The debate...

[BaylorPhillie]

starts now... any thoughts?

[FIJIFan]

Senator Obama has shown througout the debate that he has absoutely zero respect for the Office of the President, and therefore he does not deserve the position.
Several times he has referred to President Bush as "George Bush," and at one point he looked at Senator McCain and said "your president."
No matter who is in the position you have to respect the office. Period. You show a lack of respect for the Democracy of our Country by not respecting the office.
He has also disrepected Senator McCain in every response by calling him "John." He is a Senator of the United States. Refer to him that way. Senator McCain has called Senator Obama "Senator Obama" on each response. Senator McCain respects this country, our democracy, and the office of the President. He wins.

[Limnos]

Senator Obama has shown througout the debate that he has absoutely zero respect for the Office of the President, and therefore he does not deserve the position.
Several times he has referred to President Bush as "George Bush," and at one point he looked at Senator McCain and said "your president."
No matter who is in the position you have to respect the office. Period. You show a lack of respect for the Democracy of our Country by not respecting the office.
He has also disrepected Senator McCain in every response by calling him "John." He is a Senator of the United States. Refer to him that way. Senator McCain has called Senator Obama "Senator Obama" on each response. Senator McCain respects this country, our democracy, and the office of the President. He wins.
Obama several times interrupted McCain while he was speaking and failed to notice that McCain was courteous in return. He had trouble formulating hsi thoguhts, appeared confused at times and couldn't even remember his own voting record which is indisputable. For coming across as a silver tongued devil to this point, nObama really laid an oratory egg tonight. Obama has a lot to learn and does not deserve to be President of the United States.

[The Banterer]

Obama several times interrupted McCain while he was speaking and failed to notice that McCain was courteous in return. He had trouble formulating hsi thoguhts, appeared confused at times and couldn't even remember his own voting record which is indisputable
. For coming across as a silver tongued devil to this point, nObama really laid an oratory egg tonight. Obama has a lot to learn and does not deserve to be President of the United States.

Are you kidding? McCain refused to let Obama (and Lehrer) interject at times when it would've been very appropriate, and seemed completely unwilling to acknowledge the similarities in their positions on a number of issues. It seemed like he wasn't viewing this as a debate at all, but rather just another campaign stop.

[The Banterer]

Senator Obama has shown througout the debate that he has absoutely zero respect for the Office of the President, and therefore he does not deserve the position.
Several times he has referred to President Bush as "George Bush," and at one point he looked at Senator McCain and said "your president."
No matter who is in the position you have to respect the office. Period. You show a lack of respect for the Democracy of our Country by not respecting the office.
He has also disrepected Senator McCain in every response by calling him "John." He is a Senator of the United States. Refer to him that way. Senator McCain has called Senator Obama "Senator Obama" on each response. Senator McCain respects this country, our democracy, and the office of the President. He wins.

Both participants wanted to take very different approaches to the debate. McCain obviously viewed this as a situation where both candidates were just giving speeches, where Obama seemed to want more back and forth. McCain basically made a point not to acknowledge Obama, or anything he said, choosing rather to just stick to his guns.

I think both candidates showed a distinct inability to focus on a topic at hand, with Obama forcing every topic back around to the economy, and McCain's steadfastness in repeating his same points and then turning the 9/11 topic into 5 minutes of veteran's affairs.

I think both candidates were disrespectful to the debate itself, refusing to attempt to limit their speech time, even when they had all but abandoned the topic at hand. I would've preferred to see a discussion on more topics, than the rambling mess we got from both candidates tonight on a handful of topics.

[SoTex]

Trying to be as objective and unbiased as possible, here is what I witnessed. Keep in mind I watched it on CNN (not Fox News) and I DVR'd it allowing me to rewind and relisten to many things said in the debate.

Senator Obama did not seem to show much respect during this debate:
1) He did not address Sen. McCain as such, but typically used "John"
2) He referred to President Bush as "George Bush" and "Your President"

They both talked around the questions instead of getting to the point on many of the issues. Sen. Obama did better than I expected overall, but he did not present nearly as presidential as Sen. McCain. To me, it was Sen. Obama that treated this as a campaign stop more than Sen. McCain.

[SoTex]

Banterer,

I just noticed that you and I agree more than I expected. I posted my reply prior to seeing your latest. I, too, wish they would have gotten to the meat of each question. In their defense, this was an unusual series of circumstances this week making for a less than focused debate.

I'm tired and need my sleep. Good night.

[Bexar Fan]

In their defense, this was an unusual series of circumstances this week making for a less than focused debate.
Also, as I watched the pre-debate discussion on PBS, the commentator mentioned that this would be a more loosely structured debate than we have become used to. That said, the debate itself was more of a free for all than a debate. I was disappointed in both candidates who staggered around in the midst of their general positions, and the moderator who lost control several times.

[The Banterer]

Trying to be as objective and unbiased as possible, here is what I witnessed. Keep in mind I watched it on CNN (not Fox News) and I DVR'd it allowing me to rewind and relisten to many things said in the debate.

Senator Obama did not seem to show much respect during this debate:
1) He did not address Sen. McCain as such, but typically used "John"
2) He referred to President Bush as "George Bush" and "Your President"

They both talked around the questions instead of getting to the point on many of the issues. Sen. Obama did better than I expected overall, but he did not present nearly as presidential as Sen. McCain. To me, it was Sen. Obama that treated this as a campaign stop more than Sen. McCain.

I disagree about the respect issue, especially with Obama calling McCain "John". He did this because he was trying to speak to him, as Lehrer was encouraging. When you speak to your colleague, it isn't necessary to use professional titles.

Regarding Bush, this is just a difference of opinion, but I don't consider it disrespectful to call him without his title in this context. There are definitely situations where I do think this would be disrespectful, but this isn't one of them.

[The Banterer]

Also, as I watched the pre-debate discussion on PBS, the commentator mentioned that this would be a more loosely structured debate than we have become used to. That said, the debate itself was more of a free for all than a debate. I was disappointed in both candidates who staggered around in the midst of their general positions, and the moderator who lost control several times.

I really wanted Lehrer to take control and make them move on at times. Of course it probably hurt his confidence in his authority when McCain pretended not to hear him any time he tried to move things along.

[Texas Golfer]

Also, as I watched the pre-debate discussion on PBS, the commentator mentioned that this would be a more loosely structured debate than we have become used to. That said, the debate itself was more of a free for all than a debate. I was disappointed in both candidates who staggered around in the midst of their general positions, and the moderator who lost control several times.

I concur. I didn't like the structure of this debate.

I don't expect anyone's opinions have been changed by this debate. The conservative say McCain won and the liberals say Obama won.

"Surprise, surprise." - Gomer Pyle, USMC

[Texas Golfer]

I disagree about the respect issue, especially with Obama calling McCain "John". He did this because he was trying to speak to him, as Lehrer was encouraging. When you speak to your colleague, it isn't necessary to use professional titles.

Regarding Bush, this is just a difference of opinion, but I don't consider it disrespectful to call him without his title in this context. There are definitely situations where I do think this would be disrespectful, but this isn't one of them.

Not surprisingly, I disagree with you. I found it disrespectful for Obama to refer to McCain as "John" and to the President of the United States as "George Bush". But, most disrespectful of all was referring to President Bush as "your president" to McCain.

[atxtraveler]

But, most disrespectful of all was referring to President Bush as "your president" to McCain.


Did he refer to my guns and my religion also?

[The Banterer]

Not surprisingly, I disagree with you. I found it disrespectful for Obama to refer to McCain as "John" and to the President of the United States as "George Bush". But, most disrespectful of all was referring to President Bush as "your president" to McCain.


I can understand the president thing, and it's clear that we just don't see eye to eye on that, but can you explain why you think it's disrespectful for Barack Obama, when directly addressing John McCain, to call him John?

I don't think it's nearly as disrespectful as completely refusing to yield(or even acknowledge) the moderator in a debate you agreed to.

[atxtraveler]

I think both parties this year are playing some unusually YouTube worthy stupid antics....

[Texas Golfer]

I can understand the president thing, and it's clear that we just don't see eye to eye on that, but can you explain why you think it's disrespectful for Barack Obama, when directly addressing John McCain, to call him John?

I don't think it's nearly as disrespectful as completely refusing to yield(or even acknowledge) the moderator in a debate you agreed to.

McCain was making it clear that this was a professional forum by continuing to call Obama "Senator" whereas Obama was familiarizing McCain by referring to him as "John". Not even in the debates in the primaries did Obama ever call Sen. Clinton "Hillary", or Sen. Edwards as "John". It came across as superior. I have never heard Obama refer to Biden as "Joe". It's always "Sen. Biden".

[baylorles]

The way McCain tried to take control of everything going on in the country yesterday, let alone the debate, I don't think he'd have been satisfied unless Sen. Obama called him anything other than Our Lord and Savior, His Most Exalted Preznit and Ex-POW John MCain.

[Texas Golfer]

The way McCain tried to take control of everything going on in the country yesterday, let alone the debate, I don't think he'd have been satisfied unless Sen. Obama called him anything other than Our Lord and Savior, His Most Exalted Preznit and Ex-POW John MCain.

Thank you for confirming that McCain was doing his job while Obama continued to merely campaign, something Obama's been doing ever since he was elected.

[baylorles]

Thank you for confirming that McCain was doing his job while Obama continued to merely campaign, something Obama's been doing ever since he was elected.Oh, you betcha!

[SoTex]

After watching parts of the debate again, I've confirmed that Sen. Obama is a pompous ***.

[baylorles]

You know, I'd be tempted to say MCain's just as pompous, standing up and demanding the entire government and everyone's campaign follow his schedule, and that he's a cranky old hothead, but that would be dishonorable and unpatriotic because he was a POW.

[Bexar Fan]

They are both pompous windbags.

This is nothing new.

[The Banterer]

McCain was making it clear that this was a professional forum by continuing to call Obama "Senator" whereas Obama was familiarizing McCain by referring to him as "John". Not even in the debates in the primaries did Obama ever call Sen. Clinton "Hillary", or Sen. Edwards as "John". It came across as superior. I have never heard Obama refer to Biden as "Joe". It's always "Sen. Biden".

The difference between this debate and the primary debates was that the moderator was encouraging the candidates to speak directly to each other. Obama did, McCain didn't. You don't call your colleague by his title when you're speaking directly to them. He wasn't talking about McCain, he was talking to McCain.

[baylorles]

They are both pompous windbags.

This is nothing new.
Isn't it a job qualification as per the Civil Service job description?

[SoTex]

The difference between this debate and the primary debates was that the moderator was encouraging the candidates to speak directly to each other. Obama did, McCain didn't. You don't call your colleague by his title when you're speaking directly to them. He wasn't talking about McCain, he was talking to McCain.

That is just wrong. I call on doctors for my job. I don't go in and call them "Mike" unless they ask me to (and their name is Mike). I always refer to them by their title.

They are doing their job as they debate and as such, the titles should be used even when talking to each other. I don't know that I've heard Sen. Obama referred to as Barack on many occasions, have you?

[SoTex]

You know, I'd be tempted to say MCain's just as pompous, standing up and demanding the entire government and everyone's campaign follow his schedule, and that he's a cranky old hothead, but that would be dishonorable and unpatriotic because he was a POW.

A suggestion is not a demand. Look it up.

[Texas Golfer]

The difference between this debate and the primary debates was that the moderator was encouraging the candidates to speak directly to each other. Obama did, McCain didn't. You don't call your colleague by his title when you're speaking directly to them. He wasn't talking about McCain, he was talking to McCain.

Even when I was talking to another field grade officer, I referred to them by their rank. This was not a familiar setting. They were not discussing their issues with each other at George's over a Big O.

[The Banterer]

That is just wrong. I call on doctors for my job. I don't go in and call them "Mike" unless they ask me to (and their name is Mike). I always refer to them by their title.

They are doing their job as they debate and as such, the titles should be used even when talking to each other. I don't know that I've heard Sen. Obama referred to as Barack on many occasions, have you?

Just because you work with someone doesn't make you their colleague, what do you call your coworkers in the office? I know that no one ever called me "Creative Services Photographer Thrasher" when I was working in TV, because that's ridiculous. Why should someone of an equal position not be allowed to call their colleague by their name, would one doctor still refer to a colleague by title in a non-formal discussion?

[The Banterer]

Even when I was talking to another field grade officer, I referred to them by their rank. This was not a familiar setting. They were not discussing their issues with each other at George's over a Big O.

It sure as hell wasn't a formal setting, because neither candidate(partitcularly McCain) showed respect to the event or to the moderator. In fact, Lehrer was pushing them to talk to each other, not about each other, as McCain did about Obama.

[Texas Golfer]

It sure as hell wasn't a formal setting, because neither candidate(partitcularly McCain) showed respect to the event or to the moderator. In fact, Lehrer was pushing them to talk to each other, not about each other, as McCain did about Obama.

It was hardly a private conversation between two collegues. The subject was dictated and the discussion was in front of hundreds of millions of people. I would call that a formal setting, certainly not a familiar setting.

[FIJIFan]

There are definitely situations where I do think this would be disrespectful, but this isn't one of them.

So what are the "situations where I do think this would be disrespectful?"

Sen. Obama looking at Sen. McCain and saying "your president?" Or is that one ok?:eek:

[Texas Golfer]

So what are the "situations where I do think this would be disrespectful?"

Sen. Obama looking at Sen. McCain and saying "your president?" Or is that one ok?:eek:

Hmmm. So, is Obama saying that he's not a patriot since the U.S. President is not his president? Freudian slip, perhaps? :w00t:

[ChipOC]

Isn't it a job qualification as per the Civil Service job description?
Oh the irony.

I missed the debate, but if all anybody can talk about is whether it was disrespectful on how somebody refers to people, then I gather I didn't miss anything of substance.

[Bexar Fan]

Isn't it a job qualification as per the Civil Service job description?
No.

[baylorles]

Hmmm. So, is Obama saying that he's not a patriot since the U.S. President is not his president? Freudian slip, perhaps? :w00t:You tell us, you're obviously the authority on "patriotism."

[baylorles]

A suggestion is not a demand. Look it up.You say it was a suggestion. I say it was a demand. Don't need to look it up. Opinions are stated on here as facts all the time, I don't get to join in the fun?

[baylorles]

Oh the irony.

I missed the debate, but if all anybody can talk about is whether it was disrespectful on how somebody refers to people, then I gather I didn't miss anything of substance.Guess Bexar Fan didn't appreciate it as much as us.

If by "missing" it you mean "avoided it at all costs," I "missed" it too.

I'm going crazy with these quote marks.

I might watch Bible Spice V. Plug Biden this thursday, unless something more interesting comes up like clipping my dog's nails.

[GigaBear]

I will say this and not much more.


I can't stand either of these asshats.


That said, what I can stand even less is the total lack of insight of the posters in R&P over here. Everything is either Republican and Conservative or it's wrong. Sadly enough, I'm a Republican, yet I can't stand reading over here.


Y'all have fun on your playground over here. Would be nice if the other side was ever given any credence whatsoever, but I'll not hold my breath on that one.

[ChipOC]

I will say this and not much more.


I can't stand either of these asshats.


That said, what I can stand even less is the total lack of insight of the posters in R&P over here. Everything is either Republican and Conservative or it's wrong. Sadly enough, I'm a Republican, yet I can't stand reading over here.


Y'all have fun on your playground over here. Would be nice if the other side was ever given any credence whatsoever, but I'll not hold my breath on that one.
Have you actually read les's and banter's posts?

[GigaBear]

Have you actually read les's and banter's posts?



Banterer is the only, ONLY (serious) reasonable poster. Les's post are more T-I-C and sarcastic than anything else.



What I can't stand is when Republicans dig in their heels and fail to see the forest for the trees. That happens way too much over here. Makes my head hurt.

[canuckbear]

Didn't watch it, but I can bet McCain said he was a Veteran and Barack Hussein Obama didn't say anything of importance.

[ChipOC]

Banterer is the only, ONLY (serious) reasonable poster. Les's post are more T-I-C and sarcastic than anything else.



What I can't stand is when Republicans dig in their heels and fail to see the forest for the trees. That happens way too much over here. Makes my head hurt.
BBL will be back as soon as his sheep initiation in CS is complete.

[GigaBear]

BBL will be back as soon as his sheep initiation in CS is complete.


Then everybody can vomit over his bleeding-heart nonsense. :lol:

[The Banterer]

So what are the "situations where I do think this would be disrespectful?"

Sen. Obama looking at Sen. McCain and saying "your president?" Or is that one ok?:eek:

A press conference, an interview, or any time conducting government business are times that it would be inappropriate. A partisan debate is not one of those situations, as they aren't representing the US Government; they're representing their parties and themselves.

[baylorles]

I will say this and not much more.


I can't stand either of these asshats.


That said, what I can stand even less is the total lack of insight of the posters in R&P over here. Everything is either Republican and Conservative or it's wrong. Sadly enough, I'm a Republican, yet I can't stand reading over here.


Y'all have fun on your playground over here. Would be nice if the other side was ever given any credence whatsoever, but I'll not hold my breath on that one.
You're pretty much right about my political posts, the reason being exactly what you wrote here. Texas Golfer sets the tone for this site's political "discussions."

This is a far-right wing political forum. Any other view point is not appreciated or welcome. So I just try to have a little fun with it. At least it isn't as character assassinating over here, but it's sure not pleasant.

I don't know why anyone from the Left or Progressive or LIberal viewpoint would even try to discuss anything here seriously. As I wrote to Limnos, my experience with the two Baylor websites leads me to the conclusion that internet message boards are best used as partisan clubs or forums for those of like minds.

[canuckbear]

Yes, 1 Rep Power. Get outta the way.

[The Banterer]

It was hardly a private conversation between two collegues. The subject was dictated and the discussion was in front of hundreds of millions of people. I would call that a formal setting, certainly not a familiar setting.

My experience in "real" debate is probably affecting my bias here, but the entire structure of this debate was totally informal. If it was formal, then McCain should've been disqualified for ignoring the moderator's requests to move on and wrap things up, and Obama should've been cut off when he rambled past his allotted time.

This wasn't even a formal debate compared to other Presidential debates, since the moderator was following up on topics and urging both candidates to speak personally to each other.

One could just as easily argue that McCain's unwillingness to address Obama directly was disrespectful and condescending but, realistically, it was just the detached style that he wanted to keep up, just like Obama wanted to get as much direct back and forth as possible.

[GigaBear]

You're pretty much right about my political posts, the reason being exactly what you wrote here. Texas Golfer sets the tone for this site's political "discussions."

This is a far-right wing political forum. Any other view point is not appreciated or welcome. So I just try to have a little fun with it. At least it isn't as character assassinating over here, but it's sure not pleasant.




Exactly. That is the point I was trying to make, you just made it much, much better than I did.


I don't know why anyone from the Left or Progressive or LIberal viewpoint would even try to discuss anything here seriously. As I wrote to Limnos, my experience with the two Baylor websites leads me to the conclusion that internet message boards are best used as partisan clubs or forums for those of like minds.



Message boards as a whole aren't that way, but I guess looking at the demographics and background of the Baylor constituency, it's pretty obvious what Baylor folks are going to gravitate towards.


All that being said, when I come to a forum, I come with an open mind in hopes of learning something that will challenge my thinking and make me think a different way about things. Here, like you say, it's nothing but constant browbeating about how wrong you are for your thoughts or your interpretation of something. There is nothing to be GAINED from this---it's like a giant perpetual circle-jerk.


Again, I will poke my head in occasionally to see if things change. I have a feeling they won't, so I'll just let y'all have your party. :)

[baylorles]

Message boards as a whole aren't that way, but I guess looking at the demographics and background of the Baylor constituency, it's pretty obvious what Baylor folks are going to gravitate towards....

You are absolutely correct, sir.

Again, I will poke my head in occasionally to see if things change. I have a feeling they won't, so I'll just let y'all have your party. :)

And I'll occasionally leave a turd in the punch bowl.

[GigaBear]

And I'll occasionally leave a turd in the punch bowl.



:lol::lol:

[Texas Golfer]

Banterer is the only, ONLY (serious) reasonable poster. Les's post are more T-I-C and sarcastic than anything else.

:lol:

[Bexar Fan]

My experience in "real" debate is probably affecting my bias here, but the entire structure of this debate was totally informal. If it was formal, then McCain should've been disqualified for ignoring the moderator's requests to move on and wrap things up, and Obama should've been cut off when he rambled past his allotted time.

This wasn't even a formal debate compared to other Presidential debates, since the moderator was following up on topics and urging both candidates to speak personally to each other.

One could just as easily argue that McCain's unwillingness to address Obama directly was disrespectful and condescending but, realistically, it was just the detached style that he wanted to keep up, just like Obama wanted to get as much direct back and forth as possible.
Damn I hate it when I agree with The Banterer....;)

Again, I will poke my head in occasionally to see if things change. I have a feeling they won't, so I'll just let y'all have your party. :)
Keep us honest Giggles.....or we'll just make rash and unsubstantiated remarks.

[Texas Golfer]

You're pretty much right about my political posts, the reason being exactly what you wrote here. Texas Golfer sets the tone for this site's political "discussions."

This is a far-right wing political forum. Any other view point is not appreciated or welcome. So I just try to have a little fun with it. At least it isn't as character assassinating over here, but it's sure not pleasant.

I don't know why anyone from the Left or Progressive or LIberal viewpoint would even try to discuss anything here seriously. As I wrote to Limnos, my experience with the two Baylor websites leads me to the conclusion that internet message boards are best used as partisan clubs or forums for those of like minds.

Nobody sets a tone on these boards. Everyone states their opinions. If you can't support your opinions with facts, don't blame those of a different party affiliation from yours.

[Texas Golfer]

My experience in "real" debate is probably affecting my bias here, but the entire structure of this debate was totally informal. If it was formal, then McCain should've been disqualified for ignoring the moderator's requests to move on and wrap things up, and Obama should've been cut off when he rambled past his allotted time.

This wasn't even a formal debate compared to other Presidential debates, since the moderator was following up on topics and urging both candidates to speak personally to each other.

One could just as easily argue that McCain's unwillingness to address Obama directly was disrespectful and condescending but, realistically, it was just the detached style that he wanted to keep up, just like Obama wanted to get as much direct back and forth as possible.

So you're saying that, if the moderator maintains control, it's a formal setting and, if he loses control, it's an informal setting?

Perhaps the candidates should have been wearing Hawaiian shirts and sipped drinks with umbrellas.

[Bexar Fan]

Perhaps the candidates should have been wearing Hawaiian shirts and sipped drinks with umbrellas.
Maybe more people would have watched.

[Volunteer]

The way McCain tried to take control of everything going on in the country yesterday, let alone the debate, I don't think he'd have been satisfied unless Sen. Obama called him anything other than Our Lord and Savior, His Most Exalted Preznit and Ex-POW John MCain.

I don't believe it's fair to say that McCain demanded anything. He told everyone what he and his campaign were going to do and invited others to join. They either did or did not.

[The Banterer]

So you're saying that, if the moderator maintains control, it's a formal setting and, if he loses control, it's an informal setting?

Perhaps the candidates should have been wearing Hawaiian shirts and sipped drinks with umbrellas.

Are you saying that all debates are inherently formal?

[Volunteer]

You're pretty much right about my political posts, the reason being exactly what you wrote here. Texas Golfer sets the tone for this site's political "discussions."

This is a far-right wing political forum. Any other view point is not appreciated or welcome. So I just try to have a little fun with it. At least it isn't as character assassinating over here, but it's sure not pleasant.

I don't know why anyone from the Left or Progressive or LIberal viewpoint would even try to discuss anything here seriously. As I wrote to Limnos, my experience with the two Baylor websites leads me to the conclusion that internet message boards are best used as partisan clubs or forums for those of like minds.

Discussions about political issues tend to be serious. But, don't be surprised when others fail to see your particular slant on an issue.

You make the statement that you "don't know why anyone from the left, progressive or liberal viewpoint would even try to discuss anything here seriously". Why is this? Because not everyone agrees with positions held by these political persuasions? Your statement suggests that unless a person agrees with the liberal point of view that the discussion is not serious. Frankly this does seem to be the view of most liberals.

I have seen many on this board disagree with your posts but the ensuing discussions have certainly been serious.

[The Banterer]

Damn I hate it when I agree with The Banterer....;)


Had to read over my post again just make sure it there wasn't some sort of devastating typo. :001_smile:

[Bexar Fan]

Had to read over my post again just make sure it there wasn't some sort of devastating typo. :001_smile:
You must have been taking me entirely too seriously.

[Volunteer]

Both candidates avoided major gaffes. I am inclined to call it a draw. The left will view it as an Obama victory while the right will say that McCain won.

[The Banterer]

You must have been taking me entirely too seriously.

Now I'm confused. I thought you were going for the whole "I basically agree with him, that's really unusual" angle, and I was attempting to expand on it by going with the "if you agreed with me I must have made a mistake angle".

Unless you were being sarcastic (which would be really freakin sarcastic, considering you used a smiley and all)?

[Bexar Fan]

Now I'm confused. I thought you were going for the whole "I basically agree with him, that's really unusual" angle, and I was attempting to expand on it by going with the "if you agreed with me I must have made a mistake angle".

Unless you were being sarcastic (which would be really freakin sarcastic, considering you used a smiley and all)?
Whew...where's that headspinning smilie?

Let me try to clarify. If you had to go back and check your post, you just might have taken something I said in the past too seriously. Like most people, I can be snide, sarcastic and even self-contradicting. But in this instance I was straight forward, and meant I agreed with you.

Don't let it go to your head. It may not happen too often.

[The Banterer]

Whew...where's that headspinning smilie?

Let me try to clarify. If you had to go back and check your post, you just might have taken something I said in the past too seriously. Like most people, I can be snide, sarcastic and even self-contradicting. But in this instance I was straight forward, and meant I agreed with you.

Don't let it go to your head. It may not happen too often.

OK, that's what I thought. I think maybe my response wasn't clearly enough in jest. Glad we got this worked out.

[Texas Golfer]

Are you saying that all debates are inherently formal?

Yes.

[The Banterer]

Yes.

So then we can agree that McCain was very disrespectful to Lehrer?

Whenever I'm in a formal or official setting in the future, I'm going to make an effort to get everyone to use my title when they're addressing me. I'm looking for a job right now (I'm in school) so we can only hope that it'll be something more impressive than "Cashier Thrasher" or "Waiter Thrasher". Maybe I'll just use "Student Thrasher", anything else would be disrespectful.

[Texas Golfer]

So then we can agree that McCain was very disrespectful to Lehrer?

Whenever I'm in a formal or official setting in the future, I'm going to make an effort to get everyone to use my title when they're addressing me. I'm looking for a job right now (I'm in school) so we can only hope that it'll be something more impressive than "Cashier Thrasher" or "Waiter Thrasher". Maybe I'll just use "Student Thrasher", anything else would be disrespectful.

:rolleyes:

[GigaBear]

:rolleyes:


Ahh....a glorious example of what Les and I are talking about.



Anytime a valid point is made to which there is no defensible answer, the ol ":rolleyes:" makes an appearance.



Gotta love it.

[Texas Golfer]

Ahh....a glorious example of what Les and I are talking about.



Anytime a valid point is made to which there is no defensible answer, the ol ":rolleyes:" makes an appearance.



Gotta love it.

If you weren't so quick to leap to the defense of a like-minded poster, you could have seen that he was being sarcastic. Sarcasm doesn't make for a "valid" point.

Why are opposing opinions so threatening to you?

[baylorles]

Exactly. That is the point I was trying to make, you just made it much, much better than I did.





Message boards as a whole aren't that way, but I guess looking at the demographics and background of the Baylor constituency, it's pretty obvious what Baylor folks are going to gravitate towards.


All that being said, when I come to a forum, I come with an open mind in hopes of learning something that will challenge my thinking and make me think a different way about things. Here, like you say, it's nothing but constant browbeating about how wrong you are for your thoughts or your interpretation of something. There is nothing to be GAINED from this---it's like a giant perpetual circle-jerk.


Again, I will poke my head in occasionally to see if things change. I have a feeling they won't, so I'll just let y'all have your party. :)

Nobody sets a tone on these boards. Everyone states their opinions. If you can't support your opinions with facts, don't blame those of a different party affiliation from yours.
No, you set the tone.

If you see a fact you don't like, you ignore it. And your opinions are all "facts."

[ChipOC]

no, you set the tone.

If you see a fact you don't like, you ignore it. And your opinions are all "facts."
amen

[GigaBear]

If you weren't so quick to leap to the defense of a like-minded poster, you could have seen that he was being sarcastic. Sarcasm doesn't make for a "valid" point.

That's the problem though--the sarcasm he used made a point that completely nullified one of your points. And you simply ignore it.



Why are opposing opinions so threatening to you?


You obviously didn't read my posts above. I *WANT* opposing opinions, I WANT disagreement, I WANT discourse about these things---but it's simply not here. There can't be a real conversation about any of this stuff because so many people here refuse to have a logical discussion.

[Bigshot628]

I hate agreeing with Giga all the time, why do yall do this to me?

[Texas Golfer]

That's the problem though--the sarcasm he used made a point that completely nullified one of your points. And you simply ignore it.

No, you set the tone.

If you see a fact you don't like, you ignore it. And your opinions are all "facts."

I'm glad my stating opinions based on facts are tone setting. And thank you for acknowleging that.

You asked me a question and I answered. I ignored nothing.

[DONNIE D]

This is now like the Wolverine Thread. Someone told me one time, you should never take sides, so I'm not.