Have we completely lost the art of debate and critical thinking?

[Powerman]

This is probably the wrong place to ask, but it seems to me we have. In this age of information, I am completely bombarded with nonsense. I made the joke Obama is the Anti Christ to make a point, yet day after day, the forum is filled with nonsense.

I swear to God, if Obama was recorder talking about the Lion King and the circle of life, and he told some kid , "did you know some species eat their young" we would have post after post of how Obama eats babies. Then we would have post after post tying it to his Islamic Jihad upbringing and his plan to destroy the U.S.

It does not just end here though. The web would be brought to a frenzy. Christians would be taking about his religion of baby eating. Conservatives would be bloging about his liberal baby eating. Republicans would be spewing about his communist baby eating. It's ridiculous.

I can't even watch a news channel to get any real information. All they do is fill 24 hours with supposition and debate on speculation and hunches and dissect every single little sentence completely out of context of what any candidate says instead of providing intelligent debate of issues and stands and history of candidates and choices.

Come election time we have very little real information about anything and are left to choose between a baby eater and a planet eater. One wants to consume babies to feed his Jihad, and the other wants to consume the planet to feed the evil big business monster.

Does anyone know how to form a rational thought anymore? Oh, gotta go, Paris is making a statement on MySpace.

[jmichna]

Since we are posting at a predominantly conservative\libertarian site, I think it is natural to expect that whatever "bashing" occurs will be directed toward those pols viewed as most left in their positions. Similarly, if we were posting at the Daily Kos or HufPo (examples only, no intent to imply similarity between XDTalk and these two), we'd expect the same amount of "bashing" to occur - but directed at the opposite end of the political spectrum.

I think we are also seeing a backlash of sorts to nearly eight years of unrelenting Chimpy-McBush-Haliburton-Hitler-Idiot Prez-Village Idiot-ad nauseum commentary aimed our sitting president. Similarly, I was tired and disgusted by the unceasing scorn heaped on Clinton for his adultery while he was in office... the Office of the President deserves more respect than that, and years of unrelenting Jay Leno and David Lettermen jokes turned me off from late night network TV.

I also think we here at XDTalk PV - in general - view the mainstream media as being seriously biased in their presentation of the candidates, the issues and news in general. When four of five major broadcast networks (CBS, NBC, ABC, WGN vs Fox), most all cable "news" networks, and most print media present (what we view as) biased reporting, it again provokes backlash "bashing." (My personal view is that Fox and conservative radio really are the only media outlets that present "the other side" of the candidates and news. That is not to say Fox and conservative radio are unbiased, only that they provide some measure of balance to the other media.)

There have been several discussion threads, covering a range of topics, that have been good, rational discussions, presenting factual information and well thought-out view points. I've read a lot of posts here that I found extremely informative, and which have lead me to re-examine my positions and thoughts, and to do further research.

But, sometimes, it is just plain fun to bash, especially someone who is so darn bash-able as the Obamamessiah. But, I also think we have enough discretion to separate out the wheat from the chaff, and discern was is factual from what is simply bashing.

BTW, I heard from a good source Obama IS the Anti-Christ, eats babies, and was responsible for sinking the Titantic!

ETA:

[XDConvert9mm]

Originally Posted by jmichna

Since we are posting at a predominantly conservative\libertarian site, I think it is natural to expect that whatever "bashing" occurs will be directed toward those pols viewed as most left in their positions. Similarly, if we were posting at the Daily Kos or HufPo (examples only, no intent to imply similarity between XDTalk and these two), we'd expect the same amount of "bashing" to occur - but directed at the opposite end of the political spectrum.

I think we are also seeing a backlash of sorts to nearly eight years of unrelenting Chimpy-McBush-Haliburton-Hitler-Idiot Prez-Village Idiot-ad nauseum commentary aimed our sitting president. Similarly, I was tired and disgusted by the unceasing scorn heaped on Clinton for his adultery while he was in office... the Office of the President deserves more respect than that, and years of unrelenting Jay Leno and David Lettermen jokes turned me off from late night network TV.

I also think we here at XDTalk PV - in general - view the mainstream media as being seriously biased in their presentation of the candidates, the issues and news in general. When four of five major broadcast networks (CBS, NBC, ABC, WGN vs Fox), most all cable "news" networks, and most print media present (what we view as) biased reporting, it again provokes backlash "bashing." (My personal view is that Fox and conservative radio really are the only media outlets that present "the other side" of the candidates and news. That is not to say Fox and conservative radio are unbiased, only that they provide some measure of balance to the other media.)

There have been several discussion threads, covering a range of topics, that have been good, rational discussions, presenting factual information and well thought-out view points. I've read a lot of posts here that I found extremely informative, and which have lead me to re-examine my positions and thoughts, and to do further research.

But, sometimes, it is just plain fun to bash, especially someone who is so darn bash-able as the Obamamessiah. But, I also think we have enough discretion to separate out the wheat from the chaff, and discern was is factual from what is simply bashing.

BTW, I heard from a good source Obama IS the Anti-Christ, eats babies, and was responsible for sinking the Titantic!

A very good post JM, thank you.

I have to agree with the cynicism that I see and feel with all media outlets and with many stories that are posted here. I have not as yet found a truly unbiased media outlet nor have I found an unbiased member in some form in the PV.

The above has gotten me to question everything I hear, look for ulterior motives and most importantly, in terms of the media, look for the money/power trail in everything I hear and see. The dancing puppet talking heads will unwittingly lead me to the real source and reason for their stories most of the time when the utmost critical and cynical thinking is applied to their revelations.

It's kind of a sad way to look at things but I unfortunately find it works very well.

[robin48]

Originally Posted by jmichna

Since we are posting at a predominantly conservative\libertarian site, I think it is natural to expect that whatever "bashing" occurs will be directed toward those pols viewed as most left in their positions. Similarly, if we were posting at the Daily Kos or HufPo (examples only, no intent to imply similarity between XDTalk and these two), we'd expect the same amount of "bashing" to occur - but directed at the opposite end of the political spectrum.

I think we are also seeing a backlash of sorts to nearly eight years of unrelenting Chimpy-McBush-Haliburton-Hitler-Idiot Prez-Village Idiot-ad nauseum commentary aimed our sitting president. Similarly, I was tired and disgusted by the unceasing scorn heaped on Clinton for his adultery while he was in office... the Office of the President deserves more respect than that, and years of unrelenting Jay Leno and David Lettermen jokes turned me off from late night network TV.

I also think we here at XDTalk PV - in general - view the mainstream media as being seriously biased in their presentation of the candidates, the issues and news in general. When four of five major broadcast networks (CBS, NBC, ABC, WGN vs Fox), most all cable "news" networks, and most print media present (what we view as) biased reporting, it again provokes backlash "bashing." (My personal view is that Fox and conservative radio really are the only media outlets that present "the other side" of the candidates and news. That is not to say Fox and conservative radio are unbiased, only that they provide some measure of balance to the other media.)

There have been several discussion threads, covering a range of topics, that have been good, rational discussions, presenting factual information and well thought-out view points. I've read a lot of posts here that I found extremely informative, and which have lead me to re-examine my positions and thoughts, and to do further research.

But, sometimes, it is just plain fun to bash, especially someone who is so darn bash-able as the Obamamessiah. But, I also think we have enough discretion to separate out the wheat from the chaff, and discern was is factual from what is simply bashing.

BTW, I heard from a good source Obama IS the Anti-Christ, eats babies, and was responsible for sinking the Titantic!

He was also on the grassy knoll. Dang demonic forces

[yeahYeah]

it's safe to say, 99.99% of the forum members loathe Obama, so these thread are more fun and laughter then anything else. I laugh my rear end off at some of these stuff. It's nice to break from reality - the reality that McCain is the only choice.

[Powerman]

Originally Posted by robin48

He was also on the grassy knoll. Dang demonic forces

Also, I just hang out where I do. I have absolutely no doubt that the left side is any different. I have been critical of Bush's decisions, but the nonsense heap on him by the left is just as ridiculous of the Obama bashing I have mentioned. "Truthers", need I say more. While the vocal right seems to be Religious leaning folks with way too much testosterone, the left being portrayed as weak weasily, and whinny is not without merit.

The right has quite a well oiled smear machine and the constant whining while Clinton was in office was pitiful. One reason I don't want Obama to win is that I simply can not bear to listen to the right bit(h for the next 4 years. It will be of epic proportion.

Honestly, I do not subscribe to the bias in media. I listen to all sorts and I hear plenty of balanced discussion. It seems as though many just cue in on what ever reinforces their opinion. I see plenty of good stories and support for the troops on the major media. I see plenty of opposition and faults brought up of the left. I will of course agree though that the major news outlets will never be accused to be right wing puppets. Except of course if you go to Huffington Post. According to them, the major news out lets are all big buissness Bush puppets that are complicit with him to spread the message of fear mongering and capitalism. So who is right?

I can take a joke. And I do understand that some here is meant as good natured bashing. However, it seems as though logical intelligent thought has been replaced by a constant barrage of innuendo, speculation, and smear sound bite babble. I'm not actually picking on XDTalk, I mean from everywhere. TV, web, cable...

And while the Obama bashing has been a little thick, XDTalk is the only place I hang out. I have never read anything on the DailyKos and can't ever see a need to. Huffington is another brainless moron that perpetuates exactly what I have been talking about. Just to be balanced, I will throw Rush and Coulter under that bus in a heart beat.

[Edubya]

Originally Posted by Powerman

I have never read anything on the DailyKos and can't ever see a need to. Huffington is another brainless moron that perpetuates exactly what I have been talking about. Just to be balanced, I will throw Rush and Coulter under that bus in a heart beat.

After reading the above posts I checked out these two sites, DailyKos and Huffington's Post. I've heard of them several times but never looked at them before, guess I'm not very "Fair and Balanced". From the few minutes that I could stand, I only read a few posts and decided that I probably would not ever be "Fair nor Balanced"!

I have read some of Coulter's stuff and see a bit of irony in her approach. I'll admit she can grate the mind, but I don't find it offensive. Now that damn Limbaugh! It's just too many times that he gets to come back with, "Didn't I tell you!" He does have an uncanny way of predicting what somebody's up to, whether it be a politician or a foreign country. I hate hearing his radio broadcast intro where he says, "With talent on loan from GAWD". I know that he uses that to rile the liberals that are listening, but I also feel that we all are endowed with our talents, whatever they might be, from our maker. It's just the way he says it and comes off as if he is the "Savior Incarnate"

[BaptistJihad]

Guys, I just saw a post tonight from a very reliable source that Obama has been eating babies.

This is verified!!!

[Powerman]

Originally Posted by Edubya

After reading the above posts I checked out these two sites, DailyKos and Huffington's Post. I've heard of them several times but never looked at them before, guess I'm not very "Fair and Balanced". From the few minutes that I could stand, I only read a few posts and decided that I probably would not ever be "Fair nor Balanced"!

I have read some of Coulter's stuff and see a bit of irony in her approach. I'll admit she can grate the mind, but I don't find it offensive. Now that damn Limbaugh! It's just too many times that he gets to come back with, "Didn't I tell you!" He does have an uncanny way of predicting what somebody's up to, whether it be a politician or a foreign country. I hate hearing his radio broadcast intro where he says, "With talent on loan from GAWD". I know that he uses that to rile the liberals that are listening, but I also feel that we all are endowed with our talents, whatever they might be, from our maker. It's just the way he says it and comes off as if he is the "Savior Incarnate"

I can't stand Coulter. I will completely agree she is intelligent. She just ruins it with her shock jock mentality.

I can't stand Rush with a passion. Not because of his beliefs, just because of his pompous arrogance. He is so full of himself he makes me puke. Then come to find out he is just a common junkie....

BaptistJihad... I Googled Obama eats babies. It is confirmed. I got several hits.

Check out this on. Even Clinton said it

TheSpoof.com : Hillary Clinton says Obama "eats babies" funny satire story

And this one from a very reputable site:

Barack Obama is the Anti-Christ

So I guess that is true and not just innuendo, but I'm still pretty sure he isn't actually a Muslim. Especially if he eats babies, because Islam is actually a religion of peace.

[jmichna]

Originally Posted by Powerman

...because Islam is actually a religion of peace.

Uh oh.... and that, your Honor, is how it started.