You asked if we can agree to disagree. If I disagree about that, does that mean I agree with you?
Can you disagree to disagree?
I was being a smart donkey.
Moderators: carlson1, Charles L. Cotton
I see what you did there.
Abraham wrote: ↑Sun May 27, 2018 10:14 am On quite a variety of topic some folks seem overwrought if another member expresses a difference of opinion.
Must you agree with me?
Of course not...nor I you.
Can we agree to disagree civilly?
Yes, yes we can.
Maybe it's just me noticing of late it seems if I (and others too, of course) think subject "A" and not "Z" one (sometime both) go hammer and tongs with harsh/insulting language. Why, if that's what you think, you're a (fill in youor favorite invective) so and so.
Honestly, if I express an opinion or you for that matter, the world won't come to an end if we disagree.
It's going to one very boring site if all agree about all things.
Vive la Diff'erence!
The perception of attack over a disagreement seems to be rampant today in our society. Perhaps it is because the losing side of an argument, failing to find any defensible points in their position resorts to an attack. But I don't see that as the case many times. The attacks seem to come almost immediately because there are certain viewpoints that people are just not allowed to publicly hold, no matter how calmly they are presented. Certainly this board displays the instant attack problem less than other places but it does seem to occur. It occurred more with several now past members whose first post on a topic showed their willingness to attack anyone who dared to challenge one of their key positions. I agree that walking away is the best answer to them.strogg wrote: ↑Sun May 27, 2018 10:59 am Abraham, I agree. There are times I post an opinion that may not be accepted by others. Most of the time it gets ignored. Sometimes, someone will counter back with arguments against what I said, or facts I didn't know to counter what I said, which is expected. This is a discussion board, not an argument board. Now, there are times when things escalate to flared arguments and personal attacks. Not always, but some of the time. And I sometimes find that it happens because people mistakenly perceive counter arguments of a discussed topic as personal attacks or a show of aggression, then take action against it. Of course, there are the bad actors out there that really do attack other members personally. It happens in every message board. I surmise that if everyone tries not taking things personally, ignore any personal attacks (perceived or otherwise), and keep a cool head, things will stay civilized. Also don't forget. Someone may write something that sounds very brash and offensive, when in reality, that person has the best of intents. Give people the benefit of the doubt.
Normally, what I do is that if things get heated to the point where tempers may explode, I stop posting. It is not worth my time to mitigate the situation. I just end it, and move on. There will be other times I can get my point across without inciting an aneurysm in others.
BUT - I refuse to secede ground to the bully Liberals. Many times on social media, they attempt to filibuster conversations. We have a group for our town that has 7,000 members and less 50 bully posters. I know that I'm not winning any arguments but presenting opposing points of view may help others who are more intimidated than I see that they are not alone. Does it work? I think so. I've gotten friend requests from member of that group after some of the heated exchanges. I always conduct myself in a way that contrasts the name calling and bellicose rhetoric of my opponents. I got put into "time out" over one exchange even though I had not violated any rules. One of the others in the discussion, when she found out about it, went back and took up my side of the argument. Sometimes, someone offering a civil defense, complete with backup links, can have an influence. There is no hope of changing the minds of the bullies but that isn't my goal.
And therein lies the rub. I'm happy to engage in a spirited, even heated, debate over disagreements about virtually anything. Guns, abortion, religion, whatever, as long as the debate remains a debate regarding the merits of the various positions. But the tactics employed these days will go straight to personal character attacks. I refuse to engage in that type of "debate".OneGun wrote: ↑Mon May 28, 2018 8:47 amAbraham wrote: ↑Sun May 27, 2018 10:14 am On quite a variety of topic some folks seem overwrought if another member expresses a difference of opinion.
Must you agree with me?
Of course not...nor I you.
Can we agree to disagree civilly?
Yes, yes we can.
Maybe it's just me noticing of late it seems if I (and others too, of course) think subject "A" and not "Z" one (sometime both) go hammer and tongs with harsh/insulting language. Why, if that's what you think, you're a (fill in youor favorite invective) so and so.
Honestly, if I express an opinion or you for that matter, the world won't come to an end if we disagree.
It's going to one very boring site if all agree about all things.
Vive la Diff'erence!
People should be able to disagree and be civil. I am very disappointed that over the last generation of young adults, they respond to opposing opinions with a violent veto to silence people. These young adults use the phrases "hate" and "nazi" like candy without any real idea what those terms mean. To them, Free Speech applies them only. They have little respect for the people that sacrificed their lives to protect free speech, but demand so much from society.
Rant over.
Please remember the people that are not with us today on Memorial Day.
What if I think you're right?The Annoyed Man wrote: ↑Sun May 27, 2018 12:31 pmAbsolutely! ......as long as you’re willing to admit that I’m right and you’re wrong!