This is a call to all who are now or were once concerned with the state of political affairs in the United States. Take a stand with us, here, and
now.
We have been beset by packs of provocateurs...
Speculation continues to run extremely high that political operatives from at least one party are directly responsible for the divisive political
rhetoric inspired by fact-poor innuendo that has infected ATS and the Internet as a whole. Given what we here know of those involved, we can only
assume that provocateurs from all sides of the spectrum are here on our beloved ATS with a plan to disrupt productive discussions.
Countless threads from countless authors have lamented the evolution of the political playing field in the United States. It has become a vile field,
the result of a vicious game of divide the populace into two ideologically defined "camps." The players of this game then inject pointless topics
into the cultural landscape to ensure that both sides are so busy discussing how much they hate the other, that no real important issue ever sees the
light of day.
Here. Now. Today. This hour. On AboveTopSecret.com, we no longer allow this game. To deny this game, is to deny ignorance.
Divisive politics void of issues is not new...
Over the years, and recently, we've initiated several well-intended programs in an effort to manage and improve the landscape of political discourse.
Our forums are well populated with examples of excellent topics and discussions that show not just hope, but brilliance. But every four years,
The Quadrennial Exploitation Of The Moronic Masses rears its ugly head, and we who
care, we who look beyond the game, we who search for real answers, are set upon by the provocateurs of disruption.
Here. Now. Today. This hour. On AboveTopSecret.com, we no longer allow these provocateurs a voice. To deny them, is to deny the fostering of
ignorance.
Together, we can regain control, here, now...
Rise up. Clench your fist. Raise your voice. And join us in saying,
"No! Not here. Not in this place. Not on our board." Come
together, and take a stand with us.
In this place, AboveTopSecret.com, we will not tolerate new topics based on divisive and distracting innuendo, rumors, or lies.
In this place, AboveTopSecret.com, we will not tolerate the posting of rhetoric and blame-game ideology that deflects attention from important
discussion.
In this place, AboveTopSecret.com, we will examine the merits of the issues. We will analyze the candidate platforms. We will know truth.
In this place, AboveTopSecret.com, we will not suffer the madness.
In this place, AboveTopSecret.com, we will seek to make a difference. If not us, then who? If not now, then when?
New standards on AboveTopSecret.com for politics...
Join me, the owners, the staff, and members of AboveTopSecret.com in demanding the following until the end of this election cycle:
New threads in the Campaign 2008 forum must be based on published candidate platform items, either officially, or from recent interviews.
No new thread, in any ATS forum, shall be based on silly school-yard innuendo idiocy such as who had the baby, or what lipstick means.
No member will display incendiary avatars or signatures that have been designed to cast political aspersions.
Members who initiate new threads which are scholarly examinations of an aspect of a candidates platform shall be rewarded with 10,000 points, and we
will help that member dissect, analyze, and understand all possible aspects and ramifications of the platform item in a completely neutral way that
seeks the best solution, not a political solution.
No divisive rhetoric that focuses on the "other side" of the political spectrum will be tolerated. Ignorance thrives on blame. Ignorance is fueled
by hate. We deny it.
Clearly-defiend new rules for political discussion...
New Threads About Any Candidate for the 2008 U.S. elections (national or regional) must be started in the
Decision 2008 forum.
New Political News Threads intended for the
Breaking Political
News forum cannot be based on blogs, YouTube videos, or any other content considered "user-generated" from any source.
No Innuendo or Rumor Threads regarding the candidates for the 2008 election will be allowed from this point forward in any of
the ATS forums.
New Political Threads Must Be Fact-Based and initiated with an examination, analysis, or sober coverage of a candidate's or
party's stated platform issue, either via official platform statements or recent interviews.
Exceptional New Threads that provide a scholarly examination of a candidate's platform position will result in a 10,000 point
reward to the thread author.
Critical Discussion of Political Ideology is encouraged and embraced within the context of the above new standards for new
topics, and within the guidelines established in the
Ending The Political Trolling On
AboveTopSecret.com thread.
No Politically Taunting/Incindiary Avatars/Signatures: Members have 72 hours to revise the content of any avatars and signatures
that would be considered in conflict with the spirit of these new guidelines.
Examination of Popularized Rumor and Innuendo: Many of these topics that become popular within the mainstream media deserve
critical analysis devoid of divisive rhetoric. Discussion of these topics that become popular and occupy significant media attention will be
encouraged within the limited-access Bully Pulpit forum for the purposes of understanding the truth behind the claims.
Removal Without Warning: Beginning immediately, any new topics in the political forums not conforming to these new (hopefully
temporary) standards will be removed from public display without any warning to the thread author. Multiple attempts, by the same member, to initiate
topics not in line with these guidelines will result in account termination.
Deny this ignorance before it is too late...
Here. Now. Today. This hour. On AboveTopSecret.com, we no longer allow this game. To deny this game, is to deny ignorance. To deny ignorance is to
play a role in real and meaningful change.
[edit on 15-9-2008 by SkepticOverlord]
while reading political threads here. I hope tightening down a bit helps keep discussion on
the more intelligent side. 
