Should we worry about those who try to start fights on Rally Point?

A1C Ian Williams — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 00:40:32 -0400

I'm an adult and most people reading this are adults as well. However, when it comes to those incendiary topics, we might be better off steering clear. I don't believe you should have to suppress your opinion but I do believe that we on Rally Point waste too much energy promoting those divisive topics that we know push each other's buttons.

I will leave you with this thought. Though we may disagree and bicker, I know among most of my true friends on here, we depend on each other and would never truly wish to cause each other discomfort.

Response by PO3 Phyllis Maynard made Apr 8 at 2018 1:13 AM

PO3 Phyllis Maynard — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 01:13:29 -0400

A1C Ian Williams I started avoiding divisive topics when I realized I was always being baited into endless arguments by the same people who had no intention of respecting my belief or me. I blocked them to ensure they could not chime in to me. I want to enjoy RP, express myself respectfully, and be among comrades without duress or stress.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2018 4:54 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 04:54:17 -0400

I'm guilty of doing this on occasion and I apologize for my misconduct. However, I can't help but stir the pot once in awhile and rattle a few people with my sarcastic comments just to get a rise out of them. As I've gotten older I have also gotten crankier and moody.

Response by CPT Nicholas D. made Apr 8 at 2018 6:32 AM

CPT Nicholas D. — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 06:32:53 -0400

I have long looked for a filter on RP. Leave politics on Facebook. I agree, max professionalism is what should separate RP from other Social Media platforms.
Veterans and retirees are at liberty to stoke any fire they wish. Those still serving have the UCMJ to consider. I think keeping it professional is the best practice. (And RallyPoint is not a “right,” Moderators should address those that are lighting fires and if need be, limit their accounts to read-only, or dismissed.)

Response by Susan Foster made Apr 8 at 2018 9:54 AM

Susan Foster — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 09:54:50 -0400

Everyone should be able to disagree without being disagreeable. Thanks for the reminder.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Apr 8 at 2018 10:38 AM

MSgt John McGowan — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 10:38:29 -0400

A1C Ian Williams----- RP is not the place to fight and name call. You can call me out but no name calling for I will block you and give the thumbs down. I don't even agree with my wife all the time so there is no use to think I will here. Respect is the key.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2018 11:56 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 11:56:39 -0400

It always takes two to fight. So, if someone is baiting you it becomes your choice whether there is a fight or not.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2018 12:31 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 12:31:52 -0400

Hey I resent your comment... let’s create a scuttlebut about it. Lol

I understand your point but in my opinion one thing America needs is honest plain talk. We need to be respectful but absolutely willing to address the uncomfortable difficult contentious topics because those are often the most pressing issues of the day. We must be willing to struggle with these topics, embrace the discomfort, be respectfully and seek understanding, change and progress. We should be part of a solution, not sheep and not the problem.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2018 11:52 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 23:52:42 -0400

So, a few thoughts.
There are those on here that just love the controversial subjects. They post them not so much to validate their positions or invalidate those who disagree, but rather to roll the grenade into the room and watch the chaos ensue. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice... well, you will just have to score your internet points from someone else.
Having said that, a forum like this is a golden opportunity for thoughtful people to have cogent positions debated out. Often, we find a point of view we might not have thought of otherwise.
I have seen excellent discussions about gun regulation and DACA in recent months, and fondly remember some good ones on BLM and during the election season.
Just because a subject is controversial shouldn't mean it is off limits. And I would further say that blocking people just because they disagree is unhealthy. The abusive types, sure. But they are fairly few and not all that hard to identify.
If you are thin-skinned, you are in the wrong place. But respectfulness and thoughtfulness in disagreement go a long way.

So don't feed the trolls, and debate on, RP.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2018 8:47 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 08:47:23 -0400

There are those who simply like to start trouble, and those who passionately believe in things they want to defend intellectually. The former are fairly easy to avoid...the latter have taught me a great deal over the years.

I used to sincerely believe that "politics" had no place in a military person's life...to some degree, I've come to regard that as an overly simplified position. The more developed sense is likely one where "debate" does not detract from the commitment, but rather enhances one's understanding of it.

For my own part, I am thankful for a forum where the "entry criteria" is somewhat a level playing field. Most of us on RP have some commonality, and I think that offers a clear path to bridging some "gaps" between various ideologies, beliefs and principles.

I'd like to think that when "we" find compromise, agreement, or even the ability to "agree to disagree"...it offers some hope for the rest of the population in achieving the same.

Response by Barry Davidson made Apr 9 at 2018 9:03 AM

Barry Davidson — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 09:03:06 -0400

I do my pre-coffee ranting on Facebook. I tend to use a lot of sentence enhancers during those rants. I also speak fluent sarcasm. It comes with the territory.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 9 at 2018 9:21 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 09:21:52 -0400

What to remember is _discuss- not brow beat, belittle or name calling. State facts behind the opinion you are giving- disagreeing should not start fights!

Response by SPC David Willis made Apr 9 at 2018 9:43 AM

SPC David Willis — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 09:43:37 -0400

Who is more foolish? The fool or the fool who follows him? People don't always need to take the bait, but for some reason we all love to do so.

Response by SGT Nathan G. made Apr 9 at 2018 10:25 AM

SGT Nathan G. — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 10:25:37 -0400

Agreed A1C Ian Williams

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Apr 9 at 2018 1:19 PM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 13:19:59 -0400

Worry about them? No - ignore them, yes.