Time to update the thread header again as the Obama era begins. The thread’s basic philosophy remains unchanged from our beginnings in May 2005:
“This thread will focus on the moderate 20-30% of the American electorate (less on SI, we have learned) who shun blind partisanship and the hate-filled politics that go with it. We will poke fun at the foibles of the hardcore right and left, and showcase efforts to preserve and build a viable political center…Criticizing one group or the other is not partisanship. It’s what the center does – evaluating and often rejecting the policies of liberals or conservatives in favor or more moderate, balanced solutions. This thread does not exist to please conservatives or liberals. Just the opposite.”
There aren’t many true independent centrists on SI (very loosely defined as someone who has voted for both parties in past elections). Many posters here are avowed liberals or conservatives. All POVs are welcome if views and opinions are expressed politely.
Now that the election is over, much of the discussion will focus on whether President Obama governs from the center or the left; the split in the Republican Party between the far right and a potential reformist movement; how the progressives view the Obama administration, what Democrats do with their control of Congress, and so on.
Many thread participants also enjoy debating all kinds of political and economic philosophy. The floor is open to just about anything within the TOU. Speaking of which….
Basic thread TOU:
Personal attacks here will get you banned. Period.
Criticize individual politicians all you like, as long as playground nicknames are avoided (i.e. Chimp, Hilldog, etc.) We prefer that posters try to avoid demonizing political groups or parties, but some collective criticism is inevitable in political discussions. Please try to keep the focus on specific policies, issues or statements rather than blanket accusations and name-calling like “The other side has no ideas” and “The other side doesn’t care about/is soft on _______.”
If you don’t respect the thread and its regular posters, don’t do the troll thing and drop by just to crap on someone. We aren’t interested. If you can’t discuss politics without bashing others, this thread is not for you. SI is full of threads where abusive ideologues can vent their crap (liberal/conservative bashing, 9/11 conspiracies, etc.). Don't bring it here.
For everyone else, civil discussion and thoughtful analysis are welcome. Posts are carefully monitored to preserve a constructive atmosphere. |
