Straight up answer, a forum for political discussions can do nothing but harm, especially on a medical site.

There is no such thing as objectivity and polite discourse when the subject is politics. Political differences breed anger, and "discussions" invariably deteriorate into name-calling, personal pot shots, harsh words and disrespect. It’s just the nature of the beast, and that beast does not stay locked in a forum just because its name is on the door. It would be led on a leash to every single forum the political participants visit. The acrimony would influence the personality of the forums, arguments would surely erupt, and members could be badly hurt, if for no other reason than from loss of respect for others.

You can’t resort to "just don’t read it." That works when you can’t stand the thought of having one more encounter with specific posters. It is irrelevant in a situation where an entire forum is contaminated with bad feelings, and a sense of family is damaged.

There are plenty of venues on the Internet for spirited, rock 'em/sock 'em politics, snarling and shredding of political candidates. BrainTalk2 shouldn’t be one of them.

TCC

Agreed the emotions would not stay confined to just one forum. Participants would chase each other around and infect all forums.

politics and medical discussions=fuel and fire

NO

there are many other online communities out there for political discussions; have seen far too many discussions become full out war at BT over the years, just not worth the risk; no real upside, unless of course, one loves a fight!:D

lol LOVE it!

How can the things in life that make up the totality of our existence not be talked about.

I am political

I am medical

I am not religious

I am nor rich

I am not poor

I am a normal human being and fully concious of the fact that a discussion can be orderly if those who are only there to say

don't raise your voice,

don't disagree

don't do this here

please don't be so adamant in your opinions

think like me

talk like me

and the world will be a peacefull content cow pasture and you know what that is filled with..

Stop telling others what to do or not do and predicting the future as only you can see it

Bush is doing this and look at the mess he tracks in

Let things happen and then say your piece

There is no other way really

My 1 cent opinion? see below...
 

Dont'/Didn't vote? Don't/Shouldn't Complain...More bluntly put...SHUT UP!?!
Vote Every year, as local issues AND politicians have a way of ' bubbling up' as A Political Appointee I used to work for in a gummint agency would say.
In my region, there are and will be many 'hopefulls' Gosh, read past histories and the fine print. What's presented to you now, if finely 'packaged'.

As for political discussions: Those relevant to the funding, research, treatments or advocacy on behalf of our SPECIFIC neuro causes. YES. As for the implicitity, impunity or veracity of any political or philosiphical stance, I urge caution. Maybe this is what BLOGS are for. For any site. to, by virture of posting positions that may appear extreme to potential funding sources well, it could be ABHORRENT. Yes, I am an advocate of free speech. IN THE PROPER PLACE. Should BT 'a la orinigiale, decide there is a PLACE, well, it's their choice. Especially when and where. [Long as..according to the IRS rule of 17% percent? may be 18-20, it's a long time]

There are many special interest support groups out there, they are entrusted with the 'advocacy' functions - as to whether they do the JOB or not, is up to the MEMBERS to decide, vote and constructively act on for the future.

Be realisitc, Having worked for a gummint [and therefore condemned in some circles] I will say this: Budget plans, and planning occur starting 5,10 &15 years in ADVANCE--For any given fiscal year, there are anywhere from 3-9 tiers of dollar expecataions/responses in terms of need, monies available, and ability to respond. Essentially, any budget CUT [for research, etc.] takes at least ten years to get back on track. This is reality. Stuff has been cut. LOTS OF IT! Unless the legitimate press highlights aspects of research that benefit the neuro commuinity... well, no one ever knows. Put energies, where they are not only needed, but where they can ultimately benefit. Conspiracy stuff, it just that...stuff.. Put energy, resources where it mite be useful. Not to the detrement of any part or whole.
What does that mean? Work fiercely on the local level for aspects that can help you...constructively..Then, work the next level, state congess & senate...then go National..There is a food chain. BUT, IF you don't VOTE. Why bother? IF not, DO you have any right to complain? I think not... -j
Protesters keep note. I WAS really watched/monitored by the FBI, BECAUSE I'd a roomate who was on 'a list'...By posting here, maybe by association YOU are as well? Never know..

I voted yes because I believe some political discussions are healthy and I believe that some political topics should be allowed.

Any politics that are related to health matters - FDA decisions, laws that have an impact on healthcare or funding for research, the discussions of opinions about potential 'wasteful' areas of government that spend money on the wrong things when that money could go towards better causes (such as research, healthcare for the poor, funding social security), etc...

The types of politics that I think should be discouraged are the democrat versus republican debates. I say that because discussions of that nature usually turn into a debate, while discussions about health-related politics usually stay discussions about opinions without turning into a debate.

In my perfect world, there would be a "politics" forum where the discussions would be about health-related politics -- with a sub-forum for the non-health related political discussions for those who wish to participate.

My 2 cents.

Liz

The Third Reich
 

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