Unhelpful? Agenda-driven? Overtly partisan? Bush-basher is a good one, but I tend to think those who go to great lengths doing the bashing would find that a compliment.

What do you think?

Thats just it, Myrddin. I did not call Dax anything. I said the things he was saying might lead one to certain conclusions. I said his comments were not helpful and tended to undermine morale. Some of you chose to interpret that as calling Dax a traitor. I dod not call him a traitor and have on more than one occassion in this thread alone said I do not see him as a traitor. And yet...some of you persist in making the claim I called him a traitor and then using that fiction to justify such personal attacks as Cy_Click flat out calling me a fascist. Do you not see the issue there? Is that really the climate that Fool Moon wants to foster?

Hey, once you called me a traitor... and frankly I don't care, I didn't make a big fuss over it even though I know you know the difference between the term traitor and fascist. Which there is no compare.

Traitor: One who betrays one's country, a cause, or a trust, especially one who commits treason.

Fascist: One who adheres to a certain system of government.

Calling or suggesting someone is a traitor is accusing them of the highest of crimes.... Calling someone a fascist, is simply disagreeing with that person's political view of a government... You know, like those leftist liberal kooks. That sort of name calling...

Huge difference!

Lawmage, the moderator of this thread is Ray, the very person started this whole whirlwind of talk by comparing Dax to "Axis Sally", who was convicted for treason after World War II for her propagandistic radio broadcasts. So, Ray said, in effect, Dax is a traitor for denouncing right-wing extremists.

Following Dax's protest that such a label was inappropriate, you, Lawmage, followed up with "I look at it as perfectly appropriate... [...] If that causes a reasonable person to link you, in their minds, with other persons who have proclaimed the defeat of America, tried to undermine the morale of its Soldiers, and consistently agitated against its interests then I suppose that is a cross you will just have to bear, Dax."

So, while you yourself did not actually use your keyboard to type out the word "traitor", you allowed Ray to do that for you, and strongly endorsed what he said.

I backtrack and list all these things to explain, Lawmage, WHY others persist in saying that you called Dax a traitor. It is not that you actually typed "Dax is a traitor" in this particular instance, but that Ray made that clear, and far from disagreeing or repudiating Ray's labeling of Dax as a traitor, you approved it by saying "I look at it as perfectly appropriate".

Now, all that being said, you have since said clearly that you do NOT consider Dax to be a traitor. It's unfortunate that your apparent initial endorsement of that label came so quickly and readily, but I think that everyone should accept your explanation and refer to you saying firmly that you don't see Dax as a traitor should any further disputes come up.

Regarding moderation of this thread -- this forum is moderated by Ray, and he is responsible for taking care of posts that might be considered offensive. You, Lawmage, are familiar with the responsibility and latitude given to Fool Moon moderators as to what should be done with forum posts. If you are upset about Cy_Click saying "facists" you should petition Ray, who is the person who began this mess in the first place and who ought to be cleaning up after himself.

I now will step to the side in case Ray would like to say anything.

If you feel the discussion is more civil if it's focused on whether I said I've never dealt with fascists, who would use accusation and inuendo to advance thier agenda, rather than issues, we can do that in another thread. Your insistence on leaving it in this thread is not helpful for me because Dax has a big picture view which I think is valid and discussable.

You can explain to me why you feel it necessary to change the leftist stand of Foolmoon, which seems to be more against worthless personal attacks and name-calling, even by you, than pro-leftist. If you're so far right everything is left, I'm afraid you'll notice everything is left of you.

I read overtly partisan was one of the things Dax is. I can look to see if there are only 22% of the population who are Republicans and by supporting Bush are overtly partisan or if there may be some bipartisanship in that regard but, do I have to?

You'll have to give me a while to learn about fascist tactics and how that might apply and whether using them is indeed indicative of a fascist and, therefore, applicable to you. You only gave me one of the signs. One that apparently doesn't match the label. I've already learned how defending a comment of insinuation that one is whatever Axis Sally was is indeed appropriate to Bush-bashing.

Actually, I don't think Lawmage is "upset" at being called a "fascist" as he is merely making an observation upon the playing field. He and I get labeled all sorts of non-complimentary things without making an issue of it.

Speaking just for myself I know who I am and what I am and who and what I'm not. So being labeled a "neo-con" or a "fascist" or a "racist" or a "sexist" or a "war monger" or a "homophobe" or any of the other epithets that have been tossed my way again and again and again doesn't necessarily bother me that much because, as I said, I know who and what I am and what I'm not. You do not have the power to add to or subtract from my own world view.

But Lawmage, you need to be nicer to those whose political leanings must not be mentioned. They can dish it out, but they just can't take it with the same equanimity as we can. Go easy on 'em, OK? Thanks

The Administration of this site is setting forth a goal of encouraging spirited discourse WITHOUT the use of name-calling or uncomplimentary labeling as a debate strategy, from any position, towards any position.

I know that you'll be keeping this goal in mind as you keep a watchful eye on these threads in the future, and assist me in keeping things *civil* from now on. For instance, we are spending a whole lot of time talking about one another, instead of talking about issues. Kicking your conversation partner in the balls is probably not the best way to further the conversation.

Despite your "humorous" reference to catering to any one particular faction over another, of course we all know that you are, at heart, sensible and will follow Fool Moon's publicly stated goals.

Your non-sarcastic affirmative response will assure us all that the time of nagging and braying and poking each other with sharpened sticks is over, and that we can actually treat one another with respect as human beings even when we disagree politically.

That's commendable. I shall support you wholeheartedly.

It would be commendable... [and THAT is where we'll leave it. Time to start fresh. - Ray]