Michelle - Chicago needs involved adults, good schools, a supportive community and a safe neighborhood.

[Karee 4,191]

Of course a civil discussion is impossible. Politics and religion are the two most controversial topics on earth.. That is why I scratch my head when we keep getting told to be civil.

Here's how it works. One side can go mad crazy talking about Israel etc. But don't you dare say anything even remotely negative about Islam, or the report button get's worn out. Hope that clears it up.

[GandD 5,966]

Here's how it works. One side can go mad crazy talking about Israel etc. But don't you dare say anything even remotely negative about Islam, or the report button get's worn out. Hope that clears it up.

True statement.

How are you going to avoid controversy in the Politics and Religion section to begin with? Funny thing is that I would get less ####### (still some but less) if i said all religions are pointless than if I said Islam is pointless.

[mota bhai 2,675]

Here's how it works. One side can go mad crazy talking about Israel etc. But don't you dare say anything even remotely negative about Islam, or the report button get's worn out. Hope that clears it up.

You are allowed to criticize nations, not religions.

So if the Palestinian people ever get a nation put together (I predict sometime in the 2100's) your great grandkids can criticize them. Just make sure they know about all the suffering they caused you on a message board in the early 2010's. Always tell them, never forget.

[Karee 4,191]

True statement.

How are you going to avoid controversy in the Politics and Religion section to begin with? Funny thing is that I would get less ####### (still some but less) if i said all religions are pointless than if I said Islam is pointless.

I've said that over and over. That way no one can label me prejudiced against any religion. I truly feel that way anyway.

You are allowed to criticize nations, not religions.

So if the Palestinian people ever get a nation put together (I predict sometime in the 2100's) your great grandkids can criticize them. Just make sure they know about all the suffering they caused you on a message board in the early 2010's. Always tell them, never forget.

[GandD 5,966]

You are allowed to criticize nations, not religions.

Why not?

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

You are allowed to criticize nations, not religions.

So if the Palestinian people ever get a nation put together (I predict sometime in the 2100's) your great grandkids can criticize them. Just make sure they know about all the suffering they caused you on a message board in the early 2010's. Always tell them, never forget.

The issue with Israel has always been, you can't criticize Israel without being labeled anti-Semitic, whatever that means in a context where nothing but the alleged progeny of Abraham are involved on both sides of the issue of Palestine. If this board allows the issue to be discussed solely as a political issue, then kudos to the mods for showing some maturity, at least as far as that discussion.

Edited April 12, 2013 by The Patriot

[Darnell 8,479]

geez. No one's on Rahm's @ss about the lack of fixing in Chicago ?

Really?

[Penny Lane 8,159]

I have no idea why this thread turned into something about Israel/Palestine. It just happens.

[Darnell 8,479]

No One's on Michelle's @ss about not fixing Rahm, either ?

[mota bhai 2,675]

The issue with Israel has always been, you can't criticize Israel without being labeled anti-Semitic, whatever that means in a context where nothing but the alleged progeny of Abraham are involved on both sides of the issue of Palestine. If this board allows the issue to be discussed solely as a political issue, then kudos to the mods for showing some maturity, at least as far as that discussion.

National and religious identities aren't always easily separated, the secular west notwithstanding. In most parts of the world, they are intertwined and when you talk about one, you almost have to understand that to all but the secular west you are also addressing the other.

Why not?

That is just how VJ moderation has evolved. Understand that there was little to no moderation some years back and the team of moderators has basically evolved a set of best practices as a response to events that occur on this forum and not due to some grand vision given to them by site Admin.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

National and religious identities aren't always easily separated, the secular west notwithstanding. In most parts of the world, they are intertwined and when you talk about one, you almost have to understand that to all but the secular west you are also addressing the other.

That bit I got in the military, and also from reading Stanley Karnow. Religion and politics are the same idea in many countries, I get that, also along with the idea that most people living on a subsistence level don't care who is in charge, or saying what, as long as they can still feed themselves and their families.

[Darnell 8,479]

Sounds par for Chicago. Let's see what new plan Rahm will put forth this weekend?

[GandD 5,966]

That is just how VJ moderation has evolved. Understand that there was little to no moderation some years back and the team of moderators has basically evolved a set of best practices as a response to events that occur on this forum and not due to some grand vision given to them by site Admin.

That's a shame. I can see how religious discussion can get controversial but people should be able to discuss the societal implications of certain religious laws or practices.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Sounds par for Chicago. Let's see what new plan Rahm will put forth this weekend?

You sure seem to be dropping his name a lot...

You know, if you want Rahm to be your boyfriend, you should just ask him. Men like the direct approach.

[mota bhai 2,675]

That bit I got in the military, and also from reading Stanley Karnow. Religion and politics are the same idea in many countries, I get that ...

You do,but you'd be surprised at how many educated westerners do not.