<p>My general philosophy has been to make politics and religion off-topic at forums that don't deal specifically with those issues, as they seem to create far more friction among otherwise great members. Currently, we are finding that politics-related threads are responsible for a big part of our courtesy policy violations (as members decide to criticize each other rather than discuss the issues) and copyright policy violations (as members paste in gobs of text from other places to bolster their opinions).</p>
<p>As a general reminder, we have an expectation of unfailing courtesy between all members, and any quotes of copyrighted material are to be limited to three or four sentences to comply with copyright fair use laws.</p>
<p>So... should we keep political discussion alive in our Cafes?</p>
<p>I think political discussions can be enlightening, so long as the discussion does not veer into ad hominem attacks (of which I too am guilty). I suppose the best solution is to have a moderator maintain strict enforcement of rules and to impose harsh penalties in order to deter users from digressing into trivial attacks and otherwise paltry responses.</p>
<p>Political Science controls eveything in the US, including education...I don't mind talking about it. Plus Bush's No Child Left Behind seriosuly needs to be talked about.</p>
<p>I think political discussion are important too. Even though I really do not participate in them, like nspeds said they can be enlightening as long as they don't change into personal attacks. And seeing as to how many people are of voting age or beginning to reach voting age at these forums, its important to discuss issues that someone here might bring up that you didn't know about before. That way you can form your own opinion by so many people placing imput in one place.</p>
<p>I think political discussions help alleviate the enormous stress that accompanies 'application season'. They provide an outlet where students can put their minds on something else instead of incessently worrying about whether they will be accepted for Harvard ED.</p>
<p>While I can understand perhaps wanting to know the atmosphere on any given campus....I DO NOT see how these political discussions help any new members or potential members learn what they came to this site for: Help to learn the process of selecting and applying to college or seeking financial aid or prepping for a test. Certainly these political discussions occur many other places. Please cut them off of this site.</p>
<p>I am certainly involved in them, but boy, it's great to use my brain to attack and counter attack and think of arguments pro and con.. Isn't that what people involved in colleges want to foster, intellectual discussion?? People do get passionate, because we all care so much. Gee, I wouldn't even be on anymore, my son is about to start college, but I must admit, I'm totally addicted. If there are people that don't like it, have them read the other forums on the site. You can tell immediatley which will get hairy and which are just informative. Maybe give a warning..political discussion..only enter if you can take the heat!! You're assuming people don't like them, but why do the same people join them again and again if they are upset by them?? I think everyone likes to give their jab and then wait to see who parries and jabs back. What, no more free speech??</p>
<p>I think there is potentially enormous educational value in political discourse on this forum simply because of the preponderance of motivated and intellectual students. If the rules are enforced properly, it can serve as an educational mechanism. This site is an educational site, is it not?</p>
<p>I haven't been on this board for very long but the problem I see is that the political discussions are treated much,much differently than the college discussions. Seems like there is zero (or infinitesimal) tolerance for any difference of opinion in the college discussions, and far more latitude granted for political/religious discussion. I'm well aware of the RWE quote regarding "a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds", however, I do feel a little more consistency in treatment of discussions is in order here. My personal opinion is to let just about anything fly in the name of free speech, but its clearly up to those who run the board to decide, as far as I'm concerned. Its your call(those who run the site), not ours...</p>
<p>Let me just say..as the country get's more and more taken over by the religious right, we can NOT not talk about it. It's too important. We were a country founded on freedom of religion, all religions, perhaps no religion, it is the crux of what is happening now. How can we NOT discuss it's impact on society?? Are you a founder of the site or just an admin?<br>
Hazmet..you can tell on Parent's cafe..the only place I've seen politics what to avoid. Don't read it if you don't like it. You can tell immediately what the discussion is about.</p>
<p>I have found the political discussions enlightening, mainly on the topic of how many people consider themselves to be "open-minded" and yet will SLAM the opinions of another poster, with no thought to how closed minded they then appear.</p>
<p>The discussions are frought with emotion and strong feelings, and I really like the idea of the sub-cafe forum. If that was offered, it would be easy to avoid for those who wish it and easy to find for those interested!</p>
<p>roger if you don't own the site, I suggest you look at how many people are ON the political discussions. If you lose viewers you lose profit. We wouldn't even be on the site much, as most of our kids are off to school. If you do own the site, don't bite the hand that feeds you. Every click can be money for advertisers. Comforting note for you: If your religion is really the only right one, you're going somewhere good and we're all going to hell. You'll have your revenge :-)</p>
<p>Ah, but only if people attack me first..like threatening to take off the most fun intelligent site around.. or suggesting that the admin knows what they're doing. ONLY then.</p>