What is politics?

[Brad Johnson]

After reading a few recent threads, I figured I'd ask. I see threads about what seem to be political issues and yet they're apparently okay now.

Are laws apolitical? Is a Supreme Court ruling not political?


If the question offends anyone, feel free to ignore it. In theory it would seem to be a fine line between participating in these threads and getting a ban by crossing that now very gray line.

[Disraeli Gears]

If you're referring to the thread about guns, one might argue that it's about the moral and safety issues of owning guns rather than the political aspect of it.

[Jeremy Crockett]

At least you haven't made the mistake of clicking on the "Fontaine shoe" thread.

My assumption (yes, I know) is that if it relates to any of the three branches of the US government or the governmental affairs of any country, it's off limits.

My guess is that the post a pic of your gun is no different than a post a pic of your auto.

Unless, I've misread your OP.

[jrthebassguy]

I was wondering the same thing, Brad

[FL Knifemaker]

Toss in threads about downtrodden citizens of third world countries

[jomahu]

Originally Posted by FL Knifemaker

Toss in threads about downtrodden citizens of third world countries

you mean like me? yay, my own thread!!!!

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Poly - Many
Tics - Small blood sucking insects

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Originally Posted by Disraeli Gears

If you're referring to the thread about guns, one might argue that it's about the moral and safety issues of owning guns rather than the political aspect of it.

The problem there is people will start preaching amendment rights which turns it political.


But seriously, how could you guys get something so simple so wrong

[f'nar f'nar]

I totally agree Brad. There is a fine line and thats why I generally don't post in such threads. In quasi-political threads the dangers you're faced with are multiple. First of all you could step over the line a little bit and get a warning or a ban because the mods think your post is too political. Secondly you might stay behind the threshold but either:
1. Offend someone, in which case you may as well have posted something completely political
or
2. Start a political discussion inadvertently, getting you in trouble as well
So as far as I'm concerned I keep any opinions regarding international relations etc. to myself, or at least most of them. Just to be safe.

[Bruce Lindfield]

I think we have two different definitions.

So there are many questions that could be deemed "political" ...but there is also what we call "Party Politics" in the UK...?

So this is anything related to a Political Party.

I always imagine that "Party Politics" is what's a no-no here - although I could be wrong....

[burk48237]

The problem is because of the intrusiveness of government in modern society, EVERYTHING has now become political.

Speeding tickets in Las Vegas, political.

**** Censorship, political.

TB Cigar club, political, (considering you can't smoke one in about 90% of the country due to regulations).

The Amp forum, political, if you believe in Global Warming. Let's face it we may soon be making our amp choices based on the size of their Carbon footprints. Prepare to buy a whole bunch of Carbon offsets if your an SVT man.

The Bass forum, political, Many of the wood choices we make in purchasing a bass are limited and defined by government regulations.

Threads about file sharing/stealing/evil record companies, most certainly political.

Health care threads. political

Wal Mart threads, political.

Origin of products/Ampeg threads, political.

Guitar Center threads, often political.

Gangsta rap threads, political.

New England Patriot threads, NBA playoff threads, since congress and the Federal prosecutors are involved, political.

In the strictest definition of part of the term (under the authority of government) about 50% maybe more of ALL of the threads started on TB are in one form or the other political. When government bureaucrats are regulating the size and number of rungs on every ladder that are sold in the country, everything is political. It is my assertion the problem is not trolling by posters (although this certainly occurs). The problem is trolling by government for another part of our lives it can get it's paws into. There is a Law firm in Mel Brooks "Silent Movie", the name of it is "Engage, Engulf, and Devour", their is no better description of what is taking place as government gets more and more involved in even the basic decisions of our lives.

As far as TB, for the sake of staying within reasonable reaches of the rules and still being able to respond to social issues threads. I try to follow these rules, Never mention by name a political candidate or office holder, Never mention a political party, Try to avoid describing divides in left / right terms, and I try to avoid the my "countries better then yours" by at least admitting that my own country in no way has all of these problems solved or has all the answers, and I try to keep the discussion centered on the issues which is getting harder and harder. I think the greater problem is the tendency of many posters here not to respond with proof, facts, or sources, about the ISSUE, but instead to immediately impugn the motives of those you disagree with. And I'll admit, I've done it some too, especially lately out of frustration in the gun control threads. I think that's what we need to clamp down on.

[f'nar f'nar]

Zombie attack threads, political.

[jazzy grille]

Originally Posted by Brad Johnson

After reading a few recent threads, I figured I'd ask. I see threads about what seem to be political issues and yet they're apparently okay now.

Are laws apolitical? Is a Supreme Court ruling not political?


If the question offends anyone, feel free to ignore it. In theory it would seem to be a fine line between participating in these threads and getting a ban by crossing that now very gray line.

It is hard to say..

Some people have the ability to make any discussion political, I see it in threads that are not even political all the time.. As we all know, some people don't know what self-control is and they just have to inject their political troll-fu. There is so much of it that I don't think the mods can really track it all.

IF the discusion is fine, then I guess I cannot complain.. But, I would really like to the Mods crack down on people who spontaneously inject political crap in threads that are not political/social in nature. (not saying that you guys are doing a bad job. )

[Bruce Lindfield]

Originally Posted by burk48237

The problem is because of the intrusiveness of government in modern society, EVERYTHING has now become political.

Speeding tickets in Las Vegas, political.

**** Censorship, political.

TB Cigar club, political, (considering you can't smoke one in about 90% of the country due to regulations).

The Amp forum, political, if you believe in Global Warming. Let's face it we may soon be making our amp choices based on the size of their Carbon footprints. Prepare to buy a whole bunch of Carbon offsets if your an SVT man.

The Bass forum, political, Many of the wood choices we make in purchasing a bass are limited and defined by government regulations.

Threads about file sharing/stealing/evil record companies, most certainly political.

Health care threads. political

Wal Mart threads, political.

Origin of products/Ampeg threads, political.

Guitar Center threads, often political.

Gangsta rap threads, political.

New England Patriot threads, NBA playoff threads, since congress and the Federal prosecutors are involved, political.

In the strictest definition of part of the term (under the authority of government) about 50% maybe more of ALL of the threads started on TB are in one form or the other political. When government bureaucrats are regulating the size and number of rungs on every ladder that are sold in the country, everything is political. It is my assertion the problem is not trolling by posters (although this certainly occurs). The problem is trolling by government for another part of our lives it can get it's paws into. There is a Law firm in Mel Brooks "Silent Movie", the name of it is "Engage, Engulf, and Devour", their is no better description of what is taking place as government gets more and more involved in even the basic decisions of our lives.

As far as TB, for the sake of staying within reasonable reaches of the rules and still being able to respond to social issues threads. I try to follow these rules, Never mention by name a political candidate or office holder, Never mention a political party, Try to avoid describing divides in left / right terms, and I try to avoid the my "countries better then yours" by at least admitting that my own country in no way has all of these problems solved or has all the answers, and I try to keep the discussion centered on the issues which is getting harder and harder. I think the greater problem is the tendency of many posters here not to respond with proof, facts, or sources, about the ISSUE, but instead to immediately impugn the motives of those you disagree with. And I'll admit, I've done it some too, especially lately out of frustration in the gun control threads. I think that's what we need to clamp down on.

Actually I think that is your own unique perspective!

[jazzy grille]

Originally Posted by Bruce Lindfield

Actually I think that is your own unique perspective!

LOL.

That's what I mean.. It really depends on the person, some people can disuss these things without political debate and some can't..

[CrashClint]

Originally Posted by f'nar f'nar

Zombie attack threads, political.

I am not sure this would be considered politcal, just a bunch of mindless brain suckers that feed off the population. Wait! I do see some kind of correlation here between Zombies and Politicians.

Yes, Zombie attack threads could be deemed political.

[john turner]

Originally Posted by Brad Johnson

After reading a few recent threads, I figured I'd ask. I see threads about what seem to be political issues and yet they're apparently okay now.

Are laws apolitical? Is a Supreme Court ruling not political?


If the question offends anyone, feel free to ignore it. In theory it would seem to be a fine line between participating in these threads and getting a ban by crossing that now very gray line.

interesting, and relevant, question. we (the admins) are discussing the possibility of expanding the allowed topics in the lobby, one of which might be political discussions.

so, what would your definition of "politics" be, brad? would it be anything to do with any branch of governance? or would it be more strictly confined to certain elements of government?

[bassybill]

Originally Posted by burk48237

[Opportunistic and intrusive post making overtly political point about... er... intrusive politics]

Nice one, Steve! I really think you couldn't resist making a political statement whilst singing "Happy Birthday To You" at a three-year-old's party if you thought you sneak one in.

[burk48237]

Originally Posted by bassybill

Nice one, Steve! I really think you couldn't resist making a political statement whilst singing "Happy Birthday To You" at a three-year-old's party if you thought you sneak one in.

Who knows, in a couple of years the size and numbers of the candles on the cake may be regulated..........

[Bruce Lindfield]

And the state may decide to take the child into care, if Health & Safety regulations regarding lit candles are not maintained!