Political Discussion on AboveTopSecret.com

The requested evolution of civility in relation to political discussion on ATS. After an experiment of nearly one year where intense (sometimes insulting) political rhetoric was allowed under the confines of ATS in the form of a restricted access forum, a change is occurring. Even after removal of lesser restrictions on the political debate forum (known as the mud pit), heated and insulting rhetoric was still the norm from many frequent users, and it often spread outside the restricted forum into political discussions in other fora. ATS was founded to investigate and discuss and investigate conspiracies in several different categories. Of late, we've accommodated the growing politicization of our community through several features and forums. We're not going to limit important political discussions, only the extreme and insulting rhetoric we've seen from a handful of members. There are now two, completely open forums, for the discussion of political topics. Political Ideology: This is for the general discussion of political viewpoints such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc. as well as the politicians and personalities that represent these ideologies. Insulting rhetoric, even when directed at political groups and not specific ATS members is strictly forbidden and will result in warnings. The goal is to rationally discuss the merits of political positions and the issues related to one position or another. Political Conspiracies: We have always had this forum, however, it had often been used as a default ideology forum for members unwilling to venture into the atmosphere of the mud pit. This forum has returned to its original intent, the discussion of current and historical conspiracies and coverups perpetuated by politicians, administrations, and political parties. Insulting rhetoric, even when directed at political groups and not specific ATS members is strictly forbidden and will result in warnings. The goal is to rationally discuss the merits of political positions and the issues related to one position or another. Our ATS Political Survey made it clear that our members want to discuss these topics, but without the rancor often observed from political extremist memberss we've been seeing over the past few months. Until we feel the issue is manageable and under better control, warnings for insulting and abusive behavior will be somewhat more quick and decisive in these two forums. Use this thread to post your comments about this information: www.abovetopsecret.com...