Political posts

[Ed62]

Maybe it's just me, but there seems to be a big increase in people making posts that are political in nature.

I hadn't been on the site too long, when I said something about politics in general........no particular party, or even a particular country. I was told about it in a very short time. Since then, I have seen several posts aimed at Democrats or Republicans, and at times, zeroing in on individuals.

As part of the membership of this site, we should respect the wishes of Sam and Adele to keep political posts at bay. There is a very good reason they don't want to see politics enter the picture here. If you want to express your political views, please do it on the proper sites.

Ed

[Ken Massingale]

What Ed said..

[germdoc]

I must have missed some juicy posts, because I sure haven't seen anything too controversial for many months. I've been around awhile and there were certainly a lot of dustups in the past, but most people (myself included) have learned it's not worthwhile to venture into the areas of religion and politics.

That's a shame, because I personally love talking about religion and politics. But, this is a WOODWORKING forum, and straying too far from the usual topics of tools, wood, the dangers of excessive machismo (AKA the Darwin Awards), the unlimited possiblities of the blonde female for humor, and titillating tales and wisecracks in general is not a good thing.

[p8ntblr]

Totally agree. No faster way to start an argument than with politics or religion. And in the US it's often the combination of the two. I've definitely wanted to chime in an opinion on some of the political threads I've seen here but restrained myself because 1. It's against the forum rules 2. There's a good chance someone will take offense to my opinion. So let's leave the politics to other forums and stick to woodworking... and blonde jokes... and song games... and whether starbucks is good or evil... and....

[cabinetman]

I must have missed some juicy posts, because I sure haven't seen anything too controversial for many months.

Ed

I'm with Jeff on this one. What political post(s) are you referring to?
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[Hoakie]

<Edited out by Hoakie, you are right, I shouldn't have singled out an individual post, sorry>

[Ed62]

Ed

I'm with Jeff on this one. What political post(s) are you referring to?
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Not wanting to single anyone out in public, I'll send you a PM.

Ed

[Black wallnut]

Not wanting to single anyone out in public, I'll send you a PM.

Ed

Good answer Ed!

I agree with Ed and some others on this subject. IMHO even one line political pokes are out of place in this fine forum. When things cross the line politically I can think of four appropriate responses:

1. ignore it
2. pm the poster
3. pm a mod/ report bad post
4. add to poster's reputation.

Out right personal attacks and public rebuke are even more out of place IMHO than political topics or those with the potential to lead to politics.

[crokett]

As a mod, I think this forum is pretty good at self-policing and that is good cause it makes my job easier. Most of the political threads die on their own.

[430752]

you're right.

my recent reply notwithstanding, I agree and we all need to keep it in check, though it does seem generally better of recent.

curt j.

[leehljp]

There are many posts that deal with the legal system, community, freedom and even government that are not "political" in and of themselves. Just as a comment about me working - as a missionary - is not "religious" in nature, someone might be offended if I mentioned that I am a Baptist missionary as a point of reference as to why I am working in Japan. I am not ashamed of my work and I don't think it should be offensive to mention what I do, as a point of reference. IF I mentioned I was a WASP, that that would almost certainly be perceived in the religious in intention and even be seen as a strong prejudicial statement.

There is a fine line on political and religious statements and we do need to watch it closely! Some people do put "diggs" in during comments that are obviously (and almost) inflamitory and leading in intention without saying the inappropriate words directly. (And these people know who they are.) This is the gray area that needs to be watched and monitored.

However, people should to not be so sensitive to the point that someone cannot talk about or joke about their work or a work related incident just because they a religious leader/worker or government leader/worker. If one can talk and joke about their work as a writer, truck driver, lawyer, IT professional, or airline pilot, so should others be able to refer to something funny or unusual other lines of work (religious or governmental) without people getting offended and calling it religious or political. By the way, I love lawyer jokes. And as to jokes, I am not offended when someone tells me or sends me a Baptist or Protestant jokes that castigate these in a negative light.

The post on "What The??? This Is America!!!" is not about politics but about legality, which in my opinion (and I might be wrong) is also about community and the perception there of - as much as local legalities. If speaking of that is wrong, then there is only a fine line from that subject - to posting about a traffic ticket - or mention a policeman or lawyer or judge as it pertains to a case. And also there is a fine line in the legalities of the above post - versus - asking about governmental restrictions on building codes. WHAT is the difference in being upset over an inspection for possible health violations versus wiring codes? Grey areas! This is about what should be a legal issue or not - for the sake of the community. But it is not politics at this juncture. It can be MADE into political issue when trying to "change the law". However, it is usually a "community needs" issue when the discussion is on its purpose and implementation.

GRAY AREA SOUP: intentional political hinting and leading, intentional religious overtones, seasoned with sensitive alergic reactions, stirred by trolls. The real problem comes into play when someone posts insinuating and leading diggs to intentionally stimulate an emotional response from others. Otherwise known in internet land as "trolling".

[lrr]

There are many posts that deal with the legal system, community, freedom and even government that are not "political" in and of themselves. Just as a comment about me working - as a missionary - is not "religious" in nature, someone might be offended if I mentioned that I am a Baptist missionary as a point of reference as to why I am working in Japan. I am not ashamed of my work and I don't think it should be offensive to mention what I do, as a point of reference. IF I mentioned I was a WASP, that that would almost certainly be perceived in the religious in intention and even be seen as a strong prejudicial statement.

[...]

Hank -- excellent post. I just searched back to find an earlier post of mine, and deleted it since I felt it was political (maybe somewhat mild, but political nonetheless).

I love talk radio to pass the time during my commute, and enjoy discussing politics occasionally, but I never do it at work. I come to this forum to learn more about the hobby I love. This is the best reason to avoid politics 100&#37; here -- sometimes I need a break! There are plenty of other places to vent about politics.

[Hoakie]

All,

I would like to apologize for any fuel I may have added to this. My earlier reply was a knee jerk reaction to try and innocently answer the question posed "What posts" by germdoc and cabinetman. Only after reading the posts by Ed and Black Wallnut did I stop and think of the ramifications of pointing out a single post that I though could be perceived as questionable. Since this post did not offend me personally nor did I think it was an intentional troll, I had no business answering for Ed. For that I sincerely apologize.

I love this forum and hope to earn the respect and camaraderie you all have established over the years.

Peace

John

[Ed62]

Good post, Hank. The only reason I started this thread is because I'd hate to see a fine site like this take a nosedive because of posts that should be avoided.

I think it's possible to take just about any subject, and make it political in some way. It's our responsibility to keep from posting the things that have a tendency to draw political criticism from others. Does that mean we shouldn't post about anything that has to do with government? No, it does not. It only means we should use common sense when posting. And if we see something posted by another member, and it strikes a sour note with us, THINK before replying. 'Nuff said.

Ed

[thestinker]

Maybe its just me. But I see it kinda hard to get all twisted over what could be posted on the internet. Its just words, and they only have as much power as you give them. Now, I am also all for repecting Sams wishes for leaving certian topics as taboo for our little internet "family". But wother is internet or real life....their just words. Till they actually lay paw upon me, I can pretty well ignore them. This isnt meant to ruffel anyone, and is sure not directed at anyone. Its just something someone once told me that made dealing with life a whole lot easier once it was pointed out to me.

RS