Like Violet I would like a place to escape the brutal realities of the world, even if it’s just for a brief moment. A lighthearted place where seemingly frivolous things such as first Lightfoot concerts, favorite songs, deep rooted meanings behind lyrics, etc., can be discussed. The war is just such a volatile topic right now. Folks are very passionate about their beliefs and feelings, as they should be. But those heightened emotions bring about unkind comments. If hanging around here these past three years has taught me nothing else, it’s taught me that one unkind comment always begats another. That’s just what happens when you have a large group of people with primarily one thing in common. There are other forums specifically designed to discuss these issues. Places where the passion and conviction about these matters is welcomed and encouraged.
That being said, now that the subject of the war has made it’s way to our peaceful little community, I have to agree with Watchman in that if this is not a subject you want to read or participate in, don’t click on the little red folder next to the topic titled “Blessings” – it’s as simple as that. One of the reasons discussion boards are separated into threads is so there can be more than one discussion going on at any given time and you only have to participate in the ones that interest you. There are hundreds of other topics listed on this message board that you can respond to or expand on. If no one is talking about something that you want to contribute to -- Hello!!!-- start a new thread!
Understandably, some folks may not visit often enough to realize just what is being discussed in the “Blessings” thread until they find themselves in the middle of it for the first time. Or maybe folks view this board like I do by clicking the next topic button – not really knowing what that topic might be. All I’m suggesting is that if you’re reading this thread for the first time and you’re insulted, appalled, put out, whatever, about the topic itself (not the contents, just the subject of war/politics), please try to be strong and just click “Next Topic” Everyone here – those actively discussing the war and it’s various politics and those who aren’t – knows and understands that this is not the ideal or best suited spot for the discussion, but this is where it is and it won’t kill us to just deal with that until, unfueled, it filters to the bottom of the list. Especially since, in the interest of harmony, it’s so easy just to avoid the “Blessings” topic if it’s not one you have an interest in. In the same vein, hopefully those who are interested in discussing the war and it’s politics, out of respect for others, will continue their discussion either in Small Talk or in a forum specifically designed for that purpose. And no, I don’t necessarily mean transfer this thread - it doesn’t take a moderator for one of you to start a new topic in Small Talk. Either way, arguing about what we have the right to discuss and don’t have the right to discuss or where it can or can’t be discussed is as futile as arguing about religion and politics – there’s no right or wrong, just individual passionate beliefs.
Janice
|