I am concerned about online bullying on the page. Honestly I don't like it, including some thrown at myself. Yes, some will call me a sook, cry baby, say I go waah, waah etc.

I've had that before - but that doesn't make it right.

I know Foxy gets some of it as well & some others. Some of the people here I think need to clean up their act and include:

A.J Phillips, but I don't read much from A.J Phillips anymore;
Toni, goes a bit too far on some things;
Runner, I feel goes a bit too far;
Ttbn, really goes way over the edge, out the whole lot;
I'm sure there are others people know of.

Should people be more respectful in terms of discussion here or am I limiting free speech?

Nathan

if you ever watched the lying liberal media or the Democrats you would know what bullying looks like. Me think that leftist are snowflakes. They dish out propaganda, tell lies and then melt when they are exposed. Usually when they smash up property or try and stop people speaking at events they use masks. Look at the bullying Israel Folau or Margaret Court has received. Probably in a world of lies toughening up might be a better option than limiting opinions you don't like.

Hi Nathan,

Unless someone sinks the boot into me, I try to engage on the basis of someone's argument, not get into them personally. Well, I'd like to think that that's what I do :)

Maybe if we had fewer one-cent brains attacking everybody else as $ 1-brains, etc., we could focus on the issues, not the personalities, which usually degenerate into futile and empty slanging matches. I try to skip over those infantile efforts.

Joe

Nathan never change you are a gentle person
I overstep the mark, BUT AM NOT PROUD OF IT
Some, few, do not even know they do, it should be better but doubt it ever will
In a TTC stage now, try to change not read or respond to the worst offenders
Working so far and worth the effort

If it's thrown at me I throw it back !

Careful there NathanJ your politics are showing.

Your criticism is all for conservatives, where I find a number of lefties dish more dirt than anyone.

I won't mention names, but you might have a little think about some of our lefties who dish it out at every post.

Victimhood itself is a subtle form of bullying. Literature on the subject often describes as 'crybullies' those people who accuse people who hold opposing opinions of being bullies. There is power in victimhood if you can con others into feeling sorry for you.

Hasbeen has made the point that Nathan has named only people who don't share his views. It's obvious that Nathan can't tell the difference between differences of opinion and bullying. Very unworldly.

No, Nathan, you not "limiting free speech" because you don't have that power; you would like to stop people from saying things you don't want to hear, but it isn't going to happen. By the way: two of the people you accuse don't post here anymore.

And, as you have no compunction about naming people, I am relaxed about calling you a crybully.

Bullying has been on my mind lately. Wondering if it's actually gotten any worse then it use to be, or if people are no longer taught how to deal with it any more. The solution I keep hearing is to get rid of bullies because that is the problem. But it's been years since I've heard on TV or otherwise how to deal with being bullied.

This has been on my mind because in the US there are too many shootings at schools. Sometimes the shooters are remembered as someone who was bullied, or felt like a victim and wrote about it in a blog or something. Other times they were remembered as just a quiet person. Perhaps more going on underneath then people knew. With or without guns, I keep heRing how bad bullying is nowadays, and I have to wonder, is it really any worse then it use to be?

I don't think being picked on, called out, mocked, or disagreed with will be behaviors that go away. (Expecially on the Internet). What we should do is learn how to deal with them, and manage them. And teach that to our kids. Too much victimhood feelings instead of actually dealing with it in a healthy way.

Nathan some bully because they are bullied, in real life?
Some do not have the verbal skills to put a case so?
Some do not know they are bullies, age has its limitations
And? some are just plain nasty
You tell us quite rightly, we need boundaries, you are far from the first to say so
ONLINE comments right across the board are not setting a standard by that I say every place and highlight facebook ext
Once here we had a Teacher in China [Australian I think] she told us how rude her students found us
Even GY a long time ago, commented about how rude we get here
And we do, rest assured you are right, ignore the ageing insulters, ignore the nasty by nature ones too
And thank you for just being yourself

There's a massive difference between bullying & feigned indignation & social ineptness !

NathanJ if you think there is bullying here, you should have tried school in the 40s.

Due to dads job we moved a lot, I went to 14 schools in 7 years. In every new school, like any new kid, I would be picked on by the class or grade bully. I got more than a few bashings.

Dad who was a division boxing champion in the air force then taught me to box, then to fight. With this skill I could take out the bully fairly easily. Then the followers had no idea what to do, when I was not interested in becoming the new bully.

School bullying is much less today than it was back then. As for on line bullying, that is so easy to avoid, just give the forum you feel bullied on a miss. You can't be bullied by someone if you don't read their stuff.

NathanJ

I can't believe anybody would be so stupid posting this subject here. But you did.

There you go, is that bullying, or simply responding to what I determine in my life to be homosexual behaviour, deserving of a biff under the ear?

Toughen up sunshine, as my old Papa would say, having served through two world wars and a depression during which he lost his farm.

Things are bad but they could be worse!

Dan

You think this forum is tough! You should join my other forum 'Flower Arranging for Beginners' I tell you! what that Beryl from Whopping said about my Gladiolus arrangement would make a wharfie blush. All because I mixed pink and blue together, I told the bitch! I HOPE YOU BITCH ROTS IN HELL! AND ALL YOUR CHILDREN AS WELL! And I am considered by others as a shrinking violet on that particular forum. KILL BERYL, I SAY, I'VE PUT A CONTRACT OUT ON HER LIFE! fancy saying you can't mix pink and blue Glads together, such obscene talk, from one who should know better.

Its all one big laugh. (smile)

Nathan you brought about an answer to another thread
Mine on why new posters do not stay around
Could match hasbeens early life dad moved us too often
In time [without my dads help, he was a street fighter] I took similar action
But in the end even some targeting you are, saying the same things, at times about some here
Do not let them drive you away bloke

I agree with Paul. This forum is far tamer than many. I was recently called a (hypothetical)baby killer on a psoriasis support forum. I don't think it possible to go much lower than that as far as insults go.

With all the religion and politics discussed here I am surprised that it doesn't get more heated. Credit for this must go to the civility and intelligence of the members. I think that all here should feel privileged that another would be prepared to listen, let alone give thoughtful replies on a wide range of subjects and concerns.

Cheers

Fester like to hear more about that forum am a sufferer too
But have you not seen one single poster over step?
Has there ever been one [apart maybe me] you avoid at all costs reading?
Nathan cops a bit but at least one he mentions is always sharp and shall we leave it at that
Yes other forums are bad/worse nothing wrong with wanting to be part of the best/better one

Dan said to Nathan: "I can't believe anybody would be so stupid posting this subject here. But you did."

That's right. With all the trouble and strife, and all the interesting and important things going on, why would anyone burst out and announce that he is a wussy pussy?

<<By the way: two of the people you accuse don't post here anymore.>>

One of the people I mentioned was AJ Phillips.

Posted by AJ Philips, Thursday, 17 October 2019 10:18:37 PM

"Absolutely agree, Leigh!

My personal Lord and Saviour detests the thought of interracial marriage. Just look where that sham arrangement has gotten us! A nation of mulatos where such an abomination is not just acceptable, but is now considered trendy!

Keep fighting the good fight!"

Now that wasn't very long ago, was it?

Also please note when you said this, about Foxy,

" I certainly didn't expect you (Nathan) to do an about face because someone as shallow as the ideologue and bully, Foxy, made one of her school-marm statements (copied from someone else, as usual, you should note)."

Posted by ttbn, Sunday, 10 December 2017 3:23:16 PM

So I would encourage people to have a good look at themselves and not go after people who are calling things out, that they think are in very poor taste.

On the other hand though, I don't like people trying to close down others and limit freedom of speech.

Nathan I am trying to ignore a poster, in truth bet a few are
So know you highlighted someone who is not worth reading or thinking about a nasty piece of gear that poster

Hi Belly,

There is a forum I like, run by an expat Brit living in France (Psoriasis Club). Inspire I find much less of a community and with plenty of shonks pushing dodgy treatments. Useful info on both sites though. Seeing the American system in action I am glad to live in Australia, although we are behind the standard of care for psoriasis in Canada, France and the UK.

Re bullying on olo: We paint a self portrait with the comments we make.

Cheers

Fester thanks, yes shonks trying to make cash is a very real problem for sufferers
So too is the wrongly held view we are victims of something others may get
Right now, first time in twenty years, a new spray on is some help, but boy have I tried some stuff
Nathan J be yourself, you are as good as anyone here and believe me better than some
You ask for better and got jumped on but you win in my view

The user list for OLOA is at the bottom of this page. I just did the word count for A - 1,164. At least another 15 letters have roughly the same or more users. Allowing for some over-count, where a user name is two words, there have been about 10,000 people registered here over the years. A full count and graph of the drop-off in useage would be possible.

There's obviously been a huge decline. Only about a dozen people post here regularly. I do it less and less, for two reasons.

First, there is little dialogue. Many people just repeat ad nauseam their negative opinions; it doesn't seem to matter what the topic is, they will have a negative opinion. Second, I'd have no problem with a negative opinion or criticism of another post if there is some solid evidence or justification; but so often the 'reason' given is just insults to anyone who holds a different view.

Some of the arguments put here: other blogs are worse, it was worse at school, that criticising bullying is the same as bullying (that's a bit like 'she made me do it!' seem extremely defensive. Just because other people behave badly is not a justification for your own bad behaviour.

I tend to limit my comments to topics where I can make a factual contribution or suggestion, as here with the note on user drop-off. I like to learn new things. But here many of the posts just reinforce what I already know: that many people like to make nasty comments. I puzzle, why? Do they have nothing more substantial to contribute? Why do they just repeat the same insults? They seem to be unhappy.

In contrast to OLO, I really enjoy Quora. Plenty of difference of opinion, but much less personal invective. And lots of facts, on all sides of debates. I always learn something, or get a laugh out of anecdotes, and when I post, the feedback may be critical, but it is most often friendly

Cossomby you may well find me part of the problem, quite ok I do too sometimes
I have never seen you, or for that matter our author insult anyone
In my self imposed exile I tended to drop in briefly about every three months
Just see who was still here not thinking I would return
I left over a needless insulting so the thread has meaning for me
We have lost great posters yes some like me SIN they do not toe the right of reality line so many demand here
In the end freedom to be different say different things should not be reason to insult others
BUT being followed from thread to thread just so insults can be thrown is in my view not completely done with here
And such behavior only brings about retaliation , that truth will one day be focused on as online comments face censorship in laws that will be drafted like it or not

Belly, Rather than retaliation, one strategy might be just to ignore posters who repetitiously insult. But that just leaves the field open to those posters. To a great degree that's what has been happening to OLO. People have been ignoring such comments, and not posting, and then giving up altogether. I don't see any easy solution to building up numbers of people who would like an informative and civil debate. Yet there's no doubt that many of the topics are important, and worth debating.

One thing that depresses me generally is the number of people who comment on-line and make factually inaccurate statements, even where it is really easy to check, and where other people have posted the correct information. As an example, I followed the coverage on the end of the Uluru Climb in a couple of newspapers and blogs. I was surprised at the number of people who persisted in claiming 'Ayers Rock belongs to all Australians' even though others corrected them: 'No, the Aborigines own it as freehold land under our western legal system'. I can understand why people might think that it should 'belong to all Australians' as public land, or that everyone owns it symbolically, but to deny the actual legal status seems odd. If only because to deny freehold land gives people rights in the case of Uluru, also throws out their rights to their own freehold land. (Please everybody, I'm just using this as an example, not to start an argument over the climb.)

Belly & Cossomby,

There are some posters whose posts are so worthless of attention, so empty of actual content, that I learn slowly to just skip over them entirely. After a while, I'm blissfully unaware of what they might write, and since they can't reach through the ether and punch me in the eye, that's a blessing.

Don't worry, be happy !

Cheers,

Joe

Just catching up after a four or five year absence and reading a topic or three to see what has changed if anything. The forum has the same feel about it and I recognise a few names from back then . My absence had nothing to do with OLO or the Forum. Life just changed for a time. It is good to be back.
Take it easy.
SD

Shaggy Dog welcome back! cosomby
Loudmouth yes and yes
Cosomby you hit a truth, some are ignored, but still seem to break out in insults every now and again
Loudmouth too has it right
I KNOW it signals failure on my part to retaliate but too is it even weaker to not try to stop it?
This thread is worth noting, why the insults to Nathan J?
How can a subject like this see him jumped on?
What is the benefit in entering a discussion only to target its author?

Nobody has to use social media. The world worked perfectly well without it before the internet. Those people who don't like what other people say; those people who feel bullied - they can give it a miss anytime they like. Life will go on.

ignore posters who repetitiously insult.
Cossomby,
Foxy has become conspicuous by her absence lately so, if that trend continues I'm rather happy not to have to throw back insults !

Some re enforce the view we can ignore posters
And if truth be known most do avoid , let's say some
I hope Foxy is well and call out those who regard her [a fine poster with an active brain] women haters

Hi there TTBN...

I couldn't agree more with you. Those individuals who feel they're being bullied can do several things about it. Ignore it altogether, respond to it, or simply counter it. We're all supposed to be adults hereon, so really it's a judgement call. It's interesting to see, those who're claiming they're being bullied, come from the 'Left'. Just because someone might not agree with your political ideology, it doesn't mean you're being bullied. It's merely an expression of a differing opinion is all!

Oh, I forgot to add, nobody on this or any other site, is capable of bullying me in any way. And folk who leave because of this alleged bullying, I think are foolishly allowing their critics or detractors to get away with it, whether your concerns are justified or imaginary. By naming some of them NATHAN.J claiming they are bullying you or others, is weak and patently unjustified, and I'm surprised you've done such a thing. You're not the person I thought you were.

o sung wu,

Yes. We don't have the same complaints about bullying from people of the right; the complaints usually come from the left, which is very telling in itself.

Most forums I have come across, unless they are heavily monitored, appear to have a bit of biff as the norm, arguable as to whether it adds or detracts from a forum. Depends on the outlook of the individuals involved I guess. Too peaceable can be boring no doubt but I would say the line should be drawn when the slurring of another posters character occurs.
Take it easy.
SD

GOOD BY O SUNG WO, HOPE THE REST OF YOUR LIFE IS GREAT BUT SORRY ADD YOU TO MY LIST YOU KNOW THE OTHER
civility is never a crime and some do not even understand that
I see a hounding of NATHAN J because he has a different view
One day we can look back and ask if such comments served any purpose
Nathan, if you still read the thread, if you intend to leave or stay know you HIGHLiGHT A TRUTH
Some require your opinions mirror theirs or you are targeted
Never ever bend to uncivil people eve

Thus spake, Belly, the Insulter.

BELLY old mate, I'm not sure whether you were 'cutting' me loose from your list of friends. Nonetheless, I always value you as a friend, even though we often have a different view. You speak of truth. Not all of those on the 'Left' speak the truth, neither do those on the 'Right'. Sometimes we all say things we believe is the truth when in reality it's just a version of what's true at any given time. Truth can't always be quantified, nor nailed down precisely. As human beings, we all try to be truthful when dealing with others, except when lying suits a higher purpose.

I remember years ago I was sitting beside the hospital bed of this young fella' aged in his early twenties. He was in Prince Henry Hospital, and he was in my custody for a string of 'busts' and a high risk of bolting (or he was previously anyway). He was very very ill, and not expected to last beyond the night. He looked up at me and asked 'boss I'm going to be okay?' putting his hand out to mine? I said in my most cheery voice sure, why do you think they've got a guard on you? In less than a couple of minutes, he was dead. I was there only to get his precise time of death for our records. A few of my group asked me later, why didn't I tell him the truth? He might have made further admissions? Yeah, on 'busts' okay, good luck with that! Anyway sometimes lying can be preferable to the truth in my view. He died without any one of his family knowing, or being present.

"I would say the line should be drawn when the slurring of another posters character occurs."

On the other hand, if someone is acting like an idiot should I not them so?
Am I not doing them a disservice by not telling them?

I think if others say or do something stupid, then I have a right or a duty to point it out.

Making fun of others stupidity is a non-violent form of correction,
It serves to give them humility in the hope they learn from previous stupidity and refrain from saying or doing the same stupid thing again in the future.

What do you think happens if we do not call it out when others say and do stupid things?
What happens when we give stupidity a lifetime free pass?

Welcome to 2019 Australia where 'taking the piss' is now considered Un-Australian

- And people wonder why I say there is no national democracy in a 2 party system when one of the parties is effectively an immigrant platform;
That what we have is international democracy being imposed upon nation states.

Please stop helping to make my country unrecognizable to me.
There really is no reason for people to go out of their way to help screw this country up any worse than it already is.

Interesting post!
Take it easy.
SD

AC,

" ..... in the hope they learn from previous stupidity and refrain from saying or doing the same stupid thing again in the future".

Do you reckon that happens? I can't say that I have noticed any posters changing tack because their views have been criticised. It's the same with these people who claim to have been bullied - they keep on coming back for more, even when there is no actual bullying; which suggests that they are in permanent need of something and someone to complain about. It might seem weird to most of us, but there are people who have a predilection for permanent victimhood and offence taking. As has been said many times, it takes all sorts.

"It takes all sorts." I guess that is what makes life so interesting, the variety of views and opinions. I would be rather boring if we all came out of the same mould.
Take it easy.
SD

Hey ttbn,
"Do you reckon that happens? I can't say that I have noticed any posters changing tack because their views have been criticised."

I think your probably right in that no-one really seems to stray too far from their own entrenched beliefs and positions, irrelevant of whatever new information is provided to them.
I do think that calling it out when people say stupid and irrational things probably does have a follow on effect of making people think twice about the stupid stuff they're planning on writing before they post it;
But that also means that some more timid posters might feel intimidated and not comment at all.

- And I wouldn't want to deliberately make anyone on the forum feel like that, as we all have a right to have our say.

There's pro's and cons to every issue,
I suppose my argument is simply that humility itself is not without some benefit.
But I know it can be misused or overused and have a negative and detrimental impact on those whom don't possess a thicker skin.

As for NathanJ's concerns, I've previously made harsh and blunt responses to the threads he's started, but I'm glad he feel he can share his concerns with us and hope I haven't made him feel like I'm deliberately bulling him.

Hey Shaggy Dog,
"I guess that is what makes life so interesting, the variety of views and opinions. I would be rather boring if we all came out of the same mould."

It's also how we all learn and grow as people in life's journey.
- With a more broader understanding of everyone else's points of view.

I hope you didn't think or feel I was 'bullying' you in my previous comment.

Welcome (back) to the forum.

November 25th, 2019. Trump Is Going To Be Right On CrowdStrike Server And Awan/Biden Blackberries
http://youtu.be/DtbIGp4dpXI

I'm not sure he'll make it to Christmas however without being impeached by the Jewish Democrats who have been trying to do so since 2017.

I'll have to give the website link to this Christian broadcast as this episode from several days back has already been censored and removed from YouTube.
It actually looks like the entire last few years of their 'Daily Godcast' was recently taken down from their YouTube channel.

http://www.trunews.com/stream/jew-coup-seditious-jews-orchestrating-trump-impeachment-lynching

Rick Wiles is a fundo christian pastor at Flowing Streams Church Florida USA, and founder of TruNews, a website known for promoting racist and antisemitic conspiracy theories. Recently Wiles was chasing $100 million from happy clappers and the gullible to supposedly set up something called End Times Broadcasting. January 7th 2010, Wiles prophesied on TruNews that America was about to be "staggered" and "brought to its knees" by a monumental event to occur sometime during the last 3 months of 2010. Later, May 24th 2010 in another TruNews broadcast Wiles named the event as specifically being a nuclear explosion.

Draw your own conclusions.

AC, No never occurred to me that I was being bullied. Being on the receiving end of the robust views of others has been part of lifes journey.
Take it easy.
SD

' Wiles prophesied on TruNews that America was about to be "staggered" and "brought to its knees" by a monumental event to occur sometime during the last 3 months of 2010.'

wow Paul he obviously picked up a few tips from the climate alarmist brigade. Sounds like his failed prophecies were mild compared with Al Gore and the other myriad of earth worshippers. His 100 million is also peanuts compared with the Paris thieves and all those cashing in on the Greens religion. All in the name of 'science'. What a joke.

Nah runner, Pastor Wiles should appeal to a fundo christian like yourself. When he's not talking up racism and antisemitic hogwash he's making ridiculous prophesies. You would fit right in, clapping along with good old Pastor Wiles as he attacks African Americans, Jews and other minorities.

You never reveal what fundo loony church you belong to, it must be a big embarrassment for you.

Out of the thousands of people signed up to OLO, there are probably no two posters who agree with each other on every issue, maybe not even Foxy, Paul and Steele Redux. So disagreement sort of comes naturally. How posters handle disagreement says more about their state of mind and tolerance of dissent.

There are probably some posters who disagree with me even on this point :)

Of course, the very nature of identities, i.e. people whose identities are central to their outlooks, necessitates some conflict between different identities. Identities, after all, have interests which may conflict with those of other identities.

Joe

'You would fit right in, clapping along with good old Pastor Wiles as he attacks African Americans, Jews and other minorities. '

Yeah you are a typical Green who can only ever mis represent and play identity politics. Coming from a mob that is as anti semitic as Corbyn you reveal your true colours.

I recall a quotation from way back that read something like. " Sometimes the first step toward forgiveness is realising the other person was born an idiot. " Not my thinking but it possibly does apply here and there !
Take it easy.
SD

Hi Shaggy Dog,

Pot, kettle ?

Joe

Hey Paul1405,
Obviously I posted that last comment on the wrong thread... what an idiot!
And I really stepped my foot right in it posting a Trunews link on the Fake news thread, that's double-dumb.
I must've been trying to get up David Singer's nose.
- Oh well maybe that'll teach me...

(probably not as was mentioned earlier)

I'm not going to get defensive today.
I think I'll just concede the point.
(nevermind other fake news sources)

And there will be plenty more days to argue the (baseless) merits of anti-semitism.

Joe,
I guess the unseen reflection of ourselves in others can have a deleterious effect on the way we respond. Likes do not attract as I recall.
Take it easy.
SD

Shaggy Dog,

Sorry, I took for granted that your 'idiot' remark was, of course, directed at me. Thank you for your gracious and civilised response. I'm still not sure but.

I don't think that opposites attract when it comes to opinion :) In nature, yes, maybe, magnets' north pole & south pole, etc. But with opinion, it's more like 'birds of a feather'.

Which reminds me - whatever happened to the Wounded Swan, Margot ? Or Arjay ? Or CJ Morgan ? Or Lexi ? Or Cheryl (I was sort of sweet on Cheryl) ? Have they taken other pseudonyms, that for instance, Arjay is now Misopinionated ? Cheryl is Cossomby ? Margot has learnt politeness, sweetness and light, and become Foxy ? I hope some of them come back and give it another shot.

Joe

Belly, disagreeing with Foxy does not make someone a woman hater. I personally disagree with her over most issues.

Personally I hate toxic masculinity and toxic feminism. Both are repulsive. Generally I agree with about 95% of what Big Nana posts. I also agree with 95 % of what Peta Credlin says. The left use gender politics in the worse possible way and usually when they can't win an argument (which is whenever any facts are available).

Joe,
I am interested in other folks opinions and even if I could I have no desire to change these in anyway, I leave that to others more qualified than myself to make judgement and effect change if needs be. The variety of thought and attitudes on what could be seen as a simple topic on many forums always amazes me. Interesting and even entertaining to say the least.
Take it easy.
SD

Hi Joe,

"maybe not even Foxy, Paul and Steele Redux" true in the past 10 years there must be something we have disagreed on. Oh yes, Foxy and Steele like strawberry jam, I prefer raspberry myself, that's about it.

BTW, I would have thought Loudmouth and Loudmouth2 would at least agree on some tiny point, but alas those guys, can't help it, forever at each others throats.

Good old runner "and usually when they can't win an argument" runner can be relied upon to do one of his "blow through's" and dump a one liner insult on someone.

Bit odd that Foxy has not posted for a week.

Hi Paul,

No, Me and that bastard Loudmouth disagree on pretty much everything but only over fine points that most other people would see as trivial. But we don't see it that way. We hate each other like brothers. Always have.

What would the world be like if everybody agreed ? Or were required, for social cohesion, to agree ? Shoot me now.

Joe

Gotta Agree Joe, we are all individual! Oh god.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHbzSif78qQ

OK thread got interesting in the end
Foxy RUOK?
Nathan, presents too me as a much younger bloke than us
Well mannered kind hearted
He got verbally bashed
Why? surely we can talk about any subject?
Read the whole thread even those who you never read, then?
Take it out on me I can take it
But be honest did the young fella deserve that verbal bashing?

It's good to see our resident 'greenie', aka 'Mango' is still sprouting his/her stuff? I too hope FOXY's okay as well. Though I rarely agree with her, she has a fine intellect and is a gracious lady.

Hi O Sung Wu,

Or did you mean 'guava', red on the inside and green on the outside ?

Yes, I'm worried about Foxy, I can't help being sweet on her. Probably others here are too ;) . Come on, admit it, of course you are !

Joe

Hi there LOUDMOUTH2...

No Joe...Mango - Green on the outside (Politics), and yellow within (cowardly)!

Apparently Paul being a green puts you in the it is ok to insult basket
Wonder when civility day is here
Foxy, hope you are ok
Nathan! stick around please the ability to think outside others opinions is no crime

Cmon Belly, have a bit of humour ol' son!

Belly, come on old mate, you must recognise there are certain contributors who set out to be nasty & snide in their every comment.

Their continual unpleasantness obviously attracts similar in return.

Just why you are defending one of the main 3 offenders I can't imagine.

Hasbeen yes you are right, but some one HIGHLIGHTED as such poster became unhinged in this thread
Not unusual but depressing
Blasting Nathan, for just posting this thread
Then the absent Foxy
Getting support to? give sly shots at me in many threads I contend here and now *too many posters have left because of him and those like him*
Foxy, me, Paul, steelredux are targeted because we are different we can take it
BUT SURELY even you say, we often retaliate for things that never should have been said in the first place
I agree with the threads title and first post
Have put my own intention to leave away for a while but if I go it will not be because of posters like you Shadow Minister and Loudmouth we stay civil to each other mostly
Paul is unimpressed with my view on his party but in my view is a man not unlike me, the passion we have is real

Nathan J we have stalled mate, please stay around you will have seen some posters know you got it right
SOME ignore the worst offenders only because that offenders opinions match theirs
And TOO because the targeted person is not one of the click, be yourself it irks the usual suspects

One thing about saying what you think is the only real way of understanding the person, rather than be bullied into submission to not say exactly what you think. Say what you mean, and mean what you say, even in jest.

That way you get it off your chest, and we get to know you best. Persecution that is directed as the person believes is correction of an idea allows reflection on the views held.

Treat it as bullying only if it threatens actual physical violence. Persecution strengthens character, and as Christians we ought to turn the other cheek when hit in the face, and show we care for an aggressor. Though I know a preacher hit twice by a guy who thought he could box; the preacher was a known champion boxer who floored the aggressor at the third punch. They later became good friends, respecting each other.