Hello!

Courtesy of finals (and the mush-for-brains that accompanies them), I haven't been active in any of the political threads. However, I have read them, and I've noticed one alarming trend.

Numerous threads have been locked recently. This has been mainly due (I'm pretty sure) to personal attacks made by people on both sides. Some of these attacks, IMHO, are downright childish. In any event, can't these topics be discussed without personal hatred coming into play? Aren't we all adults here, and can't we handle ourselves accordingly?

Given the moderators' stance in general on this board, I assume that they are not prepared to tolerate this sort of thing on a long-term basis, I'm wondering what steps they'll take to change things. Will some offending users be banned, or will political discussions be banned as a whole (like I've seen on another board)? Or will this forum be done away with altogether? IIRC, the webmaster was talking about doing this in the past; with the way things have been going, it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if he starts thinking about doing this again.

Obviously, I have no direct say on what happens in this forum, but it is my very strong opinion that things are heating up quickly to the point of no return. If we don't start showing more restraint and start policing ourselves, I have a really bad feeling that things will get real unpleasant around here; either the level of "moderating" will drastically rise up or things will shut down.

I know we can do better than this, and IMHO we should before "the law" has to step in and handle things. This is just my opinion, take it or leave it...

Have a good day

Agreed.

Turn em into newts.

ah shucks . . I'm blushin'

If infact, VirginiaDude believes that I'm an "offender" that must mean that it is clear to him that I am the "anti-VirginiaDude" and so, my work here is done. No higher compliment could be bestowed.

Oooh! Ooh! is it me??

Daaaaamn.. what can I do to gain the top spot?

BTW.. I have no alter-ego. Been using the same username since Feb of 2002.

I guess this is what I get for trying...try to get people to calm down, and people start pointing fingers instead. Very uncool IMHO. It's not really that hard to not stoop to the level of others in order to retaliate.

I wasn't attempting to point out anyone in particular, and I'm still not.

But, I give up...I'll leave this message up for 24 hours for people to have a chance to read it, then delete my original post.



p.s. I'm really not trying to be insulting here, but I've got two 13 year olds and a 15 year old on my crew who present themselves as being far more mature than some people on this board, judging by some comments made in other threads and even this one.

*hangs head in shame*

You know there is an ignore button if you don't want to hear an opposing viewpoint. And its a lot more respectfull to use it than threaten and PM moderators

The Warden's original plea for restraint was entirely reasonable. Unfortunately the subject matter has attracted attention from many of us suffering from intense anxiety over our loss of security on 9/11, and the subsequent efforts to restore it. The typical political turmoil of an election year is compounding the anxiety, and for some, this is the only place to get some of this off our collective chests. Some can do it with some restraint, others apparently can only shout and bicker, but we should not assume they are not trying to be civil. We are all looking for the same thing - an outlet for these feelings, observations, perspectives and the opportunity to hear how others are dealing with the situation. No one has been comforted by the news in the last few weeks, so it is not that unexpected to see the tone get a little more shrill.

So, the plea for restraint is probably not being ignored Warden, and you surely do not need to feel like you started anything you need to apologize for with this thread. I think the subject matter and the national crisis we are in the middle of is just too much for some of us to step back from and get a broader perspective of the situation. Even how we deal with something as small as what we say or read on this forum. As in most of these situations, those that can see the bigger picture have to make up for those who, at least for the moment, cannot. Being heard on this board is apparently very important to some of us (just look at how many of us read this every day). The opportunity to discuss our outlooks is something we should try not to stifle or exclude anyone from, even if they get on our collective nerves.

This is a difficult time in our national history. We should try to come together, or at least cut each other a lot of slack knowing how unsettled we all are. Jim

__________________
Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)

Howdy The Warden,
Your question about can political threads go without personal attacks and name calling?¿ The answer is "no". Why should it be any different here than in real life?¿ That's why I don't even read them. It's real easy

__________________
Frank X. Morris
17 Kia Niro
08 Jeep Wrangler 4 door unlimited

That let's me off the hook. Someone that is obviously the mental giant VD thinks he is would NEVER, EVER make the hyper moronic mistake of charcterising me as having a 3 letter abbreviation for a name. Why anyone with an IQ above say, oh 50 or even a decent third grade education would know my screenname is 2 letters and 1 number.
Who can the mystery person be? Pray tell us oh omnipotent one!

I demand a recount!

"Who are you who are so wise in the ways of science?"

Keith... why does this sound all too familiar?
I agree with what you said... and I saw it from day one when I became a member.

Just curious Sp0ck . . . I've noticed that your make reference to a lot of "psychological" themes about alter egos, cliques . . . have you been readin' Dr. Phil lately?