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

[MORTARDUDE]

My thoughts are that if one is bothered by political arguments, just avoid the forum. No one is making you read what is posted. Our military is an integral part of our country and its politics. Any attempt to discuss one without the other is just not feasible.

Larry

[colmurph]

I agree with you Larry. But we should limit our political discussions to this one thread and avoid politics on the other threads, it just starts arguments where we don't need them.

[melody1181]

I do not think think that most want this forum off. Its just there are some folks here who take it to seriously and lots of conflict that shouldn't be, be.

[colmurph]

I can think of only one who takes it that seriously. No matter who disagrees with him he has to resort to screaming and name calling, or so it seems.

[MORTARDUDE]

I agree 100% that items posted that are mostly political in nature
should be in the Political forum. The moderators should be more active in moving those posts that become political to that forum. If I post something in the wrong forum, please let me know and I will get it moved. A little more honest discussion, and trying to find common ground, would be welcome. I try to refrain from all the "cyber yelling". All just IMHO.

Larry

[melody1181]

Colmurph...there is by far more than 1.