Quote:
Originally Posted by Skybo
I've actually had a positive reaction to the so-called "political" threads that have appeared lately. In fact I've felt that, for the most part, they have been respectful toward individual posters...while having intelligent discussions on current topics. And I've assumed that is why Admin have recently given us some leeway in discussing these topics.
In the past, I've wondered why discussions on the ACA were quickly shut down, while discussions on Social Security, Medicare and taxes were allowed to be discussed. They are all government programs and they all have the potential to bleed into political discussions.
It seems to me that topics such as pools, IRS bond issues, home construction, roundabouts and the never ending debate about dogs, etc. frequently become contentious and divide posters according to their personal opinions.
That is what happens when people with differing opinions engage in lively debate about issues that are important to them.
Personally, I think that Admin should treat us as the seasoned adults that we are, and allow us to discuss the issues we wish to discuss. And at the same time, we should all act like the seasoned adults that we are, and discuss issues without dissolving into less than adult behavior.
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I wholeheartedly agree with you and totally disagree with the ban on political discussions or references.
Few issues of any significance can be discussed without some "politics" working its way into the discussion. Unless TOV is content to be relegated to a meaningless bit of fluff-- discussing only issues such as parades, favorite beaches, and dog poop on lawns, I would say bring back the political forum and let political references creep into other areas, where relevant. When was the last time anybody came up to you and said, "Hey, you won't believe what I saw on Talk of the Villages"?
If one wonders why such a tiny percentage of Villagers log in to TOV and why a handful of members seem to be responsible for the majority of the posts, I think the answer is because TOV is generally boring and very seldom discusses anything of real significance. My suggestion to the administrator: Don't be so sensitive about somebody's possibly getting upset because somebody else disagrees with him or her. Liven up TOV. Allow discussions of politics and other controversial topics and let the chips fall where they may. Just keep the discussion civil by not allowing personal attacks on other members.