Sharing ideas, discussing, at times arguing with open minds, is the basis of a free society.

I fear that things have become so political and tribal - that civil discourse is near unto impossible for some people.

I stay away from the online discussions. I prefer a face to face discussion.

That’s because you were a college wrestler

Like you i share things; most points i make offer no room for pushback with merit so side by side I know nothing contradicts the facts i share. (Who know what comments will result as ac esult of this one.)

Like you i share things; most points i make offer no room for pushback with merit so side by side I know nothing contradicts the facts i share. (Who know what comments will result as ac esult of this one.)

Very timely was this morning’s NPR Story Court—lovely story

I left the Politics board over a year ago because I found it unsatisfying and unproductive. It produced little but anger among friends. Very few wanted to consider anyone else’s ideas. It was an echo chamber, pure and simple. Facts vs emotion.

I read and considered opposing viewpoints when they were factual and intelligently written. Unfortunately that was few and far between. I don’t want to name names, but people like Jonathan Turco, who I generally disagreed with on policy, were focused on facts, respect and common sense and I really miss his contributions. Very few people (you being one Fred, and I mean that very sincerely) consider both sides of a debate. Fred may grumble, but he always hears people out. :)

The politics board is truly a microcosm of our current society in this country. It is splintered, tribal, uncooperative and, as currently constructed, destructive.

The last straw for me, was when I attempted to help change this destructive dynamic in a constructive way with a requested meeting. I was ignored and disrespected by someone who had expressed publicly the need for change in the politics board and an acknowledgment that it was hurting Gotham.

I hope one day soon, this country and our Politics board are steered towards more productive debate and an honest effort to make our nation and our communities better. It all starts with an honest respect for other people’s opinions and a willingness to believe that they truly want what’s best for their families, and country.

So well said, Paul! I left the Politics board a few years ago when I couldn't stand what I also perceived as a very negative and "uncivil" tone.

There is a nonprofit working on improving this situation. I'm on their email list, but forgot their name! When I find it, I'll share it on fredslist.

Gail, Marilyn suggested the NPR StoryCorps from this morning. It’s very good. It gives hope.

https://www.npr.org/2018/09/28/652195464/an-unlikely-pair-share-a-moment-that-goes-beyond-politics

I don't see what you have been doing as stirring things up. They have been what would in the past have been conversation starters. The challenge is that some people have forgotten that conversation is a "give and take" not a "say and run" process. It requires civility and an open mind. I learned a long time ago, that the mind is like a parachute - it only works when it's open. I have a diverse group of friends across the political spectrum and we often disagree on policy matters. We share similar values and that is what matters.

Beautiful link, Marilyn. Well said, Shelley. Paul, thank you for putting into words so much of what I couldn’t. Your willingness to see the best in people and give the benefit of the doubt to people, are two things I love the most about you.
I rarely discuss politics anymore because I have seen close friendships deteriorate into rancor and ad hominem attacks (“I disagree with you... therefore you’re disgusting, an idiot, racist, etc.”). I have seen my students shamed into silence, their curiosity and open mindedness squashed, for political views or genuine questions that don’t line up with faculty agendas. I have watched families rupture. I’ve been so sad about the deterioration of policy debate, substantive discussion, and the increasing tendency for discussions to slide into highly personal, mud slinging, name-calling blame games. People make snap judgments -and act on them - based on little or no research, lack of facts, triggered by emotion.
I teach the following in my Business Communications class: “If I'm in a political argument, I think I must, with reasonable accuracy, put the other person's side of the case at least as well as they could. One has to be able to say that in any well-conducted argument.” Christopher Hitchens
Perhaps we can get back there, with respect, benefit of the doubt, and good intentions. I’m hopeful.

Politics and Gotham don't mix well. I remain quiet for that reason.

So easy to say. But so hard to accomplish.
Must keep talking though in a civil way!

I'm like Dan. I have found myself being uncharacteristically quiet. Since 2016 it's been very difficult to have conversations with people who are on the other side of the aisle.

Derf, the environment we live in has become extremely TOXIC . Many of your posts on Facebook bring out tribal responses and can be construed as provocative . And that's ok . It gets out of hand in proportion to the news cycle of the day and how piqued we might feel that day . Your " day of reckoning " posts and your " and then there were 8 " teasers invite response . I've certainly been no wall flower as you like to say . The # METOO movement is a long time coming . The feminist movement was a long time coming . The LGBT movement was a long time coming . And there are more . But when something becomes TOXIC , it encourages vitriol , allegations and histrionics that are not tolerable . As you and I have discussed intimately , at least in my case , Social Media is an enemy of sorts . I keep threatening to take a Face Break . Maybe now is a good time .

Hollander Sends

I’m pleased with the tenor of the comments