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Yes

33 (53.2%)

No

29 (46.8%)

Total Members Voted: 44

[hotel21]

When I was a ships engineer many moons ago it entailed living in close confines with folks who were of assorted political hues as well as sexual orientation - but that is a discussion for another day!

One of the things that were taboo to discuss in the bar was politics due to the entrenched views of some against the non committal viewpoint of others. It made for an unpleasant bar of an evening and so, were universally banned.

Like most on here I am a member of assorted forums and groups on the Internet. Some have subjects that are the source of merriment and others have subjects that cause infinite grief (such as tyre or oil threads in here.

One of the subjects which cause the biggest consternation of late due to the demise of Baroness Thatcher is politics. This includes their discussion, views of members and on one forum, the actions of a vociferous few trying to impose their manifesto on others.

Question (and a poll).

Should politics be allowed on here or not?  Poll will be added.

Discussion welcome but would rather it was kept polite and not to degenerate into a slagging match. 

[dbug]

Yep no problem personally with politics being discussed on OOF - I tend to read political threads only and not post.   

[horsecow]

I think they should, but then again it would be a hard subject to police and as we have seen of late it can cause quite a few arguments, but given the right mix of people any subject can cause an argument so if politics were to be banned were would we stop. I think people need to respect that everyone has an opinion and that everyone is entitled to that opinion and in their own eyes that opinion is right while to everyone else it might seem like total bo###cks.

Right I'm away to hide under the bed before the barrage of attacks start 

[PhilRich]

Politics is as valid a topic for discussion in Gen Dis as any other imho

[albitz]

I enjoy a bit of political discussion from time to time,so Im in favour of it being allowed to continue.
Imo theres is less political discussion in genchat than there used to be,but it might not appear that way as a lot of the time there isnt much else being discussed.The days of hilarious banter seem to be long gone sadly.

[hotel21]

[devils advocate mode on]

What about the silent majority (if there is one) who could easily feel that political discussion in its assorted forms (including signature tags and forum personas) is simply overpowering such that it restricts their wish to otherwise post?

This would include the 'mix of people' argument.

[devils advocate mode off]

 

[Entwood]

The problem with politics is entrenched ideas .. if folks posted to learn or folks posted to inform ... then it might be different... but most posts are of the "I'm right, you're wrong" nature.

Add to that the use of "selective cut and paste" .. where folks do no directed research but rely on simply taking someone else's published works and posting some, or all, of it as "the absolute truth that must not be argued against"

Just leads to bad feeling, long winded posts, and very little "discussion" - but a lot of posturing IMHO ..

[paul.lovejoy]

personally i care little due to the arguments but thats a selfish view, quite a few on here like to have a good debate and i think it good there is something that interests them, if you want to read you can if not dont, I still read it its called learning.

If i was being honest i do however think there are more heated discussions about politics than anything else, but it does get people talking sensibly most of the time , so it cant be all bad.

I would not like to see it banned for other forum members sake

[Entwood]

Given the above comments .. could there be a "3rd way" .. politics given its own sub-forum ?? Those that wish to go there can, knowing full well what it being discussed, those that don't can simply stay away ??

If that was in the Poll it would get my vote ..

[dbug]

I think they should, but then again it would be a hard subject to police and as we have seen of late it can cause quite a few arguments, but given the right mix of people any subject can cause an argument so if politics were to be banned were would we stop. I think people need to respect that everyone has an opinion and that everyone is entitled to that opinion and in their own eyes that opinion is right while to everyone else it might seem like total bo###cks.

Right I'm away to hide under the bed before the barrage of attacks start 

Agreed everbody is entitled to their opinion, and opinions tend to be respected more where the topic is of a subjective nature rather than an objective nature, where we are not talking opinions, rather a correct or an incorrect response to somebody's cry for help.  Fraid i and others tend to get argumentative when technically incorrect assistance given to members by inexperienced members.

[Gaffers]

There are a few more topics you can add to the list that should be off limits Broccie....climate, gun control and anything to do with Esty's arse to name a few.

[hotel21]

Entwood - a separate subforum is not an option hence not included in the poll. 

[hotel21]

Guffer - subjects suitable for 'banning' not currently open for discussion, other than politics. 

[tigers_gonads]

Gen discussion is just that imo.
As long as the language is toned down incase any minors are about and it doesn't turn into a my nobs bigger then your nob type bitch fight then anything should be allowed.

The thread is there.
If you don't want to join in then you don't have to 
If stuff gets out of hand then a subtle warning / dry slap from Admin / Mods should suffice   

[paul.lovejoy]

I also agree with the right honurable gentleman mr entwood in his first quote, but still would not like to see it banned

to use an example ref Maggie a certain back bencher was being a bit forcefull in thier views but I thought Our Own dame Lizzie handle the situatuion very well and in the end i quite enjoyed the read to be honest