Wow.
Liberals don't bother. You will just be in a bad mood the rest of the day.
- Thread starter wrobert
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Well, all I can say again is I am glad I wasn't around last year. I heard friendships were lost......all over personal decisions regarding the political process in America? I've seen meanness on both sides on sowal. I've seen meanness here that didn't involve politics.
What a pity.......but, I did think all of the videos on this thread were very funny. Seems to have lost is lustre already, however.
What a pity.......but, I did think all of the videos on this thread were very funny. Seems to have lost is lustre already, however.
Dr. Stuart Twemlow, a psychiatrist at The Menninger Clinic in Houston, said politics have been known to cause conflict between neighbors, strain family relationships and end friendships, and for many Americans, differing opinions on political parties, issues and candidates are wreaking havoc on many relationships.
After Election Day, one political party will be experiencing joy, satisfaction and relief, the other party may be feeling sadness, anger and disappointment, Twemlow said.
"Beware of your actions in the face of others discontent. Too much jubilance, too much emphasis on victory, may cost you a friend," Twemlow said in a statement. "Enjoy your moment, but be tactful -- whatever you do, don't gloat."
The same holds true for the side who "lost" the election. Too much anger and resentment and what the winning side sees as unsportsmanlike conduct, isn't productive either.
Americans do share a core set of values, despite differences, so finding common ground is the best avenue to follow in restoring order to friendships, Twemlow said.
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We have to ask ourselves, when we post, what is our reason for posting? Is it to share ideas and try and find the common ground? Is it to try and understand the other side? Is political humor posted to inflame the other side or just to have a laugh with those of the same ideology?
I don't know what wrobert's intentions were when posting the thread, but I can't believe that we have a red chiclet button! Seems like that can get out of control.... not sure I like that side of the forum.
G
After Election Day, one political party will be experiencing joy, satisfaction and relief, the other party may be feeling sadness, anger and disappointment, Twemlow said.
"Beware of your actions in the face of others discontent. Too much jubilance, too much emphasis on victory, may cost you a friend," Twemlow said in a statement. "Enjoy your moment, but be tactful -- whatever you do, don't gloat."
The same holds true for the side who "lost" the election. Too much anger and resentment and what the winning side sees as unsportsmanlike conduct, isn't productive either.
Americans do share a core set of values, despite differences, so finding common ground is the best avenue to follow in restoring order to friendships, Twemlow said.
*******
We have to ask ourselves, when we post, what is our reason for posting? Is it to share ideas and try and find the common ground? Is it to try and understand the other side? Is political humor posted to inflame the other side or just to have a laugh with those of the same ideology?
I don't know what wrobert's intentions were when posting the thread, but I can't believe that we have a red chiclet button! Seems like that can get out of control.... not sure I like that side of the forum.
G
I called on sewing plants in my early career and heard stories of families busting up over differing views regarding Unions. Same concept.
In my family, we don't all agree on politics or religion. But, there is great love and respect. Among my friends, same love and respect. And, we cover the gamet from extremely far left to ridiculously far right. Great Aunt Alice is laughed at every year at Thanksgiving and Christmas - seems she always brings up something regarding politics and someone else always negates her opinion.
It seems that there might be a history here on sowal and one expects certain maliciousness out of certain others and vs. Some just post with an 'edge of sarcasm,' some post a little more blatantly.......in either case it often times will put others off.
Freedom Forum - you can do whatever you want.
Remember John Rocker? His unfathomable ugly, racist statements? I had friends visiting from Australia that summer who brought up our Freedom of Speech. Hard to argue it, but our freedom of speech originated out of being able to speak out against our government and leaders without being tried for treason....as well as the right to practice ones' religious beliefs even if others didn't agree.
It has been argued for two centuries. And, it sadly we accept that it does encompass being overtly ugly, which makes me sick to my stomach.
The red chicelet button is rarely or never used - in this case, it probably didn't even cancel out the rep and thanks I've given WR.
The title is what got me - it was the dismissive partisan rudeness straw that broke the Scooterbug's back - which is unfortunate since I would have otherwise enjoyed the humor of the video and the wittiness of using that song to describe the debt situation.
The title is what got me - it was the dismissive partisan rudeness straw that broke the Scooterbug's back - which is unfortunate since I would have otherwise enjoyed the humor of the video and the wittiness of using that song to describe the debt situation.
I agree that the title was provoking and annoying. (sorry wrobert - but it just kinda came off that way
) Just posting the videos would have been best as it created an atmosphere of division right from the get-go. G
A few thoughts....
Although many of the posters on this board do not live here, many do. Walton County politics is, shall we say, interesting. Some of the action in the political forum on SoWal is focusing on what is actually happening here, being said, actions, etc. that many of you don't see or know about from reading a message board, and not actually participating here at a local level. There are quite a few inside comments and relationships and agendas that are not always apparent on SoWal.com, and just like in real life, not everyone is friends, nor do they have to be. Defining what is and is not respectful in a political forum is like defining a gray area- who is the decider? Basically, it is a political forum- get thick skin or get out.
In fact, SoWal.com plays out a lot nicer than it does in political reality around here. Many people don't post in the political forum anymore because they have better things to do than argue with people who only want to bait someone holding the opposing political view (and this runs for both parties), or it would take all day and a 1000 posts to sort out the real story about some whiney half truth accusation or post, or maybe they are out actually making a difference and working to make things better than defending themselves on a message board (and I admire those of you who are able to do both!). I could make quite a list of local Dems and Repubs and Independents who are working hard to make Walton County a great place, but you won't see them around here much, and that is sad, because they could offer real discussion of issues instead of bitterness and drivel.
I still scan the political threads, but it is the same old same old, and all predictable posts are met by equally predictable responses. Some people love this back and forth, others prefer to debate and discuss in person salon-style, others choose to work quietly and effectively for change and improvement.
It is a beautiful day (I highly recommend a walk at Eden- just got back). If your agenda is mean or combative today, get away from the computer, go outside and try to remember why you live here and if your agenda is doing anything to make paradise even better.;-)
One last word- what you read here isn't always the whole story. It's just the garnish on a simmering pot.
Although many of the posters on this board do not live here, many do. Walton County politics is, shall we say, interesting. Some of the action in the political forum on SoWal is focusing on what is actually happening here, being said, actions, etc. that many of you don't see or know about from reading a message board, and not actually participating here at a local level. There are quite a few inside comments and relationships and agendas that are not always apparent on SoWal.com, and just like in real life, not everyone is friends, nor do they have to be. Defining what is and is not respectful in a political forum is like defining a gray area- who is the decider? Basically, it is a political forum- get thick skin or get out.
In fact, SoWal.com plays out a lot nicer than it does in political reality around here. Many people don't post in the political forum anymore because they have better things to do than argue with people who only want to bait someone holding the opposing political view (and this runs for both parties), or it would take all day and a 1000 posts to sort out the real story about some whiney half truth accusation or post, or maybe they are out actually making a difference and working to make things better than defending themselves on a message board (and I admire those of you who are able to do both!). I could make quite a list of local Dems and Repubs and Independents who are working hard to make Walton County a great place, but you won't see them around here much, and that is sad, because they could offer real discussion of issues instead of bitterness and drivel.
I still scan the political threads, but it is the same old same old, and all predictable posts are met by equally predictable responses. Some people love this back and forth, others prefer to debate and discuss in person salon-style, others choose to work quietly and effectively for change and improvement.
It is a beautiful day (I highly recommend a walk at Eden- just got back). If your agenda is mean or combative today, get away from the computer, go outside and try to remember why you live here and if your agenda is doing anything to make paradise even better.;-)
One last word- what you read here isn't always the whole story. It's just the garnish on a simmering pot.
WOW..that was a class, A-1 post jdarg...AND an awakening for me, TRULY. Back and forth is just that--like playing a tennis game forever with no discernable winner!!
I am done on the Political Threads--thanks for the intervention, JD!!
I think I can better serve the world and the county by showing up consistently and doing the real work of the "Party" of my choice here in Walton County.
Exactly! I have friends here who won't dare post just because they see how futile it is and they are working to make it a better place as you said.
I agree- BEAUTIFUL DAY - I went for a swim and now, nap time! THANKS for a great post!
G
Exactly! I have friends here who won't dare post just because they see how futile it is and they are working to make it a better place as you said.
I agree- BEAUTIFUL DAY - I went for a swim and now, nap time! THANKS for a great post!
G
It isn't always futile and they shouldn't be "scared" to post. If they want to contribute to the conversation they should, but because a comment is political in nature, they should know that some will disagree with them in a nice way, and some will not. Most political conversations rarely stay "clean"- the political forum on SoWal is very tame in comparison to others I have seen. Some days I'm in the mood for it, other days not, usually depending on who is "playing" that day and the topic.
And remember that most political discussions here are not "pure" as in everyone is on equal footing and is anonymous. Many frequent posters are heavily involved in local politics and government, which makes the game a little more interesting due to the vast amount of "back story".
The SoWal.com political forum has been a huge asset and info sharing spot for those interested in local politics, and to share political ideas and plans.
If you want to see really ugly, look no further than the online commentary on stories in the NWFlorida Daily News or sometimes the Walton Sun- most comments will make you lose your lunch. I had to stop reading them, along with the sound off section in the NWFDN- so much bitterness and hate, so little time.....
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