In denial but the ignorance is still winning

NOTE: The following post was placed in 'The Gray Area' for lack of any kind of black hole or catch-all for this kind of topic. I realize that it may be moved but... it had to be born somewhere. -R

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I am regularly puzzled by the negative dynamic that reduces us to such petty, thin-skinned creatures. The venom spewed here at ATS is, at times, almost unbearable to read and often over the most innocuous of issues.

Deny Ignorance – What a lofty ideal! Perhaps to reach it, we should try denying the stereotype and those baited postings that are designed to lure others in to be bushwhacked over subjects like religion and politics.

What good does it do to try and communicate on an adult level, offering honest opinion when in return; there is only contempt and character assassination for the effort? Free speech is a wonderful concept but it falters long before realization if we mistake our liberty as a loaded sniper rifle.

And then there is the dark, reeking ‘disinfo agent’ paranoia that has begun to spread like a wildfire here at ATS. If left unchecked, the end result of this seething, underground witch hunt will almost certainly be a divisive, mutual distrust amongst the membership based on the very thing that has hitherto made ATS a beacon of light; our diversity.

Freedom works best when we, as individuals, can meet the challenge of responsibility for self and behave in such a way that we do not require policing.

It is just one man’s angst and opinion but… at this point, I’d say we are failing the challenge.

Thanks

Yep, you have to also remember there will be people here that are just here to destroy what people do here. Its amazing to think, but people actually want to destroy what good this site does.

We all just have to learn, to see past these things.

Originally posted by andy1033
Yep, you have to also remember there will be people here that are just here to destroy what people do here. Its amazing to think, but people actually want to destroy what good this site does.

We all just have to learn, to see past these things.

This is, in my opinion, the price of freedom. The same liberty that we have to say one thing, is shared by everyone regardless of their intentions, to say another. It then falls upon us as individuals to weigh the information and make our choices.

We do not have to bite every hook or flirt every dance. But we do have to afford everyone the same respect we ourselves want, or it works for none of us. IMO

Totally agree, it can be very hard and the frustration level at max reading some replies.

We are only here for a good debate on topics of mutual interest. Some people should remember that and also a debate needs to be a two way thing..

Originally posted by redoubt . . .
And then there is the dark, reeking ‘disinfo agent’ paranoia that has begun to spread like a wildfire here at ATS. If left unchecked, the end result of this seething, underground witch hunt will almost certainly be a divisive, mutual distrust amongst the membership based on the very thing that has hitherto made ATS a beacon of light; our diversity.

To the best of my knowledge they don't call themselves disinfo agents.
An advertising company I know of classes them as professional posters and employs them on behalf of clients, paying a set amount for each post which pushes a particular point.

I regard them as the lowest form of prostitute.

I do understand that ATS is one of the most frustratingly difficult places for them to post on, as unsourced authoritarian statements and bullying are quickly seen through in this environment.

I wouldn't worry about "witch hunts". People quickly work out who's an honest poster and who is here to push a paid-for barrow. Folk here aren't stupid.