There are no illegal immigrants in America

[DanaC]

AD...A great deal of what you say, I find interesting and well argued. I found our dicussion of democracy intellectually stimulating. That said, I really find your style towards the American contingent (majority) of the Cellar more than a little abrasive, and often unnecessarily so. There is a huge difference, to me, between criticising (even stridently and consistently) the American system, foreign policy, political landscape and even some cultural norms, and being anti-American. To me, you seem to have taken the latter approach.

I don't often wade into this kind of flamefest, but here goes: back off a little; get to know the individuals before you engage in boardwars. If you do that, the boardwar will be taken in good humour (mostly) and be easily put aside when done. To hurl insults (even though some are reactive) at settled members of the community is not the best way to integrate into that community. If of course such integration is your wish (I do hope so, like I say, I find much of what you have to say interesting and intellectually stimulating).

Radar hurls insults at people in his discussions and yet people still want to congratulate him on his recently acquired new job. This is because Radar has won his place in the community and as such there is a degree more leeway afforded him.

I often have very critical things to say about aspects of the American system, and foreign policy, but I am not anti-American. If I was anti-American, I would not seek to spend so much time 'amongst' a primarily American crowd. If you are critical of America, but not anti-American, then you are misrepresenting yourself in your posts and that's a shame. If you are anti-American, then I think you are in the wrong forum.

[lookout123]

Well articulated miss D. I would like to add a thought though.

I often have very critical things to say about aspects of the American system, and foreign policy, but I am not anti-American.

I cannot think of any of the American dwellars who isn't critical of some aspects of the American system and policies. But most of us still love the country and want to see it better when we leave than when we entered. Our disagreements revolve around how to make it better. AD's approach is that America sucks, Americans suck, and if we were smarter we wouldn't be Americans. May be a tad overstated, but that is the general gist of it.

[Radar]

Originally Posted by DanaC

AD...A great deal of what you say, I find interesting and well argued. I found our dicussion of democracy intellectually stimulating. That said, I really find your style towards the American contingent (majority) of the Cellar more than a little abrasive, and often unnecessarily so. There is a huge difference, to me, between criticising (even stridently and consistently) the American system, foreign policy, political landscape and even some cultural norms, and being anti-American. To me, you seem to have taken the latter approach.

I don't often wade into this kind of flamefest, but here goes: back off a little; get to know the individuals before you engage in boardwars. If you do that, the boardwar will be taken in good humour (mostly) and be easily put aside when done. To hurl insults (even though some are reactive) at settled members of the community is not the best way to integrate into that community. If of course such integration is your wish (I do hope so, like I say, I find much of what you have to say interesting and intellectually stimulating).

Radar hurls insults at people in his discussions and yet people still want to congratulate him on his recently acquired new job. This is because Radar has won his place in the community and as such there is a degree more leeway afforded him.

I often have very critical things to say about aspects of the American system, and foreign policy, but I am not anti-American. If I was anti-American, I would not seek to spend so much time 'amongst' a primarily American crowd. If you are critical of America, but not anti-American, then you are misrepresenting yourself in your posts and that's a shame. If you are anti-American, then I think you are in the wrong forum.

I think by now people know I have an Irish temper. I say mean stuff and things I might not mean right now, but I'll be to drunk to remember it later....

I heat up quickly, and I cool down quickly too.

[classicman]

Originally Posted by Radar

I think by now people know I have an Irish temper. I say mean stuff and things I might not mean right now, but I'll be to drunk to remember it later....

Great now you tell me - You're an Asshole!

[Learner]

A handsome admission, but your arguments would get a much more considered reception if you could avoid hurling the ordure, expecially among the retiring newcomers like me, who never say boo to a goose......

[ZenGum]

Originally Posted by Learner

A handsome admission, but your arguments would get a much more considered reception if you could avoid hurling the ordure, expecially among the retiring newcomers like me, who never say boo to a goose......

Yay, Learner, I went through that phase too.
Just come and hang out in the nice threads, mostly in home base, nothingland, images, that sort of thing.
This one should have been in politics, and of course those tend to get snippy.
But yes, I too don't find name-calling persuasive. Rather the reverse, in fact.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by Learner

A handsome admission, but your arguments would get a much more considered reception if you could avoid hurling the ordure, expecially among the retiring newcomers like me, who never say boo to a goose......

Yet the goose told quite a different story.