Posted on 03/29/2005 8:58:34 AM PST by Long Cut
We, the Witness Protection Program For Freepers, aka the Wild Turkeys, aka the Coalition of the Sane, have through mutual discussion and rigourous thought, determined that:
1. The discussion threads regarding Terri Schiavo (hereafter referred to as "TS") have become too full of innuendo, rumormongering, hyperbole, hysteria, namecalling, paranoia, and general poor behavior to warrant participation.
2. Said threads have degenerated into "echo chambers", wherein the same, common thoughts are continually posted again and again, and the same old disreputable, unconfirmed and/or false urban myths are propagated.
3. Anyone who joins in said theads with alternative viewpoints to the most extreme posts are routinely driven away with slander, accusations, and vile namecalling.
4. No data or evidence contrary to the "prevailing opinions" are accepted, considered, or discussed; and in fact are rejected outright in most instances.
5. That the continued calls for armed insurrection, military or paramilitary involvement, impeachements of politicians and judges, and death threats are embarassing, stupid, shortsighted, doomed to failure, and contrary to most if not all conservative thought prior to this case, as well as damaging in the extreme to FR and the conservative movement as a whole.
6. That such emotional, hyperbolic, and propaganda-driven hysteria is in fact contrary to all conservatives USED to stand for.
7. That the holding up of swastika and other Nazi imagery towards the police and the Bushes, the use of children as political props, and the disruption of the peace at the Woodside Hospice can only reflect badly on conservatives in general, and should be discouraged.
8. That the pursuit of this issue to the exclusion of all others by the GOP has damaged, perhaps beyond repair, the pursuit of other important issues as well as the reputation of the GOP, FR, and conservatism.
The WPPFF is NOT of one mind as to the case of TS or its correct outcome. In fact, wide disagreement exists within our little group. However, we are united in our wish that reason and sanity be respected in the discussion, as well as the rights of all parties involved or participating. We wish to discuss this as adults and intellectuals, as conservatives and as FRiends, not as children screaming past each other on some playground of hysteria. We wish for facts and evidence to be provided, discussed reasonably, and considered fairly.
We reject all accusations of Naziism, "death cultism", or other slander as methods of debate. We reject the practice of "spamming" multiple threads, of posting unending vanities, and the posting of propaganda and calls for violence. We reject, in fact, all unseemly and childish behavior which has come to characterize this case on FR.
We DO invite others to come and reasonably discuss the issue. We have no problem with FReepers who wish to debate in a rational and fair manner, and with due respect for their fellow FReepers. We have NO problem with those whose views are formed by religion; however we reject "preaching" or "being beaten with a Bible" as legitemite debate tactics. Not all of us are Believers, and such tactics only cheapen the source.
If a FReeper finds this an acceptable meansd to discuss this and other issues, they are welcome to join in and participate. Those who find pleasure in attacks, flame-baiting, slander, stalking, and personal atacks will be ignored, and their egos will go unfed.
We assume this thread to be a zone of sanity in an overheated atmosphere. Thus, a general amnesty is in effect. If posters conduct themselves within the guidlines above, we will be happy to discuss and debate with you. If a poster wishes to apologize for past slips of the tongue, or for possible "over-the-top" statements to another, it will be graciously accepted, and your company welcome.
Please bring a sense of humor; we feel that too many have been taking themselves too seriously lately.
Let the discussion begin!
Signed,
The WPPFF, aka The Wild Turkeys, aka the Coalition of the Sane.
ME!! ME!! ME!!
Oh well..... ;^)
LOL....... I really didn't mean to be a hog...... I was waiting for you. ;-)
Some idiot accused me of being a troll for being like that.
Probably best we don't get into the other possible reasons for that conclusion....but I'm sure you are probably a really nice person.
You are correct again andyandmikesmom......we lurkers do appreciate and learn from those of you who post well thought out and reasonable posts.
This thread has really brought out some great people that I would have missed otherwise.
Meant to ping you to 5004.
Best if I just lurk and post occasionally to most or my "have a good day" would become "bite me"
How is the pudding grandbaby?
Just saw the grandbaby. He's a corker! Mom is expecting a new little girl in July. The brother-to-be had his head on mommy's tummy and got a good kick. Well that led to a whole lot of questions. Then he decided that he could never have been so bad as to kick mommy. But he does keep me young.
Not sure I saw your posts before this thread....but I am glad I did.
Thanks Long Cut for this thread, and for trying...and all the unintended consequences.....well, except for that opus thing.
Besides we all need to get out and enjoy the Spring weather. It finally made it to NE Ohio too. LOL! So it's time for yard work and getting the garden ready. Have a good night and God bless.
Thank you for taking the time to expand on your previous comment.
I had actually been looking for a post by a fellow Freeper who had mentioned that he enjoys debating with a fellow Freeper who has liberal leanings. They may not agree he said, but, the debate was half the fun. That if this poster were no longer on FR, it would be a shame.
I think many of us can think of one or two who might fit the above description. There are intelligent and reverent democrats out there, it might at times seem tough to find one but they are out there, as passionate as us to fight the good fight.
To think a person posts a personal comment, regarding a event's in one's life only to met with folks flaming the thread. I just do not get it. If one disagree's, express them in a manner that we can all discuss. It seems half the enjoyment is the opportunity to have honest, colorful and respectful debate, whether it be on Bush, Clinton, De Lay, or how to raise one's kids.
I am so glad that the lurkers sent you a positive note. They are out there, I do not know the number's but they are out there and reading our threads to either entertain or more importantly educate.
So, good advice to think of who is reading your comments. It is not just us Freeper's there are many all over the world.
I think you handled yourself in a most respectful manner, we should be proud. Not all road blocks stop, sometimes there is a fork, if you only take the time to look beyond what you see.
Thanks good friend.
So glad you have spring...and yard work..hmmm.
You have a great night too!
You are most welcome...I feel you are a friend also, always feel that many of those on these threads are my 'internet' friends, and feel a special friendship with you, as we have military in our experience(tho its my hubby with the military experience, I am the 'military' wife)....military people do have a link with each other, in that they share very common concerns and issues...
It took me so long to get back to this thread, as the hubby was preparing to be gone for a few days, due to some AMVETS events, and such....had to help him get ready, and before I turned around it was evening time already...
I am sure we will meet on many other threads, and I look forward to such...keep posting those military threads, I do print them out for the hubby, and he keeps them all in his folders for future references...as I told you before your article on military matters are interesting, and informative...keep them coming, I am sure there are many who are interested...
What you have said is true...we should act and post as if we are posting to thousands of people out there...well said...
Well, that is too bad...I did not see the exchange you speak of, but I do know, that many people are lurkers for years before they ever post ...I probably lurked for a long, long time before I ever put up my first post...and I am still not a prolific poster...
I am glad that you have met some really nice people on this thread...and found you could post here....and yes, indeed, I also have been able to see some wonderful posters, with different viewpoints, and valuable information, that I probably never would have encountered in my 'real life'...
"Post as if you are talking to the thousands that will read you, not one numbskull." :-)
Confederate States thread ...is busy-busy.
Beautifully written. Thank you.
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