I've decided to stop posting in political topics

[PeriscopeDepth]

So please, beat me up and/or throw rocks if I show up in one. Using this forum for political purposes is a black hole for time and makes me feel silly. Just giving you all permission to keep me honest. I was about to post something that would probably be taken as a personal attack, and I feel pathetic for even considering attacking some anonymous fellow subsimmer from behind a keyboard on the interwebs. So that being said, I feel like I need to get the F out of here. At least politically.

My last politically charged thoughts here:
I have to wonder if this forum is being studied somewhere as an example of groupthink. For "both sides of the aisle".

I sit pretty firmly in the middle of both aisles. I hate political parties and think they exist for no other reason than to keep a man from thinking.

People look at me funny for sitting on the floor in the middle of the aisles. While it's uncomfortable on the floor, at least I don't get hit up for money when the basket gets passed around the pews.

PD

[geetrue]

I wish everyone had this kind of maturity, including me.

We all grow ... I remember having an arguement over LBJ back in 64 with a good friend who I have long lost contact with, but years and years went by before I realized the other party was right.

Passion is the real blame for most political arguements anyway ...

Let the truth be your guide ... sometimes it's in hindsight

[Letum]

Quick! Tell the internets!

[Aramike]

PD, I'm in a similar ideological spot as you. The reason I post about things political is more or less to get a sense of what both sides think. Helps me challenge my perceptions. I must confess, I also like to highlight the lunacy of the ideas of extremes.

I've found that, usually people who think they are right in an absolute sense, are absolutely wrong in some sense.

[Diopos]

In situations where people exchange ideas and communicate in a "good will" environment your self-imposed restriction would be regarded as a loss to the community/forum. Heck! what's all the fuss about "freedom of speach" when we choose silence eh!:hmm:

On the other hand people rarely change views during "forum duels" and, yes, things may get out of hand easily and turn ugly. Nobody is obliged to put up with such a situation and in this sense I understand your decision. I only want to remind you that your posts are read by more people than actually replying in the threads and they might be agreeing/enjoying them, without you ever knowing (did that sound as a consolation, somehow?).

[Takeda Shingen]

Huzzah, PD! Welcome to the ranks of the non-political. I think that you'll find your time here much more enjoyable without the need to endlessly attack and counter-attack those with opposite political views. As I have said again and again, I have read the forums on SubSim.com every day for nearly nine years. I have seen many come and go, but I have never, in all that time, seen someone have their mind changed over a political issue. Besides, this is a forum for naval combat simulators.

[UnderseaLcpl]

Originally Posted by Aramike

PD, I'm in a similar ideological spot as you. The reason I post about things political is more or less to get a sense of what both sides think. Helps me challenge my perceptions. I must confess, I also like to highlight the lunacy of the ideas of extremes.

I've found that, usually people who think they are right in an absolute sense, are absolutely wrong in some sense.

This man has the idea. You can use political discussions to broaden your own perspectives. And even if they aren't broadened, it's fun to argue, as long as it's done respectfully (more or less). And you can always learn something from other people's views as well.


@PeriscopeDepth
It isn't a congressional session, it's a free marketplace of ideas. That's what I love about the internet. People say things here they would never say in public. They're more honest than they would be if your opinion really mattered to them. And best of all, if they're jerks, you're only one click away from shutting them up.

I, for one, would hate to see your opinions vanish from political threads, PD. That goes for all the middle-of-the-road types as well. Believe it or not, there are people who really think about what you have to say. Perhaps they end up disagreeing anyway. Or perhaps they discuss it with you and you reach an impasse. But at the very least, you give them something to think about.

Of course, some people will just hit "post reply", or "new post" and say what they think without regard to other people's opinions. That's okay, though. If you really bother to think about your opinions and at least consider those of others, you're a step ahead of them anyway.

Personally, my political stance has drastically changed twice. From Dem to Repub to Libertarian. Even then, I've had to refine my views several times based on things others have taught me, even on this forum. As long as you're constantly open to new or different knowledge, and prepared to present your own views to be challenged, it's a good thing.

Hope to see you in the next fracas

[Jimbuna]

Wise words indeed PD

Too many political officers on subs these days

None of us are as clever as all of us.

[peterloo]

The number of political posts has declined, I believe, these days

I sit pretty firmly in the middle of both aisles. I hate political parties and think they exist for no other reason than to keep a man from thinking.

Don't agree. You need to make choices, and sometimes compromises are not available.

I still remember I used to have frequent clashes with skybird

[Onkel Neal]

Thanks, PD, for posting this. I am of the same mind, I am trying to stay out of 95% of the political threads here. They are usually posted by the same 5 guys who have a clear, obsessive agenda and the frequently lead to the same result. I enjoy the occasional debate about capitalism and democracy but I object to being told my views are "nonsense"... that usually leads to problems So, yeah, I think if we follow your lead and ignore the "usual" political threads, they will sink quickly and we can shape better discussions without ending in bickering.

[porphy]

Yes, threads where you get the feeling of...

" Oh I'm sorry, is this a five minute argument, or the full half hour?"

is usually a good idea to stay clear of. Occasional relapse may happen though...

cheers Porphy

[Etienne]

Count me in as another political thread ignorer. I usually enjoy message board drama (I don't get soaps; sue me.) but this is getting beyond my tolerance levels.

Seriously, the arguments aren't even interesting anymore. It's not argumentating as much as "UR WRONG!" "NO U" "NO U, U RACIST / ANTISEMITE / TERRORIST / ANTI AMERICAN / FURRY"

[SteamWake]

Furry?! :rotfl:

[Rockstar]

yes he said FURRY and its nothing to be laughing about fer cryin out loud where have you been?

[longam]

This seems to be the Hi-Jack Capital of all Forums. Subjects are turned and twisted to fulfill the needs of the few. Gets old.

Whats that word......click