Is This Possible?

I know I'm not alone here, I know there are others on both sides who would like to discuss some of the very important problems this country is facing. Unfortunately, this can rarely be done in an adult way in the courthouse. The only real difference I see between here and the ring, is that language is toned down here and the ring is just a little more silly.

My question is, would it be possible to set up an individual thread that is more like a real courthouse where a respectful conversation can take place? I think it can and here's how.

First, someone starts a thread and labels it "Adults Only" or something to let people know an actual respectful debate is about to be started. Now the fun part. Whoever starts the thread picks the topic and gets to be the judge. The first lefty, righty, or indy to jump in would be challenged by the second poster (obviously someone with a different ideology).

Now I'm not sure about the details, but it would be cool to schedule the debate with some sort of time limit...say 1 to24 hours. Participants would be admonished by the judge for using insults toward their opponent, name calling, or any type of language that would not be acceptable in a courthouse or between two perfect strangers speaking face to face. In this thread, being a flame thrower and hiding behind your monitor will not be allowed. The first offense would be a warning and the second would result in a forfeit and loss of the debae.

After the debate, spectators from all sides could then vote for the winner and also rate the judge for being fair or biased. We could even advertise the debate in other sections to get more people involved who were once leary of venturing into politics because of the nastiness that normally dominates the coversations.

So ya, I guess there is a little moderation here but would it really be that hard for two people just to have an adult debate once in a while instead a gradeschool food fight like usual? Just a though...maybe the powers that be around here could fine tune the idea and get a little more civility around here. This would just be an occassional thing unless it catches on and people like it better than the usual attack threads.
One more thing, the winner gets to be the judge and pick the next topic.

I'll await the criticism anyone is willing to offer.

Hey if you want me to stay out, just say so.





























Not that it will work.

I like the idea...especially if all the name-calling and denigrating in other controversial posts was eliminated so I could see each side's solutions without having to wade through all the comments that really don't have anything to do with the subject.

Excellent thought! Too often interesting and informative discussions get hijacked into brawls. It would be nice to explore issues outside of the usual "it's all your fault" paradigm.

ComputerBreath wrote: I like the idea...especially if all the name-calling and denigrating in other controversial posts was eliminated so I could see each side's solutions without having to wade through all the comments that really don't have anything to do with the subject.

And that's the exact point of it....just a little fresh air for once.

It sounds good.

In theory.

But might not be practical in real life.

The biggest flaw I see in your plan is that there are only a limited number of posters in this forum who are capable of getting outside their own ideology enough to fairly vote for who "won" the debate. And lots and lots who simply can't. Or won't. And a few who aren't even objective enough about their own bias and behavior to be capable of respecting the rules at all.

I'm kind of tired of the debate - and am damn glad I live in Durango, where I can ignore most of the red-tie cult.

Sounds pretty boring to me... People would just politely post up contradicting "facts", and then a 'winner' would be decided by popular vote.

There would really be no debate, as most of the 'proof' on both sides relies on perception of the facts rather than the facts themselves. The problem stems from the lack of verifiable facts availabe to most of us. All we have to go by is the media outlets, or statements from self-serving politicians - neither of which could ever be considered unbiased.

That's why most threads descend rapidly into flame fests regarding the bias of the quoted media source or the interpretation ability of the original poster. Neither of those impediments to proper debate are addressed in your proposed model.

But, I'd play along - I'll actively avoid any thread labelled "adult only", and allow those that want that style of debate to joust peacefully away.

bailey bud wrote: I'm kind of tired of the debate - and am damn glad I live in Durango, where I can ignore most of the red-tie cult.

Just wanted to point out that according to the rules in the original post, this post should not be allowed.

chickaree wrote: Excellent thought! Too often interesting and informative discussions get hijacked into brawls. It would be nice to explore issues outside of the usual "it's all your fault" paradigm.

That's why I go to other websites where civility is enforced, to have an adult political discussion. (and I'm not talking PC)