Political Posts
 

What is the policy on TOTV regarding political posts? I thought they weren't allowed, yet recently there seem to be political threads being posted every day. And usually they bring out the worst in people, the reason they were probably banned in the first place. Has there been a change in policy?

Sometimes they're just not caught quickly enough. Many times a post is started about current events that quickly deteriorates into political discussions and then goes downhill from there.

Generally you know a thread will go political by who the OP is. Also, I'm sure the moderators must groan when they read the words "this is not political". What causes me to wonder is how a certain few use TOTV as their political sounding board when there are other forums just for that purpose.

Now from the other side of the aisle............actually, my chair is in the middle of the aisle, but slightly to the right.
And here in The Villages, I have plenty of company.

There have been threads started that are thinly veiled political and state they want to discuss issues on what people think, of world events.

Most people I know, can't discuss politics, without becoming heated somewhere along the line. Just look at the politicians, as they all seem to not be able to agree on anything, for the good of the country and it's people.

Sorry, I lost my head, as they only want their point of view, to matter. :smiley:

Or pools or dogs it seems, or a number of other topics. :)

mickey100: why are you looking a gift horse in the mouth? Geezzzz

After yesterday, I choose not to post here. :jester:

A major problem of course is the fact that many times what is considered by some as political may not be to just as many others.

Another issue, in my opinion is that those who object or dislike political continue to enter and partake of what they do not like and then complain about the political content whether real or perceived.

There is a continuing aura of negativism that is regularly assigned to that which may be political with comments such as non political threads degrading to political.

And of course my regular defense of the majority of us who do in fact enjoy discussing current events that like it or not are at times political in nature and have potential to affect all of our lives....and we lose that opportunity and have to listen to derogatory commentary about the nature of political discussions all because of a few who refuse to follow the rules or remain civil.

How about we all call a spade a spade and not tar and feather the subject of politics because of a few bad actors or a select few who do not care for political rhetoric. As has been pointed out about other controversial subjects there are always the few who antagonize the many....however those other controversial subjects are not banned.

And in closing I still do not know why those who do not care for or are predjudiced about political content continue to enter a thread that may have political content and thencomplain about what is posted. That makes about as much sense to me as one who would elect to continue to visit a casino and then complain and denegrate what they see and hear inside.

The cure is, was and always has been....so simple....how about just do not enter....it is voluntary!!

And the profiling of which of us may be political or not is entertaining on some level....I think!!!

Most "current events" or quasi political posts are no more than partisan pontificating. I can't think of one of those threads that really provoked any deep thinking or healthy discussion. If you present a differing point of view or ask a defining question you are either supported by your fellow ___ or skewered by the ____. Very few people on this forum, or anywhere in America for that matter seem to be open to opposing points of view, even if faced with indisputable facts or evidence.

Well said.

As evidenced by a comment when a well known politician was asked what she dislikes ....she chuckled trying to make funny by saying ......just about anything the opposition is for or supports! Many true words are said in jest!!

Or some well known politicians who vowed at the time of his inauguration to do everything in their power to see that the President's agenda failed. These words, or words like them,were apparently not said in jest.

Usually because someone arrogantly assumes that everyone thinks the exact way he/she does, and has to reminded that there are plenty of others with differing views/opinions.

Maybe these posts have been allowed because readers actually want to read them and engage in an interesting conversation in which they can learn something, too!

There are usually some pretty inane topics in the New Posts list (and that's fine). But maybe people want to converse in a more anonymous way about socio-political events and trends that seriously affect everyone's daily life in society and nation.

Most of us learn early on that it's not worth it to bring up political hot topics in the neighborhood or amongst social/recreation groups, because friends and relatives get offended and we've gotta live with 'em when they're P****D.

Here, we have point/counterpoint statements that make us p****d at somebody who, for example, stereotypes and brands ALL of our race, or ALL local police officers, as being 'racist'. But we don't have to live with or next door to such a thick-skulled bigot. Here people are actually able to point out such bigotry or stupidity without calling them names or making it personal. If they would do that, they'd get warnings and then kicked out.

Obviously many people yesterday wanted to read and discuss BTK's thread started yesterday morning, titled "Help us understand what the purpose....". Before the admins closed the thread, it got 874 hits by viewers, and it got 22 posts.....in just 12 hours. But looking at "New Posts" list right now, I see only 2 threads having more than 874 hits, and those threads were started weeks and months ago. (Not counting the one titled "Sticky: Helpful advice..." that was started in early 2013 having 86,660 posts).

Obviously people want to read something of substance that affects the whole society. Topics deemed "political" could be moved to an OPT-IN area and those who are afraid they might learn something that contradicts or lessens their treasured bigotry don't have to enter!

That is correct.

In any event, the original post queried whether or not political posts are allowed on TOTV. Apparently they technically are NOT allowed, but people post them anyway and get away with it for awhile until it turns ugly, like it always does.

If they want the participation and additional viewership as someone suggested, they could have an opt in section, so those that want to enjoy political discourse can do so.

Some people throw "innocent" questions out there knowing or intending that they will be political and also knowing that those who want to make political comments will be able to do so before the mods get a hold of the post and delete it. Some of these people are the same ones who implore everyone to "follow the rules." The rules being that the discussion of politics is not allowed on this forum, but apparently these posters do not feel those particular rules apply to them.

They know they can get away with it for a certain period of time and get their political point out there, or start an argument, because there are fewer mods operating at certain times of the day, according to Admin. I know this because I have asked.

BUT - let's be fair here, if none of us took their bait they'd only have their own little group to play with!

I ban politics & religion from my Monongah High Alumni blog
 

I honestly do not understand why posters get so upset about posts on current events or political.

SOME come on here and "pontificate" about posters "pontificating. SOME criticize current event/political postings for being argumentative, yet engage in the same word "warfare" about dogs or pools or other things. SOME come on here and say you will not change anyone's mind, yet engage in religious discussions with others knowing they will not convert anyone. The hypocrisy is stunning, especially since those who complain about these posters are under no obligation to read the posts or comment. SOME come on here and complain about the depth of the postings, yet when they post it is a one line snide remark. SOME come on here and say you cannot learn a thing, yet never even read what others posted.

Again, the hypocrisy is just stunning, but I am sure I am wrong and those who find these posts distasteful will move on to criticize another poster on another thread.

And of course SOME will come on here and speak of posters who do post on current events as if they are not worthy and then jump on others on other threads for speaking of other posters in a negative way.

It simply amazes me, and as others have said, all the righteous folks DONT EVEN HAVE TO READ THOSE THREADS.

is there something I am missing here ? Is there actually a stigma attached to a lively discussion of current events but yet not applied to the dog poop stink in areas, or the use of pools for exercising ?

NOBODY yells or curses. It is those who actually do not discuss and disagree, but post only snide off remarks that destroy this. You should be required somehow to post a link to some backup of your position on every post.

The ruination is those who actually do not discuss but just make cracks.

Sunny, in the past, there was an OPT- IN area to discuss politics.
The owners of TOTV decided to close the Political Forum.
It's my understanding that discussions of a political nature are no longer allowed on TOTV.

So the solution is to follow the political correctness cult and avoid having debates on matters of national importance. I mean that's what communist leaders demand of the people they lead. Denial of free speech is disguise in using such terms as lack of civility or claims of racism, homophobia, etc. Cultural diversity is embraced as good but in actuality its an excuse to contiue affirmative action plans.

TOTV terms makes it clear in its rules their rights, the tone they desire is set, etc. I may not agree but I will respect it

Many members have expressed an interest in threads pertaining to political/current events.

Some members on this thread object and complain and believe such subject matter be restricted

I don't like to view classified ads so I click the don't show classified ads button. I am bored with diet threads and avoid them

Those members who are offended by political topics simply need to skip over them

Pick your poison or not

This is true, but then their own group is the only one that gets to put their agenda out there. If none of it happened, as is the rules, there wouldn't be a problem.

As long as the TOTV rules say no political threads, there should be no need to skip over anything, because there should be no threads of that nature.

And the sad part of the entire eventuality was twofold.
One those who opted in to participate with the objective to seek and destroy any reasonable discussion tha did not align with their beleifs.

Secondly and just as annoying were those who would opt in and then either complain to the admin what they did not like or they opened a subject in the general forum where they would complain about the political forum.

Congratulations to both for successfully getting the political forum shut down. An excellent case study of the intents of a few running over the many.....yes in the political forum you could count them on one hand!!!

In the latter their were just too many parrots!

So the solution is to follow the political correctness cult and avoid having debates on matters of national importance. I mean that's what communist leaders demand of the people they lead. Denial of free speech is disguise in using such terms as lack of civility or claims of racism, homophobia, etc. Cultural diversity is embraced as good but in actuality its an excuse to contiue affirmative action plans.


Discussing diversity in an older, white, Christian, straight community is a little like discussing Women's Rights in an all male college with all male professors. If the group was more diverse, at the very least, it would be more interesting.

And SOME even go to the extreme of changing their screen name, apparently to escape their past.

Discussing diversity in an older, white, Christian, straight community is a little like discussing Women's Rights in an all male college with all male professors. If the group was more diverse, at the very least, it would be more interesting.[/QUOTE]

Sooooo, older, white Christians living in a "straight community" (not sure what that is) are unable to have discussions about diversity? Just to clarify, I need to be a young, gay atheist to have an credible opinion regarding diversity?
Sorry, but that will be an awfully exclusive group.....

I will begin by asking ADMIN to allow my post to stay here as I am responding to a post aimed at me personally, AND I know that you (ADMIN) are aware or at least at the time discussed with me this particular situation. This is not an airing of any gripes publicly about you, the board or anything, but to straighten this out once and for all. Thanks to ADMIN for allowing me to post this and for your patience and cooperation in the past.

My original screen name was BUCCO. It is still a viable screen name and to dispute the pms, I have never ever been thrown off this board.

I was an original member of TOTV and also the political forum. I was on the political forum when it was populated by folks who, while animated, discussed politics in a reasonable manner and based their posts on facts which were exchanged so as to explain the viewpoint presented.

I had and have strong political views which I try, not always successful, to back up with links and real information as to how I arrived at them.

Back in May there was a thread and it was actually about SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER as I recall that became political. Fact is, I had complained about it becoming political instead of responding. After a bit it was still allowed, and I did respond more than once..twice as I recall. Anyway, it was then taken down by ADMIN as political and rightfully so. A poster, who now is asking about my name change and making it seem as if I am attempting to "escape my past" could not allow the conversation to end and sent me a few PERSONAL pms talking about ME...personally (NOT threatening) I was concerned as NEVER in all the years on the POLITICAL board had anyone done that to me before. In any case I wrote to ADMIN and send him/her copies of those PMs not knowing exactly what I should do. He said he would take care of if for me, but then after thinking I just decided if my political opinions made someone that angry, maybe I might just change my name. NOT in a sneaky way at all, but at that time simply to keep from getting any more of the pms. Thus I took RAGS123 as a screen name.

This same poster called me out a few weeks ago, again in public on here about the name and I responded not hiding to him. He then sent me a pm again and also posted in the public are of my profile. I then deleted them all and thought is was over. UNTIL TODAY.

I am not ashamed of my political views. I did not change my name for any reason except at that time I just wanted no more unwanted PMs.

This kind of posting, what is being posted about me is EXACTLY what caused the demise of the political forum. Some posters would band together BECAUSE THEY DISAGREED WITH YOUR POSITION and simply overwhelm the moderators with complaints, etc. NEVER did they offer a reasonable articulated rebuttal with any credible facts.

In the hopes that the ADMIN is allowing this, I will say they did the right thing in dismantling that forum. What is ironic is those who killed it did it for all the wrong reasons.

In any case, if anyone feels I am being sneaky, I am not. I have admitted this to anyone who has asked.

I hope the poster is happy that he was able to call me out publicly for what he considered to be the reason. I explained this reason to HIM publicly and to the ADMIN, who agreed with me at the time.

I have not mentioned the name of this poster but surely hope all can figure it out.

To disagree is one thing. To actually show such meanness is just scary to me. Without the proper administration ability to allow free discussion without any of this stuff occuring there should NOT be a political forum because there are those who think of this kind of thing as "discussion" when it is clearly not. I certainly hope should a new area ever come to be it has the proper discipline in place to insure that you must adhere to the rules as I boards have.

Thanks to admin again for allowing this post since an "accusation" has been made against me and it not true.

When a thread is named Political Posts just stand back.

When John McCain discusses POW camps and torture I believe the man understands these subjects better then I do? It's personal. I want to know what he feels and thinks. I can't thank him enough for sharing his experiences.

I want to be in a discussion about diversity with people that are not all like me, white, straight, older, Catholic..............................

Is that clearer?

Sooooo, older, white Christians living in a "straight community" (not sure what that is) are unable to have discussions about diversity? Just to clarify, I need to be a young, gay atheist to have an credible opinion regarding diversity?
Sorry, but that will be an awfully exclusive group.....[/QUOTE]

When John McCain discusses POW camps and torture I believe the man understands these subjects better then I do. It's personal. I want to know what he feels and thinks. I can't thank him enough for sharing his experiences.

I want to be in a discussion about diversity with people that are not all like me, white, straight, older, Catholic..............................

Is that clearer?

If THE WORD politics is in the post stand back?!?!?

I just do not understand why some continue to promote that politics the subject or now even the word are the equivilant of some sort of boogeyman aura as if to be feared.

If the same folks had a fear of going down a dark alley for what ever reason....we would all most likely suppose those folks would not go down a dark alley. Now why doesn't that same logic follow regarding a political discussion. If one does not like politics then, like the dark alley....just simply do not go there.

As stated many, many times....such a simple and GUARANTEED solution....100% effective!:pray:

The fact of the matter is it's a TOTV rule, not a case of whether or not you should ignore something on here that is political in nature if you don't want to discuss politics. Why don't you implore Admin to reinstate the political opt-in/opt-out forum if you feel so strongly that political posts should be allowed?

I didn't care for the classified ads gumming up the New Posts/Today's Posts windows of the forum, and I didn't want the political posts gumming them up either. So the opt-out function worked for me.

Unless and until TOTV changes its rules, you can go to a different forum to discuss politics.

Now THAT is clear and logical! Thank you, CFrance!

I am not advocating or pushing for politics to be discussed when there is a rule not to do so.

I fully understand the rules and my posts recently have been aimed at those who keep harping about the evils of politics, the word politics, threads with political overtones, et al.

And when from time to time when it seems like the admin is allowing for discussions of current events I am against those who continuosly insist on dragging the thread in a political direction knowing full well the end result.

The inference in the above post about my intents regarding political posts in incorrct.

Who cares? Since 80+% of Villagers share the same middle ages thoughts there is very little to be debated on this forum.

Thanks for calling me a middle ager. I like doing math. And my son, Tommy says it's good for my brain. Look's like I'll be cashing in my chips when I'm 124.

You know, I always wanted a Corvette convertible.