Originally Posted by whirledtraveler
No. I think you are out of bounds. Legitimate discussion is not something you get to define for the forum. The terms you referred to, shoe carnival etc, are not designed to inflame. They are a reaction to enflamement caused by some incredibly stupid policies. Calling the reactions childish may be a nice way remove oneself but it is poor public relations and it demeans legitimate sentiment and opinion. I wouldn't expect anyone imposed upon to artfully "act adult" by hiding their emotions. If anything that doubles the injustice.
For what it is worth, your more emotional replies on these issues have been refreshing. They make you more human to me, more than just a guy who recites policy.
Who said I was trying to define forum policy? You asked me why I considered some posts unworthy of discussion and I gave you my own personal explanation. But I don't intend to define the rules and standards for this forum; it's not my website nor yours to rule. If you want to post comments that do nothing more than inflame emotions or the equivalent of sticking out one's tongue mumbling nanny-nanny-boo-boo, go right ahead. But please don't call it serious discussion or look for a response from me. I'm looking for something more challenging than that and more worthy of my time.
I get the impression that you want to bait me into a corner so that you can slam me with some wise remark and walk away with a degree of satisfaction. I'll make it easy for you.
You win.