Sorry to lump all these replies in one post, but I'm exhausted after a day of varnishing and must head off to bed... CobaltBlue, at 323 you said:
If the others don't see any problem with the trolls that speaks volumes about their standards. The trolls are in public, right in everyone's faces. If the "philosophy sisters" haven't caught on, either they're wilfully obtuse or they don't mind.
I don’t mind trolls or squeaky wheels. We’ve always had plenty of both on the political threads. What I do mind is when the decorum has degraded so much that the most staid and respected posters here are reduced to using tactics they would have never previously so much as considered. BTW, I have another response to you at the bottom of this post... Tribune7, thank you so much for the encouragements at 334!
ConservababeJen, at 369 you said:
And I see nothing wrong with that [fighting fire with fire]. It's a debate tactic. The thing that angers me and fuels my fire, is that, myself, nor ALS, show ANYONE here less respect than we ourselves are given. If I don't get respect...I'll rarely offer any in return....If I don't GIVE someone respect, I don't EXPECT to get any back...
Indeed. Fighting fire with fire is a tactic of choice, as is the choice to treat someone with equal respect but no more. As for me, I choose not to meet fire with fire and to respect and love posters who openly loathe me. Right Wing Professor, at 372 you wondered:
I've always wondered about these Lurkers. Are there really people who sit around and read ther people's slanging matches, without joining in?
Indeed. We have many Lurkers. Some in the media, some in congress, some big names most people here would recognize – but most are probably ordinary people like me who just haven’t decided whether it’s worth it to join in. general_re, at post 375 you said:
I do not believe this position [choosing not to indict anyone by name] is tenable, A-G. Given that BB has called for the "naming of names" in post 193, and you have apparently signed on to this in your post 270, I fear that it would appear hypocritical of you to complain broadly on the one hand, while not meeting your own standard of airing specific grievances on the other. Bring specific accusations to the table, A-G, and let those involved step up to defend themselves, or drop the broad hints about particular instances and the theatrical sighs lamenting the decline of the Republic. We have disagreed in the past, A-G, but, I think, on generally reasonable and even friendly terms. And on those same terms, I am here to tell you that you simply cannot have it both ways. Name names, or begone.
Well, I’m not going anywhere and I’m not naming names either. All offenses against me personally are forgiven and I shall try to remember them no more. Nakatu X, at 447 you said:
I'd wager few feel comfortable in naming names or spreading gossip. Also, if you won't name names and yet demand the same of the other side, it, well, doesn't look very good. I have more indepth personal knowledge of the poster(s) mentioned in this thread, and I truly am afraid of these/that posters'/poster's abilities and for my safety.
Please freep mail me. Hugs!!! VadeRetro, at 380 you said:
Threads started being pulled as fast as they were made in early June. Jim Rob was threatening to ban the crevo threads and all regular players thereon in June. Threads have been regularly dumped full of graphic chaff and trash talk pollution since June. A-G's first clue was within the last week.
betty boop and I have been on this forum for about 5.5 years now – and we’ve seen many a flame war and an occasional exodus of disgruntled posters. I was aware there was a flaming going on, but not paying attention because they tend to work themselves out. It was when I noticed that the most staid and respected posters on this forum were being affected by it – that it got my attention. There are always squeaky wheels, but the anchors have never budged … until recently. ALS, thank you so much for all your kind words and encouragements at 467! Indeed, my refusal to fight fire with fire is not a sign of weakness. I shall continue to love God with all my heart, mind, soul, strength and understanding – and love my neighbors – all of them - unconditionally.
Aric2000, at 666 you said:
I am not too surprised, A-G tells us that she will not "attack" or otherwise disagree with a fellow "christian". I find it pretty sad that that includes not telling a fellow Christian that they are going way and above and beyond what is reasonable.
Indeed. I will not interfere with another Christian’s mission or belief. God puts us to work in many different ways. That is the same reason I do not criticize Catholics, Methodists, etc. I also refuse to judge or rebuke other people – whether Christian or not. CobaltBlue, thank you for the insight at post 694. I see I need to do some reading. You said:
I have a hard time figuring out where fundamentalists stand on orthodoxy vs. heresy. On the one hand, I read your posts to the effect of there being 12 Apostles and Jesus never settled their disputes and Revelations says there are more than one church, and on the other hand I am told that I am not a real Christian because I don't believe this and that.
We Fundamentalist Christians share the same Spirit and thus agree on spiritual matters, but we do not all think the same way on worldly issues. I would never say that you or any other Catholic is not a Christian. Some of my brothers and sisters in the Lord do not believe that people who see things differently could possibly be saved. I’m sure the Lord has a use for those who hold that view as I am sure He has a use for me and for you! .