On Political Debate...

[Hardball]

Many writers in the "General Discussion" forum have weighed-in that THIS forum..."Politcal Debate" is inappropriate.

Many have stated their aversion, or outright disdain for this room's existence. They argue that "politics" shouldn't be raised on this site, which ostensibly, was created to "preserve military history."

Thank God, we have the freedom to debate at all.

To me, veterans EARNED the right to debate anything they wish to. And that right is inextricably linked to military history; if not history itself. The fact that we are veterans is history itself.

I just wish more veteran writers would use their God-given talents to WRITE, instead of merely cutting-and-pasting long and boring articles from spurious sources.

Picking and choosing articles to paste in this forum in lieu of composing one's own thoughts is a cop-out. Those that paste links to their sources of reference, or short quotes help to alleviate the issue, and allow the writer to expound upon them WITH THEIR OWN THOUGHTS.

The General Forum thread on the subject stated:
Personally, I am not really interested in any ones opinions about politics, because I am not politically minded. I actually suggested to get rid of the politic forum because it is always full of disagreements which escalate beyond what this website (I believe) is here for. This site is about history and your experiences - not your opinions on politics.

What a farcical statement. The Global War on Terror, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and numerous other battles which our military are in world-wide, are history in the making. We American veterans play a crucial role in letting our voices be heard, and thoughts be written on issues which will have ramifications far into the future.

Merely navel-gazing about history is futile. Our nation was founded upon argument, with a Constitution which guaranteed the right to argue, knowing that argument is critical to freedom.

I agree that it is within David's purview to eliminate this forum. Yet I would presume that he is wise enough to allow the weight of cogent argument to decide the outcome; not merely pandering to the emotions and whims of a few dissenters.

Most arguments against political argument are fallacious,...

and in my experience, based strictly on the opponent's ignorance of the topic, and fear of exposing their own ignorance.

Hardball
www.veteransjournal.net