Playing with words and freedom of speech

[wmw999 2,589]

There seems to be a fine line between freedom of speech and encouraging terrorists. Unfortunately, that fine line is drawn in different places by different people.

Dunno what the answer is, but to my way of thinking, the difference between encouraging terrorists and disagreeing with the president is very plain, and it's probably very different from some folks' viewpoints.

I do know that using guilt and pressure are usually bad ways to get people to reconsider how they're speaking -- it sets their backs up, and leads them to justfify their own actions and mindsets.

How many of these people would you trust on a jump? Your lives are at risk then. If they can be trusted on a jump, then just maybe they've put some thought into their viewpoints. You might disagree to the bone with the entire thought process, but calling them (or people like them) stupid, sheep, ducks, or whatever else is not going to lead them anywhere. It might force some people, and it might force them out. Is that really what you're interested in?

I guess this is just another Wendy-sponsored plea for civility on the fora. If liberals are supposed to accept that conservatives' calling them stupid, sheep, and traitors is funny to conservatives, then maybe it goes both ways. And back again to the liberals, too.

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[Tonto 1]

A lone voice of reason in the universe.

Wise words.

t

It's the year of the Pig.

[aprilcat 0]

If they can be trusted on a jump, then just maybe they've put some thought into their viewpoints. You might disagree to the bone with the entire thought process, but calling them (or people like them) stupid, sheep, ducks, or whatever else is not going to lead them anywhere. It might force some people, and it might force them out. Is that really what you're interested in?
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I agree with you, Wendy. It says that here is a place to 'vent' but name-calling and labelling is never appropriate nor is it a viable part of any discussion. Labelling someone as a 'conservative' or liberal' just doesn't work, you never know a persons true politics at any given time of day (unless they are just die hard-whatever-they-affiliate with). Do people here just WANT to fight (which is why I think alot of these posts are about)? Michael Moore, et al, can't be that important to burn up all those B.P. points.

And doesn't calling someone a stupid sheep qualify as a personal attack?~~April

Camelot II, the Electric Boogaloo!

[Keith 0]

I agree with you Wendy. I don't let that kind of thing bother me though. My Mom's husband is the same way. When he's lost a debate he reverts to name calling. When he does I know I've won the debate, and just smile. There's a reason people get heavy handed, and it's not because they know they're right.

Keith

Don't Fuck with me Keith - J. Mandeville

[rushmc 23]

Quote

There seems to be a fine line between freedom of speech and encouraging terrorists. Unfortunately, that fine line is drawn in different places by different people.

Dunno what the answer is, but to my way of thinking, the difference between encouraging terrorists and disagreeing with the president is very plain, and it's probably very different from some folks' viewpoints.

I do know that using guilt and pressure are usually bad ways to get people to reconsider how they're speaking -- it sets their backs up, and leads them to justfify their own actions and mindsets.

How many of these people would you trust on a jump? Your lives are at risk then. If they can be trusted on a jump, then just maybe they've put some thought into their viewpoints. You might disagree to the bone with the entire thought process, but calling them (or people like them) stupid, sheep, ducks, or whatever else is not going to lead them anywhere. It might force some people, and it might force them out. Is that really what you're interested in?

I guess this is just another Wendy-sponsored plea for civility on the fora. If liberals are supposed to accept that conservatives' calling them stupid, sheep, and traitors is funny to conservatives, then maybe it goes both ways. And back again to the liberals, too.

Wendy W.

I agree with your post too. However, listed below is a reply indicating (I hope I understood the post) that calling some one a conservative or liberal is name calling. I disagree with that. I am a conservative and I am proud of that. I would think someone on the other side should be proud to be called a liberal!!??

Also, conservatives have been called sheep, stupid and even worse, when taking on topics such as affirmative action, they are labeled a bigot or worse.

Hmm, the facts and opinions around the topics are what keep the theads clean, fun and interesting no matter what side of the issue one resides on.

"America will never be destroyed from the outside,
if we falter and lose our freedoms,
it will be because we destroyed ourselves."
Abraham Lincoln

[wmw999 2,589]

I think what she's saying is that labels are something one should put on one's self, not on someone else.

And yes, it's just as wrong for a liberal to either take offense where it's ridiculous as a conservative, or for a liberal to equate a reasoned disagreement with Affirmative Action with racism (or other reasoned disagreements).

Well, at least in my opinion.

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[rushmc 23]

Quote

I think what she's saying is that labels are something one should put on one's self, not on someone else.

And yes, it's just as wrong for a liberal to either take offense where it's ridiculous as a conservative, or for a liberal to equate a reasoned disagreement with Affirmative Action with racism (or other reasoned disagreements).

Well, at least in my opinion.

Wendy W.

Well stated

"America will never be destroyed from the outside,
if we falter and lose our freedoms,
it will be because we destroyed ourselves."
Abraham Lincoln