Is it possible to have a reasonable political discussion on Sodahead?

Depends on who your talking to.

There are some SH's worth having the discussion with. But on average on the open forums it's not worth it. There are groups worth joining for this reason.

It is possible, and I have. Sometimes it can get a bit heated, but if you look deep enough, you can always find something you can agree with someone on, if that person is reasonable. I have agreed with people on here that I thought I would never agree with on anything. And then, you go right back to disagreeing with them again on the next topic.

With most people yes. I believe most Sodaheads are mature, thinking individuals who ,even though we don,t all agree on an issue , can maintain an intelligent debate. Then, of course, we have the occasional screwball ( you know people like Mr. Won for example) Oops! that was personal wasn,t it?

It's possible, but it is becoming increasingly rare. Both sides seem to have readily available swarms of users to drown out the more reasonable conversations, and many, especially the conservatives, seem to be ready to block anyone with a different opinion at the drop of a hat. Personally I have chosen not to block anyone, since I have found that sooner or later just about everyone has something rational to say.

Whenever politics is discussed you bring out strong emotions in people. I think most people vote when they are mad about something, than any other reason.

JFK quote: "If more politicians knew poetry, and more poets knew politics, I am convinced the world would be a little better place in which to live." Address at Harvard University, June 14, 1956

For the most part I have ok debates but eventually one goes south on me

It's very difficult, and not because of either side, specifically. Instead, I blame BOTH of them.

I have found a handful of people on here, with differing views, that I have had some wonderful discussions with.

Same here LOL

As a matter of fact, you and I have had some good conversations and we are night and day different.

.... is this where I should promote Newt Chris < s >

Who says we ain't havin' fun here

Sure! Why not?

As long as I can promote Virgil Goode.

...... if you're buyin' , I'll help you .... who says I can't be swayed by a tall Gin + Tonic < s >

I am sure we can work it out! I have solved all of the worlds problems a few times with a couple drinks in me!

..... man, could we have a heck of a yak' session over yesterdays results .... Go TeaParty !

Absolutely!

Hi Rowdy!!!

Hey there!

Doesn't seem like it from the near 4 years I have been on this site!

It's getting less and less likely that you'll find a reasoned political discussion on SodaHead. We've got too many teenagers with comic book fantasies here.

For examples of this, look at these threads:

http://www.sodahead.com/unite...

http://www.sodahead.com/unite...

http://www.sodahead.com/unite...

No sane person would believe any of these delusions, much less discuss them.

jsut because you disagree with their opinions, doesn't make them "teenagers" or delusional. You DO realize that, right?
Second link, your post: http://www.sodahead.com/unite... "WOW! RWNJ PARANOID DELUSION REACHES FOR ITS CRESCENDO!
When are you guys going to shoot kids at summer camps?"

You name call, then pretend to be "reasonable"... just saying, it's pretty hypocritical.

So, you believe that:

"Obama and the Russians planning a coup?"

and

" [ . . . ] contract put out on people of the Caucasian persuasion in America?"

and

"Would Obama give "the order" to attack Americans on American soil if it were to further his cause?"

are bases for sane adult rational political discussion?

I believe that everyone has the right to discuss what THEY feel is relevant. You are in no way obligated to comment or even read it if that is your choice. Throwing around "paranoid delusions" doesn't do anything except start an argument...

The first link provided documentation to back up the title, had a link to an article with quotes from the President on talks with the Russian heads. No where does it say people aren't allowed to speculate about what the heads of states are doing behind closed doors. REGARDLESS of whether you think it's 'worthless' or not.
the second link also has documentation to back up the title. There has been alot of things going on that concerns a lot of people. (AGAIN) just because you disagree, doesn't make it worthless. The president has, since taking office and before being sworn in, hinted towards favoring the black community at the very least (do we HAVE TO go into the "beer summit" again? I hope not, for everyone's sake) So, if you disagree fine but don't call names.
the third link was a question, sparked by the violence against OWS and the encouragement of such actions. It was a question, and people ARE ALLOWED TO DO THAT STILL.

"Throwing around "paranoid delusions" doesn't do anything except start an argument."

Know your 20th Century history? Paranoid delusions not publicly ridiculed grow into world class nightmares.



- - - -

"the second link also has documentation to back up the title."

I'm sorry, I may be blind, but I see no link in the thread header here

http://www.sodahead.com/unite...

Did I say "link"?? Nope, I said "has documentation to back up the title"

Seriously, out of all that, that was the ONLY thing you could criticize?

Well he does have a point about the fanatical fear-mongering and the perpetual conspiracy theories that abound here...

Everyday, there seem to be more irrational, incendiary questions being posted.

:) I wonder if the "round earth" supporters were labeled as fear mongerers back in the day?

Who knows?

The thing is, the earth actually IS round; that's a provable fact.

Meanwhile the incredulous fears that some people try to perpetuate on this site ceaselessly are highly improbable.

Especially when they base all their info on hearsay and speculation, or even worse; negative emotions.

While some may actually be unfounded, I dont feel they should be squashed simply because they may be improbable. We have a choice to read or ignore. Not lecturing you, I know you are aware of that. My point with the earth thing was even the most outlandish of ideas turned out to be very accurate. How do we know Obama isn't planning something with Russia? We have to read everything (as much as we can handle at least) and dismiss the things we feel are just based on negativity.

The only problem therein is that scared, naive people who look for the boogeyman in every corner are easily manipulated and often end up being their own worst enemy.

You are right: I DON'T know for a fact that Obama isn't "plotting" to "do something" with Russia.

But even if I did, what could I really DO about it sitting on my ass in front of a PC bumping my gums endlessly?

Since when has spreading unfounded rumors on a website affected any positive change in ANY aspect of real life?

You do make an excellent point, though; we all have the right to post what we wish within the confines of the TOS, and we also all have the right to ignore things which are pretty obviously ludicrous.

So until all these trigger-happy 'Chicken Littles' start showing viable, unbiased evidence of their many dubious claims, I'm going to continue to ignore their cries about the sky falling.

To me, a life lived in perpetual fear isn't a life that's really worth living.

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst and THINK rationally; that's all I can do.

I'm derailing this thread: ponies?

Lol! The ponies are just too damn cute!

XD

They have awesome gifs and memes.

Derailing ;-)

http://www.sodahead.com/unite...