Is it possible for us to agree on our similarities rather than focus on our differences?

Ladybj said:
You do have every right to your opinion. I am sure it sounds a bit silly to you and I am good with that - I don't take it personal. I have someone in my life that feels no one is right except them so, I get it. I said dang because respect goes a long way and disrespect well... no explanation needed.
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Sigh.....
 

Balance, moderation. i do feel we learn more when at least listen to other's views. i also think we can learn that with few exceptions people can be strident and argumentative about some issues but pleasant about others even when they don't totally agree or have different 'tastes' (like in movies, music or books). But at this point in life i have little patience for redundancies, so certain discussions while i may read, i don't participate. But you do have to look at their comments on the less 'controversial' threads as well as the contentious ones to realize that. We also have to realize that our emotional reaction to what they say may not accurately reflect what they actually said and vice versa.

It occurred to me the other day perusing a Covid thread that because we are not supposed to directly talk politics on SF (which i'm ok with, plenty of places to do that when you wish on the web), some people exercise their need to be argumentative and draw sharp us/them lines by using the pandemic and vaccine discussions as surrogate for direct political arguments. Which is amusing because i know people who have similar political views to mine who have not been vaccinated (most of them take every precaution they can tho, and sometimes didn't for medical reasons) so pro/con on vaccines is not totally reliable standard. Which makes me think it's more about the nature of some people kind of craving heated (as opposed to civil) debates/arguments with a certain frequency.
 
feywon said:
Balance, moderation. i do feel we learn more when at least listen to other's views. i also think we can learn that with few exceptions people can be strident and argumentative about some issues but pleasant about others even when they don't totally agree or have different 'tastes' (like in movies, music or books). But at this point in life i have little patience for redundancies, so certain discussions while i may read, i don't participate. But you do have to look at their comments on the less 'controversial' threads as well as the contentious ones to realize that. We also have to realize that our emotional reaction to what they say may not accurately reflect what they actually said and vice versa.

It occurred to me the other day perusing a Covid thread that because we are not supposed to directly talk politics on SF (which i'm ok with, plenty of places to do that when you wish on the web), some people exercise their need to be argumentative and draw sharp us/them lines by using the pandemic and vaccine discussions as surrogate for direct political arguments. Which is amusing because i know people who have similar political views to mine who have not been vaccinated (most of them take every precaution they can tho, and sometimes didn't for medical reasons) so pro/con on vaccines is not totally reliable standard. Which makes me think it's more about the nature of some people kind of craving heated (as opposed to civil) debates/arguments with a certain frequency.
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I've never understood why politics are getting attached to the Covid topics. Its only politics if someone makes it so by commenting about politics.

I think the subject of politics being brought up in the Covid thread are more of a deflection of the issues being discussed. Don't like a certain comment? Reply with something about politics. Not in all cases but in some and then there you go, it turns political. :mad:

There are a lot of comments such as "well I would comment but no politics are allowed". :rolleyes:
 

Becky1951 said:
I've never understood why politics are getting attached to the Covid topics. Its only politics if someone makes it so by commenting about politics.

I think the subject of politics being brought up in the Covid thread are more of a deflection of the issues being discussed. Don't like a certain comment? Reply with something about politics. Not in all cases but in some and then there you go, it turns political. :mad:

There are a lot of comments such as "well I would comment but no politics are allowed". :rolleyes:
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That's me. šŸ¤— I've often used politics as an excuse not to answer fully on the covid forum. It's impossible not to mention it ever though, since so much about covid is mandates and restrictions and it is our legislators imposing those upon us.
 
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Gary O' said:
Heh, I never know where folks are from until they mention it.
Most coulda been just down the road from me, seems.

I'm just happy we're all from irth......probably
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You must believe me when I tell you that the first time I felt like an alien was back in 1985 when Hubby and I passed through US Customs and Immigration in Honolulu. It was a very scary experience. Rapid fire questions were barked at us and our ears were not accustomed to the accent. My hackles rose after a few of them but fortunately the 'interview' concluded before I had the chance to tell the official that I had absolutely no intention of immigrating to US, ever. Fortunately it was all sunshine and smiles after that. However, I did learn that US is not the same as Australia or New Zealand.
 
Children should be taught from an early age that everybody in this world is different, they are going to meet people who do not look like them, think like them or have the same thoughts as them. This is not something to fear, but to love and cherish. What does it profit humanity if everyone was similar? Most of knowledge comes from difference: differences in gender, in food tastes, political ideas etc. We learn from each other. we have taught our children that, and now they also teach their children that and I believe this is why we are all so comfortable living in almost any country.
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chic said:
That's me. šŸ¤— I've often use politics as an excuse not to answer fully on the covid forum. It's impossible not to mention it ever though, since so much about covid is mandates and restrictions and it is our legislators imposing those upon us.
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Yes the mandates and restrictions are hard to avoid a political aspect to them but I should have made myself more clear. Republican's vs Democrat's. If you believe one side is the only the right one when considering Covid's treatments or mandates and restrictions, that's dumb. That's what I meant. Each issue should be considered on its merits alone, politics shouldn't be a factor.

Well dang! Now I'm posting about politics! :mad:
 
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Becky1951 said:
Yes the mandates and restrictions are hard to avoid a political aspect to them but I should have made myself more clear. Republican's vs Democrat's. If you believe one side is the only the right one when considering Covid's treatments or mandates and restrictions, that's dumb. That's what I meant. Each issue should be considered on its merits alone, politics shouldn't be a factor.

Well dang! Now I'm posting about politics! :mad:
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Not really. It is partisan politics that gets nasty before long. Politics is one thing and government is an altogether matter.
 
dseag2 said:
I'm a relatively new member, and I like this forum. There is lots of great insight, input and experience here. However, I've stopped becoming involved in threads re: Covid and the vaccine because they are so divisive. I know we aren't supposed to discuss politics, but Covid has become politicized, so we are quietly breaking the rules. Although I was vocal at first, I no longer feel that my preaching about my point of view is going to change anyone's mind. That is simply my ego wishing to have the upper hand, and it is not worth the anger and aggravation.

I do find that when I participate in forums re: retirement, music, movies, nutrition, etc. that we all contribute in a positive manner and agree on many things. We typically all find common ground. This is cathartic, not stressful. Who needs more stress in their lives?

Hey, life is short. Food for thought. Comments are welcome.
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The topic has become polarized that people are no longer open to new information on either side. Heaven forbid someone try for a position outside the anti/pro whatever.
 
Becky1951 said:
Yes the mandates and restrictions are hard to avoid a political aspect to them but I should have made myself more clear. Republican's vs Democrat's. If you believe one side is the only the right one when considering Covid's treatments or mandates and restrictions, that's dumb. That's what I meant. Each issue should be considered on its merits alone, politics shouldn't be a factor.

Well dang! Now I'm posting about politics! :mad:
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I agree.

IMO there is big difference between discussing politics and political agendas vs discussing our government and its role in our lives.
 
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Chris P Bacon said:
Actually, today all Iā€™m sure of is that Iā€™m tired. But thanks for noticing me. ā˜ŗļø
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If I keep posting "You sure" every time you make a statement do you reckon we'd be arguing like crazy people quite soon, (in the manner of some good friends of mine who suggest their playing "devils advocate" over whatever it might be, are doing me a favour!).
- I'd prefer to take my chances with Satan himself than bother my own head with such arguments where there is only one winner obviously, and it isn't the one on the receiving end!).
 
grahamg said:
If I keep posting "You sure" every time you make a statement do you reckon we'd be arguing like crazy people quite soon, (in the manner of some good friends of mine who suggest their playing "devils advocate" over whatever it might be, are doing me a favour!).
- I'd prefer to take my chances with Satan himself than bother my own head with such arguments where there is only one winner obviously, and it isn't the one on the receiving end!).
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Youā€™re one of the ā€œgood guysā€, in my book anyways, graham. And yes, Iā€™m sure, quite so.

Gā€™nite!
šŸ„±šŸ˜“šŸ’¤
 
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