Originally posted by Shrike
I have already said this. It is not political debates per se. It is the fact that they have become, in many cases little more than excuses for members to rant about how much they hate side X/Y/Z. Actually today's first page isn't bad, probably because there hasn't been any interesting soundbites in a couple days, but every time there's something political in the news, the monkeys come out and the **** starts flying. Seriously, if you have something interesting and informative to say, say it. But how many of those debates are actually bringing up new viewpoints as compared to the same old opinions brought up in the last dozen threads. It goes around and around and nothing comes of it. I barely need to open a politics thread to know what's going to be inside and what opinions will be displayed.
Come on guys, a lot of times those threads bring out everyone's worst side. If you're going to discuss something as inflamatory as politics, at least have the decency to tone things down and act mature. Maybe read your post over first before you hit submit.
You know, if you go read my posts, I do try my best to keep level headed and I do usually read my own posts before I hit submit. Some of us do our best to keep the conversation sane and rational. All you have to do is look at any thread where, say, Sandwich and I have discussed religion or science.
Hell, consider how long--and how well self-policed--that long-assed religion thread was from a while back. Many of us who absolutely love to discuss politics and religion do our best to keep the threads we're enjoying on an even keel. Yeah, you'll always get some lackwit bungling in talking about how atheists will burn, republicans kill babies or whatnot. The truly dedicated, usually warn them to tone it down.
These threads do SOME good, after all. I know I've had my opinions changed during the course of some of these threads. And everyone eventually learns something (except for the truly hardheaded) because it takes more than a little bit of research to make a cogent argument for or against a given position--especially when you're presented with new data. I know I've learned more about Israel and its politics from HLP than I ever did from either the news or from my so-called 'education'.
Further, think of the lurkers, for the love of Joe! Whilst the truly hardheaded and loudmouthed might not have their opinions changed, there are hundreds of lurkers whose opinions might be. Better yet, they might be tempted to open their mouths and join in.
I guess what I'm saying boils down to the problem not being the threads and their subjects, but the conduct of some--ONLY SOME--of the individuals therein. So don't sanction the rest of us for those members' stupidity. Lay the wrath upon the deserving and leave the rest of us to enjoying ourselves in spirited debate.
Oh, and if you're going to close a thread that hasn't yet descended into madness, have the decency to drop the thread starter a PM and let him/her know why. Its just good manners.
