Displaying 17,461 To 17,490 Of 19,504 Comments Sometimes a Cigar is Just a Cigar: Sparkman Committed Suicide 200 kids? What, am I Angelina Jolie? » Posted By AdLib On January 16, 2010 @ 8:26 pm Sheriff Adlib thanks ya kindly, ma’am. Now can I help ya carry them groceries to yer ranch? » Posted By AdLib On January 16, 2010 @ 8:24 pm Folks, it is a challenge and occasionally a tightrope act to protect Freedom of Expression and at the same time, the integrity of a website and its membership. There are times where conversation hits a wall and the continuation of it not only becomes redundant and a case of diminishing returns, it can also move the primary issue aside and make the discussion itself the issue. That’s when things can become personal or are taken personally and we’ve seen at other sites what that always leads to. So, may I suggest for this thread that whoever wishes to, summarizes their position, agrees to disagree and moves on to another topic? Appreciate your consideration on this. » Posted By AdLib On January 16, 2010 @ 6:19 pm VOX POPULI IS ABOUT TO BEGIN! CLICK HERE TO GO THERE: https://planetpov.com/live-events/vox-populi/ » Posted By AdLib On January 15, 2010 @ 7:07 pm Do you believe that a lack of civility, sweeping generalities and broad dismissals of others’ opinions causes one to be taken more or less seriously? IMHO, no matter the facts one may be presenting, if one does not do so with a confidence that collegiality and respect reflects, one undercuts one’s perception and in turn undercuts ones own opinion. » Posted By AdLib On January 14, 2010 @ 6:59 pm Night Boomer! » Posted By AdLib On January 12, 2010 @ 11:22 pm Kev…I’ll concede the logic of everything in your comment following your first paragraph. However, to make the claims in your first paragraph, you would need to be intentionally “overlooking” all of the evidence in the bulk of responses to your comments to arrive at your preconceived conclusion. For me, Cher’s points felt very much on target. The problem is not in debating but may be in the zealous pursuit of winning a debate. In such cases, people can cross lines, attack other party(ies) in personal ways and lose perspective on how they are perceived and conducting themselves. The Planet is not a place for a mercenary debate. It just isn’t. As I have referred to, this is the equivalent of a social gathering at a friend’s home, to meet, socialize and discuss with each other issues that really matter to us. Getting hostile, condescending or insulting is inappropriate in such an environment. This is a place for Free Expression and the theory here is that people can only feel free to express themselves if they feel they will not be personally insulted or attacked for doing so. If they feel that they will be respected for their right to their opinion, they will be more likely to return that respect and real constructive conversations and debates on even hot button issues can become deep and enlightening. That is what The Planet is about, it is perhaps a unique style and approach but IMO, it has been working to attract and inspire a remarkable community and remarkable discussions. » Posted By AdLib On January 12, 2010 @ 11:16 pm KevenSeven says: Yes, I want an argument. Actually, I want a debate. If you want to retire from the debate, that is fine. Keven, the issue I see here is that you don’t see or reflect a perception of much of a difference between a personal argument and a debate. A debate is a presentation of facts and logic that support one’s position and contradicts the assertions and/or tenets of another’s position. It is not about the other debater or expressing negative comments, inferences or emotions towards the other debater(s). It is only about the issue, reason and facts. A personal argument is instead an emotional conflict which is very much about the person one disagrees with. It ranges into portrayals of their intellect, sensibilities, personality, etc. In such, one reflects aggression and hostility towards those one deems as frustrating or ignorant because their views are not as “smart” or “right” as the one engaging in the personal argument. I have had many debates here including with you on this article. I have never allowed it to devolve into a personal argument, even when aggression or disrespect may be aimed my way. So, my expectations are not unrealistic. It is not a reflection of a strong argument or debater to try and denigrate or invalidate the person whose opinion they dispute, thinking that by doing so, they also invalidate their opinion. Shooting (or dissing) the messenger doesn’t necessarily kill (or diss) the message one may not like. And, it is not using reason or logic to overcome an argument, just the opposite, it takes no reason or logic to take that route, as we’ve witnessed from the GOP this entire last year. The Planet is not a place for practicing wrestling. It is a place for the thoughtful and respectful exchange of ideas and opinions. It is a think tank, not Thunderdome. Everyone here, including you, is entitled to respect and acceptance of their right to their opinions. That does not mean that anyone here, including you, has to agree with anyone else or refrain from disputing any assertions another member makes. What it does mean is that, unlike HuffPo, all members are required to respectfully disagree. No member will be permitted to freely insult, disrespect or hector another member as a response to their disagreeing with another member’s opinion. Your passion, principles and opinions are very appreciated and valued here. It is necessary though to fully make the leap from the troll bashing, full contact, personal attack blogging that passes for discourse at HuffPo. It’s the difference between having a raucous debate with drunken strangers in a bar as opposed to thoughtful and intriguing conversations with friends and colleagues at the home of a friend. So sit down, relax and enjoy the company, camaraderie and engaging discussions and debates here. After years of HuffPo, it may seem a bit odd it’s far more rewarding. » Posted By AdLib On January 12, 2010 @ 9:42 pm Really? There were hundreds of voices in the government and newspapers calling BS at WMDs in Iraq? Like who? » Posted By AdLib On January 12, 2010 @ 5:21 pm How many news hounds could have been pointed at chasing the WMD story before we went to war in Iraq? That is an enormous straw man from someone who’s expressed he doesn’t like them. » Posted By AdLib On January 12, 2010 @ 5:18 pm A healthy dose of skepticism is always sensible. What you say is indeed possible. After reading more about the case, the evidence and the financial and mental state of this man, I do now think it is more likely that it really was a suicide. However, I reserve a degree of skepticism to allow for the possibility that there can always be more to a story than what the media and government shares with the public. » Posted By AdLib On January 12, 2010 @ 5:11 pm Thanks to all the backup you provided, it does seem that it was a suicide and committed for the reasons described. I do think however that we should have patience and understanding for people who have justifiably become suspicious over the absolute conclusions from the government and the media. After all, several years ago you could have shown quotes from similar government sources and the same media sources that Saddam had weapons of mass destruction. And in that case, respecting those who were cautious about believing that would have proven sensible. » Posted By AdLib On January 12, 2010 @ 5:05 pm That is a logical proposition, that he did so for insurance policy reasons. I’m with you though, why go through such a complicated process? Well, it’s not easy to understand the thinking of someone in that frame of mind. » Posted By AdLib On January 12, 2010 @ 4:26 pm You could be right, javaz. I don’t know. The problem is that we see dishonesty from our government and the media constantly so that when a situation arises that could fit in with that, it’s difficult. » Posted By AdLib On January 12, 2010 @ 4:23 pm Excellent overview, Cher! One factor that has to be recognized is the same factor that Obama got pissed off at with the Underwear bomber. There can be internal and political reasons for not wanting the facts or the truth to come out. If the government doesn’t want Census takers to bail in fear, if there was bungling in the investigation, there are many reasons why the FBI might not be upfront about this case. And how about this question, of all the ways people can commit suicide, why did this man allegedly choose such a convoluted way? It goes against the typical behavior of those who do commit suicide. I don’t have any evidence to prove this wasn’t a suicide but it would be very odd. » Posted By AdLib On January 12, 2010 @ 3:52 pm Why The Revolution Won’t Be Televised The Revolution Will Be Tivoed? It is a modern technological version of Bread and Circuses. I mean, even at this time, when banks and corporations have raped our nation, people are doing next to nothing as they refuse to loan the money that was given to them for that reason. We watch each day as they give out billions in bonuses to themselves for destroying the world’s economy and the best response to that is Arianna blabbering, “Dahlink, poot yar munny een ay Komunity bahnk! That vill shoe tham!” » Posted By AdLib On January 13, 2010 @ 11:15 pm WTS, I kept saving your article for a time when I could relax and enjoy it, FINALLY I have and may I say, well done! Love the artwork too, have missed it! And your point is so on target. The majority of Americans don’t even blog, they protest by eating another quart of Ben & Jerry’s Chubby Hubby or worrying about how American Idol will survive if Simon Cowell is leaving. With a compromised Press and a passive citizenry…as the banks and corporations have regrouped for their next phase of takeover, it’s going to be a tough battle out there. Thank goodness we at least have won the arms race on humor and satire! Those are some potent weapons, keep launching them! » Posted By AdLib On January 13, 2010 @ 10:35 pm But you yam what you yam… …or else… » Posted By AdLib On January 11, 2010 @ 12:24 pm Well, I say this conscientious of impropriety and not wishing to be presumptuous but I WANT MY MAYPO!!! » Posted By AdLib On January 11, 2010 @ 9:56 am I agree, maybe we can all meet for breakfast at Scheh’s every morning from now on? I’ll bring the doilies. » Posted By AdLib On January 11, 2010 @ 9:54 am Sounds like my Ford Pinto. Still, be happy to give it a whirl! » Posted By AdLib On January 10, 2010 @ 11:58 pm Can I borrow your time machine when you’re through with it? I need to get back to 2000 and force Florida to revise their butterfly ballots. » Posted By AdLib On January 10, 2010 @ 11:43 pm Try this but take out the spaces between the colons and the word. : oops : 😳 » Posted By AdLib On January 10, 2010 @ 11:15 pm If you can believe it, our 300th post was just a month ago, on Dec. 6th! This Planet is spinning like a top now thanks to all of our prolific and amazing members! » Posted By AdLib On January 10, 2010 @ 11:13 pm Yes but it only helped me give straight lines. » Posted By AdLib On January 11, 2010 @ 5:49 pm Heh! You should know by now that anyone who represents that God blogs to him has an omnipotent sense of humor! 😉 » Posted By AdLib On January 11, 2010 @ 4:37 pm Hey KQ! Hope you’re okay! Even in pain and stress, you come here and cut right to the truth. Agreed with all the above. Now stay home for a while, will ya?! » Posted By AdLib On January 11, 2010 @ 4:35 pm May I just say that on a thread about race and racism with various opposing POV’s, the respect for each other’s opinion here puts HuffPo and many other sites to shame. And being able to have a real discussion about people’s differing POVs on race is truly enlightening. Well done all! » Posted By AdLib On January 11, 2010 @ 3:41 pm Cher…LOL! I suppose that just saying “Africans” was a little too educated for the authors of an educational book? » Posted By AdLib On January 11, 2010 @ 3:37 pm The Contrarian strikes back! 😉 Is righting a wrong different from committing a wrong since both involve a wrong? Now am I wrong or am I wrong? » Posted By AdLib On January 11, 2010 @ 12:34 pmComments Posted By AdLib
01/12/2010 at 5:47 PM 
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