Hey folks – just a quick word here. The Guns in America symposium has been great so far and I have been thoroughly enjoying everyone’s posts. The debates have been pretty civil for the most part and as regular readers know, that is something we prefer here at the League.
One guideline I will mention though that is helpful for everyone (including me) is to assume good faith on the part of the posters and your fellow commenters. Even if the other side’s position seems so wrong that your gut tells you it must be a secret plan to take over the world, give them a chance to explain themselves first. If they do that and you still think they are trying to take over the world, walk away.
The biggest problem I see with regards to human interaction is the assumption of bad intent from the other side of whatever issue we are discussing. Written communication compounds this problem because we miss all of those little clues like tone and body language. Keyboard bravery then allows us to say things we wouldn’t say in person. Things devolve from there.
The reason why our occasional Opposite Day posts are so well received is because the best of them understand the other side’s position perfectly, even if they don’t agree with it. My favorite post from the last round was from Jonathan McLeod and it exactly captures what it means to understand the other side and treat their position with respect. We can all learn a lot from that.
This is a good reminder, Mike. And thanks for the compliment.
In the spirit of assuming good faith, I won’t even harp on the spelling of both my first and last names.Report
Oh geez – sorry! You Canadians! I will fix immediately.Report
No worries; ’twas just bit of fun.Report
On your last name – I just watched The Highlander the other day so I am blaming that. I should have known though…there can be only one.Report
I’m sorry, Mike, but I can’t do this. I fear I am incapable of shaking my deep suspicion that everything you write is informed by your being a total moral pervert and complete rat bastard.Report
LOL – I am a pervert. I’ll give you that.Report
We all are. it’s part of what being a human means.Report
Wait… those are bad things?Report
Yeah, that was supposed to be a reply to Russell. Y’all can just assume I’m an idiot.Report
A helpful and timely reminder.Report
I have to be honest, I have no idea how we’ve gotten this far without a frothing driveby brigade from somewhere.
I’m knocking wood, right now.Report
They’re coming by email.Report
You’re going to need to share some of that.Report
We don’t have any signs saying “gun-free zone”.Report
I haven’t been participating much (work, family duties, etc.), but I have enjoyed the posts I’ve read so far and to a large degree, the thread debates.Report
I do have to say that this has been an absolutely awesome symposium. And everyone seems to be on their best behavior.Report