Who's Your Formidable Opponent?

[Iowa_Flames_Fan]

On CP, we often get political discussions, and sometimes they get a little acrimonious. The anonymity of the internet may be one cause--but once in a while a discussion occurs on a topic--be it global warming, Todd Bertuzzi, Superman vs. Batman, whatever--where you find someone who holds the opposing view to your own who really earns your respect. They may not convince you to change your mind, but you gain a greater understanding of their point of view, and you realize that there are real persuasive arguments for the opposing position.

I've had this experience a number of times. I think it might be fun to send out a shout-out to our "formidable opponents"--somebody that we almost always disagree with, but who in the course of a debate really earned our respect and taught us something we wouldn't have learned otherwise.

I'll start--for me the list begins with Cowperson (who's still MIA, right?) but also includes Bingo, Displaced Flames Fan, and a few others that I can't remember.

Is there anybody that you disagreed with vehemently who earned your admiration anyway?

[Displaced Flames fan]

Well, not trying to make this a love in, but you would certainly top my list. Other guys would include Daradon, Commodore Afro, Flames Addiction. I don't disagree with Cowperson very often but for some reason he has a tendency to post stuff that really makes me think. Often times he'll see the same issue in a very different way even though we wash out on the same 'side' of the issue.

Rogue Underoos fits as well. We often come out polar opposites on the issues but for some reason I just can't feel ill will toward that guy.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by Displaced Flames fan

Well, not trying to make this a love in, but you would certainly top my list. Other guys would include Daradon, Commodore Afro, Flames Addiction. I don't disagree with Cowperson very often but for some reason he has a tendency to post stuff that really makes me think. Often times he'll see the same issue in a very different way even though we wash out on the same 'side' of the issue.

Rogue Underoos fits as well. We often come out polar opposites on the issues but for some reason I just can't feel ill will toward that guy.

I was thinking... We had some pretty good matches back in the day. I wasn't quite as balanced back then and probably took things way too seriously. I have to admit, you changed my mind on a lot of things, or at least made me less certain about things I believed.

I'm better off for having debated in the past and am more than happy to have a difference of opinion with.... although even those seem to be more rare these days.

[The Fonz]

I love you too man!

[Azure]

Rouge and IFF are two of mine.

A lot of people don't realize it, but if you come across in a respectful tone, people will pay more attention to what you post.

[Boblobla]

Originally Posted by Azure

Rouge and IFF are two of mine.

A lot of people don't realize it, but if you come across in a respectful tone, people will pay more attention to what you post.

That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard...

[Iowa_Flames_Fan]

Originally Posted by Azure

Rouge and IFF are two of mine.

A lot of people don't realize it, but if you come across in a respectful tone, people will pay more attention to what you post.

I agree--and though it sounds like an obvious thing, it's pretty hard to do sometimes. It can be difficult to accept that another person's viewpoint is legitimate and has real, tangible reasoning behind it even if that reasoning isn't your own. Even harder is admitting the possible flaws in your own thinking--but I think both are signs of maturity and intelligence.

[Flames89]

I have had a good chat with Displaced. Now one of my more respected posters on here.

[Weiser Wonder]

I don't participate in most political discussions but read almost all of them. Almost everyone who posts consistently in the political discussions is intelligent and reasonable.

[Southern_Canuck]

As a Canucks fan, and still raw right after the Bertuzzi Incident, Kootenay Flames Fan impressed me with his calm reasoned responses in a thread about Bertuzzi.

I still believe what I believe, but I can see his opposing view.

S_C

[CrispyGriz]

Not as much in the board as in the chat room over the playoffs, but Phanuthier and I determined we don`t agree on much in terms of where we want the flames to go and pretty much hockey in general. Had a good time tossing ideas around with him though.

[RougeUnderoos]

Originally Posted by Weiser Wonder

I don't participate in most political discussions but read almost all of them. Almost everyone who posts consistently in the political discussions is intelligent and reasonable.

Is that about me?

I'm a corrosive, alcoholic chain-smoking, leftie heathen but I do manage to bicker with Azure (who comes across as a non-drinking, non-smoking, god-believing right-wing health nut) about absolutely everything and he still comes across as a nice enough guy so I guess he fits the bill as my "formidable opponent".

A couple or five years ago I would have said Transplant, DFF and Cowperson were "formidable opponents" but they've seen the error of their ways and have given up arguing with me because they recognize I'm always right.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by Weiser Wonder

I don't participate in most political discussions but read almost all of them. Almost everyone who posts consistently in the political discussions is intelligent and reasonable.

I used to read Lannys posts all the time - moreso to get a viewpoint of what the masses deemed unpopular. What i could never figure out is why he had to make all the personal remarks. Then there was Looger and his conspiracy theories.

Sadly those that couldn't discuss in a civil manner are not here any more.

[Reggie Dunlop]

I have no formidable opponent. I slay 'em all!

[Sample00]

Originally Posted by Dion

I used to read Lannys posts all the time - moreso to get a viewpoint of what the masses deemed unpopular. What i could never figure out is why he had to make all the personal remarks. Then there was Looger and his conspiracy theories.

Sadly those that couldn't discuss in a civil manner are not here any more.

Lanny = "He, who must not be named!"

Habbernaccy and his views on Patrick Roy. Habby and I have been friends for what seems like an eternity now. But we do not share the same view on Roy.
ITs fun, its a battle, but even more so its entertainment.!!

[Azure]

Originally Posted by RougeUnderoos

Is that about me?

I'm a corrosive, alcoholic chain-smoking, leftie heathen but I do manage to bicker with Azure (who comes across as a non-drinking, non-smoking, god-believing right-wing health nut) about absolutely everything and he still comes across as a nice enough guy so I guess he fits the bill as my "formidable opponent".

A couple or five years ago I would have said Transplant, DFF and Cowperson were "formidable opponents" but they've seen the error of their ways and have given up arguing with me because they recognize I'm always right.

[J pold]

The only opponent I ever really had was Gordon but he is gone now, shucks

[CaptainCrunch]

I have no enemies, I love you all. Except for Locke, that guys a .

[Locke]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

I have no enemies, I love you all. Except for Locke, that guys a .

I hate you all. Especially you, .

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by Locke

I hate you all. Especially you, .

You really need to change your handle to Newman.

I'd love to start off every post against you with

"Hello Newman"

Then mutter under my breath as I search for my underwater speargun.