Favourite Posters?

[Remiel]

Actually, first of all, is it appropriate and allowable to post this kind of thread here? There doesn't really seem to be a meta-discussion board for debate of things that while related to politics, do not fit into one of the other categories.

The thread on bad posters got me thinking on this. Who are you favourite posters?

Mine, pretty much since I started here, are Rue and Black Dog. I look forward to reading what they have to say. Flame me for my choices if you dare, but I stand by them.

[M.Dancer]

My favourite is me......I crack myself up which in the end, is all that matters

[Remiel]

I guess choosing yourself as your favourite poster is legitimate, but come on, I did say " posters " . Couldn't you add at least your second favourite?

[M.Dancer]

Chuck U. Farlie

For the name alone.....

[Michael Hardner]

August1991 comes to mind. Argus is a solid logical thinker but we don't share the same values at all. Black Dog, theloniusfleabag...

[August1991]

I'll indulge in this. These are the posters that I usually read (in no particular order):

FTA Lawyer

Riverview

kimmy

geoffrey

Bakunin

BlackDog

TheloniousMonk

Hardner

Argus

Hicksey

Melanie

RB

jbg

Dobbin

KrustyKidd

Cybercoma

Canuck

Bubbler

Argus has an inimitable style. Kimmy should be a journalist (although it might corrupt her style). BD has the best snappy responses to stupidity. uOttawaMan has the best one-line summaries of long debates. rue is good but far too verbose. I miss Hugo. (Charles Anthony is good but no replacement for Hugo.) I wish gerryhatrick was less blindly partisan. (We need more Lefties here.)

[Leafless]

August1991

You are one transparent blackballing SOB!!!!

Why don't you start your own site---SIR?

[Charles Anthony]

My favorites are:

Michael00David

LeafLess

Argus

Betsy

in that order.

Edited December 14, 2007 by Charles Anthony

[sharkman]

I'm holding a candle for MB. In a battle of wits, Monty made the others appear unarmed.

[theloniusfleabag]

I do shudder at threads like this, someone is bound to be forgotten and ill-will bred, however mild. I say this because I was flattered to be mentioned by a couple of other posters, and can imagine the opposite feeling of those not mentioned.

However, I shall mention only a few of my favourites, plus the reasons for my choices.

Hugo

(I echo August1991's sentiment...a truly great mind lost. The 'toughest nut to crack')

August1991

(a real enigma, I honestly still don't know which side of the spectrum he is on, but he questions the 'story behind the story', and has a very firm grasp of federal politics, but is willing to admit to the cases where he doesn't. A good knowledge of the arts and classical literature, and a world traveller, probably a homo.)

KrustyKidd

(A fervent right-winger with a soft spot he keeps well hidden. Tremendous ability to back up argument with articles and links of proof.)

PocketRocket

(A realist with a wonderful sense of humour.)

kimmy

(Another enigma, seems far-right wing, but I share her disdain for popular culture...and she is witted.)

Black Dog

(The best of the 'left', with a good knowledge of history and like KK, is willing to do research to back up arguments)

I also have a lot of respect for: Mr. Hardner, Argus, RB, Leafless, geoffrey, Melanie, FTA Lawyer....well, most everyone on August1991's list...plus a couple of others. Which is why I was loathe to name names...don't want anyone to feel less (or more) important, me being a leftie and all...

[Michael Hardner]

I agree... I like all of these and probably a few that I haven't thought of...

[August1991]

August1991

You are one transparent blackballing SOB!!!!

Why don't you start your own site---SIR?

Too lazy, too technically incompetent or too innocent. I kind of like wasting time anonymously on a forum rather than self-indulgently creating a blog.

It seems to me that comments to blogs/newspaper articles have become the latest forums. But forums will invariably come back into vogue.

As to blackballing, I excluded you Leafless simply because you're an almost one-trick pony: you're anti-French. Away from that issue, your posts are interesting (IMHO).

I'm holding a candle for MB. In a battle of wits, Monty made the others appear unarmed.

Sorry, I missed you Sharkman.

The banned.

Montgomery Burns was good, if extreme. Teddy Ballgame was a light that burned too bright. (Sad. Greg gave him several chances.) Shoop I liked and I never quite figured out what happened. Terrible Sweal. Smart but frustrating as all hell.

Some others, less frequent in posting: bambino (always erudite and correct), seabee

I do shudder at threads like this, someone is bound to be forgotten and ill-will bred, however mild.

True, but I took it as a nonsense thread, for fun.

Thelonious, I forgot PocketRocket.

----

If I were Greg, I'd (in general) warn twice then ban for:

a. bad formatting

b. bad grammar, spelling

c. vulgar language without ast**icks

d. insulting references to other posters

e. insulting references to outsiders

I'd also maybe impose a trial period for new posters. Two posts a day for a month or so at first.

This is an entirely new form of communication. We're still on the positive slope of the curve. If the forum works well, and Lethbridge supports it and Greg's wife lets him drop by every so often to moderate, then we might have a collection of civilized political junkee posters of different opinions. Then, when something earthshaking happens in the world, we'll all have an immediate way to know what others think.

[Leafless]

As to blackballing, I excluded you Leafless simply because you're an almost one-trick pony: you're anti-French. Away from that issue, your posts are interesting (IMHO).

Sorry to disagree August but Quebec is more anti-English than all other Canadian provinces combined are anti-French.

This is proven in Quebec written law, Quebec media, Quebec ideologies, Quebec political aspirations, Quebec provincial and federal parties, and the general consensus of the Canadian media.

Furthermore Quebec presents itself politically almost daily in every major media concerning some type of issue. Quebec is noisy politically compared to other provinces in Canada.

To pretend Quebec does exist in a negative political light and should be treated with 'kid gloves' with a hands off approach is nonsense as they are the primary cause of political dissent in Canada.

It's to bad you see this as anti-French when in Canada the actual political realities is English vs. French ideologies on a continual non-stop basis which allows opinions and views from either side.

So you argue or defend your Quebec case and I will argue or defend any side I feel is unjust or politically incorrect, that is issue's concerning Quebec and other provinces in Canada as well as naturally any other political issue's in Canada or the world.

I think this type of 'favourite poster poll' is extremely childish, creates dissension and animosity and sets up the discriminatory machinery concerning the creation of a clique.

If I was Gregg I would shut down this thread as it promotes discrimination which is violation of Charter rights something that so many members on this site are so squeamish about.

[Remiel]

If I had wanted to make a thread focused on animosity, I would of made one for least favourite posters, and believe me, there are a few that I generally despise. However, I wanted to be more positive. Also, if stating who you liked was a violation of the Charter, we would have to ban elections and live under a real one party or one person dictatorship.

[Leafless]

Also, if stating who you liked was a violation of the Charter, we would have to ban elections and live under a real one party or one person dictatorship.

In Canada elections do not reflect the wishes of Canadians pertaining to popular vote.

In Quebec (separatist dictatorships) are promoted and actually approved by parliament under the guise of a national federal party.

In Canada we have been basically living under a one party dictatorship since the Trudeau era and basically ruled by Quebec dictatorial PM's.

The Charter was implemented specifically by that dictatorship and ratified by NAIVE provincial premiers who did not question long term consequences especially concerning abuses of power.

BTW- Any type of popularity contest including the one you implemented is almost exclusively carried out by an 'independent body' and not members of it's own group.

It's like saying the winner of a beauty queen contest are judged and picked by members of their own group.

[Remiel]

Hmmm... a popularity contest...

I could of sworn that I started this thread to try and get some sense of what constitutes a good poster, and to see what others think constitutes one. In many of the first threads I read, about Lebanon and Israel, Black Dog and Rue were debating opposing sides of the argument, and yet I was able to respect both of their opinions. And I should note that my favourite poster is the person that argued the view more opposed to mine.

[Leafless]

Remiel

That's your view.

Favourite= 1.-a specially favourite person.

2.- a competitor thought most likely to win.

Favoritism= 1. The unfair favouring of one person or a group at the expense of another.

To bad you still don't get it.

[Led Boots]

Hmmm... a popularity contest...

I could of sworn that I started this thread to try and get some sense of what constitutes a good poster, and to see what others think constitutes one. In many of the first threads I read, about Lebanon and Israel, Black Dog and Rue were debating opposing sides of the argument, and yet I was able to respect both of their opinions. And I should note that my favourite poster is the person that argued the view more opposed to mine.

Iv'e been reading this board (but am a newcomer myself) for a while now and can say that I like the fact that there are voices from all over the political spectrum. Many of the debates are enlightened and informed which has resulted in me gaining a better understanding of the issues being debated. I honestly feel that I could learn alot here.

The "me too" mentality of forums like Babble and FD just don't have the diversity of opinion as this forum does. Maple Leaf Web is quickly becoming as important to me in forming an opinion on current issues as reading the daily paper. In fact when I read something in my morning paper or on a blog that intrigues me I often find myself right here looking for a debate which will make me re-think my opinion rather than accept it carte blanche.

My faves so far (in no particular order): Riverwind, Blackdog, Argus, M.Dancer (you're a riot), August1991, M.Hardner, Kimmy..etc.

[Remiel]

If favouratism is the unfair favouring of one group over another, then what is the fair favouring of one group over another?

When did " favourite poster " cease to be " person whos messages I enjoy reading the most " ? Are you trying to imply that there is absolutely no difference in the value between individuals comments, no matter how they express them? If I favour posters who actually make good arguments over those who make personal attacks and insulting drivel, that makes me a bad person?

If Greg sees fit to shut down this thread, then that is his prerogative as the forum moderator.

Discrimination is the very essence of politics. By voting for one person or party, you discriminate against all the others. By choosing one economic theory over another, you are discriminating.

If you did not agree with this thread, you had a very simple option: to ignore it. However, you chose not to. Why? Are you somehow soured on every other person who has posted here. Maybe you should go look at the other threads, I find some real reasons to be sour against people other than this thread.

[Leafless]

Remiel

The purpose of this board is to write 'political opinions' not advance 'personal desires'.

Opinions vary and if you agree with some more than others, good for you, I do to.

You are simply not in the position to be a judge of 'free speech' or initiate a following that could create a 'bias' towards others.

What you do is participate in the thread associated to whatever topic that interest you. Post your say.

In fact I don't know why Gregg has not posted something himself or shut this thread down completely.

[Michael Hardner]

The "me too" mentality of forums like Babble and FD just don't have the diversity of opinion as this forum does. Maple Leaf Web is quickly becoming as important to me in forming an opinion on current issues as reading the daily paper. In fact when I read something in my morning paper or on a blog that intrigues me I often find myself right here looking for a debate which will make me re-think my opinion rather than accept it carte blanche.

Nothing beats interactivity for learning - Socrates did it well in his day. I now find that reading the newspaper is a frustrating exercise, as the typical article leaves so many questions unanswered. Another side-effect of heavy MLW involvement is frustration with politically-like-minded people whose opinions are rote or uninformed.

Such a place will be important to the political process in the future - I have no doubt.

[Remiel]

The rest of this thread aside, what is a political opinion if not a form of personal desire? One person desires to be able to make a load of money and only have to worry about themselves, so they vote conservative. Another person desires a society in which more people get the benefit and everyone works to improve the lives of the group, so they vote socialist. Another desires to see their country prosper in the long term, and they think the best way is to balance the self with the whole, so they vote liberal. Their political arguments and positions will follow their desires, not the other way around.

[theloniusfleabag]

Dear Mr. Hardner,

Such a place will be important to the political process in the future - I have no doubt.

He can hope, but I have my doubts. Sadly, dollars speak louder than public opinion. The web forum, or log, will still forever be 'passive' in trying to foment political change.

[Leafless]

The rest of this thread aside, what is a political opinion if not a form of personal desire?

A political opinion is what is desirable to this board relating to a political topic, not a personal desire to support favourite posters which is not political and should if implemented belong in the hands of an independent to evaluate.

As far as that goes why don't we open a section for general inquiries and answers relating to political inquiries, gadget electronics, computers, auto mechanical and auto electronics, boating, camping, DIY repairs, and any other subject that could or might be answered by members.

[Led Boots]

Nothing beats interactivity for learning - Socrates did it well in his day. I now find that reading the newspaper is a frustrating exercise, as the typical article leaves so many questions unanswered. Another side-effect of heavy MLW involvement is frustration with politically-like-minded people whose opinions are rote or uninformed.

Such a place will be important to the political process in the future - I have no doubt.

It’s hard to find a medium which represents both sides of the issue in a comprehensive and fair way…that’s why forums like this are important. Even the uninformed bring something to the table (I find it enjoyable to see some wild eyed duffer come at Blackdog or Argus like a pig and leave as sausage, is that bad?).

Bias in our news has turned it into nothing more than political brain candy for the masses. Choose which side you’re on, plug in your 50 cents and get your fix.

MLW does offer the viewer a more complete picture of current issues than the alternatives so it has value beyond what posters engaged in a heated debate may think. It’s kinda like coles notes for the issues of the day.