I don’t know, dmd, I greatly prefer to do politics face-to-face. It’s a lot more content and a lot less snark. I also find that most people are more temperate and thoughtful in person than behind a wall of anonymity. I had a great lunch with my boss this week where we spent two hours disagreeing on nearly every detail of political life, but agreeing on what government should be for. It was so refreshing compared to Web forums.
^ You can also choose to speak to people who are thoughtful and logical. On a message board, you end up getting trolls, people who just want to “be right,” lots of sniping, etc.
WashDad–I guess I should have been more clear. Yes, people discuss politics more nicely and less contentiously in person… which is why some of us (and I will happily include myself) love CC. I can be as forthright as I want and my (IRL) friends still speak to me.
What do you mean, corr? Everyone is entitled to my opinion. 
Things that really tick me off:
<li>Rumors without a shred of evidence.</li>
<li>Conviction without trial.</li>
<li>Please, if you dislike a poster, avoid the passive-aggressive approach and just plug them into your “ignore” list. No whining.</li>
The issues in this years election need debate. With respect and patience, but yes, debate.
Just my $0.02…
I have actually enjoyed engaging in discussion on the Sarah Palin thread. Glad it was merged, though. Since we leave in 1 day to take my only child, a D, off to college, it has helped with the jitters, tears, worries, etc. that I am experiencing as a soon to be empty-nester.
I agree that it is better to do this face to face. But, as NSM pointed out, we so often have friends of our own political persuasions that it is difficult to get a good debate going.
^^I’m with you, WashDad. Face to face is better–more honest, more civil, and more satisfying, even when you disagree. I said on another thread that I don’t know anyone in real life who would be this rude in person. But that’s the nature of the online beast.
Well, I got the joke swatparent.
These last ten days have been epic moments in our history, folks, for both parties. Sweeping changes (sorry to use that change word) are possible–in both parties. It’s zeitgeist and you want to censor it–in front of the kids!
Tsk, tsk.
Now back to house renovation threads…
ROFL That might be the best posting of the entire political season so far!
I’m one of the guilty parties. Sometimes I make statements just to stir the pot. All in all there are a number of people from all sides that make good, cogent points that are thought provoking. It has made this election season a lot more informative…despite some of the haters and ■■■■■■.
DH and I were at the US Open all day today. Driving home, I turned on the news and heards the NEWS about Palin’s daughter. I couldn’t wait to get home and log into CC to see what my virtual friends had to say. I enjoy the political threads. I don’t post all that much, but I enjoy reading what others have to say. It educates me – even the wacko ones.
jym - while I agree with you, I will say that I think CC is one of the tamest sites there is for political discussion. Sad, I know. But I’ve tried to follow other sites and the name-calling, invoking of body parts/waste, and hate totally depresses me. If anyone else knows of a political site that appeals to people who want to debate the issues without all the viciousness I often find, please let me know.
I’m so glad that, OP, jym626, has determined that we have established a new low. I just can’t figure out where she put the baseline so that we all know when
.
Season hasn’t even begun until after the conventions. Let the Season be merry. 
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Not to mention a distraction from the John Edwards thread and any thread having to do with cats!
Pox on all politicians…
Not sure if that ^^ (Longprimes’ post) was supposed to be funny, or an example of the flip comments we are asking to keep to a minimum. Lets just hope it was the former… Can you clarify, LP?
And p2n-
The problem with ignoring some of the nasty crappola that gets spewed here sometimes is that it may somehow imply tacit approval of such outrageous statements. While I don’t mean to suggest that CC’ers are not smart enough to recognize insults and general cr*p when they read it-- I just think that it is reasonable to keep some of this stuff in check. Thats why I have a tendency to play the rodeo clown at times. Just because a bull is out of control doesnt mean we should let it run wild. Yes, I know, we can report the problem posts… but that doesnt excuse us of the responsibility to police ourselves too. JMO
OK, jym…you’re the pro and most likely right.
^^^ OOOh now I have that in writing , p2n! Whaddya mean “most likely”?? (and don’t think I didnt see the original post before you edited it) !
I don’t know, dmd, I greatly prefer to do politics face-to-face. It’s a lot more content and a lot less snark.
You must not know the same people I do.
In Friday bookgroup for example there were only 6 people last time ( down from 9), & one was someones husband who tagged along.
There are at least three people who to put it bluntly- " are not good listeners", a couple people who like to say things just for effect, a few who work the same ancedotes in, no matter the topic, one who is very thoughtful and perceptive ( but who isn’t loud about it) & me.
When Palin was brought up- I didn’t know anything about her- but when those who had an opinion slammed her for not terminating her pregnancy when she found her child had a defect- I tried to point out that there was a spectrum of severity & many advances had been made regarding treatment & support.
The mouthy ones didn’t even want to hear it- it must have pushed one of their buttons, because they seemed to feel that because the child would never be able to be totally self sufficent, that they shouldn’t have been born.
I prefer discussing things on CC, because I can think about my comments, I can respond to those I want & others can read my comments without interrupting me before I am done. 
Well, I saw you already addressed the mods and the “problem post” button, but I suspect they (the mods) might not be in complete agreement.
HOWEVER, I think you’re the smartest person in the world!!!
*Q: How many psychologists does it take to change a light bulb?
A: One; but the light bulb must want to change…*
I’m guilty of a little unkindness too. I find that I have a lower threshold for new posters who lob bombs than I do for people who I’ve conversed with across a spectrum of topics. I guess I kind of think people should get acquainted before stomping into the party.
I don’t like the constant accusations of racism or sexism. There may be a few posters who are a little racist or a little sexist, but I don’t think it’s necessary to bring up an -ism whenever there’s a disagreement.
I think I’ve been accused of being sexist a couple of times in the threads. As most posters know, I’m a woman, and a lesbian–so I’m actually very fond of women, and they/we have my full respect.
oh p2n- smart, but not gullible.
Anyway, that’s an old joke (and the punchline is – “only one-- but the lightbulb has to really want to change” — get it right! ;))