Mervyn is perplexed, by over the years, the changing standards of dialog on Goanet. IMO, some people have an agenda, but wrap themselves in topics ranging from religion to what ever suits them. A few argue just to be contrarian, for whatever motives one is willing to muster.
I acknowledge that some posts deal with complex issues and that there are important values. But part of intelligent dialog is to use good judgment and drop / stop the conversation when, all one sees, is a response that spins the wheel, with no real movement. And literally the topic is stuck in the mud with only dirt flying all over. No one is well served by ad-hominem attacks, baseless smears, or a distorted presentation of the facts. Surely there can be strong arguments, and passionate supporters on both sides; with experts galore to quote. Yet, Goanet is a forum for social dialog and not a forum to dig-ones-heel or sermonize to true-believers. If there is some give, as the discussion moves forward, one can focus on the merits. So instead of being the nicest, sweetest, most generous, compassionate goaneter, some think they score points by being confident, cocky, I-know-what-is-right type of person. I have often stated, some posts are not worthy of a dignity of a response. I am not in the least bit suggesting that one should be mush and grovelling, specially to some witless muck-racking tale that is posted. Unfortunately, this type of dialog is not only confined to Goanet. It is seen in many places. Here is a link to an article written by Deepak Chopra. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/deepak-chopra/rush-limbaugh-icon-of-ant_b_172900.html Regards, GL
