Words, and law and idiots.

[Faith No More]

I have yet to see anyone say, "Be polite, at all costs," but I'm starting to get the feeling that you have a lot of trouble reading people's posts for what they truly are.

[Jackalope]

I have yet to see anyone say, "Be polite, at all costs," but I'm starting to get the feeling that you have a lot of trouble reading people's posts for what they truly are.

My personal viewpoint is more along the lines of "Don't go out of your way to offend.", and that works for me, as my goal is to communicate. With that being said, I'm perfectly capable of insulting someone if it's called for - with or without harsh language. It just isn't usually necessary or productive.

[Brian37]

I have yet to see anyone say, "Be polite, at all costs," but I'm starting to get the feeling that you have a lot of trouble reading people's posts for what they truly are.

My personal viewpoint is more along the lines of "Don't go out of your way to offend.", and that works for me, as my goal is to communicate. With that being said, I'm perfectly capable of insulting someone if it's called for - with or without harsh language. It just isn't usually necessary or productive.

The OP is a perfect example of WHY what you say cannot be absolute. As I have said and will continue to say is language, is contextual and case by case and most of the time a matter of comfort level.

I do think in the case of those lawmakers it is perfectly acceptable to call them assholes, not just for being offended by a word, not even a cuss word, but for on top of that their continual war on women.

We are not even talking about a post on a message board, we are talking about law makers who want to drag humanity back into the dark ages.

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I have yet to see anyone say, "Be polite, at all costs," but I'm starting to get the feeling that you have a lot of trouble reading people's posts for what they truly are.

Huh? So having a difference of opinion means I cant read? So only when I agree with you means I can read?

I just gave you an example in the OP as to why "never" is not a good option. Those lawmakers are a prime example of putting censorship in the hands of law, and again, their objection wasn't even over a cuss word.

The lawmakers who did this are WHY I say taking an absolute attitude about censorship is a bad idea. Nowhere in any of my posts did I demand that you cuss or suggest we insult each other all the time in every post.

[Tiberius]

Brian, are you here to discuss atheism and religion or to treat us to your own personal dogma?

This is an Off Topic forum. Anything (within reason) can be discussed here.

[Tempus]

Some here have argued "be polite" at all costs no matter what.

I haven't seen anyone argue that here. You said "here" which means here. Not over there, or in this place, but here. Show me someone here who has ever professed that sentiment.

[FallentoReason]

Some here have argued "be polite" at all costs no matter what.

I haven't seen anyone argue that here. You said "here" which means here. Not over there, or in this place, but here. Show me someone here who has ever professed that sentiment.

When he says 'here' I think he means the forum in general. So I'll step forth, because that's definitely my mentality.

Brian, can you give me one reason why not being polite would be more beneficial in discussion?

[Gambit]

I'm actually trying to train myself to become more polite. My temper often gets the best of me, which results in knee-jerk responses, composed almost entirely of expletives.

[Epimethean]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wcKpoAQKj4

[Tempus]

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I haven't seen anyone argue that here. You said "here" which means here. Not over there, or in this place, but here. Show me someone here who has ever professed that sentiment.

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When he says 'here' I think he means the forum in general.

Yeah, that's what I thought - here, atheistforums.org

So I'll step forth, because that's definitely my mentality.

I'm all situations? I agree with what you say about politeness not subtracting from (and usually being beneficial to) a discussion, but not all situations are discussions. Do you really think being polite at all costs is a good idea? I'm sorry, I'm not trying to tell you what you think, I just find it hard to believe that you endorse that position. I'm willing to accept I'm wrong though.

[FallentoReason]

I'm all situations? I agree with what you say about politeness not subtracting from (and usually being beneficial to) a discussion, but not all situations are discussions. Do you really think being polite at all costs is a good idea? I'm sorry, I'm not trying to tell you what you think, I just find it hard to believe that you endorse that position. I'm willing to accept I'm wrong though.

Hmm define 'all situations' first. Do you mean all situations in the forum, or life in general?

By the way, my post was directed at Brian. Sorry if you thought otherwise! I edited my post to make it clearer.