Because if I continue to engage, I'm going to say something I'll regret.

[kragore]

I feel the same way, X, and in fact I feel quite horrible that one innocent post of mine, in an attempt to point out *how cool all the Old Bats around here (generally) are*, went so horribly and utterly down the path of bickering and contrary squabbling.

I was raised in a house of no fighting and no raised voices - when my parents fought it was cold war style. I'm not saying this was right, but it was their way, and it has in turn made me particularly sensitive about raised voices, heated discussions, etc, be it in person or online. I will always try to deflect heated tempers with humor, and when that doesn't work, I quietly walk away.
It does not actually make me feel better to know that it is "all in good fun" because when people argue, there is always an underlying current of reason.

I wish people would pause, put on their bright and reasoned hats once in a while (I know you have them,) and ask yourself, "Would I be having this same conversation (shouting match) with the same person *in person* knowing everyone else is sitting around listening to it?"
Sometimes I really wonder if you would, or if it would come to a quick end when you saw people walking away. The internet is great at masking social cues.

Those of you here who've been here for a long time are more than elders. Like it or not, you are our mentors.
In the timeless words of my mother, "Start acting like it."

Comments

[nomadmwe.livejournal.com]

I really, really, really didn't want to throw my hat in, but for serious, if you want to argue something by quoting a law, read the freaking law.

I don't think I'll involve myself more than that. Sigh.

[metabomber.livejournal.com]

I will not be weighed down by your logic and reality, sir.

Good day!

[embermwe.livejournal.com]

Absolutely agreed.
I waved the chair-leg a wee bit this morning.
I also commented to Herself about some of this stuff at a recent get together.
My "Stress" previously mentioned in MY journal that you were blissfully unaware of had alot to do with this sort of thing.

[kragore.livejournal.com]

One of the most terrifying things to hear out of my parent's mouth was,"I'm disappointed in you."
I'm completely disappointed in the great lot of them.

I'm frustrated and annoyed that my attempt at a insightful reaction to the original post (that had ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with Bush, or Katrina, or freaking Birth Certificates,) got so blown out of proportion so fast by the extremists we have, and then were goaded on by those who just are arguementative.

As the originator of the stupidity, I REALLY REALLY wanted to tell them all to Sit the fuck down and shut the fuck up. But I didn't, because that would just goad them on.

Makes me second guess every word I say around them, and that's just not healthy. I thought, for a brief moment, about dumping the list last night, but with it so close to War, I can't afford to miss anything important. Which means slogging through the vitrol.

I will be giving it serious consideration upon coming back from war.

[embermwe.livejournal.com]

Its been a disappointing year in many ways for me.
Lots of "clay feet" in evidence all around.
Hoping it gets better soon...

[embermwe.livejournal.com]

They likely would have found a way to get around to much of these arguements anyway. So I sez "Don't fash yersel aboo'it." Its a symptom of a bigger issue, I think.

I empathise with you on the terrifying qualities of "parental diappointment". It was similar in our house too.

[kragore.livejournal.com]

Oh, and you might as well just stop engaging them - I understand what you're saying, but at this point one of the people in question is just happy to argue semantics and doesn't realize the very real discomfort that is being caused.

If you don't feed them, much like the hormonal stray tom cats they are acting like, they will go away (or at least shut up.)
- k.

[embermwe.livejournal.com]

Ok...
Not engaging has not worked heretofore, But its a thought
anyhow, and you are correct that there is no reason to continue.
If the point was not made, it won't be...
I said my piece. I would have felt dishonest and gossipy
to feel it and discuss it with others and not with those
involved.

[kragore.livejournal.com]

No one wins. :(

[jesiah-blanche.livejournal.com]

I think that is why I stopped reading and deleted anything associated with those thread titles.

Just didn't want to get in the middle of that conversation at all.

I don't mind opposing views, but sheesh...

[kragore.livejournal.com]

Honestly, I'm embarrassed that you, a relative newcomer to whom I've tauted the Awesome Coolness that they are, witnessed all that.
It's like bringing a friend home from school to find your Parents having a screaming match, oblivious to the kids standing there in the room.

I'm sorry, and I hope for everyone's sake this blows over in the next week or so.
- K.

[darthgm.livejournal.com]

...I'm so glad I have no clue what you're referring to.

Instead I shall become distracted.

...SQUIRREL!

*points*

[kragore.livejournal.com]

POINT!

[chimeramwe.livejournal.com]

Well... I have to say, I have a lot more respect for at least one person than I used to. I liked them before, but now, I'm impressed by their willingness to point out other peoples' silliness.

Sadly, I have lost even the last tiny shred of respect I had for one person participating in that thread.

Mom! Dad! Stop Fighting!

[sarahbyrdd.livejournal.com]

*sigh* You put the head on the nail (is that how the expression goes?). The recent thread has been squirm-worthy. Embermwe is exactly right, they would have debated these topics eventually (and most likely will again!) regardless of how it started or how it ends.

Being what I laughingly call a NYC pinko liberal commie, but with one parent who's a Serious Republican, I've learned the fine dance of avoiding politics at family outtings. I will say that my beloved and I differ in our political leanings, but when we sit down and pick at the topic du jour we find that generally we want the same outcome, we just disagree about how to get there.

[safirasilv.livejournal.com]

I only recently turned to Himself, sighed, and said, "I think I'm glad I'm not going to Pennsic this year."

Several of the prime offenders in the thread aren't going to Pennsic, but it reminds me that various members of my SCA family treat political argument as an extreme sport that has little regard for innocent bystanders. And I don't want to be around that.

[lordbleys.livejournal.com]

It's ok, when they were arguing, I stole their ponies and gave them to orphans with diseases. Ugly diseases, not sexy ones that you get better from with teddy bears and public service announcement. Really fucking ugly ones that come without lube or tax deferment status.