Here is a novel concept for the Politics Discussion Forum.

No links!

Or at the very least, no links to opinion columns and op/eds, that by their very nature are biased (opinionated).

Why not discuss issues between members as opposed to attempting to make a point by posting someone else's opinion.

Lets just simplify politics and you won't even need a forum for it. At any time that you have to vote, in any election it will all come down to two choices...

a giant douche or a turd sandwich ;)

how is that different from the current situation?

It would be great to get rid of the op ed bullshit, but when even data from the CBO gets called partisan, I wonder how that would work. There are two members who are very fond of op ed arguments, and these two will change around the time science discovers the moon is made of green cheese. Everyone has been relatively polite in the "Kentucky" discussion. I am waiting for it to unravel any second. *sigh*

Isn't that called Nothingland?

Why yes it is and many find that preferable to the missing links in the Politics forum. :p:

Knowing that opinion columns on either side are partisan or ideologically based and, more often than not, distort or misrepresent the full picture of the issue in question in order to support an agenda, why would you prefer that over the discussion of the facts?

I think its a great idea to remove the links of others who may be more knowledgeable, have inside information, deal with this on a daily basis and/or are well educated in the topic being discussed. Lets just make a list of the acceptable links/quotable sources - that way we can limit any opinions or sources that disagree with them. I'll voluntarily refrain from participating in the selection. Just let me know whats allowed.

It is really a pretty simple concept.....only link to news stories, not opinions. Opinion columns have an agenda....news stories do not or should not.

If you are truly concerned about bias, why bring more outside bias into the discussion?

Here is an example:

What makes you think this conservative blogger is more knowledgeable on global warming or has more inside information, deals with the issue on a daily basis or is well educated on the topic?

Whats wrong with sticking to the objective as opposed to the subjective in terms of links?

And offering your own opinion on the objective link rather than posting the opinion of others.

If a group of Cellarites were sitting in a bar discussing global warming or health care or the economy ("pass the peanuts....where's the waitress...hey, did you hear on the news today...."), there would be no links, no flooding the discussion with outside opinions....

Whats so bad about discussing issues w/o bringing in outside influences?

Meh. They would still just call you a stupid asshole for having that opinion.:headshake

Thanks Spexxie.

Apropos of nothing, I think Redux has the insider knowledge and deals with these issues on a daily basis.

This is what he's talking about: discuss the issues...beyond pasted links and articles. We could all learn something beyond media-driven opinions.

Not trying to stir trouble, I just think it's a valid point.

Goo' nuff.

Like, ever-goo?

;)

Scarily similar actually.