The Nets moderators have agreed to establish some ground rules for discussion in this thread.
Most boards avoid maintaining a thread about politics, because it often devolves into name-calling and mudslinging, and moves away from good-natured critical thinking and a willingness to understand or adapt/change one's views based upon the presentation of high quality arguments and evidence.
It is important to remember that posting on this site is a privilege, not a right. Therefore, in order to maintain good faith conversation about current affairs and politics, we are reminding everyone of and will be enforcing 2 major RealGM rules:
1) NO PERSONAL ATTACKS/ BE RESPECTFUL
It doesn't matter if someone attacked you first. Name-calling, belittling, or labeling will not be tolerated regardless of who said it. Report the offending message by clicking on the exclamation point in the upper-right corner of the post and continue discussion.
2) NO TROLLING/ DISCUSS IN GOOD FAITH
We understand that board members will have differing political views and could favor viewpoints from news sources of a particular ideological persuasion. As a result, it is very easy for arguments about one's views to conflict with those of another.
When discussing or debating the nature/value/merits of a political figure, group, or ideology, we expect you to seriously assess points made and questioned asked by other posters. Ignoring or refusing to respond to such points and questions from others while continuing to post uncritical or low quality information yourself will be considered trolling. This is a thread of quality discussion and debate, not a soundboard for propaganda or willful ignorance.
If you violate either of these rules, you will receive a warning. RealGM operates on a 3 strike policy:
RealGM wrote:Warning #1: PM or Public Warning
Warning #2: PM or Public Warning
Warning #3 Three-Day Suspension
Warning #4 Seven-Day Suspension
Warning #5 Full Ban From RealGM.
Considering how often discussions of such topics can lead to inflammatory commentary, the Nets board moderators reserve the right to escalate the level of punishment according to the degree of invective used or ignorance displayed.
As of this post, we are giving everyone a clean sheet with no warnings.
In short, be respectful and understanding of differences in opinion, while being critical of the opinions of others as well as your own. Most forums don't allow such discussions, so treat the ability to discourse as a privilege. If someone violates the aforementioned rules, report the post.
— Nets Board moderators
P.S. While the 2 rules listed above are very important for this thread, we expect everyone to abide by all RealGM rules in all threads. Please review these rules here.
Here is a link to the previous thread: viewtopic.php?f=23&t=1481124