[CS-FSLUG] Appeal for gentleness (was: Word Press wrangling)

[Ed Hurst]

dmc wrote:

> OK re. the rest.  I noted Christian in the title of the group and
> thought it OK to reference the Bible as a point of reliable reference.
> Will try to stick to technology here.

Forgive me if you thought I was upbraiding you for Bible-based comments.
Of a certain, too, the Bible should guide our politics. We have had long
and impassioned discussions of Bible and theology here over the past
four years or so since I joined. Only twice did I feel it got out of
hand, and once it came close. I believe Tim shut down one thread.

I was hoping for restraint, not silence. No one doubts the depth of
commitment and faith by those supporting Bush and our actions in Iraq.
However, there are equally commited men and women of faith who do not.
Further, there are plenty here on the list based in countries that have
at least a few unpleasant memories of American foreign policy. Do we
need to risk alienating them? My request (I have no real authority for
demanding it) is that all list members realize the breadth of opinion
here, and not word things so harshly. I agree Islam is a religion of the
Devil, but I'm rightly hesitant to harp on that here, for example.

Where we have agreed to playfully gouge each other over distros and
software is obvious, we long ago agreed also to limit political
discussion. They should be tagged "PD" in the subject line, just as
links to news stories get an "NI". The reason is allowing list members
to filter reliably.

Again, please don't take it personally or go away miffed. My request
applies to several people. Restrict yourself only if you feel you cannot
keep from going overboard. There are plenty of things where I just slap
my hand and, if I need to let something out, do so off-list.

At the same time, I open myself to critique when I come across
unnecessarily abrasive to others. I can apologize, and actually like
doing so. Truth need not be without love.

-- 
Ed Hurst
-----------
Applied Bible -- http://users.tconline.net/~softedges/
Plain & Simple Computer Help -- http://ed.asisaid.com/
Plain Package blog -- http://ed.asisaid.com/blog/