A plus for democracy

[GomiGirl]

Why do people have to take sides all the time. Especially on complex issues.

I don't take a side until I have heard a heap of facts and discussed it with a heap of people.. plus I am always willing to change an opinion if new facts come along.

There is nothing worse than people blindly following an opinion without thinking it through for myself. Then sticking to a "side" even when there is overwhelming facts to the contrary is foolish.

I am not commenting on Jez or anybody's posts it is just that the idea of instantly trying to polarise people (or judging things too quickly) has always been distastful to me.

AO - you are starting to sound like our agressive troll which is not a good role model and not condusive to open discussions - not debates - discussions.

[American Oyaji]

Not really Gomi.

I have particular issues with Jez.

He will snipe and point out how everything and everyone is WRONG, but won't venture to submit how to FIX the problem.

It's like an Agony Aunt (isn't that what they call syndicated advice columnists in the UK?) that will tell you whats wrong, but gives no advice on how to fix the problem.

[jez]

jez,
The problem I have with you is that you are indeed a fencepost sitter. You are content to sit there and not take a side. You are content to sit there while the post slides inexorably up your backside. Another problem is that you are content to point out the problems, but you wont commit to the solution. That is why I call you a fence sitter. You won't come down off of it in support for any one SOLUTION.

Thats why ramchop stopped debating. You can't debate someone that does not pick a side.

You've got serious problems. First of all pull the fencepost out your butt.

The problem is you can't se that it isn't a matter of sides. It's not a game. I don't debate for fun. I debate to find a solution. Your solution is to follow your leaders blindly. I am interested in truth, so I refuse to follow blindly. I hope as many people as possible will join me in seeking a solution, rather than sitting back and sayin "it's ok, Georgie has the solution. He's the President, he must be right.".

[jez]

Not really Gomi.

I have particular issues with Jez.

He will snipe and point out how everything and everyone is WRONG, but won't venture to submit how to FIX the problem.

Actually, I think every government is out for it's own interests. I don't think everyone is wrong. I don't think Chomsky is wrong. I don't think even everything Thomas L Friedman says/writes is wrong. I'm sure everything Bush says is wrong. However his interests are not the people's interests. His interests are the elite's interests.

[Big Booger]

I think some of you have your underwear on a bit too tight.

[American Oyaji]

The problem is you can't se that it isn't a matter of sides. It's not a game. I don't debate for fun. I debate to find a solution. Your solution is to follow your leaders blindly. I am interested in truth, so I refuse to follow blindly. I hope as many people as possible will join me in seeking a solution, rather than sitting back and sayin "it's ok, Georgie has the solution. He's the President, he must be right.".

Actually, I don't trust Bush, FYI. However that doesn't mean he's wrong all the time.

Also Jez, I don't believe you are trying to find a solution. You are whining about all the problems but aren't OFFERING any solutions. To find a solution in a discussion, one must choose where they stand. But that doesn't mean you have to keep standing there.

What do YOUR propose Jez. And if you don't feel like venturing an opinion, don't snipe at the opinions of others.