Election reform announced in Egypt

[Daradon]

I was turned off for quite some time, then came back even harder than ever (new schedule permitting).

I figured might as well get it out on here. Expression of ideas is never a bad thing, and many people on here HAVE altered my viewpoints or given me something to think about.

And as heated as things get, I do appreciate everyone on here, especially if they are brave enough to speak their mind.

I would break bread or share ale with everyone of you. And even if we were further apart from where we started I'd shake your hand and respect you.

I like to excercise the brain and the emotions, but when it comes right down to it, I'm super easy going (probably why I'm the 'radical left-wing liberal') and I don't worry about too much, nor do I get upset about conflict.

If the world was as informed and interested and enthusiastic as the political posters on this board, it would be a much better place.

We have a great communtiy here

[Agamemnon]

I hear you guys. Sometimes the political debates on this board make a knot in one's stomach. Its hard to say all the things you feel about a topic, but at the same time be completely rational and logical, backing up everything you say with the examples that will inevitbly be demanded of you.

Political debates are especially confrontational. I've nearly come to blows with people arguing over Israel/Palestine when both of us are White Calgarian Christians (technically) who are about as far removed from the issue as one could be.

Agree w/ Crunch, the stress sometimes makes it not worth it to get into these arguments. Disagree w/ leaving though... I can't let those bas**rd Bush-loving right-wing nuts win the war!

[Agamemnon]

Originally posted by FlamesAllTheWay@Mar 1 2005, 07:41 AM
Meh, I can definitely agree with him. I can't really remember anyone changing their stance on anything as a result of a discussion here, or anywhere for that matter. Don't get me wrong I think it's fun to debate things but it sometimes it feels like it's not even worthwhile debating anything because nothing ever changes in the end...

There's an excellent chance that those posting's minds are not going to be changed... but what about the lurkers? Ah the quiet multitudes, silently searching for the correct viewpoint to adopt when among their peers... who but us big-mouths do they have to succinctly provide them with water-cooler political positions to take at work the next day? The news, thats who... chilling.

[RougeUnderoos]

I don't know if I've ever had a viewpoint changed but many a time I left the argument at least knowing where the "other side" was coming from, and that's something.

It's easy to dismiss someone's viewpoint as "stupid". Not so easy though if you can hear why someone thinks that way, even if you disagree.

The debates in here have generally been more civil than a lot of the crap we saw on tv, in the run-up to the US election especially.

[Displaced Flames fan]

Great post Daradon.

[Tron_fdc]

I'm one of the lurkers Agamemnon mentioned......I love reading these political threads. Until of course people start name calling and I make a quick stage left exit.

Chances are no one is going to change my opinion on things, but it is interesting to read how insane some of you are in your beliefs

Back on topic, I think this is one of the first significant "positive" spin offs I can remember happening from the war.

[tjinaz]

Here here....

I am relatively new to this board, but the tone of the discussions are civil. I don't think I will change anyone's view but do enjoy the banter. When I look at an opposing viewpoint it challenges me to research the topic more and become more informed on the issues so I minimize my opportunities to look like a complete jackass.

While I don't necessarily agree with some of the posters, I repect anyone who can articulate their view and back it up with facts.