[Mulderator]

I got this e-mail the other day and it is typical of those I've been receiving for years here:

Hey Mulder,

I don't post much in the political pages on TSG, but if I did, I'd be on YOUR team.

I found a site that says how I feel to a T. Take a look at it; post it if you like. And, your opinion is always welcomed.

http://www.isil.org/resources/introduction.swf

It got me to thinking of a thread I wanted to start awhile ago, so I am doing it now.

What is interesting is that if you look at the "Civilized Debate" it would appear that a significant majority are of a political viewpoint that is decidedly left of center. However, that is actually not true when you look at the political affiliation of the members here:

Here are the results of a poll I conducted a while ago:



Here is the thread:

http://forums.techguy.org/showthread...al+affiliation

The results were not at all surprising to me as I have long believed that Republicans would have a plurality in terms of political affiliation (there are more than twice as many as Democrats) and that there would be a large contingent of people in the middle with no political affiliation here at TSG. It is the "silent majority" if you will--the people that make the difference in elections.

In any event, it is my opinion that what happens here at TSG reflects what happens in society in general. Those that voice an opinion that is not left of center are criticized as being racist, sexist, fascist, homophobic, self centered, and a host of other derogatory terms. This can be very intimitating for most people who do not wish to become embroiled in such a debate.

For years, from the start of the liberal movement in this country there was little or no oppossing viewpoint expressed in the media. Only in the last 10 years, or possibly less, has there been the development of an expressed opposing viewpoint with talk radio, cable news, and the Internet, among other things. I think it is why you've seen Republicans take the house and the senate back after 30 or 40 years of Democratic control.

I am quite accustomed to attempts at "intimidation" from the left, be it very subtle insults or very obvious ones. It is one of the reasons I so often go into "attack" or "intimidation" mode because it is for me a reaction to what I've endured for 20 plus years for my having a viewpoint that is not in keeping with "political correctness". I'm not trying to justify it--attacks should not be made from either side, but they result nonetheless and I am certainly as guilty as anyone.

I would like to know, especially from those of you that don't post much here in "Civilized", do you feel intimidated from posting for fear that even if not accused of being racist, sexist, fascist, homophobic, self centered, or some derogatory term, you will be thought of or perceived that way?

I have no fear of posting here as I have no political or religious affiliation. However if one is attacked by liberal minorities who would want everyone to live in a decadent society filled with evil and immoral "religious" criminals of one description or another, then maybe I should do so.

I remain ... neutral.

I just enjoy the debate.

Whether it is truly civilised or not is another thing.

Maybe we have the wrong type of "democracy", one which is TOO liberal, and maybe the wrong type of people are voting for it to be this way, is my feeling.

I certainly get the uneasy feeling that we are ALL being corrupted by "something".

Liberals, and "others" voting FOR decadence.

That other thread certainly nose-dived. Seems like they got the wrong idea.

[Mulderator]

I'm not looking for a debate of left and right viewpoints--there are plenty of threads for that. I am sure there are people here who will disagree with me! I'm just curious because of the e-mails I receive from people who agree with my viewpoints, but never seem to post. So there are a lot of people reading these threads that don't post--that much I know. Maybe they don't feel intimidated at all--I don't know. That's the purpose of the poll.

[AcaCandy]

I voted

Originally posted by AcaCandy:
I voted

Good for you.

[Mulderator]

Originally posted by AcaCandy:
I voted

And I see you didn't vote the "right" way either. I'm going to have to go in and change your vote!

[Stoner]

Mulder,

What you just posted is exactly what I experienced from you and several of the extremist right wing elements at TSG.
By you in particular, I have been called a Liberal, a socialist and a Communist.
BY YOU .I have had my love for America and my patriotism belittled.
From the time I entered Random, I have listened to nothing but rhetoric from you constantly berating and belittling anyone that doesn't measure up to your political
goals.
I am one of the independents on that chart that could no longer stand the image and actions of a corrupt President---Bush. I am one of the 'silent majority' that just became d@mn vocal!

I have seen little intimidation from this 'Left' you speak of. I do hear volumes from ex Republicans and Liberals about the corruption of the Bush administration.




If you want TSG to be a right wing outlet for the neocon Bush camp, I suggest TSG have the courtesy to post the political ideologies that are allowed.

Jack Stone

I didn't vote in your poll because, as usual, the slant is to justify your position.

In a poll presented in a fair manor, I would report there has been considerable pressure from you to control my responses.

You have even told me to 'shut up' on two occasions during a debate.

[angelize56]

Mulder: Yes it is easy to feel intimidated to post one's views. Just because I don't think a gay bishop should be in a church leadership position or that same sex marriages should not be recognized by the church doesn't mean I am a "homophobe" or hate homosexuals. Just because one values their religion and voices their religious opinions doesn't mean they should be labeled terms such as the "God-squad" or "Bible-thumpers". No one agrees here 100% but we should all feel free to post in a civilized manner without being ripped apart and called names. A healthy debate is much more conducive to keeping the peace than uncivilized, name calling, labeling debates. Some people can't take intimidation and thus keep their opinions to themselves...that's a shame! Take care. angel

[angelize56]

I hesitate to post my feelings on Bush because I've seen others reactions!







I just don't agree he is as bad as some of you see him.

[Mulderator]

Originally posted by Stoner:
didn't vote in your poll because, as usual, the slant is to justify your position.

In a poll presented in a fair manor, I would report there has been considerable pressure from you to control my responses.

You're welcome to start your own poll. As I stated, I have a specific curiosity on this issue.

Originally posted by Stoner:
You have even told me to 'shut up' on two occasions during a debate.

Can you cite to that? I don't ever recall telling anyone to "shut up"?

Although I will admit with you, the temptation is always there!

[angelize56]

Oh poop....I forgot to vote!

[Sarge]

I guess at times I can feel intimidated. Not by the left or right winged but by the level of debate going on. Some of you guys and gals in here seem like geniuses to me.

[angelize56]

Sarge: You need to get out more!

[Mulderator]

Originally posted by Sarge:
Some of you guys and gals in here seem like geniuses to me.

You're talking about the Republicans, right?

[khaki]

Originally posted by angelize56:
Oh poop....I forgot to vote!

Angel makes me smile


I would post here...
but I'm intimidated by the fact that Mulder will attempt to "work me"






I voted too ! (do I win anything ?!!! )