I've now had a chance to read all the threads on the war and reflect on things, and I've cast my vote to ask people to cease & desist.  (If there'd been an option for continuing the talk with certain restrictions, I might have chosen that.) 

Most of my reasons have already been stated by me and others.  One thing that was important in my decision was the opinions of "old" members (people who got here before me, soon after the original board started, including some 15 yr. olds ), because they helped establish the original philosophy of the forums, and have stated it many times when these questions have come up, and have been around long enough to know what happens when people deviate from it.

Most of us have seen cases where members have quit and/or been banned over this sort of thing, and it's not uncommon for forums to split right down the middle if it gets out of hand.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Doug

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It's worth a lot more

I've had my say in most of the Iraq war topics being posted. Only one, to date, has been locked. It is the only one to come close, as far as I can see.

I have also been mindful of the fact that these "controversial" threads can become crap-fights if we aren't all sensitive.

I have my views, and concerns. I think what's being mistaken for "let's go get 'm attitude" is genuine human concern for the noble people of Iraq who require our help. I have voiced this and so have others.

No more talk from me with regard to the need for this military action. The truth will out.

In the interest of peace and harmony and to protect our unique asset (this forum), I am making a conscience vote (against my own wishes) to ban talk of the CURRENT conflict. I value my friends and this forum more than voicing my opinions over and over again, no matter how logical and clear they may seem to me.

I do really think, as I've said before, we do need to reclassify what is being termed as political. Economics is more politically affectatious and influenced than any war, but no-one had a problem with the currency discussions we were having recently. Please, "controversial" is a more accurate and clear way to describe what's being termed "political".

I had a great need to post an apology on behalf of some of my countrymen today. It was very war related. I am glad there was somewhere to express my feelings of sorrow and regret, without fear of having it deleted.
So, maybe there is a limited need, for such things. My conscience vote, however is still "no war discussion".

Pete,

This topic is just over 24 hours old, at the moment.

Have you given much thought as to what number of votes we will consider a quorum. Conversely, what kind of time limit should be considered.
I mean the war could be over before we decide. I bloody hope it is. Tomorrow. But these things just crossed my mind.

Steve 

Forgive me as I have to fall of the fence for just a moment.

There should be no problem with the people (hard working US taxpayers) who will end up footing the bill for ridding the world of a menace, recovering at least a fraction of the expense. Either through rebuilding contracts (for US companies) or an "occupation fee" for maintaining peace while the Iraqi citizens claim what is theirs.

Now I've gone and done it     ok  yell at me, I can take it.

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Hard not to take a shot  - even when the subject is about whether or not to take a shot, eh?  

Ozzy, Remember the Marshall Plan. It worked quite well - it helped to make Germany and Japan the economic powerhouses they are today. In fact the Germans and Japanese now own a lot of the companies that were involved. For instance - Daimler Benz now owns Jeep. Irony?

Even in recession they aren't doing too badly compared to where they were right after the war.

BTW - I used to collect Brit motorcycles - loved them - had several Triumphs, BSA's, Nortons, AJS, Ariel etc. - never could get my hands on a Vincent Black Shadow though