Index of SPPS Budget Discussion http://www.e-democracy.org/stpaul/spps-posts.html _________________________________________ Sorry I am a little late to respond, but I am offline and checking my email from a remote location, until my new system is up and running.
I would agree with Tim, that it is essential that we all try to keep our unkind statements about one another to ourselves. Tim is right, if we cannot discuss these opinions and ideas in a respectful manner, how can we ever raise the level of discussion to redeeming ideas and the best ones at that. If we foster an atmosphere of degradation online, we impose an outcome that is counter productive to listening and getting at the best ideas out there for people's consideration. Lets try to work together and even when we oppose one another do so in a respectful and thoughtful manner. Sometimes a comment such as, "that is interesting", or "I've never considered that before." or a simple "Really?", would make us think twice when we are really boiling under the surface. You might even find that once you answer in that way, you learn more from an individual than you ever would if you were to call them something less than respectful. Make certain though, that when you don't agree with someone's opinion, you don't try to censure them in a way that you wouldn't to someone you agree with. As long as you measure your judgment regardless of the point of view, we are on good footing. All in all, I have to congratulate Tim for his fine referee-ing skills on the list. We all are quite passionate about our opinion. Thank you Tim! Pamela Ellison Como Park Saint Paul > Index of SPPS Budget Discussion > http://www.e-democracy.org/stpaul/spps-posts.html > _________________________________________ > > > In response to the following statements: > > "anti-American" > "bigoted religious zealots" > > I'd like to submit the following opinions for your consideration. I'm > posting this as a citizen and not list manager, although it very much > reflects my opinions as the list manager. > > One of the reasons that I manage this list, is a from a very deep and > sincere political belief that for our democracy to function > effectively - we need to collectively take a hard look at how we > disagree and debate one another. I've felt the sting of having my own > opinions dismissed and insulted by people who are close to me, but > felt no compunction to listen - because they already have the truth. > > I'm interested in creating places online and in real space, where > individuals with dramatically different perspectives and political > viewpoints can respectfully engage each other in discussions about > controversial and normally divisive topics. > > As "bigoted" as the proposed constitutional amendment appears in many > of our eyes, using that terminology in this type of discussion does > nothing more than inflame emotions, deepen ideological divides, and > stifle real discussion. > > As deeply as I disagree with close family members and friends about > the issues regarding homosexuality and "same-sex" marriage, I refuse > (or try not) to act with the arrogance and self-righteousness with > which others have treated me. > > Unless, I'm willing to show some respect for those with whom I'm > disagree, there is no room for discussion. > > While some members of this forum come here to share the "truth" (both > from the left and right) and don't give a damn about those who > disagree with them, I hope that the majority come with a willingness > to share opinions - but also to listen and learn - especially when > the topic is emotional and controversial. > > As appropriate as it may feel, calling people "bigots" accomplishes > little except giving oneself a short term feeling of satisfaction. It > certainly does not increase the chance that one will be heard by ones > opponents, it alienates those in the middle, and it distracts the > discussion away from the issue - which is what everyone came here to > talk about. > > These are my opinions, to which I welcome responses - rebuttals - and > thoughtful criticisms. I prefer that they come in private, because > the subject is somewhat off-topic for the forum. > > Best wishes, > > Tim Erickson > Hamline Midway > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > > -- > ================================================= > Tim Erickson http://www.politalk.com > St. Paul, MN - USA 651-643-0722 > [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 105978430 > ================================================= > > > > _____________________________________________ > SPPS Budget Reduction Forum - Feb. 23-27 > Co-Sponsored By NEAT: http://www.stpaulneat.org/ > _____________________________________________ > NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: > http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul > > Archive Address: > http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/ > ----------------------------------------- Join ISP.COM today - $8.95 internet , less than 1/2 the cost of AOL Try us out, http://www.isp.com/ _____________________________________________ SPPS Budget Reduction Forum - Feb. 23-27 Co-Sponsored By NEAT: http://www.stpaulneat.org/ _____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/
