There have been some discussions where we've successfully treated people with other views and beliefs with respect and civility.  Those have been great.  Too much of the time, the discussions sprial down into name calling, accusations, and insults.  Such behaviour is more befitting our upstairs neighbors...  The nature of online discussions, even ones where we use known screen names, is that we retain a certain measure of anonymity.  This can lead to situations where we say things online we would never say face to face.

The Coffee House serves as a non combat zone: a safe haven for those who are weary of the constant fighting in other forums.  I like the idea that we can come here and have peace and silliness (not necessarily in that order).  That's why I started hanging out here in the first place.

It would be nice, however, if we also had another place where we could calmly, respectfully and rationally discuss our opinions, worldviews, and beliefs.  There are such forums out there, but we don't necessarily know each other beyond this forum.  As we form friendships within these virtual walls, it would be nice if we could talk a little more freely about our views with one another in a civil manner.

SteveStrummerUK

Hmm...

But as usual, some of those around here with, shall we say, a theistic bent, never seem to get too upset about offending those of us who don't.

'Live and let live' is fine by me, but it's not, and never should be, a one-way street.

This is what I was talking about when I responded to tom1.
 
Who are you talking to?

UbiquitousBubba



It would be nice, however, if we also had another place where we could calmly, respectfully and rationally discuss our opinions, worldviews, and beliefs.  There are such forums out there, but we don't necessarily know each other beyond this forum.  As we form friendships within these virtual walls, it would be nice if we could talk a little more freely about our views with one another in a civil manner.

That can easily be done by PM or email if desired. It would never work on an open forum.


16 people watching this thread..all breaking out the popcorn..

sharke

craigb

jamesg1213

Bub

Lot's of feelings get hurt when that kind of thing goes on, lots of problems occur because of it, and since we're not at liberty to speak freely (or willing to) about the original post in this thread, we shouldn't bring up the topic. No good can come of it, because trust me ... you hate me now? Wait until I actually tell you how I feel about the world and the people living in it and why I think I'm superior to them. That's really what this is all about ...  

Agreed.

I'd dearly love to reply to post *78, but a) there would  little point I'm sure, and b) people on this forum I like very much would be hugely offended.

True.  Oh well.

All of the world problems are because: man has abandoned reason!!
 

I read Atlas Shrugged again not so long ago...first time I read it I thought the characters were too cartoonish and unrealistic. This time around, they didn't seem so fictional. 

I've got a lot of Ayn Rand's books (and have read each multiple times).  She was just a tad ahead of her time.

Spacey
Tom you are asking a question and I'll answer for myself...

My dad raised me to not talk about religion or politics with my friends. Out of respect for my
dad and because I think it is very wise advice, so I don't.

The other answer to your question of "why" is....because people do get angry and get their feelings
hurt. Just the way it is and that's good enough for me. Your mileage may vary.


Spacey:
Even if we had opposing views, I'd bet my last dollar you and I could discuss any subject in a civil, courteous mannor;
 

craigb

sharke

craigb

jamesg1213

Bub

Lot's of feelings get hurt when that kind of thing goes on, lots of problems occur because of it, and since we're not at liberty to speak freely (or willing to) about the original post in this thread, we shouldn't bring up the topic. No good can come of it, because trust me ... you hate me now? Wait until I actually tell you how I feel about the world and the people living in it and why I think I'm superior to them. That's really what this is all about ...  

Agreed.

I'd dearly love to reply to post *78, but a) there would  little point I'm sure, and b) people on this forum I like very much would be hugely offended.

True.  Oh well.

All of the world problems are because: man has abandoned reason!!
 

I read Atlas Shrugged again not so long ago...first time I read it I thought the characters were too cartoonish and unrealistic. This time around, they didn't seem so fictional. 

I've got a lot of Ayn Rand's books (and have read each multiple times).  She was just a tad ahead of her time.

I prefer her non-fiction books to be honest, I find her fiction style a little wooden and long-winded. The Virtue of Selfishness is an absolute classic. I also find her views on art quite interesting as outlined in The Romantic Manifesto. Made me realize that so much of what passes for "art" these days is actually nothing but. 

sharke


Lets face it. Creationist/atheist threads are 10x worse. 

Has it been this way from the start or is this a more recent development that's evolved over time?
 

Jonbouy

sharke


Lets face it. Creationist/atheist threads are 10x worse. 

Has it been this way from the start or is this a more recent development that's evolved over time?
 

Chortle!

spacey

1. Danny Danzi
   Do you guys ever feel you don't belong here in this country?
   
   
   
   
   

I don't feel like I belong on this planet. I can't even tell ya what gravity is that keeps me here. 
  
  
  

 

From the looks of your avatar, you're not!
 
But then, as long as you drive cars like this vvv, who cares? Right?
 

 
 
 
X2... is that next to planet X? Or is it the parallel U counterpart?

UbiquitousBubba


... There are such forums out there, but we don't necessarily know each other beyond this forum.  As we form friendships within these virtual walls, it would be nice if we could talk a little more freely about our views with one another in a civil manner.

...and you think you know me here?