Forum Post: Civility
Posted 13 years ago on Oct. 12, 2011, 10:04 a.m. EST by HMSinnott
(123)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement
I've noticed references to "trolls" and such and there are those who post here who are either opposed to what they suppose are the goals of the movement.
If it's someone who is doing it in bad faith, that's one thing, but on the other, if we value democracy, tolerance and civility (which is so lacking in our politics in Washington_, I think it does no good to trade insults, after all isn't it possible with some rational discussion, we can incorporate differing views and reach a better solution to the mess we're in?
Obama is a man of reason and reasonableness. It is not possible to be more willing to reach common ground and mutual agreement than he has been. It is the republican party under direction of the hate mongers, plutocrats, and treasonous obstructionists who stand in the way of economic expansion and job creation. It is the republican party that is the engine of decay and the destruction of liberty.
I believe that. However, I think we should try to act initially, that anyone on this site can be reasonable, if they aren't that will be self-evident and we can act appropriately, the best way is to just ignore them not trade insults with our valuable time.
I agree and I've been trying to convince people on these boards to do the same. We need to BE the change. What can we prove by trading insults? That we also have nothing of value to say? I say engage people and be frank...but keep your integrity in the way you speak. The fact that politicians and trolls are both uncivil is why OWS is so important. We need to change the course of the discourse in this country and break from the vicious cycle of "us them". We are in this together and we need to stop hating each other so much. If it's not race, it's politics. If it's not politics, it's religion. If it's not religion, it's class. The politics of hate rule this country and it goes beyond party lines. It is about a more fundamental change than politics. Our world is more globalized than ever. We must challenge ourselves to be better. The best place to change the world is to start with yourself. You cannot control what someone else says but you can control yourself. And by demonstrating civility and self control you will inspire others to do the same.
Thank you. In fact I've had some of the best discussions with those I disagree with and somehow been able to get to a rational discussion with some give and take.
When was the last time any congressional republican engaged in "rational discussion?" The republican plan is pure obstructionism which works against the well being of the nation and future generations. The republican party is the party of treason.
I think you misunderstood my point. I'm not talking about Washington, I'm talking about here where we need to build a coalition to correct the problem, to oppose those who would perpetuate the dominance of the corporate and banking elite in this country.