Traveler
Senior Member
- Location
- San Diego County
Occasionally, someone will start a new thread about a controversial topic. This is sure to cause people to voice their opinions on the given topic and sometimes those opinions are deeply felt. Perhaps the topic strikes a nerve and people become quite passionate when defending their most cherished beliefs.
There are, however, proper ways to engage in debate and most people understand what the limits are.
If a person says, for example, that burning the American flag is a valid and constitutionally protected form of free speech, it would be proper for his/her opponent to say, "Hundreds of thousands of people have fought and died for that flag and I think burning the American flag disrespects those brave people".
There are, unfortunately, some folks who do not understand, or even care, where the line is. It is an entirely different thing to say, "Flag burners like you, are nothing more than communists". IMO, anytime people say "you are", or "you can't", they are treading on thin ice.
I believe that it is fair and proper to directly address exactly what a person has said. IMO it is not fair or proper to twist a persons words or draw conclusions based upon what we think a person is saying. In other words trying to "read between the lines".
I have probably not done the best job of explaining myself but it is my sincere hope that all of us make an honest attempt to engage in proper debate without any name calling.
Stay warm. Stay safe, and have a nice day.
There are, however, proper ways to engage in debate and most people understand what the limits are.
If a person says, for example, that burning the American flag is a valid and constitutionally protected form of free speech, it would be proper for his/her opponent to say, "Hundreds of thousands of people have fought and died for that flag and I think burning the American flag disrespects those brave people".
There are, unfortunately, some folks who do not understand, or even care, where the line is. It is an entirely different thing to say, "Flag burners like you, are nothing more than communists". IMO, anytime people say "you are", or "you can't", they are treading on thin ice.
I believe that it is fair and proper to directly address exactly what a person has said. IMO it is not fair or proper to twist a persons words or draw conclusions based upon what we think a person is saying. In other words trying to "read between the lines".
I have probably not done the best job of explaining myself but it is my sincere hope that all of us make an honest attempt to engage in proper debate without any name calling.
Stay warm. Stay safe, and have a nice day.