Is this logical?

[RVGRINGO]

The title of this thread is, "Off-Topic Cafe."

Yet, the moderator states, "The following topics and links are prohibited on Smart Car of America Forums: Religion, Death Penalty, and Politics."

So, why can't we discuss those 'subjects' off topic? Isn't this the place for freedom of speach?

Half of us have religion; half don't and we all die in the end, regardless of our politics; or, maybe because of them. Live and learn. This is the crossroads where the USA and the world find themselves now. Especially in the USA, we need a source of news, information and discussion of these topics which are so successfully hidden from the American public by the simple expedient of controlled access; to our great detriment. The American Century is finished and if America doesn't wake up, the country itself will be finished in very short order. For example (and on topic): Why isn't a Smart-type car made in America? Why has it taken ten years to be discovered and desired in the USA? How do you feel about sucking up the earth's resources five times faster than anyone else? Guilty or just greedy? Should the rest of the world like us? Why? Just what do we produce that the rest of the world wants?

[SmartCard]

simply because those "off topics" are considered banned topics on this forum - which is intended to be primarily a car forum. If you want to express your free speech on those other topics, indeed you are free to do so at many other public forums.

Most of us would not have objections about talking about religon, death penalty and especially politics (hey,there's a very important election this year!), but considering how some of "us" behave just talking about cars - I guess the decision to ban these topics is a prudent one.

[BobDiaz]

Many people forget the "freedom of speech" or the First Amendment right is that GOVERNMENT shall not restrict. Private businesses, groups, and even homes may restrict.

This is not a government run forum, so the owner(s) of the forum have the right to limit the topics. If one wishes to talk about Religion, Death Penalty, or Politics, there are other places (forums) one can go to...

In the case of saying you can debate those subjects, I'll guess that people hold strong views both ways and that could be a flash point for some angry messages and hurt feelings. Thus, those in charge don't want to see the fallout of such exchanges.

Things were getting a bit out of control when we had a running debate about energy a while back in this forum.



Sincerely,

Bob Diaz

[jwight]

Thank you, Bob - well said.

[Dunerunner]

Also a quick way to ruin a car club. It's about the car and people who get together to share their thoughts about the car, the automotive industry, and its direction.

[CruisingAZ]

I am a member of several forums, I am thrilled that these subjects are off limits based on how I have seen people respond in some of the other forums.

[rawlus®]

i think there's alot of undie bunching and pantie twisting about discussions in which the point of view stated by a poster does not resemble your own. people should feel confident about their point of view and that not everyone will agree and that such disagreement is not inherently bad nor should it be prohibited.

ive been on alot of forums, but i've never seen one in which a significant percentage of the membership routinely calls for more bannings, closed topics, ended discussions, or objects to another point of view with such emotional and moral outrage.

if this forum were nothing but everyone agreeing with each other, it would certainly be one dull, one-sided and one-dimensional forum.

there is typically very little practical reason for closing a topic - too often, one gets closed because someone decides that they don't approve anymore, what makes their point of view any more valid than anyone else's i dont' know, but it is that kind of behavior which, regardless of "side", seeps into the DNA of a site and affects everyone - eventually, some who may hold a counter view learn that their view is not valid anymore, anonymous topic-lockers have determined that their view is not warranted. and the forum becomes a feel good, back-patting love-fest rather than a serious forum for discussion and appreciation for the good debate.

topics can be read or not read. if a subject is too difficult for you to deal with, you don't need to read it. it's probably not your job to decide for everyone else however.

a person's relationship to their automobile is an emotional one and often quite strong and with a specific point of view. under those circumstances very often one's viewpoint will be naturally subjective and passionate. that's not wrong or something to be discouraged.

forums have been around for a long time, but i appreciate that they may be new to many. the ground rules are this.
rule #1 don't take anything personally. if you are the type of person to take everything personally, forums are not for you.
rule# 2 don't be intentionally mean, but understand that in topics where people hold strong opinions, that they may choose to defend those opinions with whatever language is handy, some are more adroit than others at this, but in most cases, the "mean" people are rarely as mean in person as they may seem online. opposing views to your own online seems to shine brighter and more fierce than reality would lead you to believe. see rule #1
rule #3 - learn to argue, defend, debate and articulate your point of view with finesse and verve... but don't take yourself too seriously while doing it. it should be an enjoyable respite, not a chore or something that frustrates and aggravates you. see rule #1.
rule #4 - don't let it run your life. step away if it becomes too much.
rule #5 - no crying. see rule #1.

[Evilution]

I don't know why there is an off topic section at all. There are hundreds of thousands of specialist and non specialist forums on the internet covering all areas and random stuff. This particular forum is for smart cars. It is not a generic forum attempting to cover every subject (although it did seem that way at first). If what you have to talk about isn't about smart cars, there are many many other forums that cater for what you have to say.

[Fredvon4]

The smart car is, by definition in America, a political and religious symbol. In fact it is a exceptionally ecomomical and ecological statment in and of itself

I think the "Off Topic Forum" is quite appropriate for discussing our current political ecomomical and ecologicial intrique...

Seems to me we had a robust T Boone Pickens debate without anyone getting killed, so why is a Pat Buchannon observsation lambasted?.... yea yea yea...I know...the F....ing rules.. piffel!

I am voting Republican.... simply because there is no third party and my party of choice has been co-opted by socialists!


There, that ought to lock another thread!

[MENSA42]

Originally Posted by Fredvon4

There, that ought to lock another thread!

damn, Freddie.....you must be losing your touch!