Quote:
Originally posted by DragonMage:
Guys - Istaron and AboveTheRimYo, for example - the reason I take offense at the tone is that I am aware of the fact that, while some people and some whole countries think America is great, other people and countries don't. That's fine. But what I wish you would understand is that not ALL American citizens are what is projected. We have no more say - ultimately - in what our government does than you do in yours. It keeps coming across to me that you seem to hold 'we, the people' responsible when this country isn't for 'we, the people' anymore - not really. Yes, we vote on our leaders, but anyone we vote on can screw up. How are we, the individuals, now responsible for their decisions? I certainly have no say in whether or not we declare war.
It just seems that those of you who have a bad view of America and Americans due to our GOVERNMENT'S decisions are saying that we are all bad and are happy about everything. Some are, some aren't. But being rude or sarcastic certainly isn't going to get you taken seriously. And insulting people - ATRY - is going to get you ignored in the end instead of having your views considered.
Oh! I don't know why I bother! You've decided we're all a bunch of bullies.
[This message has been edited by DragonMage (edited 10-10-2001).]
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DM, you said a mouthful! I have friends in several countries. Some are postive about the US and some quite negative about governmental actions. NONE are deliberately rude, condescending or insulting to me, personally. Yes, we do disagree, but never try to provoke anger and frustration in each other.
I long ago decided it was imprudent to argue politics and religion. Sometimes I forget myself and post here and there, usually hoping to make my viewpoint known without flaming anyone or shoving it down their throats. Hopefully that is how it comes across, because I don't like seeing posts that do that sort of thing. Nothing is accomplished by posting the equivalent of "I am right, you are wrong, inferior and completely lacking in intelligence, so kiss my boots."
I like to think that civil discourse gives us insight into each other's lives and maybe makes us more tolerant. I'm afraid that the sniping, baiting and petty name calling only makes us dislike one another and it engenders more of the same.
One thing that has really gotten on my nerves,though is the incessant repetition of points. Member A says "x", Member B says "z" and they repeat it ad infinitum with more and more 'passion' until one or the other adds insult 'y' to the mix. Then members C D and E all have to jump in and we have a nice mess with lots of hurt feelings and unecessary barbs. Someone has to do the mature thing and GIVE up replying! Just let it go!
Ok, I'm done ranting.. and thanks DragonMage, your post was a good one.
Cloudy
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Raindancer of the Laughing Hyenas Clan
CloudDragon of the OHF
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