[TN-Bird] Re: Political Posts

Most of my time spent on listservs involves using my fingers to delete mail 
and, indeed, they get plenty of exercise.  I'm not a political person and few 
things are as vacuous to me as contemporary politics but I have no objection to 
getting more of this exercise.  As a personal matter I would not want tn-birds 
to become a disrespectful or disagreeable place, but again that is my 
particular taste and I do have my fingers.  I'm on tn-birds to get news of rare 
bird sightings.  Occasionally, even, my job lets me chase a few of the birds 
reported.  At least for me political discussion would not affect my subscriber 
status, but then neither would World War III, the Second Coming, etc.
Kevin Breault
Brentwood, TN  
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Estabrooks, Bates (IHK) 
  To: tcbirdwatch@xxxxxxxxxx ; TN-Bird Post 
  Sent: Thursday, July 28, 2005 8:42 AM
  Subject: [TN-Bird] Re: Political Posts


  I heartily agree with Tommy (below).  I have been associated with too many 
listservs/forums/boards, etc. to believe that things will remain civil and 
sensitive to others' opinions.  In addition, decisions made by political 
leaders often have to take into consideration a spectrum of concerns, and can 
not be resolved by choosing one end of that spectrum over another (e.g. Spotted 
Owls/Loggers' livelihoods).  What happens so often in these forums is that 
extremists who would, readily, choose one end of the spectrum, tend to rudely 
dominate the conversation.  This leads to a rapid disintegration of the forum, 
leaving only the "hotheads".

   

  This whole thread began with a rather sharp comment on the nomination of 
Judge Roberts to the SCOTUS.  While many on TN-Bird may agree that Judge 
Roberts is not a "friend of the environment", there are MANY other issues that 
the court  will deal with (not related to the environment, birds, etc.), on 
which many TN-Bird members may well agree with Judge Roberts.

   

  I would strongly prefer that this forum remain a friendly exchange of 
bird/birding news, teaching, etc.  That way, when I show up at a birding hot 
spot to see the recently reported "Red-Crested Titmouse Falcon", I (or others) 
don't have to worry that the shared experience will be tainted by any 
previously undertaken harsh political

  exchange.

   

  In any case, I agree with the suggestion that a new list be established for 
those who would like to discuss the political issues surrounding the 
environment, etc.  May I suggest: "TN-Bird Politics"?

   

  Bates Estabrooks

  Andersonville

  Anderson County

   

   

  
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   

  Please, please let's not allow political posts of any kind on TN-Bird.  
Civility is at such a low point in our society today that no political subject 
can be discussed without rudeness and arrogance dominating.  A recent attempt 
to allow discussion of wind farms on Tex-Bird should illustrate to all of us 
that it won't work.  One zealot dominated that list for days and personal 
attacks and insults were just awful until the moderator called a halt.  I want 
to read about bird sightings on TN-Bird, not have to wade through dozens of 
posts containing opinions which will solve nothing but will create much 
hostility.  When we make a "point" we need to remember that "points" on things 
are sharp and inflict pain when someone is poked with that "point".  Let's keep 
our list kind and respectful.  If people want to have a political forum 
available, let them begin one on a separate list.  

   

  Tommy Curtis

  Smithville, TN

  DeKalb County

Other related posts: