POLL: Potentially Allowing Ragusa and Darkwolf to Post in AoDA & AoLS Again

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Brings some things up??? He shoves them down every American's throat -- ad nauseum. I don't have a problem with him attacking American politics in a POLITICAL forum. I DO have a problem with him crossing the line and making generalities about the American citizens, in a very snide and offensive way (yes..style). That's what blogs are for. I daresay...that if he attacked the Polish people like he did the Americans, day in and day out, like it was in here....you'd feel quite differently.

And with that, I'm out. I'm not up for the arguments of old, nor do I want to read his comments in here that you paste -- once was enough.

 

Well, this "American" never had much of a problem with what Regusa, nor with what Darkwolf have had to say in the past. And I can match my American credentials against anyone else's around here, for that matter.

In fact, I got along with both of them, and I hope that the feelings were mutual, since I happen to like and respect them. As an American, steeped in the tradition of civil liberty, I happen to believe in freedom of speech. I understand what it means to allow others to have an opinion that is different than mine. Darkwolf was never one to spare my "liberal" sensiblities, but that never stopped nor scared me away from the debate. Some people may not like what others have to say, and as is often said, if you don't like what you hear, then just "change the channel" and find something that suits you better.

Both Darkwolf and Ragusa had good debating skills, and they would take the time to research and develop their arguments in a systematic and logical method. Hence, their posts were not easily brushed aside with a few pointed and emotional remarks, which tended to greatly annoy their detractors.

In my opinion, it was a bit of an injustice that they were both banned from the Alley in the first place. But at the same time I understood that something had to be done to sooth those whose feathers had been a bit ruffled, or even scorched, by the intense debate that the Alley used to generate on a daily basis. I'm sure that some won't agree with my comments, but then, that is what free debate is supposed to be about.

[ November 25, 2006, 08:35: Message edited by: Chandos the Red ]

 

At the risk of not contributing to the dialogue, I think BoM's Graemlins can illustrate this activity being discussed most recently:



(oh, and )


But after having researched through the archives back to the point of the thread: I now get off the fence and take a side - LET THEM BACK. (if only I could revise my 'indifferent' vote )

I for one, am looking forward more to Darkwolf than Ragusa; my personal views skew more towards the latter than the former, and if I'm going into the Alleys, I'm looking for intelligent debate rather than preaching from the pulpit. I *think* I squared off against DW once, and to be honest I lost...but I like that - how can my own arguments grow and strengthen if I don't face them against contrary people who will find 'the chinks in the armor'.

 

It appears you have a very short memory. Ragusa did NOT keep his political anti-American posts to AoLS. I remember him posting such posts in Whatnots as well, AND the anger you had at his doing that.

 

It really tends to be that the people who take offence are more the problem than the people who say the stuff.

Anyone can say something contraversial and go unoticed, it's when people leap onto their pedestals that the problem begins.

It helps if you can laugh at yourself, too.

 

What measures can you realy take? The fact that this poll was even started shows your willing to consider removing the ban. Speaking of which Tal, if the support is overwhelming are you realy going to let them back into AoDA and AoLS or was this just a fact finding mission?
P.S: I still stand by my Neutral vote in this matter.

 

I'm pretty sure Tal has already answered those questions.

 

Tal, it seems pretty simple to me. If they "violate their parole," so to speak, I would think it simple enough to immediately and permanently re-institute the ban and return to normal, right? Isn't that more or less how you envision it?

 

Well, call me a woolly-minded free speecher, but they should be let back in. I always thought it was a tad harsh kicking them out in the first place, and it's not like their posts violated the rules in the sense of unwarranted personal attacks, etc. They just flogged the same deceased equine over and over again. There's always the option of ignoring them, after all, or further banning if they're naughty boys. Svy was more of a bad apple, but these two's diametrically opposed views weren't truly extreme.

Just everyone remembers that passionate attacks on your country's politics aren't the same as launching an actual invasion, and everything'll be fine. Give peace a chance!

 

A resounding "Positive" from me...I miss both of them. A bit more polarity might make it fun again.

 

Positive here also - I hated the idea of kicking them out in the first place.

But then, I also generally only skimmed their posts because there generally wasn't anything new or different in them. It was the same old long winded debate again and again. So if they do come back I would appreciate some restraint on their behalf in regards to the infinite and going nowhere debate

(edit: hey, didn't know about the no politics in the chatroom rule. That's a bit of a shame ... not that I can remember any time where I've discussed politics there, but I'd rather have my options open...)

 

Great news!

 

I have a bad feeling about this. But here's hoping I'm wrong...

 

Thanks everybody.

 

I said I didn't mind you two back. They way I see it, you two now owe me a favour! I'll think on it and get back to you, eh?

 

I like to point out that no matter how far Darkie and I were (and probably are) apart in our views, it wasn't personal.

PS: Never imagined I would become subject of a poll. I appreaciate the result. Thanks.

 

You haven't really 'made it' in this world until you have featured in a poll. That should be everybody's main life ambition.