[TN-Bird] Re: Political Posts
- From: "Kevin Breault" <kbreault@xxxxxxxx>
- To: <estabrookshb@xxxxxxxxxxx>, <tcbirdwatch@xxxxxxxxxx>, "TN-Bird Post" <tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 28 Jul 2005 10:15:34 -0500
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
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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
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