If you come here for a civil debate, do you care if most of the topics get polluted by haters on both sides? And if you do care, do you ever get mad when someone on your side derails a thread with hateful comments that add nothing to the debate?
I know it's human nature to stick with your "clan" and not call each other out even though you know they are wrong, but doesn't that make you just a little bit guilty if you continue to back that person without letting others know you don't agree with the hate?
This Penn State nightmare got me thinking about how even in the very worst situations, some people are willing to look the other way in order to protect a person or organization they agree with or are close to. It really baffles me that there seems to be such a low bar anymore when it comes to principles and morality in this country. I know it's probablly rare for someone not to stop a pedofile in action, even if it's a person you know, but as the offenses get less severe (like theft or harrasment) I think it becomes more rare to actually take a stand. And when it comes to speech, I think it takes much more courage to stand up to a friend or family member when they spew a racist or hateful comment in front of others who you know would be offended.
So I jumped in here today and read some of the comments from the new anti - LJ . While I understand and agree with the point he is trying to make, I aso know it's not productive....it only makes things worse (I tried it already). IMO, the only thing that would make this place a better place to discuss politics, is if we call out those who share our ideology but choose to be @ssholes and paint with broad brushes. Just saying "you liberals" or "you conservatives" shows you are not willing to carry on a civiil debate because you couldn't possibly know how everyone in a group thinks (or you are a dilusional nut and believe your own bs).
So I challenge all of you on both sides to call out your own when you see a comment that is only meant to start a fight and adds nothing to the debate. Do what you want, but if you decide to back up a troll, you have no right to b#tch when a troll on the other side derails a topic you really want to discuss like adults. I'm sure this idea wil be ignored, but for me, I'll either avoid the thread all together, or I'll call out an ignorant hate comment from anyone I would normally agree with.
Got principles? I'm trying.
The left is angry because they are now being judged by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin.
I've tried and get called names for my efforts. I suspect the so-called anti-LJ is ViceLord dressed up in yet another costume for giggles and grins. I participate in many forums and without question the 285 ones are the most immature and acrimonious. The isual suspects spreading the same crap on all the boards I suppose. I'm about ready to give up.
jf1acai wrote: To make it easier, and conserve bandwidth, could we just use , already on the first smiley page?
Whatever works. I'm not going to nitpick every post, but I'm sure as hell not going to follow an ignorant one without at least saying something.... works for me too but sometimes you gotta make them look like a fool to get the point across. I noticed someone who is normally a liberal called out LJ's "teabagger" thread ....I was happily shocked.
The left is angry because they are now being judged by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin.
chickaree wrote: I've tried and get called names for my efforts. I suspect the so-called anti-LJ is ViceLord dressed up in yet another costume for giggles and grins. I participate in many forums and without question the 285 ones are the most immature and acrimonious. The isual suspects spreading the same crap on all the boards I suppose. I'm about ready to give up.
, already on the first smiley page? 
