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TheWatchman · 05-02-2003, 10:34 PM

I think that as of late many topics that are not related to GL have been allowed to be discussed. Problems arise when people with differing opinions can't co-exist in the same environment. I like to separate issues from people. Sure, it's fine to discuss, debate and even agree to disagree but when you can't leave the differences alone and move on, there will always be problems.

I think this is why Joveski brought this topic up. It's not so much what is discussed but rather can it be discussed in a responsible manner and not have people storm off. Imagine where this country would be if our forefathers couldn't co-exist with other very strongly opinionated people. If everybody cried like babies whenever someone challenged them, we would never get anywhere as a society. You can't go anywhere when you remain in neutral. It takes other people challenging your views for growth to occur. For some it is like evolution...very painful and sloooooow.

Some of my best friends are the total opposite of me when it comes to religion and politics but yet we remain the best of friends. I think that some people feel threatened when they come across others who challenge their views and cannot put that aside. They tend to take things personally and get mad.

So, I guess my opinion is that "off-topics" should be discussed but if someone cannot walk away from a discussion without being offended and holding grudges, perhaps they never should have entered it in the first place. A good rule of thumb that I like to follow is "nobody can make me mad without my persmission." Getting angry is something that we choose to do.

05-02-2003, 10:34 PM	#35
TheWatchman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Columbia, Maryland Posts: 930	I think that as of late many topics that are not related to GL have been allowed to be discussed. Problems arise when people with differing opinions can't co-exist in the same environment. I like to separate issues from people. Sure, it's fine to discuss, debate and even agree to disagree but when you can't leave the differences alone and move on, there will always be problems. I think this is why Joveski brought this topic up. It's not so much what is discussed but rather can it be discussed in a responsible manner and not have people storm off. Imagine where this country would be if our forefathers couldn't co-exist with other very strongly opinionated people. If everybody cried like babies whenever someone challenged them, we would never get anywhere as a society. You can't go anywhere when you remain in neutral. It takes other people challenging your views for growth to occur. For some it is like evolution...very painful and sloooooow. Some of my best friends are the total opposite of me when it comes to religion and politics but yet we remain the best of friends. I think that some people feel threatened when they come across others who challenge their views and cannot put that aside. They tend to take things personally and get mad. So, I guess my opinion is that "off-topics" should be discussed but if someone cannot walk away from a discussion without being offended and holding grudges, perhaps they never should have entered it in the first place. A good rule of thumb that I like to follow is "nobody can make me mad without my persmission." Getting angry is something that we choose to do.