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.
Age has nothing to do with it. You brought it up. Civility has no age limits.
Yikes. I hope you're not around if I ever run for office. You should be working for the FBI or something...
Luckily, it seems no one has taken a shining to your investigation yet. Seems you and I are the only ones calling me a hypocrite.
Keep up the good work. ;-)
I've known all along he was a teenager - it means nothing to me. If he is going to be involved, he's going to need an alligator hide.
I'm 44 years old and have been locked into politics since I was 15. I just wish I had the advantages presented him of the internet back then. I didn't have the opportunities of this type of discourse and learning from others involved - I had to do it all on my own. And I did it.
I do commend him for not trotting out his "credentials" of which he has every right to be proud. I had similar when I was his age. But they didn't mean squat when I got into the real world of politics.
All this praise does not change the fact I do not like his attitude.
I still don't see why my age has to play ANY part in this discussion at all...
Agreed all too entirely.
You, a newbie, presumed to preach to a board full of people about how they don't come up to your standards. Not a smart move!
If you are half as sharp as you think you are you'll learn something from this. But from your smug tone so far I guess the UHK is gonna be your biggest educator.
If, however, you are as you say? Be quiet until you pass puberty.
I...I...I really don't know what to say. Not sure there's any way to respond to that and stay civil.
You really are making a giant fool of yourself, though, I hope you know...
Because you keep reinventing yourself.
My post 543 should have included you in the To: line - my apologies.
Only from the standpoint of your interaction with others, and how your life experience/lack thereof comes into play. That will automatically shape who you are AT THIS POINT in your life.
However - outside of that, it means nothing. And as Brad's Grandma and 1 or two others pointed out - it's no free pass to be rude or arrogant.
But I'm more willing to look at the BIG picture when interacting on these threads. So unfortunately, that means I take your age into account, like it or not.
I'll try not to bring it up anymore, as I can see that it's important for you to stand on your merits - and I can respect that.
I really fail to see how and why I'm a newbie.
Surely your four months more experience here than I qualify you to decide who is and is not a newbie, no?
S2R,
I'll take it as written that you vouch for harrowup's deft handling of roadbuilding equipment.
harrowup,
Welcome to the One Ping.
All: UPDATE
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I think you're doing a fine job.
Arrogant little newbie ain't ya?
Don't know which is worse -- your sanctimonious post or your whiny little home page sentence.
Never heard of you before -- if this came from someone I respected, it might matter.
Run along sonny, ya bother me.
Not a problem. I've read every post, and I'm still quite sure that you do not like my attitude. ;-)
He just sounds too much like old JosefK.
Apparently, the experts have it I am no longer worthy to be on that ping list. Tell me, when is the arraignment to be held, that I may attend?
K1avg,
I read the vanity and largely concur.
I have not read the thread.
Why is everyone busting K1avg's chops?
Nope, but I did respect other people, especially my elders, and their property. I never presumed to preach to others about their sins.
Cut some slack. He was a little rude/arrogant, but nothing to warrant the vitrol coming his way here....
I got no sympathy for him. With his superior attitude this little electronic knock-about that he is taking is gonna be the least of his problems.
Sorry to disappoint.
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