Any limits to freedom of speech?

[bunkkinsmom]

Normally I only get to read one thread at a time where the "bickering" goes back and forth with such vigor! But now I'm on 2! WOW!

Since this has all been so out in the open, I think I need to clarify. Lots of people use big words and dance around things and threads get diluted. I'm sure in their Wizard of Oz heads we are all just mere silly little mortals who don't understand why they are always right. I responded to this thread because I thought it was interesting, and because there are some people here who always make things interesting (sometimes I agree with them and sometimes I don't).

So, for clarification: I do not think the OP's town square dude is crazy, I think he's passionate. Regardless of who he's talking about. I don't think people protesting a PP clinic are crazy, I think they are passionate. We all seem to dance around the issue of bias and wondering why people feel the way they do. I am pro-life. HOWEVER, I think that people who stand on a major road with pictures of bloody aborted fetuses screaming at drivers telling them they are going to hell are crazy. Period. Notice the second and third words of the sentence. My stance IS defensible, because it's a freaking opinion.

And Bicker, as far as picking on me: Pot, meet Kettle. I cannot remember EVER seeing you say you were wrong about anything. As a matter of fact, you admitted on another thread just recently that you had been "schooled" and you are still arguing over it. I'm wrong quite a bit, by the way. But that's because I'm mortal. I try to learn new things every day and grow as a person. My to you was not to be snarky, but somewhat affectionate. You have tainted my wink.

 

[bicker]

Lots of people use big words and dance around things and threads get diluted.

And lots of people try to hide behind folksy simplistic-ness to try to avoid the fact that there are nuances to important issues - perhaps subtle distinctions that make the difference between 'right' and 'wrong'.

And Bicker, as far as picking on me: Pot, meet Kettle. I cannot remember EVER seeing you say you were wrong about anything.

Then you're not paying attention. And that's okay, because it isn't about me... it's about the issues. And one sure-fire way of detecting when someone doesn't have a legitimate point to make is when the start trying to make a thread about a single poster. Let's stick to the topic. It is okay to just disagree without attacking other people, by saying things like that have "Wizard of Oz heads" or something equally silly. (What does that even mean? No, don't answer. Stick to the topic.)

 

[bunkkinsmom]

I'm from a town of less than 10,000 people in rural NC. I AM folksy and simplistic. And I do understand that there are nuances to important issues. I also understand that medical professionals can make much better determinations than I regarding someone's medical condition. I also know that I can make determinations about my own opinions, which is what several PP's have done, and been very clear about the fact that they are stating opinion.

I am not trying to detract from any issue. As a matter of fact, I stated my opinion clearly in the paragraph that starts with "So, for clarification:".

Bicker, I'm not attacking you, and I do apologize if it came across that way. Frankly, you began one of your responses to me by saying "Not trying to pick on you, but" so that seemed personal and I responded. The Wizard of Oz head thing is a generalization about people that it seems impossible to debate with because they are alway right, always have to have the last word, and always make you feel less than adequate because half the time you need a thesaurus to understand what they are even debating! There are SEVERAL people that applies to. And yes, it is silly, because I'm simplistic and folksy.

And I agree with you about sticking to the topic, and I have made my opinion clear. I'm sure that you will have something to say about all of this, and I hope you take my apology, as well as the rest of my comments, in the spirit they are intended. HAVE A FANTASTIC DAY .

 

[bicker]

I AM folksy and simplistic.

And let me be clear: That's okay, and really, sincerely, there is no requirement that everyone look at everything, fully and completely. Heck there are a lot of things (local sports is a great example) I just gloss over, but in doing so, I leave the analysis and projection to people who choose to invest themselves in understanding all the facets and aspects.

The Wizard of Oz head thing is a generalization about people that it seems impossible to debate with because they are alway right

Let me inject something there - the implication that "they are always right" is that you are putting yourself in the position of being right instead of them. In that case, you're no better. Regardless, the whole angle that you're looking at this is pretty pointless: In important matters where reasonable people disagree, why are you even considering the thought that someone else is going to think that what they are saying isn't right? People aren't generally idiots; people don't post things that they think aren't correct. They have their perspective, you have yours. When two people debate an issue, "passionately" (using your word), the aim is for each to present their own arguments, not to get the other person to change their mind. If you want to be changing minds, dedicate yourself to changing the mind of people who are not yet confident enough about their perspective to share it with others.

Yes, this is presenting some nuances about what you were saying, but they are important nuances.

always have to have the last word

Again, as opposed to you having the last word? The last word happens when there is nothing else to say, not as a matter of posturing. If you're posturing to get the last word, that's your affair, but most people, and myself assuredly, don't play that game.

and always make you feel less than adequate because half the time you need a thesaurus to understand what they are even debating!

Eleanor Roosevelt said that no one can make you feel inferior without your consent. Regardless, words have meaning. Generally, a more advanced word is chosen because it does have connotations that are not contained by a simpler word. One of the things I've objected to, a lot, recently, in several threads, is how some, apparently lazy people, refuse to acknowledge that there is a difference between the words people, including myself, use, and a simpler word, missing important nuances, that is simply easier to argue against. If you are not happy about the idea of responding to something someone says, because it is too nuanced, because the wording is not simple enough for your tastes, that's okay: Don't reply. Don't make it the fault of the person presenting the thoughts you don't care to comprehend.

I'm sure that you will have something to say about all of this, and I hope you take my apology, as well as the rest of my comments, in the spirit they are intended. HAVE A FANTASTIC DAY .

I always accept apologies, regarding online discussions, and really don't think they're necessary because it is so easy to misconstrue intent online.

Also, I never hold people to any specific interpretation of what they may have written earlier, rather always accepting when they clarify their perspective.

You have a good day, too!

 

[LuvOrlando]

You have tainted my wink.

Totally caught me off guard and made me spit out my drink

 

[bunkkinsmom]

Totally caught me off guard and made me spit out my drink

Awwwww! Thank you! I may now proceed to Hollywood Studios knowing that I have made someone smile, and THAT makes me smile!

xoxoxoxoxox!

 

[Wall-E1]

What you've written is of so little value that I won't bother to make up for your slothfulness regarding quoting. Perhaps your manner of posting, so disrespectful to the reader as to use colors to differentiate your pointless replies to valid and strong points that you simply don't like, is perhaps indicative of your disrespectful manner in generally, as evidenced by your callous and careless labeling of the protester referred to in the OP.
Oh Bicker! You have truly made my day. Thank You! "Slothfulness regarding quoting" - That's great. I have never seen someone get so upset over red text. You're too funny!

I think that might be the deliberate intention. PP appears to want an unrebutted soap-box, and will stoop to ridiculous depths to try to avoid being held accountable for what PP posts.
Stop! Where do come up with this stuff? Replying in red text inside the quote prevents posters from responding? You'll write anything just to keep talking to me. It's adorable, really. I'm flattered.

I've noted the same thing, that the issue isn't whether there is a legitimate difference in views, but rather that the PP is simply not qualified to assert his own personal opinion as truth, when it comes to a determination of mental instability.
Oy! I could keep explaining that it was an opinion of mine and I that I never stated that it was absolute truth, but what would be the point? With your color blindness, you wouldn't see it anyway

The last word happens when there is nothing else to say, not as a matter of posturing. If you're posturing to get the last word, that's your affair, but most people, and myself assuredly, don't play that game.
I'm sorry. This is the best one yet. It's only because there has been nothing else to say for several pages, and now you've resorted to accusations that free speech is being suppressed by my red text in quotes. I'd say that you, my friend, are a grand master at this game of posturing.

I really am flattered by all this attention you are giving me, Bicker. I do have a magnetic quality about me that draws people in. So, I understand why you are desperately trying any way to keep the dialogue going. Keep on posturing, my friend.

 

[bicker]

I really am flattered by all this attention you are giving me, Bicker.

The feeling is mutual, in every way.

Keep on posturing, my friend.

Back at ya', son.

 

[Wall-E1]

Again, as opposed to you having the last word? The last word happens when there is nothing else to say, not as a matter of posturing. If you're posturing to get the last word, that's your affair, but most people, and myself assuredly, don't play that game.

Back at ya', son.