Jack M Posted January 12, 2006 Report Share Posted January 12, 2006 Well, that didn't take long. I agree that picture in the other thread is hilarious, but I just want to state my opinion about politics at BOL once for the record. I am speaking for myself here. It has been decided to allow politcal discussion in this forum. I think that is a huge mistake. In my 14 years of being online, I cannot recall witnessing or participating in a single political debate that changed anyone's mind. At best, you walk away in "respectful disagreement". At worst, you create enemies. It serves no purpose here. <b>I would like to ask the community to consider two things before making political arguments here, if you must:</b> 1. Is your position a <i>fact</i>, or is it something you <i>choose</i> to believe on faith? And if you think it's a fact, is it really, truly a fact? Or is it a statistic? Or poll data? Was your opinion formed by your own research, or the media? I've found that the vast majority of political arguments I've heard on the internet or anywhere else are things that people <i>choose</i> to believe. Bush is evil. Global warming is a scam. We never put a man on the moon. Republicans want to starve old people. Democrats are rooting for Al Qaeda. It blows my mind that people can state these things like they are cold hard truths. It's all conspiracy theory if you ask me. 2. Do you really want to find out that people who you thought you respected here are actually your political enemies? I've been reading one other forum for 9 years now, where anything goes. That forum has generated sworn enemies for life. There are people in that forum who if they ever meet each other in person, will punch each other in the face. Even though BOL hasn't been around as long, I feel much closer to this community. I think BOL is a much friendlier place and a closer knit community. I hope it stays that way. Thank you. -Jack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ncermak Posted January 12, 2006 Report Share Posted January 12, 2006 I agree with Jack. Few things in this world are as divisive in nature as Politics or religion. I think we would all be well suited keeping those beliefs off of thhis board. If want political or religous debate, there are places I can go. -NBC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
big mario Posted January 13, 2006 Report Share Posted January 13, 2006 I carve and come here to get away from that. I will stay away from those discussions, and I think this is a sad devolpement. mario Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
utahcarver Posted January 13, 2006 Report Share Posted January 13, 2006 ...a dark day for the BOL forum. This forum is a reprieve from all the daily dissension in the media, work, and local community. I come here to 'ride in your boots' so to speak. Each of your personal carving and boarding experiences is what drives me from monday to friday, putting up with all the excrement that happens day to day, to finally end up dreaming and talking what I love most about winter: riding on a bluebird sky day, powder or cord. I consider each of you 'brothers/sisters in arms' and I've rued this day. Please don't think I'm unarmed in the political or religious arena, I have many weapons at my side. Weapons that will remained sheathed here because I'm among friends. There are myriad other arenas for our political opinions and positions. Now, pass the ale so that we may speak as friends, Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDY_2_Carve Posted January 13, 2006 Report Share Posted January 13, 2006 Very well said Jack. Can't agree with you more! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ncermak Posted January 13, 2006 Report Share Posted January 13, 2006 .Please don't think I'm unarmed in the political or religious arena, I have many weapons at my side. Weapons that will remained sheathed here because I'm among friends. There are myriad other arenas for our political opinions and positions. Mark as long as you don't realease the bunny on us... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
utahcarver Posted January 13, 2006 Report Share Posted January 13, 2006 ...is a powerful ally ("...And has HUGE fangs!!!!"). :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jutta Posted January 13, 2006 Report Share Posted January 13, 2006 I happen to work at a place where the general political view is quite opposed to my own, so it's either pretending not to hear very well or getting caught up in endless arguments. That's annoying at best and occasionally it can be absolutely exhausting. I don't mind - in fact I enjoy - a political conversation now and then, but like many others I appreciate a place where politics isn't on the agenda. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snow|3oarder Posted January 13, 2006 Report Share Posted January 13, 2006 I agree....this is NOT the board for political jibba jabba Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erik J Posted January 14, 2006 Report Share Posted January 14, 2006 1. Is your position a fact, or is it something you choose to believe on faith? And if you think it's a fact, is it really, truly a fact? Or is it a statistic? Or poll data? Was your opinion formed by your own research, or the media? During my intergalactic janitorial position last year, I unfortunately witnessed several disgusting acts by both George Bush and Bill Clinton. I had just finished ionizing my regular batch of space rocks when the 2 of them come motoring along in their 500 bazillion dollar space suits - they cornered me against a crater! I fought but to no avail. They had their way with me in more than a few disagreeable ways. I was touched inappropriately by the president. That's a fact. Recent polls show that I am not alone. These monsters must be stopped. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ike Posted January 15, 2006 Report Share Posted January 15, 2006 didnt mean to start anything:eek: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Dahl Posted January 15, 2006 Report Share Posted January 15, 2006 No, wait, that's a political statement!!! Har,har,har, but Jack has a good point. I too am glad to go somewhere that politics are a no no. Religion on an internet forum is a hard thing too, and I have some very specific beliefs. It is hard to make any sort of point, tie all things together, and make a conclusion in this format, at least for me, w/o wearing out my typing finger! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tim Tuthill Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 Jack is right on!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dantheman0177 Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 All the wars in the history of mankind have been fought over three things: 1. Money 2. Religion 3. Politics (though this seems to be more of a 20th centuary thing) I am a lifetime member of a surf life saving club at home and it is full of a variety of people from all walks of life. It is an almost unwritten rule that there are three things that are not discussed around the club: 1. Money 2. Religion 3. Politics (unless it is intra-club politics, and then it is on for young and old). The very good reason why everyone steers clear of these is that the cross section of wealth and political and religious beliefs is so broad that it would definately affect friendships which are otherwise based on common interests. I know one particular group of long time friends that includes a judge, estate agent, detective, nurse, housewife, surgeon, teacher, sporting coach, etc. I know that they all have different political views, they definately have different religious beliefs, and they most certainly are in different financial situations. But they are friends because of a common interest in the beach and surfing and don't let other differences affect this. The same is the case with BOL. Everyone here gets along because of a common stoke from carving and that should remain the pivotal basis on which this community thrives. To allow debate on positions of potential division will only lead to the demise of this forum as a constructive and enjoyable community to be a part of. Good on you Jack! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Posted January 16, 2006 Report Share Posted January 16, 2006 All the wars in the history of mankind have been fought over three things:1. Money 2. Religion 3. Politics (though this seems to be more of a 20th centuary thing) Whoah now, what about the Trojan War? I believe you need to add "4. Women" to your list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galen Posted January 17, 2006 Report Share Posted January 17, 2006 What's the big deal? I have no problem with people expressing they're views on religion or politics, as long as they are the same as mine....scratch that, then they would just bore me. :rolleyes: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pebu Posted February 23, 2007 Report Share Posted February 23, 2007 Discussing politics/religion/money/women isn't the bad part. It's getting all worked up about it that turns it bad. If everybody can remain civil then it can be a very educational discussion. I know I can remain civil. Even if I can't fathom how someone can think a certain way, it doesn't remove any bonds that I've made made with that person. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jnshapiro Posted February 23, 2007 Report Share Posted February 23, 2007 Whoever made the decision to allow political discussion, well, I'll just say that I think it's a really bad one. If folks want to talk politics, there are other fora for that. The potential for really ugly confrontations is high when politics comes into the mix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C5 Golfer Posted February 23, 2007 Report Share Posted February 23, 2007 Ok so I changed it to "Woman of the Year" and it does not change the title in the forum list. So I tried. Guys it was meant as a joke -- no political statement inferred, suggested, implied, or otherwise recommended. Take a chill pill….it is Friday – we are supposed to be winding down not getting all wound up tight. It is almost like I used the word “frontside or something” Please accept my humble apologies to those I offended. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Bird Posted February 24, 2007 Report Share Posted February 24, 2007 Whoah now, what about the Trojan War? I believe you need to add "4. Women" to your list. #4 is what we are after with #'s 1,2 and 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pow Posted February 24, 2007 Report Share Posted February 24, 2007 well said Jack:cool: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hooknbounce Posted February 24, 2007 Report Share Posted February 24, 2007 I just thought the razorback joke was funny. Two pigs for any two politicians is a good trade to me. I figured off topic eh why not. I do however see your point Jack. I guess I never get too overworked about right or left as I usually end up falling way short of either side to do much to or for either. all apologies to any I offended. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack M Posted February 25, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 25, 2007 Hey, there's a big difference between political jokes and political arguments, snipes, attacks, etc. If someone gets offended by political jokes, well, that's their problem, imo. I just hope I can get those visions out of my head of female Bush and Clinton C5 posted so I can stop gagging. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gecko Posted February 25, 2007 Report Share Posted February 25, 2007 and the fools on both sides of the isle are playing games with the lives of our military (myself included). My previous political leanings have changed, though I'm still rather centrist, I am regularly disgusted with the pecker measuring contests that make the news from DC. What bothers me more than anything is the fact that neither side has an actual solution (published) that will result in fewer people getting wounded or dying, so I refrain from arguing politics online and rarely in person except to play devils advocate (I like discourse). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tim Tuthill Posted February 25, 2007 Report Share Posted February 25, 2007 This should start something? Each side is told what to do by those up above! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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