Posted on 12/30/2004 12:26:25 PM PST by K1avg
For the past several months, fate has conspired to keep me away from the computer. I haven't posted nearly as much on FR as I used to. With the holidays, though, I've had an opportunity to catch up a bit.
What I found on my return is a bit disconcerting. While there's always been an element here that refuses to reason and does little more than insult Democrats and RINOs, it seems that this mentality has taken over a large portion of our membership. I've encountered more shrill, radical nonsense in the past couple of days than I had in the months before my absence.
Certainly it's acceptable to gloat a bit after our enormous gains on November 2, but I do believe it's about time to get back to normal business.
Referring to Democrats as Rats or some variant thereof may be somewhat amusing, but seeing the reference in nearly every other post really gets annoying at times. Pet names for Democrats and RINOs may be funny the first time, but quickly get old. It's one thing to respect someone, and it's certainly acceptable to not do so for one reason or another, but it's never alright to be downright incivil.
Just the other day, I was in an argument here with some other members who were supporting Yanukovych over Yushchenko because Yush had pledged to remove Ukraine's 1600-some-odd-strong force from Iraq and was *gasp* more liberal than Yanukovych. Seriously, that's absurd. I'd be happy to debate with you here, but anyone can tell you Yushchenko as president will be much better for the Ukrainian people, our interests in Iraq be damned.
But I'm getting away from the subject at hand. These are just a few examples of the devolution of discourse here. While everyone is certainly allowed to have their own opinions, there is a certain level of civility that should be maintained, regardless of the context.
This is the sort of stuff you find at DU, not here. I recognize there's plenty of good, civil users here, and I'm thankful for that. To those guilty, though, it would be nice if you could tone it down a bit.
I love being here. Things like the Undead Thread, Daily Dose, and crushkerry's Lib Pundit tournament, along with the usual daily banter of normal news, makes FR like no other political site on the web. Let's keep it that way. Thanks for your time, and have a lovely day.
Well stated!!
You're a brave soul.
5.56mm
Well, you got them so fired up - I guess I could have seen the insults that would come my way by simply weighing in.
;-)
Someone not too far up the thread mentioned going over to DU to see what rudeness is really like. They're right - some of the jackassedness that flies around here is nowhere near the level of hate/immaturity that you see over there.
And to all here - my main point was about the overall tone - period. I'm not insulted, and I don't get my panties in a wad over someone who's natural reaction is to call names first. My skin is quite thick, thank you very much.
But I also recognize that grownups can discuss things without the insults. And, as I've proven here - you don't have to call names to get across the point that someone is being a horse's rear end.
Of course, sometimes the point is made without any help from me.....
Believe me, the feeling is not mutual.
Nothing personal - but I have a hard enough time typing your screen name - let alone some of the others!!!!!
Please explain just how you arrived at that astonishing conclusion.
This should be interesting.
I'm so disappointed.
I think it's time you sent this boy out to get a switch....
False extreme.
I'm from DU because I don't approve of the Islam-Nazi pic. Common tactic.
And I'm so (not) upset.
Hey!
How come nobody ever invites me to pings? Is is because I am a Democrat or 'cause I'm such a hunk?
Sit yourself.
While he may have been arrogant with some here, the original post is dead on. And where that arrogance is concerned, I can somewhat understand why you have that dynamic going with him. I entered this thread without reading the first several hundred posts.
I think it's time you sent this boy out to get a switch....
That's probably not what you're thinking of, but it is appropriate!!!
Welcome Diana in Wisconsin!
Which is why I told you to sit . If you don't know what's going on then hold your tongue.
Please note, junior, I did not tell you to shut up.
Why are you entering into a row, after you've made a call for civility?
Hello kettle!
No, it's because we thought you had died. I'm glad it wasn't the case.
Happy New Year!
5.56mm
I swear this poster surpassed Illbay. That's amazing.
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