FOLTS, I agree with you completely about intellectual discourse, but you’re certainly one of the primary flamethrowers these days. It’s the tone sometimes, not the content.
jym, I think that was me. There’s nothing uncivil about love and affection. And cigars.
It can be difficult to honestly define what’s an insult, as some folks bristle at the slightest criticism or contrary opinion. Yeah, I’ve been highly annoyed at times by what I believe to be a nitwit comment here and there, but I try to remember that’s it’s just words; words that I am free to do what I will with. Take 'em or leave 'em or ignore 'em.
As for the “free flow and exchange of ideas,” I tend to be with the founding fathers on that one. Hopefully, a lively discussion will weed out false, uninformed and just plain dumb opinions.
I agree with LW. Debate is essential for the health of the Republic.
It is sadly amusing that some of the political discussions in the CC cafe, normally known as a dark and scary place, is more civil that that in the parents cafe.
This thread is the perfect example of why we should have a politics subforum. (I apologize if that’s already been brought up, I didn’t read every page.)