The purpose of this thread is to discuss whether there should be an open thread in OTW to discuss political and religious topics in a general manner; something similar to the notebook but more of a forum for debate. Do you think that rather than this, politics and religion should be discussed in separate threads that confine input to more narrowly defined areas of topical debate?

In particular, I'd like to how what the moderators feel about this. Would it be feasible considering the possibly inflammatory nature of political discussion to moderate such an open forum? It also seems clear that keeping discussion within even generally defined parameters becomes a touchy prospect in light of the need to rebut another poster's arguement. Things could become so tangential after awhile that two or people would end up commandeering the thread for chat.

Anyway, I think it's an idea worth a try, but the real results might not contribute to a welcoming atmosphere around here or any real sense of meaningful discourse.

okay. lets try it.

America.... are you ready... for a BLACK MAN as your president?!

I think that a political topic would be great, it could deal with a lot of the current affairs topics that are mentioned, but then quickly fall to the wayside (and end up producing a ton of topics in Outside the Wall). I think that politics, especially in the United States, is really heating up and deserves to be discussed about. I would think that religion could lead to more inflammatory remarks, but then it could merit interesting discussion. I think so long as posters remember that the point of discussion is not to convert, but to understand one another it could work out.

Nicely put Sydney, it's fairly easy to project a number of paths the thread could take. Personally I have no issue with it as long as it remains civil and non-combustible.


As far as CamJones's question goes, the answer is no. He has absolutely no acting experience, leaving him grossly under-qualified for the presidency. Ultimately Fred Thompson will win due to this fact alone.

haha i dont think to many non americans and the young ones will get that joke

cevor Wrote:Nicely put Sydney, it's fairly easy to project a number of paths the thread could take. Personally I have no issue with it as long as it remains civil and non-combustible.


As far as CamJones's question goes, the answer is no. He has absolutely no acting experience, leaving him grossly under-qualified for the presidency. Ultimately Fred Thompson will win due to this fact alone.

If you want arguments then why not

I have no problem with it, but everyone who is going to post needs to read my statement here first. I, actually think it's a good idea, you never learn anything from someone you agree with!

Obama! Huckabee! Woot!

Has anybody seen Fred Thompson debate? The dude looks bored as hell.

Jumpy Wrote:Obama! Huckabee! Woot!

Mike Huckabee... though he plays bass pretty well. will NEVER be my president.
I swear I WILL move in the unlikely event that he wins.

no questions.

Hillary won NH. No fear, though, Obama came in a close second. I'm not really worried. It's still early. And yes, Cam, I AM READY FOR A BLACK MAN AS MY PRESIDENT. Bring it on, it's about time.