AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

I do not have any shoes on and my socks are quite comfy large as I borrowed UncleE's heavy socks. :-D

Searching Loc: Rural Southwest VA

Wow, that number of posts are angry. I knew a large percentage of them were those who seem to have a need to vent, but I had no idea the number was that high.

You know, I agree with a lot of what you state. However, there are a couple of disturbing things I have noticed of late and frankly, in my humble opinion, the behavior needs to stop. Some are stooping to personal insults, truly personal insults, one of which this past week was to stoop so low as to insult someone's wife. Inexcusable behavior. I have also noticed a bit of "stalking" on the parts of others -- if they and another poster have had a dust up, and the one does, just as you say, leaves the topic rather than to continue to provide fuel for the fire, the other person makes a point of following that individual to their topic and continue to make waves. Again, not excusable. There has been an escalation of sorts lately of this kind of behavior because, I guess the venter wasn't getting the reaction desired. I used to find some posters interesting subjects in the study of human nature. I don't any longer. I am weary of the insults. If all I wanted were insults, I could go to the local country store and hang out, expressing my alien opinions. I'd rather not. I came to OPP to learn how others felt about issues, but I thought, I would be reading rational thoughts and feel comfortable responding accordingly. As it is now, I'd rather not respond to what I read most of the time, because so much of what is posted is done so in such a rude manner and there are quite a lot of individual who have views, not substantiated by actual facts, who when asked about their sources, only get insulted and respond accordingly. At the rate this is going, it is likely that OPP, as a result of this boorish behavior will become almost mute which will then make it moot. My opinion, mind you. It is also my opinion that others should take note of how you post because you are a shining example of what, ALL posters on OPP, should look like in key bytes. Intelligent, articulate, and civilized in discourse. Kudos to you.

Searching Loc: Rural Southwest VA

Well then, it continues to be a conundrum, does it not and I guess for me, I have to think long and hard about "will I stay or will I go." I am leaning toward the latter.

AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

It would be preferable that you not. :( :-(

Searching Loc: Rural Southwest VA

Not only that, you have eloquence of speech, you know, and because you have such exquisite timing, provide comic relief when the situation calls for it. Others should take note. :oops:

Duckie

There is a cure for this....report them. The moderators will look at the posts in question and they can remove a poster. Especially those that are highly abusive. I too saw the problem with stalking, it seems that some folks will just not let go when they are angry. I recently made a post that was on the rude side, asking a poster if he received a "No No" for Valentine's day, but it was not intended to be ugly, he had been poking fun at one of my favorite posters so I joined for a minute or two. This post and another on religion caught my eye, but for the most part; these people do not want to know what other people think they want to live in an echo chamber because they are enamored with their own thoughts and words.

For the reasons you have mentioned my sponsor no longer reads or post to OPP. She says it is the same old angry people exchanging the same old angry words. I come here to see what is new and of course for the PM aspect.

Have I told you lately how nice you are? If I have not, shame on me because you are about the most wonderful person I know!

AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

You are correct. There are individuals who are commentary "stalking". They follow those they do not agree with and start the feces flying.

You need to tell your dear sponsor she needs to come back and participate in Chit Chat. We have frequent frivolity! :!: :lol: I have created an asylum with cells padded with lovely mattresses for bouncing off walls when frustrated. I am sure we have a space available. We will obtain mattresses in her color preference.

Of course Searching is nice. She is a Virginia woman as is your sponsor.:D

Searching Loc: Rural Southwest VA

You know, when I first came to OPP, it wasn't to find friendship, but along the way I did. I have forged some real friendships here. I value yours and others as well. Don't laugh because I know while what I say next is not comic relief, it is both comic and naïve. I came with the wish to be able to understand how others felt and to be able to express how I felt with the hope that at a minimum when I reached my hand across the aisle, there would be another hand reaching in my direction, not necessarily agreeing with me, but listening respectfully, and I would return the favor in kind. Yes, EXTREMELY naïve of me, given the country's hostile political environment at this point in time. You have my permission :lol: NOW to laugh at that one. I know that was a funny. I truly do. I am just so weary of the ugly discourse that goes on. I/We could do what Duckie suggests, ignore it (but HOW long can you just ignore it?) or I could just not go on any topics that I know full well when I see the originator, the topic is going to be full of rancor. I see no solution at hand to change the discourse.

AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

It is the phrase of "pick your battles".

Your suggestion of looking at who creates the forum has great value. There are some i intentionally never read. If they go for many pages, I may peruse through, choose a comment with thoughtfulness to it and respond. In fact, this evening I have been having commentary with an individual who has no like for me. We have found a topic of agreement.

You just have to run back to your cell when it becomes too much. :|

Searching Loc: Rural Southwest VA

Well, perhaps it has not been mentioned that the accommodations are exceedingly nice, and the atmosphere created is warm and inviting. Sometimes refreshments are even ever so graciously offered by our esteemed Asylum Director. Duckie might want to throw that in for good measure.

AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

There is space for her and her sponsor, who use to participate in frivolity.

I have been so remiss today. You have been working on a puzzle and probably need refreshments. I should have thought of it earlier.

TroubleshooterTim Loc: People's Republic of Oregon

lpnmajor, Thank you for your opening comment in creating this thread. Everyone who has participated in this thread has certainly seen the receiving end of the insults. I have seen more than my share of them, but I understand how some people can get so emotionally invested in their political position and be blinded to objective evidence to the contrary. I have taught in a University setting for many years and have seen the shift in our society towards the less civil.

Searching Loc: Rural Southwest VA

You are ever so gracious, but you always are and yes, indeed, I need extra fuel to finish this complex, challenging puzzle. I discover I am exceedingly hungry. See, another example of how warm an atmosphere our gracious hostess and thoughtful Director of the Asylum is. :mrgreen:

Duckie

I will pass this along to her. I know that she misses you very much. In her defense, she has been kinda busy. She has made quite a few trips to KY in my behalf. She and Uncle are trying to get custody of me. As you know, I do not want to leave my new family! And she is taking classes in Anthropology...I guess she wants something new to hang on the wall. This summer she will be doing field work in Central America...I wish I could go! Sounds like so much fun. Anyway, save a padded cell for me! I like green, but that may be depressing for a cell....how about violet and light blue?

AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

I bet your mattresses have had a workout trying to solve the puzzle! :D