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.
Good God man...did you eat Mexican food for lunch? Sheesh.
I like cheese.
RATS like cheese too.
You like cheese?
Democrats only got called 'Rats after they raised a stink over an ad (years ago) that they said lingered on the word "RATS" in BUREAUCRATS.
Seems that they forgot that same ending was in DemocRATS.
MurryMom is the resident Democrat here on FR and she continues to use Repug and Repuke when talking on FR.
or demonrats
Of course you do.
Here are some other frequently used FR terms, just so you're prepared when someone uses them.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/673536/posts
It's getting to be a turn-off and I don't recall it being this bad a year ago.
Thank you for your support! How's your move going?
Ping!
That is okay...I am called a RINO frequently...read my "manifesto" on my home page and you can see why. I live by the Golden Rule and try to treat people how I want to be treated. Some people where not taught or chose to ignore the lessons of their mothers.
Although I may not always agree with something someone has said/posted, I try to keep an open mind and try to see the other side of the argument.
As for name calling...my favorite is "the Demoncrats" and "Crissy 'The Trolll' Gregriore". After that...my name calling is reserved for idiots driving on the road.
Cheers.
DemonRats are DemonRats. Funny how it's always the liberals that call for civility when they're losing the war?
Referring to your tag line, why isn't use of the term RATS appropriate in the Washington State governor's race. That race was, without a doubt, stolen. I can certainly think of other more derogatory terms, but in that case it absolutely fits.</p>
LOL!!
After what the RATS have done in King County, Washington State to get a 'win' for Gregroire, that term is apprpriate.
bump for later reading
I can tell you have too much good manners and common sense to be posting on F.R. LOL
You don't believe in global warming, do you?
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