Why I Am Closing This Thread
In response to a series of
alerts and complaints, and several obvious
problems as mentioned in my previous post, I have been reviewing this thread. In the process of doing so, I have concluded it should be closed.
Here's why. I know it's a long explanation and wouldn't resent anyone skipping over it, but I want to make sure my reasons are as clear as possible in
the hope that other threads won't have to be closed for the same reasons.
It's a given that political discussions will tend to be passionate, partisan and polarized. They don't have to be, but it doesn't take much to end up
there.
All ATSers are entitled to their own opinions and, provided they are expressed in accordance with the
AboveTopSecret.com Terms And Conditions Of Use, welcome to share them in our
forums. Unsurprisingly, we will see strong political opinions in the political forums. That goes with the turf.
As is all too often the case, the problem with this thread isn't one of political opinions. It's a problem with
courtesy.
We've removed quite a few posts, may remove more, and God knows there are even more beyond that which really don't belong on ATS. Sometimes we'll
close a thread if it just gets too out of hand to leave open, but wherever possible, we will do our best to defend a member's thread from trolling,
harassment and disruption.
That is, unless the member who started the thread is also doing these things, in which case there's nothing to defend. Why should we respect the
thread if even the OP doesn't?
The problems started on
page one. Alas, the
first reply was a pointless ad hom, so okay, I can cut the OP some slack
for getting slammed out the gate, and
the response was great. I can admire
that.
Then, in the very next post from the OP, we come to
this. Whatever the
reason, when we start labeling what other members say as "ignorant and stupid", we forfeit the pretext of civility and only invite more of the same.
And then
the next post ("You people are seriously delusional if you think
that!"), and then
this ("Seriously? Are you a child?").
At that point, I'm already convinced the thread should be closed, but it just goes on and on, page after page of sniping, baiting and yes,
trolling:
jjf3rd77's posts in this thread.
That does not excuse the bad behavior of any other member, nor is calling any ATSer a "troll" ever justified. I'm seeing plenty of trolling but not
any trolls, just fellow members who should know better saying
things they
shouldn't.
We do our best to defend the ability of every member to share their opinions without fear of ridicule or abuse, but when those opinions are themselves
laced with ridicule and abuse, they have no legitimate place on ATS.
I know it seems harsh, and I'm sorry it has come to this, but because it has been so thoroughly tainted by the member who started it, this thread
simply cannot be defended, which is why it is now closed.
edit on 5/11/2012 by Majic because: (no reason given)