Okay, here's the deal.  This has been slowly building steam within me over time, and now, because I'm having a terrible day, I feel like venting it all out.

Do you feel that we, collectively, are intelligent and mature enough to discuss issues that actually mean something?

Yes, there are some people who will begin the so-called "flame wars".  But those people will do that regardless of the topic.

My opinion is that the moderators should take action against those who do this sort of thing, rather than ban the discussion at all.

Or maybe there should be a forum dedicated to this sort of banter.  I'd gladly moderate it, if need be.

However, any time anything political is even remotely referred to, a moderator is quick to point out that we need to tip toe on eggshells.

To be candid, it annoys the hell out of me.

There is SO much more to me than any of you will ever know, because I'm not allowed to share that with you.

According to these boards, Flight Simulator is my life, and that is as deep as I go.

According to management, we're not smart enough to discuss it intelligently.

What do YOU think?  Are YOU smart enough?

Because the time in antarctica is of importance, right?  (Sorry Paz...it was a great thread, I mean that!)

But my point is that as soon as someone says the word "politics", the mods get all touchy and on edge, even if every single post on the thread is as non-flaming as can be.  Why is that?

Why have those who monitor these boards put such a restriction on political or worldly banter?

I'm saddened, because I'm losing out on getting to know everyone here on a much more important level, as you all are me.

If it were a matter of knowing whether someone is a good person, then I'd be able to tell that based on the quality of their posts.

However, the issue is not about someone's integrity.  It's about learning about other people's culture.

You're right, there will be people who say there is no God, and there will be people who say there is.  But the issue of religion goes so much farther than that.

WHY does member A feel there is no God?  What led them to believe that? Is it because they're Islamic, and they believe in Allah and The Koran?  Is it because they've had personal traumas that killed their faith?

When you (as a person, not you specifically Pip) stop hiding behind the fear of what CAN happen, you're exposed to an entirely new world.  You're exposed to a world full of knowledge and insight.  You're exposed to a world that can teach you, help you grow, and make you realize that despite our differences, we're ultimately the same.

Pretending that we don't have opinions on topics of importance does nothing but further damage those who do.

The problem with that, Hagar, is that when I turn off my computer, the real world is still there.

My point is simply this.  I believe very strongly that those members who wish to discuss these issues should be permitted to do so. Those who don't can just not read those threads.

People have lost the ability to act responsibly.  I believe that this is a direct result of being "babysat" and "bottle fed" for so long that as soon as reality hits them, they get defensive.

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That is a good point Hyp. That is pretty much the rule I go by. If there is a topic that I see pop up that I know I will not be interested in or just don't want to read then I don't even read it.
But the problem is...there is a wide variety of age groups that attend this forum. For the majority, the maturity levels would be high enough to deal with mature subjects. But...
To me, this forum is good for ALL ages right now.

I would not want to think that any parent would have to even consider for a second, wether or not they would allow their child to spend time on this forum.
I would rather have my kid be posting pictures and learning computer tips for FS here, then spending time watching violent tv or even playing a violent video game. (and I know that opens up another whole can of worms about parents watching what their children do)

If you bring in mature "adult" topics about religion or politics, then you are dealing with subjects that most parents would and should want to teach their children themselves and if they see it talked about here then its no longer a forum for all ages...

Thats just my two cents for what their worth! 

I think a big problem to this is, there are many members here who do not know how to "discuss" some things. I remember when I was 16, 18, 23, my views on certain things back then most likely would offend many because I was not "experienced" to things. After growing up, you realize that the world is BIG and people hold different beliefs and values. This is an international forum with many different nationalities and beliefs and you can not tell people here that they should not "respond" to certain threads because they can not discuss it maturely. Then again, there are people here who are young and handle themselves maturely.

I see your point Scott, there are many topics I would like to discuss but don't because of the rules Pete set about the political topics. I remember something Fozzer said when the political topic was 'hot". He said as a plea to everybody, "Could we please stop talking about the bleeding war! I am seeing people differently because of this. People I like are saying things that I thought they wouldn't! I consider people here my friends and I do not want to lose them due to the bleedin' war. Can we please stop all of this"!!

Sometimes we all just start typing away and things are taken wrong etc...etc...etc....
Even though you may not say it, you definitely look at somebody differently if they have offended you or they say something that you do not agree with.
Example, I wanted the war and somebody here did not. We exchanged "words" or "views" and till this day we do not talk.
I think tensions were high because of the different views due to the Iraqi war.

I didn't have as many friends back then so I was fast to express my opinion and did not care if I offended anybody I really did not know yet. Now I know so many people here and I would definitely be more "sensitive' to people's opinions and views.

It is a touchy subject and that is all I have to say.


Dave  8)

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Your comments are not usually diplomatic & can be misunderstood by the less intelligent. It was my feeling in this case that you made the situation worse.

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I would not take the risk of deliberately offending anyone. This forum has taken years to build up. It would only take a few arguments to destroy all we have worked for.

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This proves my point. I have never said I don't like Americans. Most of your countrymen I've had the pleasure of meeting have been charming & generous. I am actually very pro-American. I work online with many other talented people from all over the globe. We respect each other for our abilities. Our personal beliefs don't come into it.

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Not everyone appreciates this. It only takes one troublemaker to start a flame war. it's just not worth it. IMHO

I think Cherokee has a very good point. This is an international family forum where everyone is welcome.

Scott, you are in luck. Check out http://www3.sympatico.ca/lisa-devonleslie/LastRefugeOfTheSane/ this is a flightsimulator enthusiast forum for discussing politics and current events. It opened a week or two ago

Ozzy