I enjoy good discussion of politics and religion. It is lively and in my opinion, fruitful.

 

I rarely, if ever, get mad or upset about a post, unless it violates BGP rules and then I usually post a warning first. I don't get mad because I am usually better able to craft a solid response than devolving. BGP is my stress-reducer, not my stress-creator.

 

Some on here post merely to bait. My 6 year-old can argue better than that so I typically ignore those posts and, unfortunately, those posters. I also ignore those posts and posters who routinely get on here and try to argue that its raining when the sun is shining right over their heads. Or those who routinely wail "prove God!" and then have no meaningful response when I say "disprove Him." There is not enough time in the day to waste on such items.

 

However, there are many posters on here whom make careful arguments, even if ideologically slanted. I always read their posts. Many posters are becoming very good at linking factual support. I appreciate those. All in all, there are a lot MORE regular contributors to this Forum than there was 2 years ago, and the topics are more varied, and I think the threads more diverse. There are a lot of "old guys" on here (HHSDad and I, unfortunately, are "old guys"), but also a lot of newer, younger posters venturing in, which I think is a good thing. They are not scared off, and that says something. The fact that there has become some "polarization" means 1) that there are a lot of new P&R folks that are still working on how to argue in this Forum 2) more posters sometimes means more chances for "offense" and 3) we are nearing a Presidential election and like the country, BGP is a wide spectrum.

 

Certainly noone should be abusing one another in PM's. Learn to know when you are being baited. If you are the one doing the baiting, ask yourself if this is all life really has to offer you.

I never get offended by anything, especially not something on a message board, and hopefully when I do post in here, which isn't too often, I don't offend anyone. Believe me, I know my political beliefs aren't shared by many. :lol:

:thumb: Great Post MT, I 100% agree. I was not going to post in P&R anymore (or at least very little) and I just happened to see your post on this.

 

I can take and deliver "jabs" with anyone on here..... and I have. I will take shots and slam some of the ones in the news (politicians, etc..) that the thread may be talking about but I stay away from taking any personal shots at fellow bgp members. I don't mind someone having a different opinion and thinking that my opinion is crazy (I am used to that, I am married ). I will respect their opinions and if I can't respect their views on a certain subject I still respect their right to have that paticualr opinion.

When someone goes a step futher than just "taking a jab" and it gets peronal that is when I am done with it. I have seen that happen lately and I am not going to go into any of that. I may be back in this forum but I doubt that it will be a lot. (I am sure that will please some and I know that it will me )

 

Anyway MT.....Great post ! :thumb:

 

OR is directing this one at me, folks. It wasn't personal. I simply asked him to produce the Michelle Obama "whitey" tape that no one else can find including NBC, Fox, CNN, Hannity, Rush, etc. I didn't attack anyone's credibility. As I said previously, I don't let serious accusations slide without it being backed up.

 

I don't think that's too much to ask. People applaud directness on this board until it hits home.

 

I've never once thought ill of anyone including OR. He just got one wrong.

Clyde, I'll respond. if a fellow poster says something and gives us his 'word" I'm not gonna demand a Link. His word is good enough. But thats me, my character, the way I can feel in seeing what is being written and who wrote it.

 

I never get upset on here. Momma has had two t-bones and still has a non weight bearing leg, you think someone on here is gonna upset me? Nope.

 

I usually go to the religion threads first when I get on, even during football season and don't post much on Politics, just don't know enough facts.

 

I've met a bunch of very wonderful folks on here. You keep posting and I'll do the same.

Politics I don't really care as much.

 

Abortion issue, we are talking the death of innocent unborn children. I think the reason I get upset and emotional is pretty obvious.

 

Religion. Simply if what I believe is right, some people are going to burn in Hades for ever and I really don't want anyone to actually burn in Heaven. So, it is a very important and immediate issue as Scripture indicates that none of us are promised tomorrow.

 

I may die before I hit "post quick reply" and so I cannot delay a decision to accept Christ another second or it may be a second too long.

I rarely get offended in religious debates anymore. I used to, but the more I replied to questions, the more I learned how firmly I believe in my faith, and specifically, my Church. If there's a serious question, I'm happy to answer it. I also realize that there are some questions posed that are out of ignorance (not meant in a derogatory way), not out of malice. I'm no priest, but I can definitely provide the proof of my beliefs, courtesy of the Church's vast resource center, vatican.va.

 

Politically, I find that people are harsher, more condescending and derisive. It's not the debate that offends me, but the above characteristics. I'm perferctly aware that some people simply love to bait me....and I'm trying hard to resist the temptation of engaging them.

 

I think that politics is an arbitrary issue, and we're all subject to try to "find our way". I'm no youngster, but every election leaves me feeling like a newbie, in that there is always so much crap to wade through to get to the heart of the issues. I hate the mud-slinging contest that politics has become as a whole. Thus, I find myself pretty disappointed and angry when the mud-slinging starts in a thread on BGP. I'm not really angry at the poster, but at the fact that this is what has become the norm for political debate. Ugh!

 

For some, I guess religion can be arbitrary. For me, I'm the opposite. That's one thing that I feel 100% certain of.

Rockmom, I have to share this. I was reading your post and my 11 year old walks up and starts reading and said..."I thought Rockmom only posts on football threads". I said "season hadn't started".

Rockmom, I have to share this. I was reading your post and my 11 year old walks up and starts reading and said..."I thought Rockmom only posts on football threads". I said "season hadn't started".

 

:lol: :thumb: Someday, I need to meet you and your family. I think we'd have a lot of fun together! :lol: I'll try to come watch y'all play X this year.

Rockmom, I have to share this. I was reading your post and my 11 year old walks up and starts reading and said..."I thought Rockmom only posts on football threads". I said "season hadn't started".

 

Can we have a wing in Classic BGP for this one post? PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

 

For some, I guess religion can be arbitrary. For me, I'm the opposite. That's one thing that I feel 100% certain of.

 

Contrary to what I have posted in the other threads on women in religion, PREACH ON SISTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Very true. I have a cousin who loves saying something to someone that he knows will stir them up even more and make them want to lash out at someone else.

math, you lay the bait out and quite a few of the conservative posters take it. I give in every once in a while. I am not sure who is better, but in a PM you've said that you lean towards the middle, you just like the rile up the extremists.

 

I miss the (relatively) "old" days of P&R, back when I never posted in Politics, only Religion. I loved reading the issue-based debates. I love P&R but I hate it during election time. But I am addicted and I can't turn away. But the fact that there are candidates out there brings most of us down a level in terms of the maturity.

I could say something negative about someone's momma and not receive the consternation that I would get had I bad-mouthed Dubya, McBush, Benny Hinn, or Joel Osteen.

When was there a bash Benny Hinn thread? I missed it!! Is it too late to bash him some more? :lol:

I have had self-proclaimed evangelical "Christians" message me with some of the most vile, filthy, and offensive language, just because I expressed a political or religious view that was unlike their own.

 

Why does politics and religion often cause adults to engage each other in such childish and ridulous rants? I find it ludicrous to the point of being laughable.

 

math, you know that I respect your knowledge and have PMed you so.

 

But are the comments above of a nature that induces fruitful conversation? The former is a condescending slam on Christians, and the latter gives the image of you, sitting at your computer, laughing at a poster (who many of us have met, know, and respect). I'm not sure if those two comments are intended to "calm feelings of inferiority", but they certainly don't result in mature conversation.

It never ceases to amaze me how hot and bothered people get when they feel others are questioning their views on politics or religion. Why are a lot of folks so touchy on these topics?

 

I could say something negative about someone's momma and not receive the consternation that I would get had I bad-mouthed Dubya, McBush, Benny Hinn, or Joel Osteen.

 

You are more likely to get punched by saying," Republicans are a bunch of geriatric, self-centered gnomes" than if you said, "Your kid sucks at baseball."

 

Why do so many people take attacks on a political or religious ideology so personal? I can only laugh when I watch two highly educated adults on TV screaming(and I mean SCREAMING) at each other over the merits and/or faults of John McCain or Barack Obama. The same silliness goes on here in these forums.

 

Why is this????

 

Reds' fans, why does it push your buttons more if someone slams your political party or your denomination than if they slammed the Reds or even Reds' fans?

 

A lot of folks are passionate about their music or hobbies, but you wouldn't find someone getting as bent out of shape over criticism of their musical tastes as they would if their political tastes were questioned.

 

I have had self-proclaimed evangelical "Christians" message me with some of the most vile, filthy, and offensive language, just because I expressed a political or religious view that was unlike their own.

 

Why does politics and religion often cause adults to engage each other in such childish and ridulous rants? I find it ludicrous to the point of being laughable.

 

Anyone want to comment on why P&R topics make you so defensive? Do they sometimes make you question your own belief system? Maybe you just might not be right in the way you view the world? Are you not as secure in your views as you would lead others to believe? Frustrated that you have not been able to win over the rest of the world?

 

Why the anger over politics and religion? These are issues not just for those on these boards, but for people the world over.

 

Any comments? Answers?

 

I think you are wrong about being able to say something about someone's mom and getting away with it. At least with me you are wrong.:thumb:

 

I personally don't appreciate the cheap shots and childish insults about politicians if for no other reasons that they are our elected officials and that those people at least had the guts to run for office. I don't mind the criticism of their decisions and actions, but calling the President an idiot is sophomoric. When I see posters making those comments, those posters lose all credibility with me and I either ignore their future posts or put zero weight in the points they are trying to make.

 

As for the thought about people not getting upset about their music, you may want to read some of Jim Shue's posts about country music and the responses he gets. You'll rethink that part of your post.

 

As for religion, several posters have pointed out why people get upset very succintly so I won't bother. I'm not one that gets upset about religion comments as I'm not a big organized religion person. I have my relationship with my Maker and I'm fine with it regardless of what people think.

 

And I can't stand the baiting comments. On a forum designed to promote the intelligent discussion of issues, reading baiting comments reminds me of trying to have an intelligent conversation with a 6 year old throwing a temper tantrum. Not sure what insecurity or personality disorders are present in people that just try to rile other people up for the "fun" of it.

 

And I can't stand the baiting comments..

 

Night crawlers, minnows, crickets, chicken liver, artificial......................:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol: