Foxy,

The important thing is that people be permitted to say what they THINK.

The LOUDmouths and the Bronwyns and the Shadow Ministers of the world don't like that idea. They want people to think like they do. What they seek is the exercise of power over what others think. That's why they don't see China as a threat because China is doing exactly what they want to do themselves.

Foxy,

Yes, it's preferable to be civil even with those with very different opinions. After all, I'm quite happy for Misopinionated to drop into Adelaide any time so that I can correct her misunderstanding of my views on China - I think it's a totalitarian state, striving to get back a fictitious status (foreigners (Mongols, Manchus) rule China for most of the last thousand years,) with a vicious and violent history of exterminations (the 500 years of total war between 500 and 0 BCE), and I suspect that China is much closer to financial and demographic collapse than is commonly assumed.

Apart from that, I have the greatest respect and affection for Chinese people that I have known - it's vitally important, to avoid slipping into ban easy racism, to distinguish between the government and the people of any country.

She and I could have a civilized coffee together, or sample SA's world-famous wines and then, as my dear old English grandma would suggest, she can kiss my hairy arse.

Joe

i have never known a bad chinese person either, although the chinese fishing in Manhattan's Hudson river were not that keen for a chat when I asked them what they were catching

Chris,

You said you "have never known a bad Chinese person".

You should try getting out more often.

thinkabit, I believe you are referring to another of my forums, and that is Quora.
I find that it also is restrictive and very vague in it's terms of reference, such as they are.
Their policy is "Be nice, Be respectful".
I have constantly attacked them for not being clear about their policy.
I find these two forums to be far too "wussy", and the adjudicators far too inconsistent.
They all appear to react according to what kind of day they're having.
I do not engage in praise, (well not often, and even then it is to acknowledge something worthy of praise, if it is an exceptional point or comment).
Unlike this and other forums, don't kid yourselves, it IS an echo chamber, when the comments and commentors all jump on the virtue band wagon telling each other how wonderful they are.
NOT in keeping with the theme or intent of any forums that I know of if I understand the point of forums in the first place.
If someone makes a winning point and I feel it deserves praise, I will say so, but briefly and not get all warm and fuzzy about it.
If I think the comment is flawed in some way or wrong I will say so.
If the author continues their stance after having been explained why they are wrong, then I will not apologise for any negative comments I might feel necessary to restore the situation to it's correct path.
I have been researching the establishment of a visual, and possibly inter-active electronic medium, something like a pod cast or other similar variants.
The reason being I am disgusted with the sheep mentality of people today, in so much as they have lost their way and allowed PC to take over their lives, and they attempt to spread this disease as far as they can.
I intend to base my medium on the truth and forbid ANY activity or comments based on PC.
In fact it will be the main platform of this medium that only NON-PC comments and commentors may engage or interact.

It looks to me like ALTRAV could use a hug.

Come on folks - lets give him some praise.

Perhaps then he won't feel so excluded,
rejected, and isolated.

After all we all seek validity in what we
express and we all want our self-worth recognised
and appreciated.

There's nothing worse than being on the outside
looking in.

It's a sad image.