politics, as much as anything else. There are too many subjects out there that are political that affect us all. To say that we shouldn't discuss politics is like saying that we can talk about anything......as long as it can not ever offend someone.

That is just unrealistic.

[alaskacouple]

Well, for our viewers we are able to predict the winner of the vote to ban all political discussion - by a clear majority the Freedom Party wins!

[HighEnergy]

Well, for our viewers we are able to predict the winner of the vote to ban all political discussion - by a clear majority the Freedom Party wins!

Thank you. There are posts here of all sorts that interest me, some good, some not so good. I think if you state your opinion, you had best have a thick skin, and be able to defend it. I for one am glad that Volty has other interests and posts them here for intelligent discussion and for the folks from other countries who state their opinion on them, giving an outsiders viewpoint of the US and giving us a chance to learn how others operate.

Thank God for freedom. What's left of it anyway...

[DiamondDog]

I don't like debating politics on forums or debating with europeans/antipodeans who live in denial about their own countries and who view the topics of racism, hate crimes, and homophobia in their own country with rose colored glasses.

I also don't like sexual/gender/relationship politics, debating them with mental masturbation, or the whole thing with the stupid and pointless bi flag.

That being said I don't write in political threads, I don't read most of them, or debate about politics on here since I don't care to.

I could care less if other people want to debate politics or write about them here since I don't care to participate.

[vittoria]

Um... a little cheese with that Champipple anyone? Even better, how about a little less condescention, and a lot more looking in the mirror? We all should be grateful for the format that has been provided so that we can commisserate with others from around the world (this site was started in CANADA for Christ Sake people... lets not forget THAT!!!) about ANYTHING we darn well choose... anyone read the posting rules lately?

Well, IMHO...

Its like watching television... if one doesnt like whats on... change the flippin channel. If one doesnt like debating, dont. Its pretty simple. Its all part of that freedom of speech thing.

I like to refer to it as " Dont p*ss in my Wheaties, and I wont sh*t in yours, " or more educatedly speaking, "Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations".

Some people like to whine about what they like and dont like. Good. That is their right, whether I ( or we for that matter) like it or not. This is a public forum. What do you expect?

Respect for starters.. one doesnt have to like anything, but at least some courtesy and respect would help.

We're all on this PLANET (screw countries, continents, ideologies) together. We breathe the same air, have children, love, grow old, bleed, die, eat. We all suffer sickness, pain, sorrow--no matter what language, culture or creed.

Theres WAY too much hate in this world. Whether it be one person (labelless of course) or many people(the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one---second Trek quote!!), we need to give the fear of expression a rest and just let each other vent from time to time without worry of reprieve... unless its the OG of course ;)

[nothings5d]

We breathe the same air, have children, love, grow old, bleed, die, eat.

Not in that order of course:tong:

[vittoria]

Not in that order of course:tong:

:bigrin:

sorry... was thinking about B movies

("Brains!!!! BRAINS!!!!":eek: )

[nothings5d]

:bigrin:

sorry... was thinking about B movies

("Brains!!!! BRAINS!!!!":eek: )

Oh, I stand corrected then:rolleyes:

[DC_looking]

My only comment is this. I don't like Rush Limbaugh. He pisses me off. Solution. I don't listen to him.

The point is politics and religion are volatile issues. They define the context of our life. Unfortunately there are some who feel a compulsion to shove their politics or religion down the throats of the heretics who dare to disagree with them.

As we limp toward fascism bear in mind it will come as the cross wrapped in the flag.

[alaskacouple]

My only comment is this. I don't like Rush Limbaugh. He pisses me off. Solution. I don't listen to him.

The point is politics and religion are volatile issues. They define the context of our life. Unfortunately there are some who feel a compulsion to shove their politics or religion down the throats of the heretics who dare to disagree with them.

As we limp toward fascism bear in mind it will come as the cross wrapped in the flag.

All more reasons to discuss these topics with others. Bigotry is a disease born of ignorance and nurtured on pride and fear. The only hope of being cured from the "disease" is a good dose of education delivered in the form of information.

Politicians and some "religious groups" understand this and use it to their advantage in the manipulation of minds. Nationalism and religious intolerance has always been one of the primary tools for dictators.

However,I fear that in our own country this has been honed to an even more sophisticated level. I fear that the "new dictators" will not be politicians or religious leaders, but will instead be the elite wealthy who manipulate markets and currencies in order to add increase their already bloated souls. With their vast and unprecedented wealth they are able to "buy" governments and religions as tools, and to utilize sophisticated marketing techniques to further propagate the mis-information that benefits their own purposes.

(A "speculative" case in point - Why did we invade Iraq? Was it really to defend our nation against attack or was it perhaps for the oil? A perfect case where both nationalism and religion were used along with fear and pride to move the minds of the masses)

(Another theme that seems to get a lot of play time - The magnificence of unbridled capitalism. Why do you suppose so many pundits (Rush Limbaugh, etc.) continuously expound the salutary wonders of no government control of corporations and low taxes on the wealthy? And how odd, that millions of poor underemployed people keep on believing that if we could just get the big bad government off the poor bowed backs of the rich man - then in his gratitude and graciousness he would open another factory in our town so we could all work for enough scraps of paper to almost pay our bills. Funny too how so many "fundamentalist churches" have latched on to this philosophy and have joined the parade of "conservatism" for the good of God and country and for the deliverance from socialism and homosexuality. Probably just all a coincident though...)

[the mage]

Well, history shows that when the masses ignore their politics, their politicians soon dictate to, not respond to, those masses.

Please do be aware of politics. but also be aware of the control exerted by the men hidden away in the corporate boardrooms who actually call the shots.

Politics is a billionaires game, wagered on by millionaires.

Your personal contact to corporations and politicians with e mail etc, matters as much as your vote.

[bisexualinsocal]

I don't like debating politics on forums or debating with europeans/antipodeans who live in denial about their own countries and who view the topics of racism, hate crimes, and homophobia in their own country with rose colored glasses.

I also don't like sexual/gender/relationship politics, debating them with mental masturbation, or the whole thing with the stupid and pointless bi flag.

That being said I don't write in political threads, I don't read most of them, or debate about politics on here since I don't care to.

I could care less if other people want to debate politics or write about them here since I don't care to participate.

Thank you! Great post. The bi flag is stupid and pointless. It's based on unnecessary and obsolete "pride".

[Not2str8]

I think political discussions in the chatroom alienate some people to the point of leaving, and therefor it's probably an inappropriate place for such discussions. (and I'm guilty of doing it, myself) But banning political talk in the forums ?!?! No way !
As bisexuals, and as part of the larger GLBT community, our very existence is intertwined with politics. Politics will decide what freedoms we are "allowed" to enjoy. Politics will decide whether laws will be passed which welcome us into society or shun us from it. Politics will decide if we can be fired from our jobs just for having a different orientation. Politics will decide who we can and cannot marry. Politics will decide if we are "fit" to serve our country. Politics is what allows us to have sex with someone of our own gender and not be thrown into a mental institution or prison for doing so. (The list goes on and on, but I think you get the point.)
So, I guess you can put me down for a big fat "NO" on the question of banning political discussions in the forums. For those who disagree, I suggest doing what I do when I see a forum topic that doesn't interest me....I neither read it, nor reply to it.
As for the cynics who think politics is beneath them, and refuse to sully themselves with it, of course you have that right. Many have died to give you that right. But I would hope that one day you'll awaken to the fact that you are letting ME (and millions of others who may not be as enlightened as I am..:rolleyes:) decide your fate, and rule your life. Boy, are you a trusting soul ! The day you decide to jump in and get your hands dirty is the day you decide to steer your own life, and determine your own future, not the one the rest of us have planned for you.

[shameless agitator]

I think political discussions in the chatroom alienate some people to the point of leaving, and therefor it's probably an inappropriate place for such discussions. (and I'm guilty of doing it, myself) But banning political talk in the forums ?!?! No way !
As bisexuals, and as part of the larger GLBT community, our very existence is intertwined with politics. Politics will decide what freedoms we are "allowed" to enjoy. Politics will decide whether laws will be passed which welcome us into society or shun us from it. Politics will decide if we can be fired from our jobs just for having a different orientation. Politics will decide who we can and cannot marry. Politics will decide if we are "fit" to serve our country. Politics is what allows us to have sex with someone of our own gender and not be thrown into a mental institution or prison for doing so. (The list goes on and on, but I think you get the point.)
So, I guess you can put me down for a big fat "NO" on the question of banning political discussions in the forums. For those who disagree, I suggest doing what I do when I see a forum topic that doesn't interest me....I neither read it, nor reply to it.
As for the cynics who think politics is beneath them, and refuse to sully themselves with it, of course you have that right. Many have died to give you that right. But I would hope that one day you'll awaken to the fact that you are letting ME (and millions of others who may not be as enlightened as I am..:rolleyes:) decide your fate, and rule your life. Boy, are you a trusting soul ! The day you decide to jump in and get your hands dirty is the day you decide to steer your own life, and determine your own future, not the one the rest of us have planned for you.I think I'm in love ;)

[oralplus]

Disscuss,debate,argue the issue yes . The person ..never
Love you all

[Bluebiyou]

Well, politics and religion in chat room... yeah, we should all avoid.
But threads?
Political threads that I don't care to get involved in... I just don't read.
I really don't care about Bush's 3 trillion budget. Next year it will be larger... whether Hillary, Obama, or McCain is president.
There's anti Democrat too. Clinton revisited: the body trail... Hillary is and has been part of the Clinton legacy.
Anti Tory or anti Whig would be amusing because I don't have a clue about either.
LOL... politics was/is/will always be corrupt, at least to some degree. It feels better to scream about it but the basic tenant will not change.

[vittoria]

Hello Yeah! I want to see some real British House of Commons gore!! The type where they play the dozens ( for those that dont know that basically means talk shit about one's mother... family, et al)!! Has anyone ever watched those? Truly HILARIOUS!

At any rate, I still maintain that people can say what they want. When they want. If you dont agree, you dont have to... just dont come to blows over it. Everyone is so busy pushing buttons that they forget if you push the wrong one the nukes come a-knockin.

Peace.:cool:


V

[EvilDoctor]

It would make more sense to seperate the different topics out into different forums instead of having them mashed into one "Main Forum". That way all the politicos and conspiracy theorists can chat away and slag each other to their hearts content and leave the rest of us alone, instead of getting in our faces all the time...

[12voltman59]

It would make more sense to seperate the different topics out into different forums instead of having them mashed into one "Main Forum". That way all the politicos and conspiracy theorists can chat away and slag each other to their hearts content and leave the rest of us alone, instead of getting in our faces all the time...


We have asked for that but I don't think that is going to happen---the thing is---there are other free chat sites that have their boards organized that way--I do wish that they would consider it---plus it would get rid of the repetitive threads---

[shameless agitator]

I like this idea because it means we could segregate all the dumb cum eating & poll threads out of the main forum.

[Skater Boy]

As Volty said, its been suggested to admin before, but they didn't buy it. I, personally, sent Drew a PM to recommend this when I first joined the site, but received no reply.

That in mind, maybe we should have a designated channel or section by which we can provide admin with feedback on the site...

[wolfcamp]

Having separate topic areas would require more site maintenance, and might also require some volunteer moderators. People often post messages under the wrong topics, and if the rules are to be followed, someone has to go in and clean up, and then post (stern) reminders of the current rules.

I think the KISS approach works the best, but that is just my opinion. In other words, I think it's fine the way it is.

WC

[vittoria]

"Separate but equal"?

"Segregation"?

I raise my eyebrow in a Spocklike fashion and retort...

FASCINATING!!!


V

[12voltman59]

For whatever good it will do--I did send a message to Drew today discussing the issue of getting the forum revamped into a more organized fashion---so we can have everything seperated and such--it would have to be good for his server space because during the course of the revamp--they could organize recurring topics into a few nice and concise catagories--I provided him with some links to other sites that have free forums organized like that----there are many of them out there---I belong to a number of such sites like band fan sites, fans of certain shows--things like that.
It does kind of get me that we keep having some of the same topics coming up time and again in new postings---

It would probably save Drew and his people some money I would think--and that would have to be a good thing--I mean--at some point--this site does have to run out of storage capacity would you not think?? I know that I when I buy a new computer every few years---it is a dramatic jump in all kinds of measures including memory capacity from the one it replaces. I think "oh great--this computer has plenty of memory" but it seems that in no time--I am up against a lack of memory again---I now have added an external memory unit to store all of my photos and documents for this comp.

Maybe if everyone starts sending Drew such messages---he will at least respond even if there is nothing that can be done with the construction of this site--I am beginning to feel that we are the "bastard step-children" living under the stair case!!