Posted by Racer on March 11, 2006, at 13:25:12
In reply to Re: good question about quotes, posted by AuntieMel on March 10, 2006, at 9:11:16
I'm wondering about quoting others, too. In fact, there's something I would very much like to post in response to something already posted there, but I'm afraid of crossing the civility lines. (I've sent it to a deputy, asking whether it's OK. I'll abide by what she tells me, and either let it go or try to edit the post to make it acceptable.)
Actually, though, it does bother me. This is the only part of the civility guidelines that I've ever been bothered by, too. Politics is a subject that brings out strong feelings, and it is difficult for that reason. Since there is a Politics board, it seems as though we should be able to express our beliefs there.
When I was a kid, I learned that there are several subjects NEVER to be discussed in company: money and politics were at the top of the list. There's good reason for that.
Personally, I think that the civility guidelines for the Politics board should be pretty simple: expression of any political beliefs should be OK, including criticism of any and all public figures -- AS LONG AS THERE ARE NO PERSONAL ATTACKS, either against the public figure, or especially against other posters. For instance, I should be able to say something like, "I believe that Politician A is a criminal, and I think the fact that he's under indictment supports my belief." But I should never be able to follow that up with anything that resembles, "And everyone who voted for him is either an idiot or another criminal." Does that make sense? Or am I just hoping to crawl under the radar?
{sigh} Politics is a difficult subject, no question. So is the whole issue of civility, of how to get along when we disagree, and all the rest of it. I don't envy Dr Bob in having to come up with policies about this matter.
poster:Racer
thread:617457
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20060225/msgs/618888.html