[Rhodes22-list] Civility - Warning - May require thought...

[Robert Skinner]

While we speak of this list being the equivalent of discourse
in a sailor's bar, we may be forgetting that those who visit
such a bar are generally less inclined to give insult than some
on this list.  In a bar, feedback is sometimes immediate and
direct non-verbal behavior modification.  With a pool cue.

Learned by observation in Jacksonville, NC and other
places around the globe and anchorages.

Talk is cheap when there is no civilizing feedback.  Doubly
so when the neck is not exposed.  One reason for society's
general prohibition of discussion of sex, religion, or politics
at the dinner table is the tendency of people to become
heated, if not completely irrational, concerning these these
topics.

When we permit the discussion of these topics, we also
admit the polarizing and antagonizing effects thereof, and
need to exercise some restraints.

As Archie admonished, we might have to say to some,
"Stifle yourselves!"  Freedom has a price, and the price
of free speech is civility.

Thank you for considering this,
/Robert