Support and Defend the Constitution

[30ashopper]

Yeah, me too.

Political threads (on the national level) don't come out so well here. They tend to be responded to by only the left wing/right wing sorts....the extremes. I guess that the middle and the majority of people get turned off.

I'd suggest to the board owner and moderators that the political forum get canceled. Paradise isn't a place to be discussing politics.

NOOOOOooOOooOOoooOOooOOoooooooooo!

Honestly, sometimes threads on here get a little out of hand, but I would say 80% of what goes on in here is either constructive, entertaining, or thereputic. (At least that's my take.)

 

[DolphinDude]

Rant dejure

Well, I have considered your rant and do not agree with your logic. It is helpful in the sense that it lists all the negative comments the Ditto Heads use, e.g., "radical Islam is our friend". You could leave it at straight-forward opinion and be a bit more credible. You reference to these half-truths that are propaganda. I would be more interested to see you apply Christian values to this debate and talk in terms of what would you do (are doing?) to help keep our country strong. By the way, my opinion of the fore-fathers is that they saw the dangers of letting religion become the "holier-than-thou" approach to government and that is why they insisted on the separation of church and state. And haven't you ever read historical documents regarding Europeans moving here to avoid persecution for their religious beliefs? I'm not a socialist or any other "negative" name you would like to assign to someone that see the world different than you do. I am an American (and one who also happens to be a military officer with several combat tours including SWA ). I'm impressed that you reference a very thoughtful quote from Thomas Jefferson. Unfortunately, too many of your statements in your rant are the equivalent of me passing on an email saying you beat your kids because someone else told me you did.

 

[Bobby J]

I too have just caught up with this epic thread.

Personally, I love the Politics Section because it offers both entertainment and impassioned discussion/debate.

This thread, I'm sure, was meant as entertainment. There have been outlandish statements written by both sides of this legendary internet hissyfit. Really, the only issue that bothers me about the political section on SoWal (this thread confirms my belief) is that so many people get away with name calling and incredibly gross mischaracterizations that only fuel the arrant bullsh*t that's flying around the airwaves.

Free Speech is just one of the many things that makes this country a shining beacon of hope for so many in this world. But I'm beginning to wonder about the merits of nameless free speech. That is, would all of you post what you post if your full name was behind your sometimes incredibly mean spirited, or just plain ignorant statements? Would Beach Ho say that our nation is truly a christian nation, when it plainly isn't, (and, please, for the love of [enter deity name of choice here], don't argue that we are a christian nation because most of the country is christian; that only gives white extremists an excuse to claim that America is a white nation because the majority of Americans are white.)

Now, I pick on Beach Ho, but there are similar statements across this board. So, I'm curious. How many of you have the cajones to put your name (and if you own a business, your business's name) behind your words? I'm certainly not an angel myself when it comes to the Poltics/Current Event threads, but my name is above everything I write. If people don't know who "Matt Christ" is, (and there are plenty, I'm sure) then they at least have something to start an internet search.

I'll get the ball rolling. My full name is Matthew Christ. I do not own a business. I am a lifelong resident of SoWal and graduated from Butler Elementary, Seaside Middle School, and South Walton High School. I wrote a column for the Walton Sun that dealt with politics about three-two years ago. Currently, I am a sophomore at the University of Florida where I write a weekly column for the Independent Florida Alligator, the largest student newspaper in the country. In fact, for almost every week for the past three years, I have written a column dealing with controversial national/local issues. Each column has had my name on it, and more than often a picture of my cheery little face. Some of my columns go on wire services and are printed in newspapers and posted on internet news sites across the country. My point? I make real sure that what I write each week is accurate and not too inciting (although to incite discussion, debate, and even sharply worded "signed" letters to the editor is part of the columnist's job description). Essentially, I ask myself if I'm alright knowing that the words I just wrote are representing my name. If not, I start hitting the delete key.

Now what about the names of most of the previous posters? It's entirely your right and freedom to write what you want, but do you have the courage and bravery to put your name behind your words/taunts/ignorance/arrogance/ libel? Are your beliefs firm enough that you'll stand by them in the living flesh? Will you put your dignity on the line?

Or will you just continue to coward behind a computer screen and a cute SoWal name? Will you go back to engaging in dialogue that's more childish then I what I remember as a middle schooler in the lunch line?

Come on big shots. If you don't, your words have little more meaning than those found on public bathroom stalls.

~Matthew Christ

I like this idea Matt. My name is Bobby Johnson. I sell RE locally on 30A. I am trying to figure out what is worse an extreme liberal or a extreme conservative. I use to think I was clear on that answer until I read this thread. Don't you all get it...? This is exactly what the government wants you to do. Fight, complain and be divided. Meantime, they are screwing you. Obama, Bush, etc. It does not matter. Once you reach that level in politricks you are corrupt. Sorry, welcome to the real America.

The ONLY way we will ever get our country back is when we wake up and unite. This will be very hard because of the extremes on both sides. They both tend to sound arrogant and righteous about their viewpoints which typically are unfounded or taken out of context. This in turn turns people off and steers them in another direction. In a full sprint.
I see Jesus being tossed into the political mix much on these threads. I am not sure I really understand the bible or where it all plays into the world or the USA but the little bit of reading I do know about Jesus was that he was about LOVE. Not much LOVE in division. If we could all learn to approach things from love instead of such righteous attitudes we could probably learn a lot from one another.

 

[Jdarg]

This moderator doesn't really have any say in the matter, but I would respectfully argue that while discussions of politics may be divisive, discussions of governance (both actual and, I guess, imagined :roll are as important as ever.

I agree, and people have the choice to read the politics forum, or not.;-) The politics forum has been very informative and important for local issues.

 

[Jdarg]

I think there is an obvious difference between discussion and trolling - trying to just get someone's feather's ruffled.

G

I was thinking about this today. There are people that I don't necessarily agree with, but post in a way that makes me want to at least consider their argument/idea. Then there are people that are ridiculous, and my eyes glaze over.

 

[Geo]

I too have just caught up with this epic thread.

Personally, I love the Politics Section because it offers both entertainment and impassioned discussion/debate.

This thread, I'm sure, was meant as entertainment. There have been outlandish statements written by both sides of this legendary internet hissyfit. Really, the only issue that bothers me about the political section on SoWal (this thread confirms my belief) is that so many people get away with name calling and incredibly gross mischaracterizations that only fuel the arrant bullsh*t that's flying around the airwaves.

Free Speech is just one of the many things that makes this country a shining beacon of hope for so many in this world. But I'm beginning to wonder about the merits of nameless free speech. That is, would all of you post what you post if your full name was behind your sometimes incredibly mean spirited, or just plain ignorant statements? Would Beach Ho say that our nation is truly a christian nation, when it plainly isn't, (and, please, for the love of [enter deity name of choice here], don't argue that we are a christian nation because most of the country is christian; that only gives white extremists an excuse to claim that America is a white nation because the majority of Americans are white.)

Now, I pick on Beach Ho, but there are similar statements across this board. So, I'm curious. How many of you have the cajones to put your name (and if you own a business, your business's name) behind your words? I'm certainly not an angel myself when it comes to the Poltics/Current Event threads, but my name is above everything I write. If people don't know who "Matt Christ" is, (and there are plenty, I'm sure) then they at least have something to start an internet search.

I'll get the ball rolling. My full name is Matthew Christ. I do not own a business. I am a lifelong resident of SoWal and graduated from Butler Elementary, Seaside Middle School, and South Walton High School. I wrote a column for the Walton Sun that dealt with politics about three-two years ago. Currently, I am a sophomore at the University of Florida where I write a weekly column for the Independent Florida Alligator, the largest student newspaper in the country. In fact, for almost every week for the past three years, I have written a column dealing with controversial national/local issues. Each column has had my name on it, and more than often a picture of my cheery little face. Some of my columns go on wire services and are printed in newspapers and posted on internet news sites across the country. My point? I make real sure that what I write each week is accurate and not too inciting (although to incite discussion, debate, and even sharply worded "signed" letters to the editor is part of the columnist's job description). Essentially, I ask myself if I'm alright knowing that the words I just wrote are representing my name. If not, I start hitting the delete key.

Now what about the names of most of the previous posters? It's entirely your right and freedom to write what you want, but do you have the courage and bravery to put your name behind your words/taunts/ignorance/arrogance/ libel? Are your beliefs firm enough that you'll stand by them in the living flesh? Will you put your dignity on the line?

Or will you just continue to coward behind a computer screen and a cute SoWal name? Will you go back to engaging in dialogue that's more childish then I what I remember as a middle schooler in the lunch line?

Come on big shots. If you don't, your words have little more meaning than those found on public bathroom stalls.

~Matthew Christ

Hi Matt, glad you chimed in. My name is George but many of my closest friends call me "Geo". That's my photograph in my avatar. If you see me around town please say Hi and I will do the same!

I came out of the SoWal anonymity closet a while back. For a long time I even had my last name in my screenname but rethought this after a few discussions/debates where the anonymous opposition seemed to lose their cool. Kurt was swell about granting my request to shorten my name to just a first name derivative.

I do respect the choice to not use a real name here. Typically this is a non-issue in discussions. And it isn't hard to meet SoWallers and learn who is who in the local real world. But I do agree with you that a few vocal individuals would tone down their tone if they weren't just an avatar and a silly name.

I almost jumped in many times on this thread. But thankfully, the posts I took issue with were so over the top that it was evident that their writers were really just trying to get a rise out of people as opposed to truly engaging in discussion/debate.

Keep posting, Matt...

Cheers, G

 

[Miss Kitty]

I was thinking about this today. There are people that I don't necessarily agree with, but post in a way that makes me want to at least consider their argument/idea. Then there are people that are ridiculous, and my eyes glaze over.

I so agree with the bolded sentence! Personally, I have learned so much from both sides of the spectrum in the Political Forum, although sometimes I, too, wished it would go away from sowal.com. ;-) Reading some of these posts has opened my eyes to the diversity of thought in this country. Some of it is quite extreme and scary to me, but I try and remember that everyone has a background story that makes them believe what they do, It also has affirmed my belief that the media has a strong hold on the uninformed and single minded. The ridiculous part to me is the ongoing name calling and fear mongering. That's when my eyes glaze over.

 

[poppy]

what you call false bullsheet is backed up by facts, page numbers and paragraphs of the items stated. You have not read the bill, I have. Do you attack people all the time or only when you cannot justify your position.

Just because you have read a document doesn't mean you comprehend it's content. Exactly which page numbers, paragaphs and items are you referring to?

 

[poppy]

. Our belief in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, even for you, is what makes the USA an ideologic goal for the world. Do you ever read of people trying to sneak over the border into russia, china, or venezuela? No. Our ideals, our constitution and our freedoms are sought by many. Our patriotic citizens, died, to give you the rights, that you so easily dismiss.

Exactly WTF does this mean? Do you feel being a veteran life owes you something extra besides a big thank you from all of us? I do thank you and appreciate your service. I too am a veteran of a foreign conflict and a life member of the DAV. Guess how many more rights I have than other citizens of this country---zero, none, not a one. My voice does not carry any more weight or have any more credibility than a citizen who has never seen a member of the military. Being a service member is just one of many many ways people serve their country so I will be damned if I'm going to agree with your assertion and question their patriotism. You are the one who is asinine by doubting others patriotism because they don't agree with your views. It may surprise you but not everyone on this planet wants to be an American, they love their countries and have their own national pride.

 

[Lynnie]

I like this idea Matt. My name is Bobby Johnson. I sell RE locally on 30A. I am trying to figure out what is worse an extreme liberal or a extreme conservative. I use to think I was clear on that answer until I read this thread. Don't you all get it...? This is exactly what the government wants you to do. Fight, complain and be divided. Meantime, they are screwing you. Obama, Bush, etc. It does not matter. Once you reach that level in politricks you are corrupt. Sorry, welcome to the real America.

The ONLY way we will ever get our country back is when we wake up and unite. This will be very hard because of the extremes on both sides. They both tend to sound arrogant and righteous about their viewpoints which typically are unfounded or taken out of context. This in turn turns people off and steers them in another direction. In a full sprint.
I see Jesus being tossed into the political mix much on these threads. I am not sure I really understand the bible or where it all plays into the world or the USA but the little bit of reading I do know about Jesus was that he was about LOVE. Not much LOVE in division. If we could all learn to approach things from love instead of such righteous attitudes we could probably learn a lot from one another.

I agree! And, am hopeful that people can be open to discussions in these Town Hall meetings. Perhaps there will be a trickle down effect to local levels and even to message boards!

;-)