03-29-2003, 05:28 PM
Hi,
There is a broad range of beliefs in the Lounge and all are welcome. It is this diversity that makes the lounge interesting. But what makes the discussions valuable is that most of the people doing the discussing know the difference between a rational argument and a simple statement of beliefs. Most also know at least some of the facts behind what they espouse.
The problem with your posts is that they are either flame bait or displays of ignorance. Ignorance of the facts, or of presentation, or both. As to the facts, I do not know how you can improve your knowledge other than exposing yourself to sources (such as the NY Times) which may not be in agreement with your opinions. As to expression, I suggest you look at some of the discussions where there is disagreement. There are many posters in the lounge that are excellent debaters. Look at the discussions, see if you can spot the flaws and the good points. Perhaps a visit to http://datanation.com/fallacies/ to get an idea of what to look for would help.
I remember you from way back, the old Diablo Suggestion Forum. We locked horns then over much the same issue. I remember giving you the same advice then that I give you now. The atmosphere here is a bit more rarefied than it was there. Perhaps this time the need to figure out rational discourse will be pressing enough that you'll give it a try.
--Pete
There is a broad range of beliefs in the Lounge and all are welcome. It is this diversity that makes the lounge interesting. But what makes the discussions valuable is that most of the people doing the discussing know the difference between a rational argument and a simple statement of beliefs. Most also know at least some of the facts behind what they espouse.
The problem with your posts is that they are either flame bait or displays of ignorance. Ignorance of the facts, or of presentation, or both. As to the facts, I do not know how you can improve your knowledge other than exposing yourself to sources (such as the NY Times) which may not be in agreement with your opinions. As to expression, I suggest you look at some of the discussions where there is disagreement. There are many posters in the lounge that are excellent debaters. Look at the discussions, see if you can spot the flaws and the good points. Perhaps a visit to http://datanation.com/fallacies/ to get an idea of what to look for would help.
I remember you from way back, the old Diablo Suggestion Forum. We locked horns then over much the same issue. I remember giving you the same advice then that I give you now. The atmosphere here is a bit more rarefied than it was there. Perhaps this time the need to figure out rational discourse will be pressing enough that you'll give it a try.
--Pete
How big was the aquarium in Noah's ark?