Interest In Discussing Public Issues

[Heather]

A new member of the board emailed me about the possibility of creating a forum to discuss public issues, such as politics and political leaders. Previously this type of subject has found it's way in the general forum, but I wouldn't mind creating a separate area if there is a large enough interest.

Excerpts from the email:

We are trying, if we are smart, to progress in our understanding and observance of, the highest principles. It is the refinement of this to perfection that we may look forward to hereafter. Meanwhile, we are encouraged--commanded, in fact--to bend every effort at progressing as far as we can here and now. We face huge challenges in the world around us, much of which we can do little about but some of which, at least, we may have some power to influence. What candidates should we support, and why? What issues are worth supporting or opposing based upon their eternal implications (that is to say, what might our Father think of them, at least as best we can determine)? It is this sort of discussion I am proposing, because it would be of direct and immediate benefit to those who participated. I don't at all denigrate discussions of the more typical kind, such as dating issues, parenting, and so forth, I just think that adding a forum of this sort would be extremely helpful in addition....

I don't have a lot of time, but I am interested in exchanging views with thoughtful, serious-minded, politically acute individuals who are working toward the same goals that I am. None of us has achieved perfection in this or any area; therefore, hearing what someone else has discovered through study, experience, pondering, and prayer may likely be of material benefit to my own efforts at achieving the grand unity of truth that we know we will ultimately discover. At least incremental improvements may be had by considering the experience of others.

[Ray]

Heather,

I'm sure you've noticed that many people use the General Discussion forum to discuss Gospel related topics, so it seems that the divisions in the board aren't really helping to divide the issues.

Or in other words, while you could create separate forums for Politics, or Social Issues, or whatever, I think you'll find most people will continue to post all kinds of issues in the General Discussion forum, so it really doesn't matter.

And of course I think it's a great idea to talk about all kinds of issues which are worth thinking about.

[Heather]

That's what I think too. Unless there was a large interest or several topics, such as those who post in the advice forum, I'm not sure if it would be that popular.

[Ray]

Heh, on a more personal level, if it were me, I would create all kinds of forums, simply because I like to be organized and have things put in their proper place. Which means that I would also be moving threads to the forums in which I think they belong. :)

The one drawback I can see to that though is that it would be more difficult to see the level of activity in all of the forums, because sub-forums topics are simply harder to see, but if I had a real interest in a forum I would be more active about looking around.

And if in doubt, try it out, and then learn from your experience. :)

[Palerider]

I always believe that nothing wrong with a Political rant or two...once in awhile.....LOL!!!!!

[Lindy]

Heather,

I'm sure you've noticed that many people use the General Discussion forum to discuss Gospel related topics, so it seems that the divisions in the board aren't really helping to divide the issues.

Or in other words, while you could create separate forums for Politics, or Social Issues, or whatever, I think you'll find most people will continue to post all kinds of issues in the General Discussion forum, so it really doesn't matter.

And of course I think it's a great idea to talk about all kinds of issues which are worth thinking about.

And I agree with Ray, and I agree with you Heather agreeing with Ray General Discussion is open to most anything.... and if it gets to much.... we have Open Forum.

Heck, we've been known to have political disscussions in chat..... I like talking politics sometimes... I like listening and learning too. :)

[prisonchaplain]

That's what I think too. Unless there was a large interest or several topics, such as those who post in the advice forum, I'm not sure if it would be that popular.

The General vs. Gospel division is helpful for topic starters. What seems to happen is that strings stray as side issues become more interesting than the original topic. On the other hand, I've found some subcategories to be "ghettos."

Let the politics run their courses on the General Forum.