talking politics here

[Guest]

I've come to the realization after a few years of political discourse on this site, that discussing politics here does little. There are always those who will overlook points of fact to spread their own fictions even if they are blatantly untrue. And then they'll try to tongue-tie you since their argument cannot stand up to a fact-check so they have to manipulate and add confusion to the debate. It's what we see in our faily politics, and it's what some people think is acceptable. It's why the discourse in this nation has devolved so. As Naturist Mark put it a couple months back, he feels he's combatting ignorance when he refutes crazy points with fact upon fact. I still think it's a useless exercise, because in light of all the facts out there, many of the same people continue to promote their bizarre theories that are rootless. It's just not worth it.

So, for those of you who disagree with me philosophically or who have tried to snag me in a semantic trap because you can't combat actual evidence produced, you should rejoice. I'm retiring from the political aspects of these forums. I will look on with bemusement from afar, choosing to join in the other, more vibrant and enlightened conversations in these forums. Just reading the latest posts, I've found the idea of responding to the fallacies so pointless, because nothing gets through.

I hope others might consider doing the same, because this is just one big merry-go-round and we're in the same spots that were problematic two years ago. What's the use?

[Ren]

I've come to the realization after a few years of political discourse on this site, that discussing politics here does little. There are always those who will overlook points of fact to spread their own fictions even if they are blatantly untrue. And then they'll try to tongue-tie you since their argument cannot stand up to a fact-check so they have to manipulate and add confusion to the debate. It's what we see in our faily politics, and it's what some people think is acceptable. It's why the discourse in this nation has devolved so. As Naturist Mark put it a couple months back, he feels he's combatting ignorance when he refutes crazy points with fact upon fact. I still think it's a useless exercise, because in light of all the facts out there, many of the same people continue to promote their bizarre theories that are rootless. It's just not worth it.

So, for those of you who disagree with me philosophically or who have tried to snag me in a semantic trap because you can't combat actual evidence produced, you should rejoice. I'm retiring from the political aspects of these forums. I will look on with bemusement from afar, choosing to join in the other, more vibrant and enlightened conversations in these forums. Just reading the latest posts, I've found the idea of responding to the fallacies so pointless, because nothing gets through.

I hope others might consider doing the same, because this is just one big merry-go-round and we're in the same spots that were problematic two years ago. What's the use?

[pek1]

quote:

Originally posted by Ren:
I've come to the realization after a few years of political discourse on this site, that discussing politics here does little. There are always those who will overlook points of fact to spread their own fictions even if they are blatantly untrue. And then they'll try to tongue-tie you since their argument cannot stand up to a fact-check so they have to manipulate and add confusion to the debate. It's what we see in our faily politics, and it's what some people think is acceptable. It's why the discourse in this nation has devolved so. As Naturist Mark put it a couple months back, he feels he's combatting ignorance when he refutes crazy points with fact upon fact. I still think it's a useless exercise, because in light of all the facts out there, many of the same people continue to promote their bizarre theories that are rootless. It's just not worth it.

So, for those of you who disagree with me philosophically or who have tried to snag me in a semantic trap because you can't combat actual evidence produced, you should rejoice. I'm retiring from the political aspects of these forums. I will look on with bemusement from afar, choosing to join in the other, more vibrant and enlightened conversations in these forums. Just reading the latest posts, I've found the idea of responding to the fallacies so pointless, because nothing gets through.

I hope others might consider doing the same, because this is just one big merry-go-round and we're in the same spots that were problematic two years ago. What's the use?

So you'd rather give up and acquiescend? You can't disagree without being disagreeable or can't agree without being agreeable? So, then, why not hide in the corner and wait for someone else? Keep your posts coming...also, you need to have an open mind because without one, you're wasting away. Stand up for yourself, Ren. So what if people disagree?


Pete

[Guest]

I'm sorry to hear that Ren. I think you've posted some great ones in that time.

I can understand your point. The ones posting the fiction won't change but I feel that people who aren't posting can learn things and perhaps see truth instead of rumor.

So it's not a question of turning the opinions around of the ones posting the ignorance really. I know my words are read by hundreds and maybe thousands and that people remember them and learn from them. People like you and Mark are totally necessary on here, perhaps not to teach those posting fairy tales but to teach those who you don't ever hear about.

[Ren]

Thanks guys. It's a pretty rough go when people attack you with obvious falsehoods or distortions, and I was getting to the point where my blood was boiling overtime having to read some of the tripe slung against the walls of this place. I mean, how many times can we go in circles on some issues here?

Maybe (MAYBE) if something comes up that makes me passionate enough, I'll say something. I was just tired of being badgered, and I was even more tired with my own weakhanded attempts to badger back to deflect it. If you go and read some old posts, you'll notice who kept responding to my writing, and it felt like the person was doing it for sport.

At any rate, I do have a political offshoot where I do talk at wickedphilosophy.com and at least I can put my words out there. Check it out.

[hm0504]

I used to think that society had changed enough that people with racist (including ethnic), gender, etc., biases would not have significant influence any more. However, by moving their strategy to flooding the media with their subtly-disguised views, they have been quite successul. It is horrifying to see McCarthyist smear campaigns becoming the main "discourse" today against even the most powerless individuals who dare to speak up.

As tough as it is, people who believe in the open and free exchange of ideas and true, respectful debate must speak up.

That said, everyone needs to pace themselves too and take a break from it all as well.