Posted by gardenergirl on April 15, 2006, at 23:02:02
In reply to Re: Civility IRL, productivity and good relationsh » gardenergirl, posted by special_k on April 15, 2006, at 22:11:31
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> Oh. Ok. So what are your concerns then?
> Are you concerned about the political blockings?Actually, I've found myself a bit surprised that more posts have not been blocked or PBC'd there based on the guidelines. There's an appropriate time and place for many behaviors and inappropriate times and places for them as well.
I don't agree that it's impossible to have an engaging and informative discussion about politics while staying within the current guidelines.You know, I love to discuss politics, and I've called the senior Senator from my state a very bad word recently. I did that within the privacy of my own home, and to my husband. I would never dream of saying it to the man's face, as it would be disrespectful, even if I don't like him. And it would not be effective in getting him to at least listen to me and (gasp!) actually think about what I said (therein lies the problem with this dude). I also would never post that I think he's a [insert bad word here] here, because this is not an appropriate place for that kind of talk. The bad word is not appropriate here, nor is my calling him a name.
Instead, I could post that he tends to vote strictly along party lines, which I don't like. I prefer the junior senator's style in occasionally breaking with party lines with his votes. I interpret that behavior as showing that he thinks critically about his votes before making them. I also might say that I am pleased that the junior senator's staff have actually taken calls from me and have replied to some of my emails. The senior senator has never acknowledged my contacts.
Just an example of how one can express one's thoughts and beliefs in different ways depending on the setting and expectations. I realize this one is rather "tame". But still, calling him a bad word can feel awfully satisfying when I'm particulary annoyed with him. But I don't have to do that here to feel that satisfaction.
> fear of looming blocks...
I would imagine it could feel more frightening if one feels it's not within one's locus of control.
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> > Hope you're sleeping well.
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> been there done that.Well then, I hope I sleep well tonight. :)
take care,
gg
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poster:gardenergirl
thread:633401
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20060412/msgs/633712.html