A favor to ask

[Sedalia Dave]

Myself and I suspect many others are getting tired of all the political memes and posts. The bud lite/ trans/lgbtq/biden/ad nauseum posts are getting old.

 

I come here to get away from all that crap. This used to be a place where you could get away from the sickness that the MSM blasts 24-7-365. The old moderators did an excellent job of keeping politics out of the Saloon. Yes sometimes people took it personal when their posts were removed but overall things really weren't all that bad.

 

Now I see more political posts here than I do on the evil facebook. I get that some of you think its funny to poke fun at the latest liberal cause but in my opinion it is getting old. 

 

I want to laugh at funny NON-political memes. I want to have my mind stimulated by learning something I didn't know about a car, gun, plane, ship, historical battle, my country, your country, animal, plant, etc. I want to read about real heros that have faded into the past not the false ones being thrust into our faces day in and day out. 

 

I love learning about other countries and their customs from people that experienced it first hand. Alpo's off the wall questions. Cyrus Cassidy's first hand experiences behind the plate. And all the other first hand accounts that include details and nuances that you cannot learn about from someone that hasn't really been there.

 

I love the wonderful stories that our great authors share with the rest of us. The sharing of little pleasures that make life bearable.  

 

I love it when people I have never met in person ask for support. It says a lot when people you have never been in the same room with are comfortable enough to ask for a kind word, thought or prayer. When my wife passed a couple people reached out and shared their experiences as they went through a similar ordeal. Those phone calls were what kept me from falling into a really dark place. My sincerest wish is that none of you have to ever go through what I did. It leaves invisible scars that will never heal. I thank God for the total strangers that he sent to get me through some particularly rough patches. I can't put it into words but if you have ever been there, you know.

My closest family is over 400 miles away. I can count the people I can really count on ( Those that would drop everything and come to my aid day or night ) on both hands. Just a few short years ago i could have done it on one hand. 

 

Some of you I have been fortunate enough to actually met in person. Some I hope I get the privilege of buying a cup of coffee, shaking your hand and putting a face to a name. Even if it is only for a little while. Unfortunately the nature of my job really limits my ability to travel. I had a 17 day trip planned that I have to cancel  because of unforeseen work that just came up. Yes I could go but I am blessed with a boss that has my back no matter what and my conscious won't allow me to let him down.

 

What I am really starting to dislike like is being constantly reminded that some people want to destroy the things that made my country great. Like the movies of old, the Saloon used to be a great place to escape reality. Unfortunately like most movies and TV shows that are being churned out today, it has evolved into a place that continually reminds me of reality and I get enough of that already.

 

Yes I can skip over the political stuff but I still have to see it before I can skip it. Some of you post some really funny stuff. Unfortunately it is spoiled because of all the political memes, cartoons, and other items you also post.

 

To quote an old cliche "One Rotten Apple Spoils the Whole Barrel" and in MNSHO we are starting to be overrun with rotten apples.

 

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

I agree.  I'll try to curb my political entries and keep things on a lighter level.

[DeaconKC]

3 minutes ago, Forty Rod SASS 3935 said:

I agree.  I'll try to curb my political entries and keep things on a lighter level.

Me too!

[Creeker, SASS #43022]

 

Let me preface this by saying I understand the OP and this is not meant to be insult - If it comes across that way; that is a failure in my communication skills not an attack.

 

That being said; Freedom is offensive, messy and ugly.

Freedom is supposed to shine a light into and illuminate the "safe spaces" that many wish to hide within.

 

Freedom provides the opportunity to think, say, write and do things that someone else may dislike.

 

The WIRE is an amazing space and I am grateful to be a part of it; but it is made up of individuals that do not necessarily walk in lockstep or engage in "groupthink".

 

I am eternally thankful for the oportunity to engage with others; to expand an idea - to ask for help, to ask for prayers.

 

We should be civil and respectful in our discussions, debate and discourse - but if I were told that I must refrain from any topic that "may" offend or "might" make another uncomfortable - I would leave the Wire tomorrow.

 

Any "freedom" that only caters to or only protects ideas and speech that are approved or sanitized is not freedom under any defintion of the word.

 

Amazing how many forget that.

[Utah Bob #35998]

If I want political discussions, arguments, memes, jokes, donnybrooks, or affrays,  there are plenty of other places on the internet where I ca go.

I ha ve always considered the Saloon a sanctuary.

[Rye Miles #13621]

So if something is political and you don’t like it  just scroll past it. That’s what I do, In fact I ignore a lot of posts that I’m not interested in political or not! 

[Pat Riot]

6 hours ago, Creeker, SASS #43022 said:

 

Let me preface this by saying I understand the OP and this is not meant to be insult - If it comes across that way; that is a failure in my communication skills not an attack.

 

That being said; Freedom is offensive, messy and ugly.

Freedom is supposed to shine a light into and illuminate the "safe spaces" that many wish to hide within.

 

Freedom provides the opportunity to think, say, write and do things that someone else may dislike.

 

The WIRE is an amazing space and I am grateful to be a part of it; but it is made up of individuals that do not necessarily walk in lockstep or engage in "groupthink".

 

I am eternally thankful for the oportunity to engage with others; to expand an idea - to ask for help, to ask for prayers.

 

We should be civil and respectful in our discussions, debate and discourse - but if I were told that I must refrain from any topic that "may" offend or "might" make another uncomfortable - I would leave the Wire tomorrow.

 

Any "freedom" that only caters to or only protects ideas and speech that are approved or sanitized is not freedom under any defintion of the word.

 

Amazing how many forget that.

Are you equating “freedom” of speech to a forum where political subjects are banned and you agreed to the rules when you became a member?  Almost sounds like something I would expect from the self entitled, self absorbed Millennials or Gen whatever the hell is the latest buzz name for these people. 
 

—————————————-

 

 

@Sedalia Dave I agree 100%

 

I do get sick of it myself. I have participated in persuading many threads that actually shouldn’t be here if the Mods were enforcing the rules for this forum. Most of the time I try and make light, but often I catch myself wanting to say more. Often I will create a big write to post only to delete it because there are rules. 
 

—-——————————————-

 

People, here is where the rules can be found and here is the rule that myself and many others violate almost daily:

•    Controversial, religious, or political threads that are deemed inappropriate or needlessly provocative will be removed without warning. 

 

Here is where you can find it…And all the other rules that come with participating on this forum. Check it out. 

https://forums.sassnet.com/index.php?/terms/

 

 

——————————————

 

I can tell you that a few years back I was a Moderator on this forum. I worked for and with Allie Mo. Many of the posts and threads that that appear now would not have been tolerated here back then…or before then. 
The rules and decorum are no longer adhered to, nor see they enforced. 
One of the reasons I quit as a moderator was that I got really sick and tired of dealing with adults acting like children on a daily basis. Grown men whining like children in PMs and phone calls and calling SASS HQ to get Allie and myself in trouble over Bull S***. Talk about Drama Queens with chin stubble. I would make a tranny joke, but that wouldn’t be appropriate. 
The final straws for me was at a match in Oregon I overheard a conversation about me and Allie Mo and our jobs as Mod and Admin. 
Let’s just say the Founders of SASS were wise not allowing participants to carry loaded guns.
Also, some SOB gave out my personal number and a passive aggressive punk kept calling me at odd hours playing silly games and wasn’t the only one. 
 

Enough about that. It’s history. And NO, I will tell anyone anything in PMs to perpetuate the drama. 
 

—————————————

I am no longer a Mod, but I think in the future I plan to report more rule breaking posts. Yes, I said “more”. It seems that is what gets the Mods to look at things. 
I can understand SASS HQ allowing some free rein but when folks leave here more stressed out than when they came in something is wrong. 

 

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

Well Bud, I do see the light. 

I'll let myself out......

[WOLFY]

[PowderRiverCowboy]

Lets add social signaling and propaganda to that also   I dont care who you support and had stated that before but if you think its cute to post selfies with some other countries flag  of post every bs story  that no one cares about but you maybe fake book is better suited for you . 
 Havent posted many memes lately for that reason to many all the same see them 100 times a day,  time to  fire up the ole military branch memes  were we poke fun at each other but know its all good 

[Colorado Coffinmaker]

 

PLUS ONE for Sedalia Dave

 

PLUS ONE for Pat Riot

 

Taking a rude left handed slap at someone or berating them whether you know them or not, because of their personal beliefs is SORRY indeed.

 

So just take minute or two our of your hateful day and read OUR rules for the forum. 

[PowderRiverCowboy]

5 minutes ago, Colorado Coffinmaker said:

 

 

 

So just take minute or two our of your hateful day and read OUR rules for the forum. 

Sorry had too

 

[Chantry]

Ok. 

 

I don't think I've started any political threads, at least not intentionally, but I've certainly participated in many of the ones that have been started.

[Sedalia Dave]

9 hours ago, Creeker, SASS #43022 said:

 

Let me preface this by saying I understand the OP and this is not meant to be insult - If it comes across that way; that is a failure in my communication skills not an attack.

 

That being said; Freedom is offensive, messy and ugly.

Freedom is supposed to shine a light into and illuminate the "safe spaces" that many wish to hide within.

 

Freedom provides the opportunity to think, say, write and do things that someone else may dislike.

 

The WIRE is an amazing space and I am grateful to be a part of it; but it is made up of individuals that do not necessarily walk in lockstep or engage in "groupthink".

 

I am eternally thankful for the oportunity to engage with others; to expand an idea - to ask for help, to ask for prayers.

 

We should be civil and respectful in our discussions, debate and discourse - but if I were told that I must refrain from any topic that "may" offend or "might" make another uncomfortable - I would leave the Wire tomorrow.

 

Any "freedom" that only caters to or only protects ideas and speech that are approved or sanitized is not freedom under any defintion of the word.

 

Amazing how many forget that.

 

You don't know me and I sure as heck don't know you but your post is 10000000000000000000000000000000% off base.

 

  People that truly know me, know that I am not easily offended. To offend me that has to be your intention. You will not do it accidentally. I may disagree with a person but disagreeing with a person is not the same thing as being offended.

I wasn't around in the old days when there was a political forum on the SASS forum but I have had conversations with enough people to know that it didn't go well.

 

The political posts and memes DO NOT offend me. Never have and likely never will. I have some pretty deeply rooted beliefs of my own that even people that think they know me would be surprised to learn. 99.999% of the time I keep my beliefs to myself life is simpler that way.

 

I'm not naive. Haven't been since early in my Navy career when I finally learned how the world worked. Freedom is dangerous, it is messy. With it comes the greatest of all responsibilities. People tend to think this country is a democracy and it most definitely is not.  Democracy is simply a polite word for mob rule. and freedom cannot survive in a democracy. 

 

When I started here I had to agree to a set of rules. Chief among them was that political posts and topics were not permitted. In the past, a select few hot button topics were permitted but they tended to die out rather quickly. The lack of politics is one of the things that drew me to this forum. It was a place that was pretty much void of politics.  That said over the past couple of years the number of political posts has exploded.

 

All I am asking is that we self police ourselves and adhere to the rules and guidelines that made the Saloon great.

[DeaconKC]

First off, I am guilty of some of the Memes and posts lately, and I was wrong. Yeah, some of them ARE funny, [ especially the one with Howard Cosell, OJ Simpson and Bruce Jenner]but I was getting tired of the politics too. I have served as a mod on other firearms boards, and it was a freaking headache. My thanks and appreciation to the mods here for a thankless job.

[Okie Sawbones, SASS #77381]

Well, I still hate all of you.

 

 

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

6 minutes ago, Okie Sawbones, SASS #77381 said:

Well, I still hate all of you.

 

 

KMA and KMA 

[Sedalia Dave]

2 hours ago, Okie Sawbones, SASS #77381 said:

Well, I still hate all of you.

 

 

 

I'd be very disappointed if you didn't. 

[ORNERY OAF]

Maybe just make a separate forum for politics and all that crap. Keep it off the wire/saloon ? That way folks that like that can go yahoo crazy,post meme opinions and the like without spamming up the wire?

[Creeker, SASS #43022]

6 hours ago, Pat Riot, SASS #13748 said:

Are you equating “freedom” of speech to a forum where political subjects are banned and you agreed to the rules when you became a member?  Almost sounds like something I would expect from the self entitled, self absorbed Millennials or Gen whatever the hell is the latest buzz name for these people. 
 

Topics are NOT "banned"; some posts that touch on some topics MAY be banned IF deemed inappropriate.

 

Just because something offends someones delicate sensibilities doesn't make it offensive - perhaps the current moderation team is less inclined to shut down threads or posters because they understand that adults should be able to engage in civil discourse without heavy handed oversight?

 

—-——————————————-

 

People, here is where the rules can be found and here is the rule that myself and many others violate almost daily:

•    Controversial, religious, or political threads that are deemed inappropriate or needlessly provocative will be removed without warning. 

 

Here is where you can find it…And all the other rules that come with participating on this forum. Check it out. 

https://forums.sassnet.com/index.php?/terms/

 

Again; there is not a blanket ban on ANY topic - up to the Moderators and forum owners discretion when a topic goes beyond their acceptable terms - the lowest common denominator or most easily offended among us should not be the yardstick by which discussion is shut down or discarded.

——————————————

 

I can tell you that a few years back I was a Moderator on this forum. I worked for and with Allie Mo. Many of the posts and threads that that appear now would not have been tolerated here back then…or before then. 
The rules and decorum are no longer adhered to, nor see they enforced.

 

The issue when you and Allie Mo were moderators was the forum was treated as your personal kingdom - where moderators were allowed to make up and enforce non existent policies - your insistence that certain topics are outright banned when the link yourself posted says otherwise is an easy example.  

The final straws for me was at a match in Oregon I overheard a conversation about me and Allie Mo and our jobs as Mod and Admin. 

 

When many many folks are saying the same thing - it doesn't make it true, but it certainly does give valid reason to examine the comment.

Let’s just say the Founders of SASS were wise not allowing participants to carry loaded guns.
 

If a simple criticism of your efforts leads you to consider armed violence against another...  That provides a lot more insight into you than any indictment upon us.

—————————————

I am no longer a Mod, but I think in the future I plan to report more rule breaking posts. Yes, I said “more”. It seems that is what gets the Mods to look at things. 
I can understand SASS HQ allowing some free rein but when folks leave here more stressed out than when they came in something is wrong. 

 

Report to your hearts content - I would never advocate for anyone to be untrue to themselves.  But I would loathe a return to the Saloon of old that was comprised of cat threads, pictures of sunsets and prayer requests. 

 

 

[Utah Bob #35998]

8 minutes ago, ORNERY OAF said:

Maybe just make a separate forum for politics and all that crap. Keep it off the wire/saloon ? That way folks that like that can go yahoo crazy,post meme opinions and the like without spamming up the wire?

No! We had one once called the Political Fire. It was an absolute disaster. Insane arguments. Profanity. Hate speech. Threats of violence. Totally out of control. It was a terrible idea. It would probably be worse today. A moderator would have to be a masochist to take it on. 

[Rye Miles #13621]

1 minute ago, Utah Bob #35998 said:

No! We had one once called the Political Fire. It was an absolute disaster. Insane arguments. Profanity. Hate speech. Threats of violence. Totally out of control. It was a terrible idea. It would probably be worse today. A moderator would have to be a masochist to take it on. 

I remember the political fire and it was a fire alright! 

[ORNERY OAF]

Lol,ok..ok....I didn't know about the old forum and it sounds like a nightmare. 

[Pat Riot]

@Creeker, SASS #43022 What’s wrong? Did I touch a nerve? Good!

[PowderRiverCowboy]

3 hours ago, Okie Sawbones, SASS #77381 said:

Well, I still hate all of you.

 

 

 

 

Hush and Grab a beer out of the Beer safe in the Garage , Change that grab 2 one for me 

[Pat Riot]

3 hours ago, Okie Sawbones, SASS #77381 said:

Well, I still hate all of you.

 

 

Hugs and Kisses to you too. 

[Creeker, SASS #43022]

4 hours ago, Pat Riot, SASS #13748 said:

@Creeker, SASS #43022 What’s wrong? Did I touch a nerve? Good!

Nothings wrong with me - my skin is not so thin as to require protection or separation from ideas and words that I may not agree with.

 

I can accept the concept that everyone may not agree with me on every topic and that we dont have to share a worldview to share a past time.

I can accept criticism and I enjoy enthusiastic debate - And my mindset is not so closed off as to refuse the existence of other world views.

I am capable of learning from others and even changing my opinion when presented with a compelling argument.

And I can even accept when I may be wrong.

 

I just find it hilarious that rough tough rugged individualists need safe spaces from WORDS - that the mere presence of an idea different from their status quo "stresses" them so much that they feel compelled to report and complain.

 

The people who laugh at colleges providing sanctuary for those who cannot handle that there is far more to the world than their tiny experience.

 

The people who scoff because someone says a t shirt with a picture of a gun frightens them.

 

These are the exact same people who lose their composure because of a rainbow pride flag or a beer can with a picture of a transitioned person upon it and yet they cannot see (or worse, are hypocrites because they refuse to see) that their behavior is perfectly analogous.

[Sedalia Dave]

never mind it's not worth it.

[Pat Riot]

47 minutes ago, Creeker, SASS #43022 said:

Nothings wrong with me - my skin is not so thin as to require protection or separation from ideas and words that I may not agree with.

 

I can accept the concept that everyone may not agree with me on every topic and that we dont have to share a worldview to share a past time.

I can accept criticism and I enjoy enthusiastic debate - And my mindset is not so closed off as to refuse the existence of other world views.

I am capable of learning from others and even changing my opinion when presented with a compelling argument.

And I can even accept when I may be wrong.

 

I just find it hilarious that rough tough rugged individualists need safe spaces from WORDS - that the mere presence of an idea different from their status quo "stresses" them so much that they feel compelled to report and complain.

 

The people who laugh at colleges providing sanctuary for those who cannot handle that there is far more to the world than their tiny experience.

 

The people who scoff because someone says a t shirt with a picture of a gun frightens them.

 

These are the exact same people who lose their composure because of a rainbow pride flag or a beer can with a picture of a transitioned person upon it and yet they cannot see (or worse, are hypocrites because they refuse to see) that their behavior is perfectly analogous.

Do you not follow rules at a match?

Do you not follow stage scenarios at a match?

What I find ridiculous and immature are people that fall all over themselves to follow match rules but wet their pants or have an embolism because they can’t or won’t follow the rules of a forum run by the same organization.
 

 

[Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933]

Saying there are rules in an organized shooting match and rules on an Internet discussion website is about like comparing the rules of Chess with a knifefight.  The simple solution to this whole matter is that if someones does not like something quit reading the thread.  If you are watching TV and you do not like what is on the solution is to change the channel.  Trying to limit discussion on an Internet website is an exercise in futility.

 

 

[DeaconKC]

Holy cats, a friend here asks for a break and this is how this place has degenerated? I spent 26 years working corrections, there is NOTHING I have not heard [often aimed at me directly], but I still turn off a TV show if they get profane. Does this make me weak or thin skinned? Or is it that I am tired of hearing it. This WAS one of the friendliest, nicest places on the 'Net, does it still qualify? I don't need another Gunboards or Arfnet with folks looking for a fight when I want to relax. I have already admitted I had gone overboard and didn't even realize it until I looked back at my own posts. @Sedalia Dave is one of the nicest folks to be around and I am glad to count him as a friend. Some of you are coming across as arrogant and self-righteous as Phantom! Sheesh.

[Creeker, SASS #43022]

Being a skilled wordsmith doesn't necessarily make someone correct.

Honey and purified butter drizzled over fecal material just improves the presentation; it doesn't change the base ingredient.

 

Exactly the same that being blunt or even arrogant doesn't necessarily make someone wrong.

 

The ability to differentiate between message and messenger is invaluable.

 

Phantom was usually right.

[Pat Riot]

1 hour ago, DeaconKC said:

This WAS one of the friendliest, nicest places on the 'Net, does it still qualify?

A lot of things in SASS and in the forums have changed. I wouldn’t say it’s for the better. 

[Widder, SASS #59054]

GOSH, I've met a lot of new friends here on the Wire and Saloon, regardless of our differing opinions on various

topics.

 

Believe it or not, TN Williams and I disagree on nearly as much stuff as we agree on.

And that includes some politics and religion.   I mean, I wouldn't be much of a Cowboy

if I didn't accept friendships with a lesser class Duelist..... 

 

Oddly, I can understand BOTH views about things we read that we see no need of here in the

Saloon and a place where we can go and POLITELY post stuff that seem political, etc..... 

 

I kinda like reading about folks opinions and thoughts on various subjects.... within a polite manner.

I count just about ALL you pards as a friend...... and reading your views helps me know which

of you I would share a foxhole and which of you I probably wouldn't.   

 

I've never shot with Creeker, nor many of you.  But I've had a few phone conversations of which

I enjoyed and look forward to more.

And I have been on a posse with Sedalia Dave a few times and I can honestly say that he is one

of the finest men I've met in SASS  or anywhere.  He is a real gentleman.

 

Y'all take care of yeowndangself, cause basically the world won't.

And.... "Keep a good thought".

 

..........Widder

 

[Dirty Dan Dawkins]

I've crossed a few lines a time or two.

For example, I find pets in general to be a total PIA.