Posted on Feb 14, 2015
I propose that RP ban all Questions/Discussions relating directly to RELIGION. What are your thoughts?
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Religious questions/discussions have/are causing problems in RP. Most responses/comments are respectful; however, some posts are not and members are personally attacking other members.
If this issue is not dealt with expeditiously, RP stands to lose a lot of good members. We have plenty of other topics - ban all religious topics.
Edit as of 6,976 views, 1,228 votes and 491 responses/comments:
My intent with this question was to engage RP members in a discussion concerning in what I believe to be an increasing trend of unprofessional and disrespectful comments. I wanted people to arrive at the conclusion that banning a topic was not the answer, but rather doing something about the individuals making the unprofessional and/or disrespectful comments. In addition to that, I was hoping many members would not only identify the problem being individuals, but also come up with suggestions about how to deal with those individuals.
It is more than having a thick skin - we all have a military background and know what it means to be professional and respectful - it is my opinion there is no room here for members to be threatened, taunted or belittled. We can discuss any topic, agree to disagree, and verbalize our opinion or point of view without having to go there.
I realize there are already ways to report members on RP. Getting additional ideas and suggestions for improvements can never hurt, and most importantly, if we would police our own, giving down votes on unprofessional/disrespectful comments, and calling these individuals out, we can hopefully get them to change their behavior or help RP admins identify the ones who might need to take a break or be banned.
Last and certainly no the least, I am a devoted Christian, and would never support a ban on any topic. I know my question said that, but go back and read why I did it that way.
If this issue is not dealt with expeditiously, RP stands to lose a lot of good members. We have plenty of other topics - ban all religious topics.
Edit as of 6,976 views, 1,228 votes and 491 responses/comments:
My intent with this question was to engage RP members in a discussion concerning in what I believe to be an increasing trend of unprofessional and disrespectful comments. I wanted people to arrive at the conclusion that banning a topic was not the answer, but rather doing something about the individuals making the unprofessional and/or disrespectful comments. In addition to that, I was hoping many members would not only identify the problem being individuals, but also come up with suggestions about how to deal with those individuals.
It is more than having a thick skin - we all have a military background and know what it means to be professional and respectful - it is my opinion there is no room here for members to be threatened, taunted or belittled. We can discuss any topic, agree to disagree, and verbalize our opinion or point of view without having to go there.
I realize there are already ways to report members on RP. Getting additional ideas and suggestions for improvements can never hurt, and most importantly, if we would police our own, giving down votes on unprofessional/disrespectful comments, and calling these individuals out, we can hopefully get them to change their behavior or help RP admins identify the ones who might need to take a break or be banned.
Last and certainly no the least, I am a devoted Christian, and would never support a ban on any topic. I know my question said that, but go back and read why I did it that way.
Posted in these groups: 
Religion
RallyPoint
Religion RallyPoint
Edited 11 y ago
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 158
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I almost down-voted you. What you propose is essentially censorship, at which point if it is implemented,, than I will have to sign off.
You might as well propose a ban on many topics as the tend to get heated also, that is the precedent that will be set.
People get passionate about a variety of subject and tend to get aggressive or defensive. We are not a bunch of school kids that have to loose recess privileges just because there are some that tend to be aggressive.
I recommend not participating in such forums, and submit those who are overly aggressive to RP STAFF, not admin. self policing is the best policy.
You might as well propose a ban on many topics as the tend to get heated also, that is the precedent that will be set.
People get passionate about a variety of subject and tend to get aggressive or defensive. We are not a bunch of school kids that have to loose recess privileges just because there are some that tend to be aggressive.
I recommend not participating in such forums, and submit those who are overly aggressive to RP STAFF, not admin. self policing is the best policy.
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I think your proposal is in poor judgement. This is a discussion board it a modern version of what our for fathers intended when they place the freedom of expression speech and religion As the 1ST amendment or more properly to the United States Constitution prohibits the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion, impeding the free exercise of religion, abridging the freedom of speech, infringing on the freedom of the press, interfering with the right to peaceably assemble or prohibiting the petitioning for a governmental redress of grievances. sights like this are the reason or current version of the stated expression of that 1st amendment . hurt feeling or not get over it. you dont like the discussion state your objection and move on banning well that just sounds a little Nazi ish to me.
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SFC Ian Lumgair
1LT Scott I agree with you. Legally this has nothing to do with the first amendment. In saying that when you go on a forum and state "ban all religious topics", you are encapsulating the idea that some discussions should not take place because it might hurt feeling. the current norm of "Free Speech Movement seems to have evolved into its opposite, a censorship by others or of oneself, disguised as political correctness." this should be abhorrent to those of who have sworn to protect the Constitution. In another words if I am saying is not-factual untruthful or just plain stupid then by all means use your intellect to take apart my stance. Or if you do not like the Fbomb or any other word I might use (I will by the way) then ignore my post and move along. Tying to silence me by eliminating the subject of discussion or trying to make what I say unexceptionable because you don't like it. You have just glommed yourself into in with Maxine Waters and her ilk
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SFC Ian Lumgair
Im saying. If theses "adults" do not understand the idea of debating civilly no mater the subject well..... to damn bad. the sight can limit them all they like, there are those intellectual giants on Rally Point that will drop threats and verbiage involving UCMJ action, go ahead Rally Point limit them. But eliminating a subject matter because it might hurt feeling or be to sensitive of a subject matter. This retired Senior NONCOM will go someplace else and I venture to say so will others. You have a great day ..I'm going to take my mat and go hopping with my dog.
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I have down voted this question. How could censorship ever be a good answer to any problem? What, are we commies, or Hitlers Germany?
We as Americans are forgetting to engage in meaningful dialog about God and religion. If we can't discuss it, how will we ever learn where people are coming from? Ignoring points of view and not allowing discussion will only add to our downfall. Every great nation that has ever existed has fallen, and censorship is usually one of the first steps.
We as Americans are forgetting to engage in meaningful dialog about God and religion. If we can't discuss it, how will we ever learn where people are coming from? Ignoring points of view and not allowing discussion will only add to our downfall. Every great nation that has ever existed has fallen, and censorship is usually one of the first steps.
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I am not for the banning but I doo not reply or comment on them in general. I will discuss religion and politics on occasion but I am like many others and I compartmentalize my life. Rally Point is just not the place I go to so I can discuss politics and religion
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So let's censor the things that some people dont like to discuss. Sounds like a slippery slope. What do we ban next? When did censorship ever come to any good? If you don't agree with say so and move on.
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CSM (Join to see)
Thank you for your comments SGT Christen Newell . The intent of my original post was actually not to ban a topic but to get people to talk about the increasing problem of unprofessional behavior and what can be done about it.
One member had the following response which is what I was hoping my question would generate more of:
"Preventing everyone from discussing something because of a few how are immature and disrespectful is the wrong action. The ban should be on disrespectful people. If people make disrespectful comments then their comment should be removed and member warned then 3 warnings and you get banned from making posts for a minimum period of time."
One member had the following response which is what I was hoping my question would generate more of:
"Preventing everyone from discussing something because of a few how are immature and disrespectful is the wrong action. The ban should be on disrespectful people. If people make disrespectful comments then their comment should be removed and member warned then 3 warnings and you get banned from making posts for a minimum period of time."
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LCpl Steve Wininger
CSM (Join to see) You may want to reword your question in this thread if it is not your intention to ban a subject, because that is exactly what it says you propose.
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CSM (Join to see)
LCpl Steve Wininger I worded it on purpose that way as a tool or means to generate discussion or dialog; unfortunately, more people failed to recognize the problem was not a topic, but rather individuals. I did think about changing the topic some, but I don't think it would be a good idea - it would just be an excuse for several members to continue to use it as an excuse & means to troll and flame and no good would come of it. But I do appreciate you making a comment and thank you for doing it the way you did.
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Sgt Stephen Browning
CSM Jim Dula, at the first I did not realise the purpose of your question was discussion and not actually to ban the subject. I see that this has made many see the need for honest disscusion . for this reason i have returned to vote you up.
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CSM (Join to see) Jim.... Let's not go that far. Lets police up the strays and try to keep people professional. Hell some young officer, NCO, or soldier might learn something important... And you never know where those lessons come from... Even the negative lessons are worthwhile if the troop takes it and uses it to the positive!
My 2 cents anyways.
My 2 cents anyways.
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1SG Cameron M. Wesson
CSM (Join to see) Jim! Thank you. I'd still be reluctant to "ban" people... Some folks simply need to learn how to respond via written communications... And we might be able to educate them through on line discussion. Unfortunately there is that other percent that is... Hopeless... But I'll still try to help them.... Or ignore them. That's probably the better avenue...some of these folks thrive on the conflict they bring. We really need to simply ignore them... Maybe thats it. A an ignore button... Then maybe thar will alert others to their ways. Thoughts?
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CSM (Join to see)
1SG Cameron M. Wesson I agree.
-An "Ignore" or "Mute" for the habitual trouble makers.
-A "time out" for their immature behavior, and after so many, boot them.
-Add a 'flag' tracker along with contacts and endorsements so you can see how many times an individual has been flagged.
-A point deduction for being flagged similar to a down vote.
-A point deduction each time an admin has to intervene.
It is beyond me how some current/former military personnel can be so disrespectful and unprofessional. I think being on RP is a privilege and not a right.
-An "Ignore" or "Mute" for the habitual trouble makers.
-A "time out" for their immature behavior, and after so many, boot them.
-Add a 'flag' tracker along with contacts and endorsements so you can see how many times an individual has been flagged.
-A point deduction for being flagged similar to a down vote.
-A point deduction each time an admin has to intervene.
It is beyond me how some current/former military personnel can be so disrespectful and unprofessional. I think being on RP is a privilege and not a right.
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1SG Cameron M. Wesson
CSM (Join to see) Jim I with agree. How some of our brothers and sisters... I submit its more the brothers... Can communicate in such a manner is beyond me. I was taught as as PVT in the Infantry to use tact... It took time... But I learned it. Granted at times my tact can be off a little... However I know when that happens and then try to correct the challenge.
I really like the ignore\mute button and the flag on their profile by ADMIN that should appear on any post they send... And could be remove after demonstrated improvement to the community by ADMIN.
Of course there is also another simply, my opinion, fact. People do need to have thicker skins and not be so quick to react emotionally to a post. Its hard to communicate humor, sarcasm, empathy, and many emotions in written communique. People need to ask follow on questions before jumping to a conclusion.
Thanks for the dialogue... Have a great day!
I really like the ignore\mute button and the flag on their profile by ADMIN that should appear on any post they send... And could be remove after demonstrated improvement to the community by ADMIN.
Of course there is also another simply, my opinion, fact. People do need to have thicker skins and not be so quick to react emotionally to a post. Its hard to communicate humor, sarcasm, empathy, and many emotions in written communique. People need to ask follow on questions before jumping to a conclusion.
Thanks for the dialogue... Have a great day!
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LTC John Wilson
I don't know of any individual that can say they never loss sight of their tact! LOL. I think that critical subject matter to some is not always as critical to others and voicing ones concern over the subject can get quite heated if you dont show tact. However, we are adults and we are mentors of the younger generation and we must lead by example. Respect and Professionalism should be taught at all levels.
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CSM (Join to see)
Thank you LTC (Join to see) . The intent of my original post was actually not to ban a topic but to get people to talk about the increasing problem of unprofessional behavior and what can be done about it.
One member had the following response which is what I was hoping my question would generate more of:
"Preventing everyone from discussing something because of a few how are immature and disrespectful is the wrong action. The ban should be on disrespectful people. If people make disrespectful comments then their comment should be removed and member warned then 3 warnings and you get banned from making posts for a minimum period of time."
One member had the following response which is what I was hoping my question would generate more of:
"Preventing everyone from discussing something because of a few how are immature and disrespectful is the wrong action. The ban should be on disrespectful people. If people make disrespectful comments then their comment should be removed and member warned then 3 warnings and you get banned from making posts for a minimum period of time."
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I'm a Christian and this is a subject that needs to be dealt with respect. All true religions preach Peace, Love and happyness. Evil people creat their own religion to meet their agendas.
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LTC John Wilson
Very true, and respect goes a long way in negotiating and resolving different matters.
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Sorry, CSM (Join to see) ...not gonna happen.
People do need to behave in a professional manner, but you cannot legislate niceness and common sense.
People do need to behave in a professional manner, but you cannot legislate niceness and common sense.
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SGT Jim Z.
The issue is not censorship it about unprofessional behavior and it is also a business point. For example the owners of this site sells advertisements and if the activity of the site falls too far advertisers may decide to pull funding and this free resource will then either become a paid site or be abandoned. I am just tire of the narrowed minded on each side of the debate which has become unprofessional or at least borderline unprofessional Sir. Here is as is an example of agree to disagree 1LT Nick Kidwell
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1LT Nick Kidwell
It's the little "X" button, usually found on the top right of the window in most browsers.
Unless of course you're willing to simply be professional and courteous yourself and be part of a solution.
Unless of course you're willing to simply be professional and courteous yourself and be part of a solution.
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LCpl Steve Wininger
SGT Jim Z. for any reason, it stills boils down to censorship. I am certain if the staff at RP felt it was getting out of hand or that it was going to affect sales then they would adjust accordingly. I have said it before, and many others have said it, we all need to police ourselves and each other.
Personal attacks should be dealt with, however, there is nothing wrong with respectful, spirited debates. We are not all going to agree to disagree, I have tried, eventually one just has to walk away from the dicussion to allow things to simmer down.
Personal attacks should be dealt with, however, there is nothing wrong with respectful, spirited debates. We are not all going to agree to disagree, I have tried, eventually one just has to walk away from the dicussion to allow things to simmer down.
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LTC John Wilson
Accountability is always an issue when we try to assert it on ourselves. We really can't objectively evaluate our opinions or statements, can we? Be respectful and all else will fall into place. You are not wrong if you disagree, you are expressing you opinion and values.
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I hear a lot of people say that government is taking all of our rights away.
What I have noticed is that they don't have to. We do a good enough job relinquishing our own rights. This is a fine example of that.
Ironically, the answer to members attacking other members is God himself.
Not only is he the answer to this problem but all the worlds problems.
To ban religion from Rally Point is to ban God and I can't get down with that.
I respect your point of view and your point is valid but I believe your solution is counter productive.
What I have noticed is that they don't have to. We do a good enough job relinquishing our own rights. This is a fine example of that.
Ironically, the answer to members attacking other members is God himself.
Not only is he the answer to this problem but all the worlds problems.
To ban religion from Rally Point is to ban God and I can't get down with that.
I respect your point of view and your point is valid but I believe your solution is counter productive.
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CSM (Join to see)
Thank you for your comments and the way you made them SPC Brent Morrison . The intent of my original post was actually not to ban a topic but to get people to talk about the increasing problem of unprofessional behavior and what can be done about it.
One member had the following response which is what I was hoping my question would generate more of:
"Preventing everyone from discussing something because of a few how are immature and disrespectful is the wrong action. The ban should be on disrespectful people. If people make disrespectful comments then their comment should be removed and member warned then 3 warnings and you get banned from making posts for a minimum period of time."
One member had the following response which is what I was hoping my question would generate more of:
"Preventing everyone from discussing something because of a few how are immature and disrespectful is the wrong action. The ban should be on disrespectful people. If people make disrespectful comments then their comment should be removed and member warned then 3 warnings and you get banned from making posts for a minimum period of time."
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SPC Brent Morrison
That's actually a good idea! That would definitely create a more respectful atmosphere. I prefer that.
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