I propose that RP ban all Questions/Discussions relating directly to RELIGION. What are your thoughts?

I'd rather ban practitioners of unprofessional conduct than a basic tenant of the Constitution. As a practical matter, current conflicts are mired in religion so it is a tough topic to avoid

Disagree with you. I agree with John that censorship has never been and never will be the answer. I think a healthy discussion along any lines is appropriate provide that both parties accord themselves intelligently, respectfully and maturely. I think the onus is on us to police ourselves and if someone steps out of line, report to the admin and let them handle the situation.

Maybe a small solution is not to ban it, but maybe avoid the votes on it. Its just a suggestion. The problem with the up or down vote is that an unpopular idea would be voted against, therefore... the fear of negative votes act as form of censorship. But as others point out, enforce that... you may have to force it across other topics. Maybe an idea is that topics that are offbeat should be organized in a certain area of Rally Point. Just suggesting an idea.

After living in this world for fifty years we need to talk about religion. We need to talk about politics. We need to unite in what we have in common and ignoring it will not help. The ones who leave RP need time to learn and grow. Perhaps You can teach them. I can teach them or we can teach them.

I understand your position on this, however when we ban any topic you lose the idea of free thought and healthy debate. There are just a few topics that people in general are passionate about. They are politics, religion, family and yes sex. We have been told many times to avoid these topics. But what does that leave you with, the weather. If you ban topics of major importance in most peoples lives then your discussions become very trivial and then this site is no better than facebook. Instead of banning a topic require a standard to the discussions. No personal attacks, discussions should remain intelligent, thought provoking, and respectful. If you don't know how to be persuasive in a ethical way check out The Secret Art of Persuasion lessons at http://secretsop.com/. yes that was a plug, but my point is that instead of hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil, let's have healthy open debates for positive results. Thomas Jefferson wrote "I swear upon the alter of God any form of tyranny over the minds of men."

So CSM (Join to see), just because you don't agree with religious questions/discussions you would like them banned? Sorry, I took the same oath as you to protect and defend the Constitution, and last I checked we had freedom of speech AND religion.

I would think as a vet you would have thick enough skin to deal with topics you might not agree with.

CSM Jim Dula, I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to disagree with you on this one. However that doesn't mean I don't think we need to do something about people who are obviously spoiling for a fight. When you detect someone trying to start a fight, post a big TROLL in response and unfollow the post.

Those who want to argue with the troll can. Those who want to suck up to eachother can as well. But it's just possible that we can teach civilized behavior to trolls without banning them.

censorship

CSM Jim Dula, I truly understand your concern and fully respect what you are saying. There is not one person here on Rally Point did not that raise his/her hand took an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States. One of the foundations of this document is "Freedom of Speech". If we cannot as brothers and sisters who have defended this country honor this document, who can? I would prefer to see Rally Point members insist that discussions be conducted with respects. I am a Conservative Democrat. I support our President. I have endured a lot of criticism and name calling because of this. I don't have a problem with people disagreeing me. What I do have a problem with is when people become disagreeable. If we can find a way to keep people from being disagreeable on any discussion, then I think we are headed to where Rally Point truly wants us to be.

CSM (Join to see) the good thing about being in America is that we are endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights. I am not quoting the Bible or using religion, just our precious Constitution and it guarantees us freedom of speech. I do not feel that any subject should be taboo, as long as we can respect the individual posting or responding to the question, and we can stick to the subject and refrain from attacking the person or topic. We are all active duty or retired military personnel who have had to endure some pretty harsh situations in the performance of our duties. If we are going to lose a lot of good members because of a topic then maybe they are not such good members after all because they will lobby to have their way and take away another individual's freedom. The great thing about RallyPoint is we are conversing and sharing our ideas with people we should be able to respect: people who have put their lives on the line for the freedoms we enjoy in America! And here you come with a veiled threat that RallyPoint will lose a whole bunch of members if we do not heed your warning and ban discussion on religion. If you do not want to be a part of the conversation, then you are free not to comment. If you disagree with a viewpoint, you can discuss it via posts in a manner that expresses respect for the individual's viewpoint and perspective. While I will agree with you (from personal experience) that the discussions revolving around religion can become heated, it is not the topic but the lack of respect and maturity of the people involved in the discussion. If we who fight for the freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution try and boycott or subvert them in a way such as you are proposing, we are doing a great disservice to those who lost their lives or livelihood defending the Constitution. You and I took an oath to support and defend that document (and the ideals it contains) against all enemies foreign and domestic and that oath has no expiration date. I would hope that you would consider this a respectful comment to your post. For the record, I firmly believe in God, and know as a record of historical fact that our country was founded on the foundation of the Christian faith by men who followed their faith and put their lives on the line because of it. I believe that we should honor the right of every person to express their faith, feelings and opinions as long as these do not involve the imminent harm to another person or our country. May God bless you with a wonderful day!

r/

Steve