Having been away awhile, I find
upon returning that some arguments have heated up again. Anything connected with
Wilson Township, however remote the connection, seems to be a flash point for
intense anger.
In spite of anger, participants
in Winona Online Democracy should avoid ad hominem attacks, that is, attacks
against the individual instead of the ideas presented, usually by calling the
presenters character into question.
Avoidance of personal attacks by
no means precludes strong stands. It is fair to question the accuracy of an
individuals statement. It is fair to ask the source of an individuals views.
It is fair to ask why an individual supports a certain stand. It is fair to show
the fallacy in anothers argument. It is fair to note the ramifications of an
individuals stand. It is fair to defend ones own views vigorously.
But please avoid personal
attacks. I will concede that avoiding them is not always easy. Negative
interpretation of an individuals personal motivation has become a staple in
political campaigns. It is found in most forms of public communication. Many of
those who decry it in others blithely use it themselves. No matter. It serves to
hide issues that otherwise could be discussed more usefully.
Please note that Winona Online
Democracy, unlike newspapers, is not capable of using any form of
pre-censorship. We can disable access after a person has received a certain
number of warnings, but until official expulsion has occurred, we have no
control over a message an individual sends. We depend on participants own
adherence to civility.
Please note, too, that any
personal communications I have with a participants do not necessarily constitute
official warnings. Only when the word warning is used is it official. If I
believe that persons have violated a rule of civility, I will first explain to
them privately the problems in their messages and give them an opportunity to
respond. This action is usually enough to avoid any official warning in the
future.
Roy Nasstrom
Facilitator/Moderator
