Small number of writers

[Guest]

In my first question when I was a new member I asked why the number of people on this web site was so small compared to the number of people who lives in the Villages and realized that many members dont even live in the Villages. In this political sectioln I think that the num ber of people who usually write is very tiny compared to the number of members and even more tiny compared to the number of people in the Villages. Why?

[Guest]

In my first question when I was a new member I asked why the number of people on this web site was so small compared to the number of people who lives in the Villages and realized that many members dont even live in the Villages. In this political sectioln I think that the num ber of people who usually write is very tiny compared to the number of members and even more tiny compared to the number of people in the Villages. Why?Different people have different interests..... it's even been suggested that some of us who follow the political forum ..."don't have a life"... Me thinks your question was a bit rhetorical... even 'baiting', so, I took the worm.

[Guest]

of any group, no matter how large or small represents an active entity.
Since I am a regular poster to all the forums, but political is my favorite....we are among the few willing to stand up and be counted.
What you see here on this forum is exactly the problem this great country of ours is confronted with. The majority, usually silent on everything, just will not come out and take a stance.

I don't care what the party, race, color, creed....I enjoy every debate, argument, stance....it is the participation that matters.
If we could inspire the silent majority we could make things happen for we the people....that is not likely to happen.

So those of us with the courage of our convictions.....PARTICIPATE!!!!!

We are the ones who, hopefully wil make a difference.

btk

[Guest]

Just like the real Tea Party....The few...the proud...


There is always the 80-20 ratio thing in every group...the 20% doing 80% of the job....

[Guest]

In my first question when I was a new member I asked why the number of people on this web site was so small compared to the number of people who lives in the Villages and realized that many members dont even live in the Villages. In this political sectioln I think that the num ber of people who usually write is very tiny compared to the number of members and even more tiny compared to the number of people in the Villages. Why?

A number of us used to post in political, especially during the elections, basically to offset the mis-information that was being posted by some of the regulars. Now that the election is over, and Obama has WON, no need to interact with those who really aren't on my side of the political fence, so to speak. Its just a waste of time to read the opinions which are poorly researched and just too far fetched to be even believable. And as other have said, some of us have a real life.

[Guest]

The Political Talk Forum is dominated, for the most part, by a relatively small number of like minded dissatisfied individuals. Not necessarily a good or bad thing, but that's the way it is.

No matter the adminstration, there will always be an opposition.

[Guest]

of any group, no matter how large or small represents an active entity.
Since I am a regular poster to all the forums, but political is my favorite....we are among the few willing to stand up and be counted.
What you see here on this forum is exactly the problem this great country of ours is confronted with. The majority, usually silent on everything, just will not come out and take a stance.

I don't care what the party, race, color, creed....I enjoy every debate, argument, stance....it is the participation that matters.
If we could inspire the silent majority we could make things happen for we the people....that is not likely to happen.

So those of us with the courage of our convictions.....PARTICIPATE!!!!!

We are the ones who, hopefully wil make a difference.

btk

I agree. It is a sad state of affairs when someone doesn't participate after their candidate "won". A person of conviction will have an opinion one way or another and try to reason said opinion to his fellow constituents.
There is a an old movie called "12 angry Men." Basically the synopsis is---a jury who thought it was going to be an easy guilty verdict. One guy was a "holdout" and that made the other jurors angry as they wanted to go home because they thought the accused was guilty. The lone juror received the scorn of the others until they dissected the evidence more closely and one by one the jurors finally went to the other side and joined the lone juror who thought the defendant might be innocent.

I would love to see some people with "guts" defend their candidate instead of hiding behind ridicule.

[Guest]

There is much more to the political process than "my candidate - your candidate."

Every day there's new or proposed legislation, a significant event occurs, or there is a twist to something thought resolved. Having an interest in the nation and the world beyond pickleball and $1.75 margaritas (my favorite!) at LSL/SS is one's choice.

So, if one's opinion is that once the election is over and the agent is now in office, that all matters have been now delegated to the agent and shall be personally ignored until the next election, that is one's choice.

[Guest]

A number of us used to post in political, especially during the elections, basically to offset the mis-information that was being posted by some of the regulars. Now that the election is over, and Obama has WON, no need to interact with those who really aren't on my side of the political fence, so to speak. Its just a waste of time to read the opinions which are poorly researched and just too far fetched to be even believable. And as other have said, some of us have a real life.


I am curious under what name you posted during the campaign as I see your join date is January of this year ???

Why do people change names on here...just curious !!

[Guest]

A number of us used to post in political, especially during the elections,

Good catch, Bucco. Sometimes it is not a good idea to post at 12:49 in the morning.:beer3:

[Guest]

A number of us used to post in political, especially during the elections, basically to offset the mis-information that was being posted by some of the regulars. Its just a waste of time to read the opinions which are poorly researched and just too far fetched to be even believable. And as other have said, some of us have a real life.

Ok.......I'll play. Your criticism about poor research by "regulars" seems to forgive the fact that the link you provided for your hit on American Healthcare in an earlier post was a bit outdated. I read it and it says that all the statistics are from 1991. Ahh....excuse me sport....that would be 18 years ago. Right....I know.....time flies. A cursory check of the end notes of the reference for your stunning research revelations and submission reveals that much information is based on material published in the 70's. Even the later references barely reflect anything past the early and mid-nineties. Were rose colored glasses popular in the seventies? A check of the authors shows a pattern also. I won't go there. You get the point about your criticisms of "poor" research by "regulars". Do you believe the NYTIMES is an impartial, objective, unbiased purveyor of news and opinion?

So much for the obligatory relevance connection to the political forum to keep the TOTV administrators at arms length.

Regarding the second assault on "getting a life"....with cavalier arrogance, you and your friend infer that your lives are richer because you don't post with the regulars. That elitist attitude belies the fact that you don't know anything about the people you think need to get lives like yours and/or you don't have anything to contribute except ad hominem criticism.

I golf at least 3 days a week, play organized softball and work out at least 3 days a week. To compliment my quest for physical fitness, I have said before that I find excursions into TOTV mentally stimulating as this post suggests. You have to take care of your mind as well as your body. A bonus includes creatively interacting with really decent, insightful TOTV neighbors regardless of their perspectives. The laughs and exposure to a variety of opinions, even yours, are worth the occasional grinch who prefers insults to interaction.

We enjoy bicycle riding and socializing throughout our beautiful Village. I enjoy long rides through horse country with my wife on my Harley Road King Classic(that's a motorcycle). I enjoy flying with my wife, she's a licensed pilot. I write articles for professional journals and sportfishing magazines. They are as diverse as fishing in Costa Rica to converting from gas to diesel. We have plans to bonefish in The Abacos and challenge the rare and beautiful striped marlin in Cabo San Lucas. I should add I am an active member of two fishing conservation organizations and accordingly release unharmed any "catch" we make that doesn't wind up as table fare.

In the summer and early fall, I run my sportfisherman (that's a boat) chasing tuna, marlin and an assortment of pelagic species in the bluewater canyons off of Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina.

You might catch me in the town squares if Rocky and the Rollers, Caribbean Chillers, Silver Star Band, Mary Jo Vitale or the Lenny Wilson Trio are playing. I have eclectic tastes in music. There's much more but that's all you need to know. Just as I have no idea where life's road has taken you...I'm sure its been impressive....you have no idea where my life or the lives of any TOTV members have taken them. I am fascinated by the diversity and wealth of experience they offer by posting.

I used to enjoy combat target shooting but can't find the time. I would like to play water volleyball and ride in a polo match but, I guess I spend too much time posting with my friends and neighbors, on both sides of the aisle, in TOTV. Hmmmm......yeah.....their worth it....I'm happy they continue to be a part of my "mundane" 68 year old life.

Thank you for the challenge and the mental exercise...I'm going to get a life with a few "honey do" chores now....ok honey...I'll clean up my workbench as soon as I finish this post.

rshoffer....yeah...I know....I took the bait too.

[Guest]

The Political Talk Forum is dominated, for the most part, by a relatively small number of like minded dissatisfied individuals. Not necessarily a good or bad thing, but that's the way it is.

No matter the adminstration, there will always be an opposition.

:agree: Sometimes this forum resembles a Rush Limbaugh echo-chamber.

[Guest]

:agree: Sometimes this forum resembles a Rush Limbaugh echo-chamber.

To quote Cabo35, "The laughs and exposure to a variety of opinions, even yours, are worth the occasional grinch who prefers insults to interaction."

All some people offer are links and ridicule.barf

[Guest]

Ok.......I'll play. Your criticism about poor research by "regulars" seems to forgive the fact that the link you provided for your hit on American Healthcare in an earlier post was a bit outdated. I read it and it says that all the statistics are from 1991. Ahh....excuse me sport....that would be 18 years ago. Right....I know.....time flies. A cursory check of the end notes of the stunning revelations on the reference for your research and submission reveals that much information is based on material published in the 70's. Even the later references barely reflect anything past the early and mid-nineties. Were rose colored glasses popular in the seventies? A check of the authors shows a pattern also. I won't go there. You get the point about your criticisms of "poor" research by "regulars". Do you believe the NYTIMES is an impartial, objective, unbiased purveyor of news and opinion?

So much for the obligatory relevance connection to the political forum to keep the TOTV administrators at arms length.

Regarding the second assault on "getting a life"....with cavalier arrogance, you and your friend infer that your lives are richer because you don't post with the regulars. That elitist attitude belies the fact that you don't know anything about the people you think need to get lives like yours and/or you don't have anything to contribute except ad hominem criticism.

I golf at least 3 days a week, play organized softball and work out at least 3 days a week. To compliment my quest for physical fitness, I have said before that I find excursions into TOTV mentally stimulating as this post suggests. You have to take care of your mind as well as your body. A bonus includes creatively interacting with really decent, insightful TOTV neighbors regardless of their perspectives. The laughs and exposure to a variety of opinions, even yours, are worth the occasional grinch who prefers insults to interaction.

We enjoy bicycle riding and socializing throughout our beautiful Village. I enjoy long rides through horse country with my wife on my Harley Road King Classic(that's a motorcycle). I enjoy flying with my wife, she's a licensed pilot. I write articles for professional journals and sportfishing magazines. They are as diverse as fishing in Costa Rica to converting from gas to diesel. We have plans to bonefish in The Abacos and challenge the rare and beautiful striped marlin in Cabo San Lucas. I should add I am an active member of two fishing conservation organizations and accordingly release unharmed any "catch" we make that doesn't wind up as table fare.

In the summer and early fall, I run my sportfisherman (that's a boat) chasing tuna, marlin and an assortment of pelagic species in the bluewater canyons off of Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina.

You might catch me in the town squares if Rocky and the Rollers, Caribbean Chillers, Silver Star Band, Mary Jo Vitale or the Lenny Wilson Trio are playing. I have eclectic tastes in music. There's much more but that's all you need to know. Just as I have no idea where life's road has taken you...I'm sure its been impressive....you have no idea where my life or the lives of any TOTV members have taken them. I am fascinated by the diversity and wealth of experience they offer by posting.

I used to enjoy combat target shooting but can't find the time. I would like to play water volleyball and ride in a polo match but, I guess I spend too much time posting with my friends and neighbors, on both sides of the aisle, in TOTV. Hmmmm......yeah.....their worth it....I'm happy they continue to be a part of my "mundane" 68 year old life.

Thank you for the challenge and the mental exercise...I'm going to get a life with a few "honey do" chores now....ok honey...I'll clean up my workbench as soon as I finish this post.

rshoffer....yeah...I know....I took the bait too.

Excellent post Cabo......The talent and expertise on this forum continues to amaze me.

[Guest]

:agree: Sometimes this forum resembles a Rush Limbaugh echo-chamber.

Now THAT is funny...

[Guest]

The Political Talk Forum is dominated, for the most part, by a relatively small number of like minded dissatisfied individuals. Not necessarily a good or bad thing, but that's the way it is.

No matter the adminstration, there will always be an opposition.

Ya think? What does dissatisfied individuals mean? Does it mean we were not invited to sip the Kool Aid with Obama and his sheeples?

[Guest]

You are awesome Cabo, as usual.:eclipsee_gold_cup:

[Guest]

:agree: Sometimes this forum resembles a Rush Limbaugh echo-chamber.


Did you ever ever question why it seems that way ? I mean, for once, sit down and analyze the "shots" you always take !!!

Oh forgot the new posting scenario.....we who post here have no life....I think CABO's post speaks volumes.

Of course we could all leave this forum and post on a thread talking about dogs peeing on their lawn, or some other "life fullfilling" thread !.....NOW, that is having a life, right ? And I will add to this that discussing a dog peeing on your lawn does not mean you have no life ! That is not a judgement that I am equipped to be able to make as you are able to judge others !

I suppose from what I am hearing from you and others that those who support Obama have a full and complete life and those who do not support him have got to get a life in some fashion !!! Sounds like his campaign rhetoric !

[Guest]

Originally Posted by KayakerNC
Sometimes this forum resembles a Rush Limbaugh echo-chamber.

Did you ever ever question why it seems that way ? I mean, for once, sit down and analyze the "shots" you always take !!!
Oh forgot the new posting scenario.....we who post here have no life....I think CABO's post speaks volumes.
Of course we could all leave this forum and post on a thread talking about dogs peeing on their lawn, or some other "life fullfilling" thread !.....NOW, that is having a life, right ? And I will add to this that discussing a dog peeing on your lawn does not mean you have no life ! That is not a judgement that I am equipped to be able to make as you are able to judge others !
I suppose from what I am hearing from you and others that those who support Obama have a full and complete life and those who do not support him have got to get a life in some fashion !!! Sounds like his campaign rhetoric !
Wow. What did I say that caused you to go into a total hissy fit?:rant-rave:

[Guest]

Originally Posted by KayakerNC
Sometimes this forum resembles a Rush Limbaugh echo-chamber.


Wow. What did I say that caused you to go into a total hissy fit?:rant-rave:

Oh, probably based on your track record of just "popping" in and making sarcastic comments.....basically I had one simple question...you made your normal sarcastic statement....

"Sometimes this forum resembles a Rush Limbaugh echo-chamber."


And I wanted you to answer as to why YOU think it like that ?


The rest of my "hissy fit" was simply to try and keep you from using the standard one liners that are so often used to criticize folks who post on here !

Will await your word on WHY this resembles as you so eloquently said..." a Rush Limbaugh echo chamber" !!!

Most folks who post on here have said they do not even listen to him, but of course that means nothing to you...

So we await your analysis of why what you called this forum is that ?

[Guest]

Oh, probably based on your track record of just "popping" in and making sarcastic comments.....basically I had one simple question...you made your normal sarcastic statement....
"Sometimes this forum resembles a Rush Limbaugh echo-chamber."
And I wanted you to answer as to why YOU think it like that ?

The rest of my "hissy fit" was simply to try and keep you from using the standard one liners that are so often used to criticize folks who post on here !

Will await your word on WHY this resembles as you so eloquently said..." a Rush Limbaugh echo chamber" !!!

Most folks who post on here have said they do not even listen to him, but of course that means nothing to you...

So we await your analysis of why what you called this forum is that ?

Gee, a literary allusion went over your head. :a20:
http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/Politics/AmericanPolitics/PoliticalCommunicationMediaStudi/?view=usa&ci=9780195366822
or
http://www.amazon.com/Echo-Chamber-Limbaugh-Conservative-Establishment/dp/0195366824/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1249073357&sr=8-2

[Guest]

A number of us used to post in political, especially during the elections, basically to offset the mis-information that was being posted by some of the regulars. Now that the election is over, and Obama has WON, no need to interact with those who really aren't on my side of the political fence, so to speak. Its just a waste of time to read the opinions which are poorly researched and just too far fetched to be even believable. And as other have said, some of us have a real life.

EXCUUUUSEMEEEEEEEE?:censored:

[Guest]

The Political Talk Forum is dominated, for the most part, by a relatively small number of like minded dissatisfied individuals. Not necessarily a good or bad thing, but that's the way it is.

No matter the adminstration, there will always be an opposition.

I'm highly satisfied that we, the minority, were right about Obama!

[Guest]

I agree. It is a sad state of affairs when someone doesn't participate after their candidate "won". A person of conviction will have an opinion one way or another and try to reason said opinion to his fellow constituents.
There is a an old movie called "12 angry Men." Basically the synopsis is---a jury who thought it was going to be an easy guilty verdict. One guy was a "holdout" and that made the other jurors angry as they wanted to go home because they thought the accused was guilty. The lone juror received the scorn of the others until they dissected the evidence more closely and one by one the jurors finally went to the other side and joined the lone juror who thought the defendant might be innocent.

I would love to see some people with "guts" defend their candidate instead of hiding behind ridicule.

RIGHT ON BROTHER:beer3:

[Guest]

:agree: Sometimes this forum resembles a Rush Limbaugh echo-chamber.

I guess that I won't complain that the LARGE number of people group that you belong to DON'T participate in political. Save us the mundane barbs.

[Guest]

You are awesome Cabo, as usual.:eclipsee_gold_cup:

:agree::agree::agree:

[Guest]

Writers? Writers? What's this I hear about a small number of writers?

Well, I miss "Girl Talk." It looks like to me that it stopped in its tracks. (Sigh)

Oh well.

Boomer

(I know. I know. I just edited out the b****y part. You had to have been really fast to catch it. I just cannot get into something like this.)

[Guest]

:pepper2:Writers? Writers? What's this I hear about a small number of writers?

Well, I miss "Girl Talk." It looks like to me that it stopped in its tracks. (Sigh)

Oh well.

Boomer

(I know. I know. I just edited out the b****y part. You had to have been really fast to catch it. I just cannot get into something like this.)

:agree::agree::agree: Thank you Boomer!! I miss it too!!!!!

Let's get going girls and get back to "Girl Talk: :crap2:

As they say Boomer...."you go girl!!" :highfive:

Jeanne
:pepper2::beer3::pepper2:

[Guest]

How about last year when a same small group railede day in and day out about ANYTHING Repuiblican or even more broadly...ANYTHING/anybody not for Obama. Taj44....do you mean like that group?
How would you grade their research?

The big difference....last year we did not pick up our toys and go hide. We discussed/battled/argued/what ever.
This year now that their man is in the WH the same verbose/bombastic group is no where to be found. We can't get them to express why they believe any issues Obama performs are good? Why?

Must be the party expects blind obedience...that is not the way America works...thank GOD for the first amendment.

Did you ever hear the expression no struggle no progress....apparently not.
There has yet to be one....ONE of the select group of grinders from last year EVER defend or explain what the think about an issue....ANY issue.

It is a cop out to pretend y'all are on some high ground. To belittle those who have a difference of opinion....just like therailers of 2008!!!

As I have said in other posts this is not particular to this forum, it is rampant in most any forums, gatherings. Talk about a waste.

I guess we will have to wait for the next election or next round of sarcasm on Palin....she seems to have the ability to drag the 2008 railers out of their holes.

Put your asbestos shorts on and come on into the kitchen...the heat ain't all that back.
If you can dish it out one should be able to take it....but obviously not....at least to date.

It is your loss.

btk

[Guest]

Ahhhh, btk, we meet again.

And to think I swore off ever posting again in political. But I just won't count this one because this one is merely a citation to prove a point.

I know how you loathe liberals. But I learned that even we moderates were not welcome in here. I came to political, not so very long ago, in an attempt to discuss how I saw what was happening to the party that I had always been a part of. The party that I no longer recognize. Fiscally conservative me. Socially progressive me. Nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide. And I wanted to talk about healthcare, too.

And, btw, do you remember when you had a doctor in here, who would post about things he saw on the front lines in his job. And he tried to discuss. He had interesting things to say. But I have not seen him for a while. No wondering why.

Now, I know full well, going in, that you, btk, will dismiss this as you always do and you will continue on, marching, marching, marching to that drummer.

But that's OK. I will say it anyway. Maybe somebody else will want to see it. Maybe not.

Here is a link to an old thread. If you go to page 5 and scroll down to post #48, it was you and me, btk. You and me. I had tried to discuss in this forum. I attempted communication. But this post I cite is where I finally left it. And it explains why. Please see #48. I have others in there but it is #48 where I said my goodbye. And why.

This is just for the record.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22762&page=5

And another, btw, btk, the political forum looks a lot like a leaflet drop. You just fly over. There is more to winning the hearts and minds than just flying over.

Boomer (writing to you from the state of ennui)

[Guest]

Ahhhh, btk, we meet again.

And to think I swore off ever posting again in political. But I just won't count this one because this one is merely a citation to prove a point.

I know how you loathe liberals. But I learned that even we moderates were not welcome in here. I came to political, not so very long ago, in an attempt to discuss how I saw what was happening to the party that I had always been a part of. The party that I no longer recognize. Fiscally conservative me. Socially progressive me. Nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide. And I wanted to talk about healthcare, too.

And, btw, do you remember when you had a doctor in here, who would post about things he saw on the front lines in his job. And he tried to discuss. He had interesting things to say. But I have not seen him for a while. No wondering why.

Now, I know full well, going in, that you, btk, will dismiss this as you always do and you will continue on, marching, marching, marching to that drummer.

But that's OK. I will say it anyway. Maybe somebody else will want to see it. Maybe not.

Here is a link to an old thread. If you go to page 5 and scroll down to post #48, it was you and me, btk. You and me. I had tried to discuss in this forum. I attempted communication. But this post I cite is where I finally left it. And it explains why. Please see #48. I have others in there but it is #48 where I said my goodbye. And why.

This is just for the record.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22762&page=5

And another, btw, btk, the political forum looks a lot like a leaflet drop. You just fly over. There is more to winning the hearts and minds than just flying over.

Boomer (writing to you from the state of ennui)I am a doctor. I am NOT retired. I post almost everyday. I am not wedded to any party. I have posted MANY times I support a single payor system for our healthcare... like the system I practiced in as an Army doc.... but, I am terrified by Obama and his background, his mentors and his agenda,.... sorry to destroy your message. Stay in the forum Boomer... we need input from every angle.

[Guest]

Ahhhh, btk, we meet again.

And to think I swore off ever posting again in political. But I just won't count this one because this one is merely a citation to prove a point.

I know how you loathe liberals. But I learned that even we moderates were not welcome in here. I came to political, not so very long ago, in an attempt to discuss how I saw what was happening to the party that I had always been a part of. The party that I no longer recognize. Fiscally conservative me. Socially progressive me. Nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide. And I wanted to talk about healthcare, too.

And, btw, do you remember when you had a doctor in here, who would post about things he saw on the front lines in his job. And he tried to discuss. He had interesting things to say. But I have not seen him for a while. No wondering why.

Now, I know full well, going in, that you, btk, will dismiss this as you always do and you will continue on, marching, marching, marching to that drummer.

But that's OK. I will say it anyway. Maybe somebody else will want to see it. Maybe not.

Here is a link to an old thread. If you go to page 5 and scroll down to post #48, it was you and me, btk. You and me. I had tried to discuss in this forum. I attempted communication. But this post I cite is where I finally left it. And it explains why. Please see #48. I have others in there but it is #48 where I said my goodbye. And why.

This is just for the record.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22762&page=5

And another, btw, btk, the political forum looks a lot like a leaflet drop. You just fly over. There is more to winning the hearts and minds than just flying over.

Boomer (writing to you from the state of ennui)

I think I know who hasn't posted here for awhile as it was the thread on global warming? All I can say is that it must be awful hard for a man of science to post on a political forum. Unfortunately, it is a political issue as the scientists themselves don't really agree with each other. Maybe time will heal and he will post again.

[Guest]

Boomer....glad to see you venturing into Politcal. Thanks for your articulate and thoughtful posts in Investment Talks. I hope you choose to play in this forum. Diversity and controversy are what make it interesting. If a post turns your smile to a frown....picture the poster "in the buff", at the town square, dancing feverishly to Rocky and the Rollers best rendition of "I'm So Excited". Works for me. When the smile comes back...gar-un-teed....hit the keyboard and level the playing field.

I hope this graphic post passes muster with the good taste police that monitor the board for erotic content. ;)

[Guest]

Boomer....glad to see you venturing into Politcal. Thanks for your articulate and thoughtful posts in Investment Talks. I hope you choose to play in this forum. Diversity and controversy are what make it interesting. If a post turns your smile to a frown....picture the poster "in the buff", at the town square, dancing feverishly to Rocky and the Rollers best rendition of "I'm So Excited". Works for me. When the smile comes back...gar-un-teed....hit the keyboard and level the playing field.

I hope this graphic post passes muster with the good taste police that monitor the board for erotic content. ;)


WOW...that sort of messed up my lunch :)

Not inviting Boomer...that was good....but the imagery you suggested !

[Guest]

a subject of the current administration, in the very same manner as the pre election opposition posters did in 2008 did.....day in and day out....it is now postured that because of the way we write, some no longer choose to participate.

Let's try to keep it simple!!! Let us assume current crop of alleged the negative reponses, the bashing, the "leaflet dropping", personal attacks employed since the election .....the kind of writing we are solicited to believe that is why some have elected to not venture here any more.....are exactly the same as the negative responses, the bashing, the "leaflet dropping" and personal attacks employed by the anti Bush anything crowd. And if exactly the same why was there no weeping and crying of those who were going to stop visiting the forum because of such writings in 2008?

I find it particularly entertaining when those who flung what ever they flung in 2008 are now chastising the similar tactics of current writers.

Don't ya just hate when people try to administer the do as I say but not as I do philosophy. As far as the mis-stating and mis-interpreting of what one said
by some of others....be happy in your thoughts.

No struggle no progress!! As has been cited by many previously...it's political, put on your thick skin and c'mon in.

In closing there are many here today that are still anxiously awaiting any of the 2008 posters to come forth and back up what their man/party is doing.

btk

[Guest]

Don't you think many people are completely sick of both sides? If they look in here they see lame arguments, juvenile responses and shrill jibberish.

There aren't three or four posters in here who advance valid argument for either side, argument without attack and without baiting, without vicious tone and hate, and without declining juvenile-sounding bashing.

It is a pity to watch this day in and day out. I watch only because I have to, but honestly you should be standing aside and see the general tenor here. I believe this portion of the forum has brought down the general quality and fun of the forum. People have not only refrained from posting here in political, they are reluctiant to post anywhere because of the tone of Political. I'm glad they do post, though. I feel our membership is strong, and our posting numbers are good, but I know they could be better.

Good, calm, honest argument would be fine, but so many posters come off as completely whacked out, red-faced and seething.

Because of the low quality of argument in Political, I have to level with you all, I have strongly pushed to have one of two things happen to this section of the forum. Either make it completely private so that posters have to join by request. Or make it completely separate from the main Talk of The Villages forum so that our general posters will not have to see the political posts show up in their New Post listing. Or a combination of the two.

I am quite ashamed of this section of the forum. Many posters style gives me the creeps.

This sense has come to me also, by the way, from other members of Talk of The Villages. You would be embarrassed to know how they see some of you because of your postings.

How to fix it? With calm, rational civility in your posts, like you would practice in person. Most everything in Political ends up in a fist fight, a brawl, whining about my side and wailing against the other side. I could count on one hand the number of posters who could stand up to a good old college debate.

I would suspect that some members might like to voice their thoughts without the risk of being bashed, baited, or told to leave because they can't take the bashing and baiting. It is annoying to see members tell others members to keep away if they can't stand it. It is not up to some members to tell others to leave.

Political posters really should sit back and look at the tenor here, from both sides. It is pitiful.

[Guest]

I wonder why the Bush-bashers--Obama admirers don't post anymore. Do they still lurk and read the posts but don't know what to say? Do they feel that their case is too weak to defend? Did they just get on the bandwagon and then just jump off and now have no opinion? Could it be that they had no real convictions to begin with and only echoed the party talking points. Are there people out there that voted for Obama and now regret it but are too embarrassed to admit it?

Edited.... I have just read Tony's post and decided to just edit mine. This is the first political forum I have been to. Just to compare... a few weeks ago I found two other political forums. To tell you the truth..this is by far the most civil forum of the three I visit. There is one forum that scares the heck out of me...you will get eaten up alive in no time at all. They are allowed to use any words or phrases they want, with hardly any restrictions.
I think the rules and moderating on this forum are very good. It can get rough sometimes but that is the nature of the beast. Politics is not for the faint of heart. My representative, Barney Frank, was speaking at a college a few weeks ago and was asked a few questions by a student that Mr. Frank didn't like. You should have heard Barney go off on this kid. Yes, sometimes the heat is high, but at the end of the day I don't think anybody really holds any great animosity towards one another.
I wrestled and played football in school and at the end of every match and game we shook hands. I would do the same thing with anybody on this forum. Anyways...that's how I feel about it.

[Guest]

Hey Cabo I like to watch the political forum but not often. The lefties get me to riled up. It 's to painful to talk to the FOLLOWERS, they live in a different world than I do and they are true believers with no sense of history to guide them. Then I go off and the bosses take my posts off the site. So mostly I just read and wonder what country I live in.
I used to think I had an interesting life but can I just let you know that I'm available for adoption. I have an HD.
Benj

[Guest]

So much for Tony's message I guess...

[Guest]

Don't you think many people are completely sick of both sides? If they look in here they see lame arguments, juvenile responses and shrill jibberish.

There aren't three or four posters in here who advance valid argument for either side, argument without attack and without baiting, without vicious tone and hate, and without declining juvenile-sounding bashing.

It is a pity to watch this day in and day out. I watch only because I have to, but honestly you should be standing aside and see the general tenor here. I believe this portion of the forum has brought down the general quality and fun of the forum. People have not only refrained from posting here in political, they are reluctiant to post anywhere because of the tone of Political. I'm glad they do post, though. I feel our membership is strong, and our posting numbers are good, but I know they could be better.

Good, calm, honest argument would be fine, but so many posters come off as completely whacked out, red-faced and seething.

Because of the low quality of argument in Political, I have to level with you all, I have strongly pushed to have one of two things happen to this section of the forum. Either make it completely private so that posters have to join by request. Or make it completely separate from the main Talk of The Villages forum so that our general posters will not have to see the political posts show up in their New Post listing. Or a combination of the two.

I am quite ashamed of this section of the forum. Many posters style gives me the creeps.

This sense has come to me also, by the way, from other members of Talk of The Villages. You would be embarrassed to know how they see some of you because of your postings.

How to fix it? With calm, rational civility in your posts, like you would practice in person. Most everything in Political ends up in a fist fight, a brawl, whining about my side and wailing against the other side. I could count on one hand the number of posters who could stand up to a good old college debate.

I would suspect that some members might like to voice their thoughts without the risk of being bashed, baited, or told to leave because they can't take the bashing and baiting. It is annoying to see members tell others members to keep away if they can't stand it. It is not up to some members to tell others to leave.

Political posters really should sit back and look at the tenor here, from both sides. It is pitiful.

I will certainly take my leave if you want but am curious about those who complain....are they the same ones who do not visit any longer but were full of the trash during the campaign ?

Or are they they folks who come in here with a different name than they used during the campaign ?

I know that has to be rhetorical, but the forum is one sided but I find those who have complained on here publicly are NEW.....and suspect many of them are those who maligned me and others during the campaign dialogue !

If you want balance then you should ask those who post to post their affliation or beliefs and then allocate spots !

And to be honest I have seen very little of what you describe Tony, ie. folks being told to leave if they cant stand it...VERY VERY VERY LITTLE !



Sorry we have shamed you !

[Guest]

I am not asking anybody to take leave.

[Guest]

I am not asking anybody to take leave.

Tony...Has the tone changed from what it was last fall? I have gone through some old threads and I actually think things are alot more tame. But I was not here so I can only imagine.

Edit...I randomly bumped an old thread about Ms. Palin.

[Guest]

Boomer....glad to see you venturing into Political. Thanks for your articulate and thoughtful posts in Investment Talks. I hope you choose to play in this forum. Diversity and controversy are what make it interesting. If a post turns your smile to a frown....picture the poster "in the buff", at the town square, dancing feverishly to Rocky and the Rollers best rendition of "I'm So Excited". Works for me. When the smile comes back...gar-un-teed....hit the keyboard and level the playing field.

I hope this graphic post passes muster with the good taste police that monitor the board for erotic content. ;)

cabo,

Thank you for the invitation. And thank you for the kind words on the fun I have over there in the investment forum. I probably will just hang out in other places for a while, but it was nice of you to ask.

And I must say that even though I do not agree with everything you say, you certainly can turn a phrase. I saw what you said the other day about your writing for magazines, and I have to tell you that I laughed. It was one of those "Aha!" kinds of laughs. And I thought to myself, "I knew it! That guy writes somewhere."

Yes, you can turn a phrase, and I must say, too, that you are good with the imagery. That is quite a word picture you just painted for me. Oh my!

Thanks for a smile, cabo. That is really why I come here to TOTV. But sometimes I wander into Political and start acting like I think I am Miss Kitty in the saloon on "Gunsmoke." What with all the punching and chairs getting busted over heads and beer getting spilled all over the floor, well, I just can't have it like that. Miss Kitty would never put up with such a thing.

Ohhhhhh, I have surely, surely descended into madness.

Boomer

[Guest]

In my first question when I was a new member I asked why the number of people on this web site was so small compared to the number of people who lives in the Villages and realized that many members dont even live in the Villages. In this political sectioln I think that the num ber of people who usually write is very tiny compared to the number of members and even more tiny compared to the number of people in the Villages. Why?

If you want to know why people do not post to the political post, just read the last five pages. Everyone is at everyone else's throats because of their views.

[Guest]

Tony......boy that was a close one.....I thought for sure I was going to wind up in the penalty box for graphic, exotic content in my last post when I saw your name on the thread.

I agree with a substantial portion of your post. My mom was a Boston democrat who worked on JFK's campaign and my father, a staunch Goldwater republican. It made for interesting dinner talk. At family gatherings, she would caution against conversation involving politics and religion. You would have to know my family to fully appreciate that point. Unfortunately our family loyalties were also divided between the Red Sox and the Yankees. Sports talk wasn't always a pretty option and it usually morphed into loud, animated political debate.

I learned to listen a lot between wine, appetizers, soup, pasta, roast and homemade Italian desserts, and then, start all over again. If you are Italian, you understand the serving process. Relatives would get insulted, have their feathers ruffled and sometimes didn't speak until the next family gathering and one of mom's day long dinners. As acrimonious as it got....God forbid an outsider should abuse or threaten a family member. Those who tried felt the wrath of the entire family. You've heard of the Soprano's? I know them, they took notes from my family.

I look at TOTV as kind of an extended family. It gets a little crazy sometimes, like my relatives... posters or visitors get their feathers ruffled on occasion, but, I believe that they are all good people who are passionate about their politics and loyal American patriots each and every one. I would like to think my polar political opposite would defend me if I was sincerely threatened. I know that applies with a degree of certainty to some antagonists I have had "bristling" exchanges with.

I guess I'm saying it wouldn't be a political forum if it wasn't contentious to some degree. You are correct about the unhealthy nature that surfaces when the vitriolic level evolves into personal attacks. I know that my twisted sense of humor has occasionally been taken as a personal attack. I wouldn't be sincere if I told you I felt apologetic about that.

Keedy is correct when he cites other out of control political forums. I hope that this forum does not meet an ignoble demise. I am sure you and the other administrators will do what has to be done to keep it alive and lively while tempered with enforced decorum.

For the record...you weren't in my mind dancing in the town square when I conjured up this post. Hmmmmm.....

Have a good evening.

[Guest]

to decide on their own what they like and don't like. I find it interesting that a comment was made that because of the political forum atmosphere it affects the rest of the forum.

Why did we not hear how upsetting the political forum is to some participants during the heated exchanges all through 2008 prior to the election??? The exchanges before the election were certainly less civil than they are today.....in my humble opinion. It is also interested as has been observed frequently some of those who were most verbal of participants no longer post (or at least not under their 2008 identity).

Political is political. The acceptability of the content is in the eye of the one looking at you in the mirror!!

I wish the number of participants would increase 20% then we would really find out what people think and the opinions would be even more varied (and to some even more unacceptable).

I think it is self adjusting/policing and just fine!!!!!!!!! Do not ever expect to keep all of the people happy all of the time....statistically (or any other measure) impossible!!

btk

btk

[Guest]

Tony......boy that was a close one.....I thought for sure I was going to wind up in the penalty box for graphic, exotic content in my last post when I saw your name on the thread.

I agree with a substantial portion of your post. My mom was a Boston democrat who worked on JFK's campaign and my father, a staunch Goldwater republican. It made for interesting dinner talk. At family gatherings, she would caution against conversation involving politics and religion. You would have to know my family to fully appreciate that point. Unfortunately our family loyalties were also divided between the Red Sox and the Yankees. Sports talk wasn't always a pretty option and it usually morphed into loud, animated political debate.

I learned to listen a lot between wine, appetizers, soup, pasta, roast and homemade Italian desserts, and then, start all over again. If you are Italian, you understand the serving process. Relatives would get insulted, have their feathers ruffled and sometimes didn't speak until the next family gathering and one of mom's day long dinners. As acrimonious as it got....God forbid an outsider should abuse or threaten a family member. Those who tried felt the wrath of the entire family. You've heard of the Soprano's? I know them, they took notes from my family.

I look at TOTV as kind of an extended family. It gets a little crazy sometimes, like my relatives... posters or visitors get their feathers ruffled on occasion, but, I believe that they are all good people who are passionate about their politics and loyal American patriots each and every one. I would like to think my polar political opposite would defend me if I was sincerely threatened. I know that with a degree of certainty for some antagonists I have had "bristling" exchanges with.

I guess I'm saying it wouldn't be a political forum if it wasn't contentious to some degree. You are correct about the unhealthy nature that surfaces when the vitriolic level evolves into personal attacks. I know that my twisted sense of humor has occasionally been taken as a personal attack. I wouldn't be sincere if I told you I felt apologetic about that.

Keedy is correct when he cites other out of control political forums. I hope that this forum does not meet an ignoble demise. I am sure you and the other administrators will do what has to be done to keep it alive and lively while tempered with enforced decorum.

For the record...you weren't in my mind dancing in the town square when I conjured up this post. Hmmmmm.....

Have a good evening.

Cabo35 is lubricating my appetite for sure!!! I love the Soprano's... as I have the complete DVD set.
I just want to say that there is alot of talent here...Cabo35...Steve Z...billethKid...Bucco...yea even Boomer;) , just to name a few. I have learned very much since I joined this forum. It has helped me decide to take the LifeStyle Visit, which I plan to make in November for my 60th birthday.
In closing, I wish that more of the posters that just drop in and give their one or two wise-guy sentences would really try to sit down and reveal more of themselves and contribute.
Like Capo says...it might get a little emotional around here but if people didn't get their blood boiling and just became analytical and polite...it might start to get a little stale. Give me the Sopranos any day.

[Guest]

I think Keedy said it best with the comment about shaking hands after a good match.

We're all a little long-in-the-tooth, and that alone has us having seen many things (good and bad) and developing opinions often based on burned fingers. Because of that, everyone's experience and viewpoints are different, and we can get rather intense in our sharing.

The trick is to accept that people believe what they believe in good faith. Granted, the capacity to share in good faith is quite variable among those who visit here, and that can make for hard times and ruffled egos.

What is interesting are discussions (and that can be a stretch of a term!) where at times the idealists and pragmatists try to explain themselves to each other, and neither can accept it when the other fails to change sides.

We all have a lot to learn from each other when we share our opinions and, more importantly, the reasons for our opinions. We still may not agree despite the added shared information. Some may even feel that "changing sides" on an issue is too ego-defeating and fight even harder by making the discussion personal. At our ages, we should know and act better than that.

There are a lot of very smart people (idealists and pragmatists from both major parties, the minor parties and independents) who visit this board, and they all provide different views of the political prism. That's healthy and very American.

So, in this verbal hockey game, as long as it ends with a virtual handshake, and an occasional real one to include a $1.75 margarita at LSL/SS some evening, AND with mutual respect, then let the games continue.....

However, we all should be above personal slamming. It accomplishes nothing, especially when we are all (or will be) neighbors. And within TV, we're a little more than neighbors, since we know that the odds are we may be each other's last neighbors to boot. That alone should keep us respectful to each other.

[Guest]

Gee, a literary allusion went over your head. :a20:
http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/Politics/AmericanPolitics/PoliticalCommunicationMediaStudi/?view=usa&ci=9780195366822
or
http://www.amazon.com/Echo-Chamber-Limbaugh-Conservative-Establishment/dp/0195366824/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1249073357&sr=8-2

Kayaker, Do you really think anyone would catch the 'literary allusion’? Echo Chamber, is and always has been a national worst seller. It has been out for more than a year now and has generated only four reviews on Amazon. It stands at #194,145 in the Amazon Sales ranking. By contrast Glenn Beck’s most recent book, Glenn Beck's “Common Sense: The Case Against an Out-of-Control Government, Inspired by Thomas Paine”, stands at #3 after having been at #1 for several weeks and his, “An Inconvenient Book: Real Solutions to the World's Biggest Problems” stands at #15,198 after being out for more than two years.

Were you really one of the ten people who bought this book?

[Guest]

billethkid said, "I find it interesting that a comment was made that because of the political forum atmosphere it affects the rest of the forum."

What make you think it didn't. I heard it a lot and let political run it course and not stifle conversation. That, I can see now by your post, was a serious mistake.

[Guest]

by another member who inferred I asked them to leave when I quoted Truman.

As an administrator you will do what ever you have to do based on the information you have.
It will be a shame if the administration feels they have to control access and participation to the examples you cite.

Hopefully your conclusions will not be derived on the participation of the last 6 months.....2009 is a more civil participation than 2008. It w

Good luck in your decision making. If perchance you all conclude a change is required hopefully it does not just wind up consolidating those with a similar belief or outlook. No struggle, no progress.

btk

[Guest]

*************
************
**********

[Guest]

Please tell me what you meant, Keedy, that you think there was politics behind the scenes.

[Guest]

I was just ready to retire....I just mean there must be people complaining...behind the scenes....but that happens everywhere...as a moderator you must hear alot....Nothing personal Tony....Lobbying is a way of life..at work...in Washington...everywhere....
As a member of the board in my condo complex....I have to hear it from both sides of every issue...Good Nite


PS...That's why I deleted it...after thinking about it...I didn't think I expressed myself very well.

[Guest]

upon which a possible change in format of the political forum is based.

One thing I am almost certain of is that the majority of us do not subscribe to the personal attacks, snide remarks and belittling inuendo that surfaces, occasionally.

Excluding those ocassions what is left are the small in number of members who choose to post in the political forum, new threads or comment on existing threads. The subject of politics as everybody knows has varying degrees of credibility and civility at home, school, work, in the state capitals and of course Washington, DC. As with any group there will always be a majority who observe and a minority that will participate. And within those groups there will be sub groups like those who may disagree with a tone or discussion or direction of a given thread.

ANY political forum will ALWAYS have challenging, counter challenging, debating, arguing and then start all over again. It's the intrinsic nature of politics.

There will always be those who will, based on their own personal measure and belief be unhappy, dis-satisfied or even disgusted with the approach of "SOME" posts/posters. Sometimes they may even post in a given thread to express their dis-satisfaction. They no doubt will surely be offended as "SOME" will tell the poster what they think. And I assume some number of those could wind up as a complaint to the administration.

As has been stated many times before they do have a choice as to whether to visit the political forum or not.

As an example, I for one do not subscribe to political correctness. I personally believe it is an option to NOT do what is right or truly "correct"...why else would it be differentiated as 'political' correctness.
I do not expect to change the minds of those who do subscribe to political correctness. I also assume they know they can not change my belief as well. Hence an unresolved discussion/debate and sometimes even argument (remember I said setting personal attacks aside).

To help my thinking (and thank goodness get to my point!!) I looked up the definition of political correctness, presented below:

Main Entry:
politically correct
Function:
adjective
Date:
1936

: conforming to a belief that language and practices which could offend political sensibilities should be eliminated
— political correctness noun

Again setting aside personal attacks, snide and belittling chiding, I conclude the objections of SOME regarding the tenor and interpretation of the political forum clearly meet the definition of political correctness. That is my opinion on the matter.

I do not and probably will not understand the notion that because of the tenor of the political forum (good, bad or indifferent) that it affects/taints the rest of TOTV forums....sounds like arm twisting to me.

My closing example (finally)...if these same people dislike a specific store in Lake Sumter Landing do they stop going to LSL? Do they think it affects the rest of the stores in LSL? And what would TV response be if they got a complaint stating a specific store is disliked and TV needs to do something about it (remember these businesses all passed the TV screen to be allowed in LSL).

I would just hate to see what I will call a special interest group, normally a significantly smaller representation than the majority, be the cause of changing a format that for the most part works and serves it's users.

Thanx for listening.

btk

[Guest]

I am curious under what name you posted during the campaign as I see your join date is January of this year ???

Why do people change names on here...just curious !!

Nothing nefarious going on, just couldn't get logged on with my old screen name when TOTV changed over to a new site. This is exactly why I rarely post here any more. Between the insults and the negativity, you people are just looking for some way to bully, slander or gang up on those who don't agree with you. Well, sorry to disappoint you, but you and your right wing cronies didn't "catch" me at anything. As far as I'm concerned, Tony hit the nail on the head - this political forum is an embarassment, and is not representative of Villagers and TOTV as a whole. Sayonara, you won't see me here again.

[Guest]

Im almost scared of what happened here. I thought I asked a honest question and I dont read here very often but look what happened. In my first question I asked how this web site can be a true cross section of the Villages when only a small number of members write on it and many of them dont even live in the Villages? Then later I looked at more links and I saw that if its very few people who write, in that political area it seemed to be only a very very tiny handful of people who write. That was all that I wondered about. I didnt mean to start a whole arguement, I just wanted to know why so few. Now Im afraid to ask anyting anywhere. I dont know how to quote someone who wrote before, Im thinking of the person who said something about look at the last five pages. Now Im sorry I even asked.

[Guest]

Learned a new phrase today:
Sock Puppet:
The term sock puppet refers to someone who is simultaneously registered under different pseudonyms on a particular message board or forum. The analogy of a sock puppet is of a puppeteer holding up both hands and supplying dialogue to both puppets simultaneously. A sock puppet will create multiple accounts over a period of time, using each user to debate or agree with each other on a forum. Sock puppets are usually found when an IP check is done on the accounts in a forum.

[Guest]

Learned a new phrase today:
Sock Puppet:
The term sock puppet refers to someone who is simultaneously registered under different pseudonyms on a particular message board or forum. The analogy of a sock puppet is of a puppeteer holding up both hands and supplying dialogue to both puppets simultaneously. A sock puppet will create multiple accounts over a period of time, using each user to debate or agree with each other on a forum. Sock puppets are usually found when an IP check is done on the accounts in a forum.

...supplying dialogue to ... you mean like talking points?

I think you should ask for an IP check. You've got my vote.

[Guest]

Learned a new phrase today:
Sock Puppet:
The term sock puppet refers to someone who is simultaneously registered under different pseudonyms on a particular message board or forum. The analogy of a sock puppet is of a puppeteer holding up both hands and supplying dialogue to both puppets simultaneously. A sock puppet will create multiple accounts over a period of time, using each user to debate or agree with each other on a forum. Sock puppets are usually found when an IP check is done on the accounts in a forum.

Wow, do you guys ever underestimate these admins. Trust me, they do their jobs well. They know where each and every post comes from at all times and if there is a name change. Don't turn around... your "newbie" is showing! :shocked::1rotfl:

[Guest]

Wow, do you guys ever underestimate these admins. Trust me, they do their jobs well. They know where each and every post comes from at all times and if there is a name change. Don't turn around... your "newbie" is showing! :shocked::1rotfl:

I stated IP check would tell

Who is newbie?

Why silly icons?