I'm not starting another thread

[Zeitgeist]

I suspect things may be perceived to be a bit too 'over the top' because the U.S. is once again in a state of slow boil turmoil. Given the lousy economy, our state of perpetual war, the culture clashes, etc., I think folks come to the open discussion section to blow off steam in a relatively consequence-free environment.

Politics tends to be a contact sport, so folks used to such aggressive discussions can become a bit insensitive to the abuse. It's always a fine line between attacking the message, and attacking the messenger -- that line gets crossed here all the time. I guess the key is to not take yourself too seriously, and likewise, not to demonize your fellow discussion participants, no matter the absurdity of their comments.

[jjl]

That's OUTRAGEOUS, you *&^%$£.

But anyway, some of it is down to writing styles, some of it the medium, some of it that some people are a wee bit dogmatic.

We had a discussion on this a while back - that it is strange that very few of us seem to change our minds about anything after an exchange of views, so perhaps it is all pretty pointless. After all, we can't claim to be educated by these discussions if we don't alter our thinking, can we?

[GermanStar]

Originally posted by Zeitgeist
It's always a fine line between attacking the message, and attacking the messenger -- that line gets crossed here all the time.

Frankly, I don't believe that line should ever be crossed. Attacking a position, a concept, a conclusion -- no problem, but attacking another forum member is indefensible to me. Besides the obvious fact that it's ill-mannered and unconstructive, it strikes me as a very poor way to make a case. If the only way to promote one's point is to attack the credibility of an opponent, the point apparently can't stand on its own merit.

While controversy is obviously a way of life here, the players rarely cross that line, and thankfully so.

Ron
http://germanstar.net

[Zeitgeist]

I come to the forum to meet new people, learn about my car and to blow off steam about whiners, bigots and carpetbaggers

Well, there you go...and might I add, that you're doing a damn fine job of it as well.

[GermanStar]

Originally posted by jjl


We had a discussion on this a while back - that it is strange that very few of us seem to change our minds about anything after an exchange of views, so perhaps it is all pretty pointless. After all, we can't claim to be educated by these discussions if we don't alter our thinking, can we?

Yes, I've noticed the same thing. The juicier topics, in particular, seem to be more of a contest than a learning experience. Perhaps it's more of an affront to one's ego to accept an opposing position in print for all to see than in person...

Ron
http://germanstar.net

[4NDELIT]

Originally posted by jjl
We had a discussion on this a while back - that it is strange that very few of us seem to change our minds about anything after an exchange of views, so perhaps it is all pretty pointless. After all, we can't claim to be educated by these discussions if we don't alter our thinking, can we?

I'd beg to differ. I have learned quite a bit because of the open forum, and even though some views have not changed, many have been developed with information I did not previously know.

[jjl]

Ok, I concede that some people may learn something some of the time. But there is no evidence that *anyone* has changed political/religious allegiances, is there? Even though so much hot air has been expended (expanded?) on these subjects.

Heck, we can't even agree what is a good beer. I *know* some of you bums drink bud, for example - the greatest country in the world, *and you drink bud*???

[Cap'n Carageous]

This is one of the tamest (is that a word?) forums I've seen. I have seen and heard LOTS worse on some other forums. For example I have even been attacked on other forums for various reasons.................well, come to think of it that's happened on this one too! Never mind!

The analytics come out of the woodworks. Just because one has the ability to exaust a subject beyond the point of reality or practicality does not make one smarter than another, it simply makes one...analytical. Debating is good as we learn from this unless close minded or egocentric. Can't tell which with some of these people so the preference is to stay clear. Moreover, one views heated debate as personal attack wwhen in some cases the other is simply heated by subject matter. Then again, insults occur. Difficult to ascertain when only type-written words even with cons.

[autozen]

[
Heck, we can't even agree what is a good beer. I *know* some of you bums drink bud, for example - the greatest country in the world, *and you drink bud*??? [/B][/QUOTE] jjl

This is my first post since I started this thread, it may be time for morphing. You are absolutely right in attacking our famous beer that is mostly consumed by followers of the pack. It is panther piss, and has never been ahead of other beers like Pabst Blue Ribbon in taste test after taste test. In fact the reason Domestic beers are iced down is because they taste so bad, the cold kills the taste. That is not me speaking, but a known fact among beer experts. Most of the world drinks beer at celler temperature, and it is considered a food. I may get some criticism from the Bavarian tyoes here, but I have enjoyed the best beers in Belgium. That tiny country has around 400 breweries, and I think I sampled all their beers one night with some friends just outside of Antwerpin. I've got to back soon.

Peter

[jjl]

Peter - now you're talking. Some of the Belgian beers are terrific - you must have tried Hoegaarden - other are just too weird - some of the fruit beers, for example, names forgotten in alcoholic haze..

The Pacific North West seems pretty strong on good beer. I'm surprised the US doesn't export the better stuff, but I guess the Bud/Miller corporations strangle everyone else.

I agree wholeheartedly with your analysis of folk's economic priorities..never ceases to amaze me.

[That Guy]

But I just can't get enough of cold Bud Light.
Aaaah!

Makin myself thirsty just thinking about one. I used to be into the microbrews for about 2 years and then went back to old reliable and don't want to go back. I cherich the razzing that accompanies it too. I agree that most would call it crap, but its pure thirst quenching satisfaction to me.

I'm going to agree with Z. I think right now the US is very divided on where our country is going. Much of what is happening will force you into one way of thinking or the other. The war on terrorism, Iraq, the economy are all polarizing factors that we seem to be dealing with all at once. The stakes for all of us (regardless of opinion) are very high right now so we're likely to get pretty heated about things. I'm young, but I feel like right now is crucial point in our history and that the decisions we make today are very likely to determine our continued precedence in the world.

[STORMINORMAN]

Three questions:

Where is TANK when you need him?

Was the "degenerate" referred to Ellen Degenerate?

What's it REALLY like in those "midwest areas"?

NO! FOUR questions...

Will you be able to marry your chickens in Canada (or the Commonwealth Of Mass.), eventually?

[rickg]

Originally posted by STORMINORMAN
Three questions:

Where is TANK when you need him?

Ahhh, Tank. He too is alive and well, and aware of the forum. He'll return when he's ready.

[mikemover]

Originally posted by Zeitgeist
I suspect things may be perceived to be a bit too 'over the top' because the U.S. is once again in a state of slow boil turmoil. Given the lousy economy, our state of perpetual war................

..........I guess the key is to not take yourself too seriously, and likewise, not to demonize your fellow discussion participants, no matter the absurdity of their comments.

What?!?!?!

The economy in the past 3 quarters has seen the greatest gains since the early 80s, two years after the Reagan tax cuts. Coincidence? Hardly.

A few months of dictator and terrorist-hunting hardly constitutes "perpetual war".

Not attacking the messenger, just the message. :p

Mike