Would it be better to have a halt to war topics ?

by Simon 49 Replies latest forum announcements

  • Simon
    Simon

    Unfortunately, it seems that people are unable or unwilling to debate or discuss the war and stay civil. People are accused of all sorts of extremes such as "advocating child torture and rape" if you are against the war or "being a mass murderer and war criminal" if you support it.

    Some people seem to want to be able to post anything they want and it be accepted verbatim while other people are denied an opinion that doesn't agree with theirs.

    I for one am sick of it and I suspect that other people are too.

    This is supposed to be a site for JW related issues. Not exclusively but primarily. Sure, we have some subject areas for world affairs but this should be for big events and not a blow-bly-blow account of the war as news dribbles out. This war is likely to go on for weeks or months, maybe even longer and there a danger it will just take over. How many topics currently for instance are about the war compared to everything else?

    There are plenty of forums that are specifically about the war which people can use if they want it.

    There are plenty of sites that have news about the war that people will read if they want ... there really isn't need to post it here and many times things are being posted on multiple threads on the same subject.

    I suggest that unless there is a major event that we don't keep going round in circles as people's opinions are hardened and we are just shouting at each other.

  • Sargon
    Sargon

    I can agree. I've steered clear lately because I'm embarassed by my governments stance on the whole thing. I'm ashamed to call myself a frisbeeterian these days.

  • Englishman
    Englishman

    Simon,

    Much as I appreciate your desire for a calm forum, my own feelings are that you might as well try to hold back the sea as to hope that the subject will die down for a good while yet.

    Also, despite the strong feelings being mooted here, I for one am learning much from those who are anti-war, and although I won't likely change my own views, I am at least starting to understand how they feel.

    The other point is that, for many here, this is the very first time that they have been able to express an opinion of their own! So many have been brought up with the WT doing all their thinking for them, that this discussion is a real burst of freedom for many here.

    I would like to see the discussions remain, but would suggest that the modding factor is quite vigilant so as to prevent overt flaming from occuring.

    Englishman.

  • Simon
    Simon

    The problem is that sometimes people do not want to discuss things, they will not accept when someone makes a valid point or something that is difficult to answer (and frequently just ignore it and start a new topic).

    I get the impression that some want to "preach" and "announce" and not "discuss".

    I think the number of topics started could at least be drastically reduced. I'm not saying things can't be posted at all but it seems we are going to get accounts when any news is posted, even no-news. People can watch TV if they want that level of coverage ... there is no need to try and replicate it here.

    Also, there are far too many insults and personal attacks being made where people imply motives based solely on someones position.

  • Azalo
    Azalo

    I think there should definitely be a limit on the number of threads. what about 3: pro-war, pro-peace and on the fence.

  • jelly
    jelly

    One thing is for sure, there is defiantly a problem. How about a temporary ban on commenting on others postings dealing with war topics. This would allow us to post news and items of interest without it turning into an argument. I don’t know if this is possible but it might simmer things down a bit, and I would still like to be able to post and read war topics if possible. Or one day suspensions for personal attacks coupled with a short term zero tolerance policy.
    Terry

  • Englishman
    Englishman
    Also, there are far too many insults and personal attacks being made where people imply motives based solely on someones position.

    I agree. However, at a quick glance, it seems to me that the overt insults are coming from the same quarters as they do normally. It's just that the subject is so emotive that perwsons who have difficulty in being polite under normal conditions are tending to run amok.

    Maybe just deleting the insulting individual posts would be the answer. Leastways, it seems a better bet than locking a thread or deleting the whole thing as this would not be fair to those who have remained civil in their contributions to these threads.

    Englishman.

  • jelly
    jelly

    Actually, upon further review, you should simply institute a one or two-day suspension for any personal attack, pro or con, minor or major. This is a highly stressful time and this board can serve as a bit of an outlet. I don’t think it’s fair to punish all. Moreover, after the first few suspensions everyone will be civil.
    Terry

  • wednesday
    wednesday

    I think both Simon and Englishmen make good points. I had quit reading the war threads b/c it was just so upsetting. Today, i read one or two again, and became upset all over. And it is affecting my feelings for this board. And i do not want that to happen, b/c this is a good place. It is the first place i have been allowed to say how i feel. Being raised a jw, I was not allowed to espress my feelings for my country. I always felt jws were wrong, and really wanted to sing out loud in support of my country. Now i can.

    Even though i am for this war,, i would read the anti war threads if I wasn't called a moron ( did i spell that right) for wanting to support my country.I was very anti war during Vietnam, but things have changed. All i want is for peace to come soon and my family to come home safe.

    I agree that most of us have an opinion already and all we are doing is shouting at each other. I am just going to try and refrain form doing anything that will offend.for sure we are not going to agree on this subject.

    weds

  • refiners fire
    refiners fire

    Is there a war on?

    Who's fighting??

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