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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 102. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 5, 2004, at 14:13:11
In reply to Re: blocked for political beliefs » Dr. Bob, posted by Toph on November 5, 2004, at 12:00:48
> the political statements on PBS appear intended to express solidarity of either glee that Bush won or disappointment that Kerry lost.
It's fine for someone to express glee that Bush won or disappointment that Kerry lost.
> Someone used a good analogy when they said that cheering for the Red Socks may have offended a Cardinal fan but was not a personal attack worthy of a block... posters shouldn't be sanctioned for saying, "I'm for Lamictal, Prozac stinks for depression."
Similarly, it's fine to root for one team (or drug), just not to root against another one...
Bob
Posted by Sad Panda on November 5, 2004, at 23:13:05
In reply to Re: blocked for political statements, posted by Dr. Bob on November 5, 2004, at 14:13:11
> > the political statements on PBS appear intended to express solidarity of either glee that Bush won or disappointment that Kerry lost.
>
> It's fine for someone to express glee that Bush won or disappointment that Kerry lost.
>
> > Someone used a good analogy when they said that cheering for the Red Socks may have offended a Cardinal fan but was not a personal attack worthy of a block... posters shouldn't be sanctioned for saying, "I'm for Lamictal, Prozac stinks for depression."
>
> Similarly, it's fine to root for one team (or drug), just not to root against another one...
>
> Bob
>
>So If I said Democrat voters have higher intelligence that would be OK because I said something positive?
Posted by gardenergirl on November 6, 2004, at 1:34:08
In reply to Re: blocked for political statements » Dr. Bob, posted by Sad Panda on November 5, 2004, at 23:13:05
Posted by Sad Sara on November 6, 2004, at 10:50:06
In reply to Re: blocked for political statements » Dr. Bob, posted by Sad Panda on November 5, 2004, at 23:13:05
> So If I said Democrat voters have higher intelligence that would be OK because I said something positive?
If you say that the democrats have HIGHER intelligens, wouldn't you then at the same time suggest that the republicans are more stupid than the democrats? Which would be a negative remark.. ergo your statement is only looking positive, but conveying something negative (picking a group as better in some way than another group) ...
Very much an interesting subject these days at this board, hehe :-)
Posted by 1234 on November 6, 2004, at 20:33:56
In reply to Re: blocked for political statements » Dr. Bob, posted by Sad Panda on November 5, 2004, at 23:13:05
> So If I said Democrat voters have higher intelligence that would be OK because I said something positive?
What if you said 'on average', and it was a fact?
Posted by Sad Panda on November 7, 2004, at 8:19:56
In reply to ROFL...Thanks for today's giggles (nm) » Sad Panda, posted by gardenergirl on November 6, 2004, at 1:34:08
>> So If I said Democrat voters have higher intelligence that would be OK because I said something positive?
>What if you said 'on average', and it was a fact?
>
>What if I said that on average, Republicans are far more holier than thou. Would that be considered a positive statement?
Cheers,
Paul.
Posted by alexandra_k on November 7, 2004, at 11:38:10
In reply to No Wuckers GG , only too happy to supply giggles., posted by Sad Panda on November 7, 2004, at 8:19:56
> What if I said that on average, Republicans are far more holier than thou. Would that be considered a positive statement?
Hmm. You would need to operationalise 'holier than thou' before there could be a relevant fact...
Posted by SLS on November 7, 2004, at 15:43:22
In reply to No Wuckers GG , only too happy to supply giggles., posted by Sad Panda on November 7, 2004, at 8:19:56
> >> So If I said Democrat voters have higher intelligence that would be OK because I said something positive?
>
> >What if you said 'on average', and it was a fact?
> >
> >
>
> What if I said that on average, Republicans are far more holier than thou. Would that be considered a positive statement?
>
> Cheers,
> Paul.
How about:I am positive that Republicans are...
- Scott
Posted by Dinah on November 8, 2004, at 7:46:03
In reply to Re: No Wuckers GG , only too happy to supply giggles., posted by SLS on November 7, 2004, at 15:43:22
This is not a place I want to be anymore.
I think I'll spend some time with people who judge others by more than a line on their voter registration cards. My mother is the only republican I've heard speak this way in person, even amongst other republicans and even after the Clinton election.
GG, you think this is funny?
Scott, you think I'm what...?
I've been respectful enough of others not to tout my politics on this site. But I have enough self respect not to be spoken about in this way.
Dr. Bob, shame on you for allowing this.
Posted by SLS on November 8, 2004, at 7:58:54
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob, you consider this thread civil?, posted by Dinah on November 8, 2004, at 7:46:03
Hi Dinah.
My post was just an attempt at humor for humor's sake. I was really just amusing myself. I was actually tempted to use "Democrats" instead of "Republicans" for the sake of political correctness, but I didn't think it would get as much of a laugh from the previous posters.
I apologize.
:-(
- Scott
Posted by Dinah on November 8, 2004, at 8:04:43
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob, you consider this thread civil? » Dinah, posted by SLS on November 8, 2004, at 7:58:54
I accept your apology, Scott.
It's just that all of this hurts me more than a bit, even from people who have long been friends.
I can only imagine how hurt the people who stumble across this site for the first time and find themselves being spoken of this way must feel.
Posted by Sad Panda on November 8, 2004, at 8:44:01
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob, you consider this thread civil?, posted by Dinah on November 8, 2004, at 7:46:03
> This is not a place I want to be anymore.
>
> I think I'll spend some time with people who judge others by more than a line on their voter registration cards. My mother is the only republican I've heard speak this way in person, even amongst other republicans and even after the Clinton election.
>
> GG, you think this is funny?
>
> Scott, you think I'm what...?
>
> I've been respectful enough of others not to tout my politics on this site. But I have enough self respect not to be spoken about in this way.
>
> Dr. Bob, shame on you for allowing this.
>
>Hi Dinah,
I don't understand which part of this thread you are getting upset about, can you point it out please? :/
Cheers,
Paul.
Posted by AuntieMel on November 8, 2004, at 10:08:02
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob, you consider this thread civil?, posted by Dinah on November 8, 2004, at 7:46:03
I have to admit I thought there were a couple of chuckles in this thread - from a word play point of view, not a political one.
But a lot of the stuff on social is anything but social (in my opinion.) It seems to me to just continue (politely?) on with the venom from all sides during the campaign.
One of the lessons of sportmanship is that, while being a good loser is very important, being a gracious winner is more so. The pundits in the media don't seem to have learned either one, and seeing so much disagreement on babble just stirs it up for me.
I'm laying low a lot myself these days.
Posted by Toph on November 8, 2004, at 10:42:26
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob, you consider this thread civil?, posted by Dinah on November 8, 2004, at 7:46:03
Dinah, I am a passionate Democrat, but my disagreement is with Republican leadership priorities and agenda, not with most Republicans. I'm sorry if any of the Democratic bonding here, and subsequent grieving has hurt you personally. Not all the wonderful flavors in a kitchen go well together. Open political posting during an election is a recipe for disaster on a site like this. For the most strident among us we should consider:
The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt.
-Bertrand Russell, philosopher, mathematician, and author (1872-1970)-Toph
Posted by Toph on November 8, 2004, at 11:20:46
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob, you consider this thread civil?, posted by Toph on November 8, 2004, at 10:42:26
Not all the wonderful flavors in a kitchen go well together.
-Toph, social worker, philosopher, PsychoBabbler
Not all the beautiful clothes in the closet go well together.
-Toph, philosopher, wearer of plaid shirts
Not all the fragrant perfumes in the vanity go well together.
-Toph, philosopher, wearer of Burberry Cologne
Could I hear a little finger clicking please?
Posted by gardenergirl on November 8, 2004, at 11:55:57
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob, you consider this thread civil?, posted by Dinah on November 8, 2004, at 7:46:03
> This is not a place I want to be anymore.
>
> I think I'll spend some time with people who judge others by more than a line on their voter registration cards. ...
> GG, you think this is funny?Dinah,
I'm sorry you were hurt and/or perhaps angered(?) by this thread and by my response to it. Like Auntie Mel (if I am interpreting her post correctly), I was amused by the word play on the concept of "positive". The actual content of what Paul posted was much less a factor. I suppose, however, that my feelings of sadness and hopelessness about the election results left me primed to laugh at something political. But I can honestly say that I never felt like I was laughing *at* Republicans, but rather was laughing *with* Paul, albeit a bit sadly.Dinah, I sincerely hope that you accept my apology and consider replying to my posts again. I've always valued your input, and I certainly noticed the void.
gg
Posted by JenStar on November 8, 2004, at 12:43:55
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob, you consider this thread civil?, posted by Dinah on November 8, 2004, at 7:46:03
Dinah,
please come back. Babble is just not the same without you. I don't know if you realize this, but to me (and probably many other posters!) you provide a certain spark that makes Babble exceptionally cool.I'm sorry if any of my comments about the election were upsetting. I WAS upset by the election (being a Democrat.) Feeling powerless and small and angry makes me, and many others on the losing side, feel like lashing out. Because it's hard to direct the anger, it often comes out looking like an attack on Republicans.
But really, I don't want to do that. I love the fact that (apart from election time!) Babble transcends the differences between politics, religion, race, color, gender and all other divides.
Please come back. The political talk is dying down. Please give Babble a chance to be good to you again! :)
take care,
JenStar
Posted by gardenergirl on November 8, 2004, at 13:24:30
In reply to please come back, Dinah! :) » Dinah, posted by JenStar on November 8, 2004, at 12:43:55
The horse is out of the barn, so to speak, but perhaps this points to the need for another board? I know religion and politics are touchy dinner table subjects. We do have the faith board (and I agree with the distinction between religion and faith, but anyway), how about a politics or current social issues board?
gg
Posted by JenStar on November 8, 2004, at 15:11:25
In reply to Another board?, posted by gardenergirl on November 8, 2004, at 13:24:30
I think it's a good idea. We'd probably need somewhat different rules for that board, though -- to allow for personal opinion and arguments regarding politics, esp. b/c those topics can inspire heated conversation.
To me, a politics board would HAVE to be a "argument" board...because you really can't discuss politics w/out arguing! Granted, we could do it in a constructive, non-personal way, but the rules about civility might need to be different for a politics board to be an effective way to sound off or share thoughts.
What do you think about rules for such a board?
JenStar
Posted by gardenergirl on November 8, 2004, at 15:23:35
In reply to Re: Another board? » gardenergirl, posted by JenStar on November 8, 2004, at 15:11:25
I think that if it winds up like the rules for the faith board, with the caveat that no one can possible feel put down, then it would be a busy board for Bob. I have to admit, I didn't think about the rules when suggesting the board.
Hmmm, I'd like to see it as something where you can post your own personal truths in regards to politics, but this counntry is so polarized, that certainly would lead to others' getting angry if not feeling put down.
gg
Posted by Dinah on November 8, 2004, at 15:39:17
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob, you consider this thread civil? » Dinah, posted by gardenergirl on November 8, 2004, at 11:55:57
I haven't been boycotting your posts, gg. I wouldn't do that. I've been sick with a cold and whatever else is ailing me, and busy with my parents, and more pleasantly with the new pups.
Yes, of course I accept your apology.
I almost never get too angry about things until Dr. Bob gives them a tacit seal of approval. And I just couldn't understand why this got that tacit seal. No one would have considered any of this funny if African Americans or Jews had been the subject of the humor. So it leaves me perplexed that it is considered ok when it's about republicans.
And I suppose this is just the straw that broke this camel's back after a couple of weeks of trying hard to be calm and rational.
But I never did stop answering your posts, gg.
Posted by gardenergirl on November 8, 2004, at 15:44:31
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob, you consider this thread civil? » gardenergirl, posted by Dinah on November 8, 2004, at 15:39:17
Thanks for your reply, Dinah. I did realize that you have been quite busy and under the weather. Perhaps what I noticed was just coincidence.
And your point about the content being about minorities instead of republicans is well taken.
Feel better,
gg
Posted by Dinah on November 8, 2004, at 15:47:57
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob, you consider this thread civil? » Dinah, posted by AuntieMel on November 8, 2004, at 10:08:02
I'm not sure that being a gracious winner has much to do with this, as I don't really feel like a winner. Well, not true. Two local candidates that I wanted to win did. But that's not involved in this discussion.
I don't even really identify all that strongly with the Republican party.
I just don't like this sort of thing. I really don't. I'd feel the same way if it was anti-democrat sentiment being expressed. I just don't understand why people can't agree to disagree without the other person being a bad guy. I don't think 49% OR 51% of the American people are stupid, bad, evil, bloodthirsty, or anything else. I would never ever dream of labelling an entire group of people like that. And I think my record backs me up on that.
Posted by Dinah on November 8, 2004, at 15:54:31
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob, you consider this thread civil? » Dinah, posted by gardenergirl on November 8, 2004, at 15:44:31
I assure you, gg, that whatever you may have noticed is just coincidence. Unless you've noticed that I haven't been replying to long posts or ones that involve reading. I tried to look at a few links and stopped a few sentences in.
I certainly harbor no ill feelings toward you, and in fact to harbor quite a few positive ones. That is unchanged.
It's just the political stuff that has me distressed. And not just for me, but for anyone who might stumble across this site and leave because of it.
Posted by TofuEmmy on November 8, 2004, at 17:26:41
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob, you consider this thread civil? » gardenergirl, posted by Dinah on November 8, 2004, at 15:39:17
Well......I gotta disagree a bit here.
"No one would have considered any of this funny if African Americans or Jews had been the subject of the humor. So it leaves me perplexed that it is considered ok when it's about republicans."
There is some difference to me, in that the balance of power between minority groups and majority groups does change the context of the conversation. Making fun of majority "ruling party" groups is a bit different than, for instance, making a racist joke.
Regardless, I am sorry that anyone on the board felt personally insulted by this conversation. I can surely see how that is possible. I also hope that it's understandable that Democrats, especially those who suffer from depression to begin with, are doing everything they can right now to cheer each other up. Sometimes I think we forget that others are reading this stuff too! Thank you for the reminder.
emmy
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