That's true. In my experience it's possible to contradict such people without getting booted from the forum, but it's sometimes more work than it's worth. I leave such discussions voluntarily.

If you go into a non-philosophical discussion and start challenging the premises not of the particular claims but of the basis for discussion itself, you can make yourself unwelcome much more readily than if you make reasonable-in-context refutations of the hosts' positions.

All things being equal, you would be correct. But your contention, while accurate, does not take into account the egos of those running previously said "venues"...

Some people simply don't like to be contradicted in a sane, logical, rational yet passionate manner..

Which isn't all that big a deal, in the larger scheme of things..

Excepting when those egos.. er... I mean those people are in positions of "power" vis a vis their own little fiefdoms...

TM,

In general I believe no book, film or comment could possibly do anywhere NEAR as much harm as censoring it would.

While I agree with the sentiment in principle, I can cite many examples where censoring information in the interests of public safety would be prudent.

However, I readily agree that political blogs and commentaries would not fall under that purview of "public safety".

Michale.....

In general I believe no book, film or comment could possibly do anywhere NEAR as much harm as censoring it would.

tm

Now ya gone and done depressed everyone here! :D hehehehehe

Michale.....

Well, whatever the explanation may be, the bottom line is that you are here - always and forever - and that's all that matters. :)

Well... I spose it's possible that it might maybe possibly be something else.. :D

Michale.....

But it's mostly because the owner operators don't like someone contradicting them with logic and facts... :D

Ah, I don't think that explains it very well. I mean, if that were the case, I would have lost commenting privileges at the Huffington Post - again - a long time ago and there would have been no recourse for anyone to change that circumstance.

It must be something else, Michale. I'm just sayin' ... :)

But it's mostly because the owner operators don't like someone contradicting them with logic and facts... :D

Michale....

Oh, I am absent from a LOT of "venues"... :D

Familiar with his (Michale's) work...it's almost impossible to imagine a circumstance in which that would be justified.

As I am wont, I will offer explanation via a movie quote (paraphrased).

"{THEY} CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!
-Colonel Nathan R Jessup, Commander Ground Forces Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
A FEW GOOD MEN

:D

Michale.....

AND for the second time today...JUST as I sit to craft a comment ...I'm informed that time is short..

A slow typist...(and thinker)...must return after a bit.

Quickly:

Heard a rumor Chris is laboring over a hot word processor on a BOOK
(or as Craig Ferguson says: "for you younger folks thats a "papery blog")....

Obviously ...I could not be more supportive and approving. (I just KNOW he was holding off waiting for THAT!)

May it be so renumerative (look it up) that in the future we will all have to get on a "waiting list" to SEND him an E-mail....
And an actual RESPONSE...will be limited to one lucky lottery winner a year.

Also (the very FIRST I've heard of this) a rumor regarding my friend "Michale's" absence from another venue (call me Tommy-come-lately)......

Speaking diplomatically, I'd like to know a bit more about this....if a way can be found.
Familiar with his (Michale's) work...it's almost impossible to imagine a circumstance in which that would be justified.

Right now...the local TV news is playing here at my second home.....
On it, Michelle Bachmann..FIREPROOF grin in place...is waving frantically and shouting hoarsely to what looks like 20 people at a nursing home how GLAD she is to be here in Marin County....."where the Tea Party is alive and well!!" (smattering of tepid applause)

This is PROOF that

A:) Michelle Bachmann IS indeed stone crazy
and/or
B:) It's possible to have an LSD "flashback"...some 35 years after ingesting "Ben-n-Jerry's"....JUST by returning to the scene of the crime.

Either way
Back shortly with a bit re: The "Merkley plan"
Possibly in the A.M.

Regards
tm

Remember my response to those "Shall we tax the rich?" poll questions...

I had proposed tweaking the questions so they read, "Shall we tax the rich even though it would mean that less jobs would be created?"

So, how can I NOT be for Merkley's idea.

My guess is that neither Democrats nor Republicans will go for this idea...

Because NEITHER side has been giving the JOBS idea more than lip service these last few years...

BOTH sides of the aisle have been more concerned about furthering their own Party's agenda and less concerned about the American People...

My quatloos are on this being another great idea that is ignored by the political 'leader'..HA..ship.

Michale.....