shakran

This is one of the better definitions of politics that I've seen.

Since when did you see a candidate say "Well here's my idea, but I want to hear what my opponent says, and I might just agree with them!"

He'd be laughed off the stage before losing his shirt at the polls.

We've had discussions about that board both in public and back in the moderator hidey hole, and in every one of them (that I saw, anyway) I've said. . Look. It's politics. It's a place for strong, opinionated, even fiery debate. Some of us find that really fun. Some of us don't. It is not required that everyone love every part of this board. I personally don't have much time for the Nonsense forum. Not my thing. I don't particularly like nonsensical bullshit. Shall we march in there and rip that board's structure and flavor apart, merely to appease me? No. Nor should we get upset that some people don't like the politics forum. They have lots of other forums to play in. It is not required that Politics have universal appeal.



-Are there noticeable differences in how the majority of men and women communicate contentious ideas (like politics, sex, and religion?
Sometimes. Sometimes not. I don't think it's necessarily a men vs. women thing. I think that in our case we have set up a system in which the women can segregate themselves in a forum that men cannot post in, and therefore we tend to assume that only the women have whatever opinion we see in there. There are probably men on the TFP who don't like politics. That's ok too.

-Do you ever find yourself getting so caught up in what you have to say that you forget to listen (I know I do)?
"Know thine enemy." I always listen to the other side. It's just that, since the neocons have taken over the other side, it's made less and less sense, and therefore my opinions tend to remain fairly unchanged.
-Is it more important to prove you are right, or to try see the other side?

It is more important to find the truth. Am I going to listen to the other side with regards to the economy? No. They had 12 years, then another 8 to try their trickle down theory. It lead to ballooning debt and an economy in the crapper both times - this time especially badly. Real world evidence tells me their plan doesn't work, so I'm not interested in considering the theories behind that plan - they're obviously badly flawed.

-Can our positions' evolution be improved through opposing points of view?
Assuming those points of view make sense. . Yes.

-Do you think your positions CAN evolve, or do you not WANT them to?

Sure they can evolve. Show me a better idea than the one I'm supporting and I'll go with it. But to put that into practice in the current political environment, it's rather like handing someone a plate of steak, and a plate of crap, and asking if they could ever decide to try something other than steak. Sure. Give me a viable alternative.