I, like I am sure many others have been a lurker on this forum for a long long time. I am fascinated with the way different peoples minds think and the way they voice those thoughts. I also learn a lot about this country that I have lived in for 26 years!
Any one with a an ounce of comprehension can see that the opponents in this particular thread all hold sincere and deeply felt beliefs.
However I must say that I take a very poor view of the direction this thread has taken. The thread has lost sight of where it is supposed to be going, each side is entrenched in their own personally held views and are unwilling to accept that the other side may and are entitled to hold different views.
Instead of discussing and attempting to come to a solution; that, even as a compromise both sides can agree...... to disagree; it has deteriorated into a tit for tat. I blame one thing for this and that is the role of the Moderators within the forum. Theire role is to stand aloof from the affray and ensure that the forum rules are obeyed and complied with.
I quote from the Forum rules
Personal attacks are not allowed - Don't attack others. Personal attacks on others will not be tolerated. Challenge others' points of view and opinions, but do so respectfully and thoughtfully without insult and personal attack.
How on earth can this forum continue to flourish and inform when Moderators are allowed without fear or consquence to flout the very rules they are supposed to police?
I accept that Moderators have their own point of view and of course they should be allowed to voice them ...but according to the rules!
The attacks on DJ and others by a Moderator are inexcusable and must not be allowed to continue. The rules of the forum apply equally to moderators and contributors.
May I also suggest that if a contributor is a Moderator in one forum then when they contribute to another they do not sign in as a Moderator!
Both sides have valid as well as questionale points it is obvious that there is unlikely to be a solution to this problem........What problem?
DJ dont leave..... that would be giving in to intransigence. Also I believe a lot of what you say makes sense....not all mind you!
Yeros
I will now retire back to my armchair