If I argue with you, it doesn't mean I don't respect you

[KarenInMA]

It means I have a different point of view on something. It doesn't mean that either one of us is a freeper in disguise, and it doesn't mean that I don't "belong" here.

Try to change my mind. Defend your position. Explain yourself to me. I will do the same, and if at the end of the day, we still don't agree, we both will have been able articulate our position, and might have a better understanding of the issue.

Agreeing mindlessly, without dissent, is for Republicans. Liberals speak their minds, regardless of the relative popularity of their ideals.

[Why Syzygy]

1. Admin

has put up "Alert" buttons for situations you describe. Against the rules to call a poster here a freeper. Use it.

[KarenInMA]

2. It's not just being called freeper,

some people really don't like being disagreed with.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. thank you for such a polite post

I know what you mean about some people being bent out of shape because of my beliefs. It can be hard to decide whether to post or be silent at times. If I think someone is really interested in dialog and I'm interested in finding out something new, I respond. If a poster pushes my buttons, I try not to respond but to look within myself to decide why my buttons were pushed.

[Amonester]

7. Very good points. Thank you.

Good communication is one of the most difficult thing in the three dimensional world (even with the hints provided by the many 'body language' visual signs). Now using only written words on a page or on a screen makes it even more difficult to communicate efficiently.

Smilies can help, or even compensate a little for the lack of visual signs sometimes, but not always.

[kentuck]

4. But do some people argue their position, or do they...

just crawl over in a corner and say nothing, for fear of being attacked, intimidated into silence?

[ohio_liberal]

5. My first day here

I was accused of being a Freeper mole. I'm glad I didn't let myself be intimidated.

[Massacure]

6. Your wrong, you evil freeper.

:sarcasm:

Just Kidding. I like your post. It is very well said. :)

[Finder]

8. "Agreeing mindlessly, without dissent"...is for extremists.IMO

It happens in all groups/parties/ideologies. I, for one, do not like any "us vs them" mentality--especially in politics.

Here on DU, if you state your view and--as you said--articulate your own position without falling for flamebait or throwing any out, you will find many who will debate or argue in a respectful manner and no doubt even some who agree.

Good luck.

[XanaDUer]

9. As long as you don't break DU rules

no.

[wli]

10. likewise

Mindless marching in lockstep is for neocons. We can tolerate dissent because we're not based on lies that disintegrate in the presence of debate.

:kick:

[Pepperbelly]

11. Very good post and welcome aboard. nt

[kliljedahl]

12. I take it you've been accused, although you never said it.

I'll argue with anyone if I disagree, but although I've suspected several posters of being trolls I never said so. Most of my suspicions have been validated by the moderators. Low post count has always brought out some false accusations. I never mention that either because, besides being against the rules, it wasn't all that long ago my post count was low.

On Edit: Welcome to DU :toast::toast::toast::toast:



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