A Question To Ponder

Posted on by under Free Press Issues, Personal, Political commentary, Social commentary

I want to throw something out for discussion, and I’d really like your honest opinions here.  The question is when do we draw a line, or do we draw a line, on comments that cross a line?  I do not want to censor any comments, but in the past year or so, I have done so, particularly if the comment included extreme vulgarity or was disrespectful to my readers or myself.  When this blog morphed from one of mostly book reviews to a socio-political blog in 2015, I accepted that there would be some with opinions different than mine.  I still accept that, and I welcome it, for only by listening to one another can we possibly hope to understand each other.  These are troubled times all over the globe and we need to learn to listen, to meet halfway, but I think in order for such communication to have value, it must be done without rancor and with respect.

However, I recently banned one person from commenting on this blog because they could not seem to frame their disagreement without calling me vulgar names and being crass and disrespectful to other readers.  And now, I am faced with another who uses rhetoric as opposed to facts, whose opinions are just that, with no basis in reality, and on top of that who is disrespectful to us all.  My first inclination is to say, “Enough of this … I’m done with this person”.  But does that make me just like them, someone who is intolerant of those who don’t agree with them?

I’ve long said I welcome all opinions here, and I’m very conflicted about shutting some people out, and yet I also want this to be a safe haven to air opinions, not one where readers hesitate to comment for they may be called names or looked down upon by other readers.  And frankly, I have no time for propaganda and conspiracy theories … I’m far more interested in genuine opinions.

So … what do you guys think?  Should we continue to ‘grin & bear it’ in the interest of free speech and diversity of views, or is enough, enough?

130 thoughts on “A Question To Ponder”

  1. You have every right to ban, and you should. Nobody wants to read that crap and get aggravated and nobody should be allowed to publicly demean a blogger for opinion. Perhaps that’s what they wait for, to start up chaos. Why not? It’s what they do on Fakebook.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. I haven’t read the comment that sparked all this but I am with the consensus. I think you have every right to ban someone who is abusive. In fact I would go fiurther and say that maybe you have a duty to do so; How else will the perpetrator learn? If I disagree with something you say and it is important enough to me I will offer you my perspective but there is no need to use vulgar or derogatory language. If I disagree repeatedly I may walk away. But hopefully we will find common ground.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you! There are so few who have ever given rise to this topic, for most all of my readers are respectful, even when disagreeing with something I’ve said. But, as the expression goes, “one bad apple …” I will never understand why some people believe they must be vulgar and loud in order to make their point. I’m far more inclined to listen to the person who states their views reasonably and calmly. Ah well … people.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. I’ve blocked many people on my site. Some for advertising , some because of bad language and others for non sense comments. I think a blogger has the right to do so. This is not a forum for public opinion so no harm in weeding out the people who can’t behave themselves

    Liked by 1 person

    • No, it’s not a forum for public opinion, but I do rather invite opinions by my topics and my own views, and I’m happy to listen to other viewpoints, but … only if the commenter can be civil and if his views are sensible, not conspiracy theorist b.s. Thanks for your support in this, Sadje!!!

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Verbal abuse is not healthy and should not be allowed or reinforced. It sounds like you have blocked or banned someone due to disrespect and/or verbal abuse, not because they disagreed with you. Your blog is your space. I believe it’s healthy to set boundaries to keep your space and its energy the way you want it.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you, JoAnna! You’re right … I don’t block any comments simply because they disagree with me, but there is a right and a wrong way to express disagreement. The toxicity in our society today extends to even commenting on blogs, it seems. It’s so counter-productive, for if a commenter comes at me with foul language or name-calling, then I really don’t hear the message behind his hate, so no civil discourse can take place, no exchange of ideas.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. I haven’t read all the comments, but those I have seem to think YOU have the right to do as you see fit.

    Suggestion: Perhaps it would be good to add a page to your blog that outlines “Blog Rules.” You’ve probably noticed there’s one on my blog. It may provide some ideas of what you might want to include. That way, you have something –in writing– that lets visitors know exactly where you stand as related to the tone and content of any comments. And if someone chooses to “push the envelope,” you can always refer to your “rules” and act accordingly.

    Liked by 3 people

  6. Whatever you do Jill, I will back you 100%. Maybe I was wrong to bring this situation to a head, but I don’t really think so. Opposing ideas are one thing; the way they are expressed is another. You and I disagree almost as much as we agree, but we search for common ground, and do our best to find it. Ms Orca does not seem to do that. Maybe she can learn to try. So far she is always pushing her own agenda, to the chagrin of a lot of your readers.
    I apologize if I caused you distress, as it seems I have. That was not my intent. If I was the only one with a bone to pick, this issue could have faded away. But it seems people are basically opposed to reading what amounts to OF’s fantasies about how life should be lived. I am not trying to change her. But I am tired of her rudeness and disrespect. As I think you have already noticed.

    Liked by 3 people

  7. I say let ’em go…and as someone above said, it’s the tone, the aggressiveness, the vulgarity and the seeming desire just to be an obnoxious person in general.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Like you, I sometimes think the entire purpose of some of the hateful comments is only to be an obnoxious person, to raise our hackles and stir up the angst. Who needs that? Not me, for sure!

      Like

  8. I’m a bit late to this Ban Conference, 😄 but I align with everyone supporting you to do whatever you see fit, especially banning someone after 2-3 offenses and warnings by you. Done. They’ve had fair warning and continue the offensive comments. Lock ’em out! 😁

    I see too that one commenter in particular is on the/her defensive once again. As a few other regular civilized commenters have wisely stated, the offender’s mere vernacular, tone, behavior, and defensive comment-content—which btw is indicative of PRIOR offense(s)—demonstrates as Keith(?) alluded to, their guilt, fault, and childishness. tRump acts the same way if you get him fired-up and foaming… which is super easy to do. 😈🤭 Many irritant commenters should learn FAST that a good sense of humor diffuses a lot of your self-inflicted stress and catastrophes in your circus, eh? 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks, Prof!!! The response to my question has been overwhelmingly supportive and I have decided to keep on doing pretty much as I always have … encouraging civil discourse and blocking only those comments that step over a line by either promoting conspiracy theories or being rude. Yes, she jumped right on it, naturally. Funny how she accused me of blocking all her comments when I’ve actually only blocked maybe 2 or 3 over the past six months. Thanks again for your input … I’ve been really cheered by the positive response I’ve gotten!

      Liked by 2 people

  9. Hi jill. I tend to agree with some of the comments on this post and I will readily admit that, over the years, there have been occasions where this question could apply directly to myself. I haven’t been present here or on much social media over the last little while and this has given me a certain distance from events and the response to those events, which, if I were to read some of my earlier commentary, I’d have to ask with a certain amount of shame “what kind of mood altering substances is he on?”
    I’m curious about which “she” you all are referring to but I can probably figure that out if I read some recent posts.
    isn’t it interesting that some of these people who say “free speech” are the same ones who would ask the government to compel people to give them a platform? In other words, if people don’t like what I have to say, it’s incumbent on you to make them listen. That’s what some of these people believe and forcing anyone to do anything is the opposite of freedom.
    I hope you’re doing well.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Hey Scott! It sure is good to have the old Scott, the one I call ‘friend’ back! You were actually a part of the reason for this introspection, for having blocked most of your comments over the past year, I wondered if that was the right thing to do or not. And then another showed up who seemed only to take pleasure from riling me and my readers, and to be honest, I considered for a brief moment simply closing down Filosofa’s Word. I’m glad I didn’t, though. The other person is Orca Flotta. She claims to know that Russia hasn’t actually harmed civilians in the Ukraine, that Russia is only protecting itself, and that Putin is some sort of a genius. She hates Americans, calls us stupid and hypocrites, and never misses a chance to get in a usually very lengthy dig. I do moderate her comments, for I don’t allow anybody to intentionally be rude to another reader, but I have let many of hers through … I just stopped commenting on them, for I have neither the time, energy, or patience for it.

      I am doing okay … not great, but hanging in. And how are you and the family? Thanks for stopping by!

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      • hi jill.

        After reading a couple more posts, I saw where I was part of the problem and I really do feel bad about that and that it almost caused you to close down your blog.

        I know that I’ve apologized before, only to later engage in the same behavior and in that respect, I feel like the classic addict in an abusive relationship so again, please accept my apology, knowing what I know now, it really gives me cause to change for I wouldn’t want to be the reason you quit your community.

        I’ll stop in every once in a while, especially for the good people and music posts and when I do comment, I will be more mindful and reflective of what I say and how I say it before submitting said response.

        Liked by 2 people

        • Apology accepted, my friend. Let’s just put it in the past and move forward from this point. You are welcome here and I hope you will visit sometimes. Thank you … and I truly say that from the heart … for you’ve somehow lightened my heart this evening. Hugs.

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          • good deal, we’ll just move on from this point. The kids have a 4 day weekend and then an early release day later this month.

            My mother-in-law will be visiting later in the month so that’s always a nice time.

            have a good weekend.

            hugs.

            Liked by 1 person

            • I hope you have a great time during the kids’ 4-day weekend and also with the visit from your mother-in-law! You might be the only man I’ve ever known who looked forward to a visit from his mother-in-law!

              You too, my friend.
              Hugs!

              Like

  10. People who resort to name calling and threatening behaviour are cowards. They have no self control, people who go off the rails are very likely to be intolerant of anyone who disagrees with them on social media, but often in real life they are meek and mild mannered introverts but on line in the safety of their home and anonymity they turn into the butchers of Belsen.

    All you can do is offer sympathy for their troubled childhood or just banning them is easier because it is likely the parents were either useless pricks or of the same mental capacity.

    Liked by 2 people

    • You’re right … those are almost always the people who won’t listen to any opinion other than their own, but they expect us to listen to theirs. Hmmmm … sounds a bit like the former guy, doesn’t it? I like your idea of offering sympathy for their troubled childhood!!! I may try that next time! Thanks!

      Like

    • I always treasure your humble opinion, dear friend! I think I’ll seek a middle ground, however, and continue as I have been, allowing most comments and only banning those that are intentionally false or rude.

      Liked by 2 people

  12. Free speech? The first amendment is not applicable here. This is not a government site, nor is this place religious.

    My attitude it’s my site & if someone is being rude to me, I have the right to shut them down. It doesn’t matter to me if it’s one of my WordPress sites, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, or wherever. It’s my site & I don’t put up with trolls.

    You don’t even have to be rude. All a person has to do is try to continue the discussion when I have declared the thread finished. “What, you don’t want to discuss this issue anymore?” I head this nonstop from a blogger beloved by many of you. He would not leave me alone. He wasn’t overtly rude but I had to block him. I don’t put up with that. I’ve had too many years of therapy to put up with any kind of abuse. My mental health is everything to me.

    My blog, my rules.

    I would think that it’s the same with you. You have to take care of yourself first. If someone is being a jerk, don’t allow them a platform on your page. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.

    Liked by 3 people

    • You took the words and points right out of my mouth (keyboard) Polly on the difference between private property (Jill’s blog) versus public property where the First Amendment does indeed apply; not in the former, though. Then also on the point of religion, or NON-religion—respect the blog’s and blogger’s content. If you disagree or must slander and degrade, then do it on your OWN blog-site—and maybe that site-owner won’t ban you there. 😉

      Liked by 2 people

    • I just don’t like to exclude. You’re right, my blog is mine, it is not a government agency, and the choice is completely mine, but I still prefer to at least listen to what all sides of an issue have to say — as long as they can say it civilly.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Of the responders to your question Jill 91% support your right to run your own blog. This is fairly supportive I’d reckon.
    Letting folk of opposite but reasoned views state their piece is healthy (I thank you for letting me voice my opinions on Nuclear Weapons- ). Letting folk come on with a rant is useful because you get to see the mindset of the extreme opposition, and generally they are obliged to back down….or resort to abuse in which case Gotcha! (Keith said it with more eloquence than I did) With folk who come on full throttle with an abusive and threatening rant can be shut down straight away (‘some of us’ take perverse delight in responding to them, but ‘some of us’ are weird too).
    Your blog. Your turf. Your rules. If you want to…shut them down. 90% + of readers are with you

    Liked by 4 people

  17. In my own case, on my blog, I will block someone who is rude and / or aggressive, or if their comments are all about promoting their own services or products. My blog, my rules. I’m under no obligation to provide a platform to those who abuse it.

    Liked by 3 people

  18. WordPress describes our blogs as our internet homes. I use the same judgment with comments as I do with house guests. If it’s unacceptable behavior and the person cannot be reasoned with, they are evicted.

    Liked by 4 people

    • That’s a good standard to use! I think that some just like to stir people up, to start an argument for the sake of argument. I guess they have nothing better to do with their time, but frankly I DO! Thanks, Xena!

      Liked by 1 person

  19. You have plenty of comments on here that point in the right direction. You have a duty towards the majority of readers on your blog and that duty tells you enough is enough, pull the plug. Do not feed their foul mouthed fantasies and provide them with an unwitting and unwilling audience. Let them find a venue where their kind of invective is acceptable.
    Cwtch

    Liked by 4 people

    • Sigh. Nothing is ever easy, is it? I think that most lean toward not banning comments unless they are unduly vulgar or attack readers. I just have to wonder, though … if somebody is so opposed to everything I write here, despises me and my ideology, then why would they even keep reading my blog? The only reason I can figure is so that they can antagonize, that they somehow take pleasure in stirring people up, creating angst. Sigh.
      Cwtch

      Liked by 1 person

  20. “I am faced with another who uses rhetoric as opposed to facts, whose opinions are just that, with no basis in reality, and on top of that who is disrespectful to us all.”

    Talkin ’bout little old me? I don’t speak or write English very well, so don’t expect any eloquent rhetoric from me. If there is something elegant in my posts I surely have snapped it up from native speakers,

    It’s not my intention to be disrespectful to anyone but often unfortunately inevitable. I noticed that many Americans are so stuck in their ways, having to listen to contravening facts, that upset their worldview, seems to them like an insult.

    In fact I think it’s the other way round: When I read stuff like ” rhetoric as opposed to facts” and “no basis in reality”, now that is really insulting. Insulting 4/5 of the planet’s population. For it’s a lie. And on top of that you make it personal and use me as a punching ball to live out your aggressions. I really don’t know why Americans just can’t do disputes without using ad hominems. 😦

    Liked by 1 person

    • I have to congratulate you Orca for being eloquent in a second language. As British (UK) I have to say too many of us aren’t even eloquent in our own.
      Now to the matter we are discussing- now the first word I noticed was ‘Americans’. Since Jill is American the majority of readers are American however there are readers from other nations; The UK and Canada as examples. You are therefore addressing people of like similar views. Also a sad fact of the last USA presidential election was that 70,000,000+ million voted for Trump whereas a slightly larger 70,000,000+ voted for Biden, so Americans are not one monolith.
      As for ‘ad hominems’. That is not an exclusively American failing. The use is common in the UK, in fact in most of Europe in one form or another. Despite the efforts of Trump, MAGA and opportunists to portray the USA as populated by loud, condemnatory folk this is not the case. Actually it is amongst that group of MAGA you will find most sympathy to Putin.
      Now it may be at 4/5th of the population of the planet have a pro-Russian stance. There are no figures on that score. However I could argue that reflects the antipathy to the history of American and European colonisation and exploitation, which is part of a propaganda war for both Russia and China as I have written before do not have clean hands.
      I confess over the years I have written up posts on forums which I knew would be received with opposition and hostility and must admit to a small amount of mischief in my intentions ‘Annoying people who deserved to be annoyed’. However I did try to use some measure of rationale. This is not the place to record how, it would sound like self-importance, triumphalism and smugness, and take a long time .
      Outright attacks are easily deflected, so are stating an argument when evidence available to the reader indicates the argument is not correct. Also to lay the blame at a section media for spreading lies, does not assist, this can be turned around and the argument used against you.
      If you have a point of view you feel is at odds with the majority and wish to convert folk the argument needs to be nuanced. If you just wish to raise controversary, expect to be paid back in the same way.
      You have the choice.

      Liked by 3 people

      • “I have to congratulate you Orca for being eloquent in a second language.”
        I’m eloquent only in German, the rest is stolen or borrowed.

        “You are therefore addressing people of like similar views. ”
        Yes. When I say Americans I mean 1) the US govt, 2) the American, British, Canadin, Australian and even most European ppl. All people in the western bubble who accepted living in the western value system, which most sadly confuse with intl law.

        “70,000,000+ million voted for Trump whereas a slightly larger 70,000,000+ voted for Biden, so Americans are not one monolith.”
        Since Rep and Dems are both proto-fascist parties, joined at the hip, I don’t see any noticeable difference, so yes, America is very monoilithic. I hate Trump as well because he’s a sick asshole but I hope he will win the next election. He’s closing up the country, doesn’t dabble in hegemonial stuff as much as the dems. Which will save millions of lives!!!

        “As for ‘ad hominems’. That is not an exclusively American failing. The use is common in the UK, in fact in most of Europe in one form or another.”
        Back when I was a kid in school we’ve learned to stay on topic. But, ok, the youngsters today aren’t good people anymore.

        “Despite the efforts of Trump, MAGA and opportunists to portray the USA as populated by loud, condemnatory folk this is not the case.”
        Evrerything American I see on YT shows a diffferent image. Everything s loud and obnoxious. In Canada the American loudness is legendary.

        “Actually it is amongst that group of MAGA you will find most sympathy to Putin.”
        Maybe. Who cares? It’s an US internal problem. Maybe the MAGA peeps don’t get enough incentive from the military industrial complex? Or they have indeed a better image of what’s going on i the world.

        “Now it may be at 4/5th of the population of the planet have a pro-Russian stance. There are no figures on that score.”
        Juts take a look at the wold map. Need no figures.

        “However I could argue that reflects the antipathy to the history of American and European colonisation and exploitation,”
        In Africa and huge parts of Asia that’s surely true.

        “which is part of a propaganda war for both Russia and China as I have written before do not have clean hands.”
        Huh? Can you please elaborate on that?

        “However I did try to use some measure of rationale. This is not the place to record how, it would sound like self-importance, triumphalism and smugness, and take a long time .”
        AS we all should do.

        “Outright attacks are easily deflected, so are stating an argument when evidence available to the reader indicates the argument is not correct.”
        And that is exactly why I’m obvsly at odds with Jill. She can’t substantiate none of her gigantic claims, which are all proven to be wrong and spring from a deepsitting fear and hate of Russia.

        “Also to lay the blame at a section media for spreading lies, does not assist, this can be turned around and the argument used against you.”
        Against me? I use it against Jill’s lies!

        “!f you have a point of view you feel is at odds with the majority”
        I don’t. I am with the majority. This happens rarely enough but int his case I tend to judge slightly in favour of Russia/China and allies … which is a vast majority!

        “and wish to convert folk the argument needs to be nuanced. If you just wish to raise controversary, expect to be paid back in the same way.”
        See, you see it sadly the wrong way round: This is Jills blog. She is the one who publishes all those hatemails, not me. I just write comments in order to get some nuance on this blog.

        “You have the choice.”
        No, really? Unfortunately this choice is mostly taken from me since I can never find any of my comments on this blog. I must assume Jill deleted most of ’em.

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        • Dearest Orca,
          We are not talking about Russia, we are talking about Putin. How anyone can supp9rt a man who threatens the use of nuclear weapons under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES makes me wonder about anything you say. Putin is at best an arrogant egomaniac with visions of empire.
          Every empire in the world has failed, as history will attest. Putin offers nothing to the Russian people, as can be easily seen by the number of young men leaving the country in order to avoid the draft.

          Please provide proof that 4/5s of the world chooses Russia and China over democracy — what you call America. Even in land mass that is a fallacy. In world population it is nowhere close. And, for that matter, Russia and China are not similar in any great way. Not even in their leadership roles, which are not supported by large chunks of their populations.
          I am not saying democracy is any great shakes. Despite being an American puppet, as you accuse Canadians of being, I have no use f9r democracy. But nor do I have any use for the government ideologies of either Russia or China!

          You are commenting on a blog that is not in agreement with your opinions, I have no problem with that. But you are showing no respect for the opinions of those who take part in this blog. You and your unprovable rhetoric are not going to change any minds here. You don’t like the way you are treated, then try being respectful of people with different opinions. You are in a tiny minority here, yet you expect people to believe you just because you say something is so, without facts and figures to back up your arguments. That will not work here. There is a saying in the publishing world, “Write to your audience.” If you do not respect your audience, do not expect to be welcomed with open arms.

          Liked by 2 people

        • I would have replied early Orca but there were other matters to attend to and I needed to read in your response in depth.
          In reading a detailed response it is necessary to gain a perception of the writer’s intention. These I have achieved, therefore it is not necessary to reply to each point you raised. I only have to consider the opening three to reply:

          “Since Rep and Dems are both proto-fascist parties, joined at the hip.”
          I am very disappointed at this which is a displaying a failure to understand basic American politics. The current Republican Party has embraced the restriction of a woman’s right to abortion. It has allowed high profile members to press for a Christian state, which against the constitution. Republican states are restricting voting rights. Amongst Republicans there is a common view to claim the 2020 presidential election was a fraud.
          Those are but three items. To claim both parties are the same is to be very selective in your views. These are very of bias.

          “ok, the youngsters today aren’t good people anymore”
          This is very unfair on a whole generation. This is a statement made to satisfy an agenda or a bias and will not stand up to examination.

          “Evrerything American I see on YT shows a diffferent image. Everything is loud and obnoxious. In Canada the American loudness is legendary,”
          And yet you selected a YouTube lecture by an American professor to argue your point?

          Just be citing these three examples I regret to write I see only bias. Therefore am unable to accept your reply as a whole.
          As I have explained before. To condemn just one of the larger powers and its allies, while excusing other large powers and their allies, is not a stance I find valid when viewing the entire world.

          Liked by 3 people

          • “I would have replied early Orca but there were other matters to attend to”
            So you admit seeing other bloggers over me? Unfaithful tomato! 😐

            “In reading a detailed response it is necessary to gain a perception of the writer’s intention.”
            So you’ve found out that I have no other intention than to right all the wrongs and stop y’all from applauding the genocidal Ukrainian nazis.

            “These I have achieved”
            No, sorry, you didn’t. I’ll get to it now:

            “Those are but three items. To claim both parties are the same is to be very selective in your views. These are very of bias.”
            All three are of no concern for anybody outside the USA, so utterly non-essential. your prob to fix. Only important factor is their internarional politics. And in that regard was yellow man, with his isolationist actions a breeze of fresh air. He have the rest of the world a little break before Sleepy Joe took over and started the next round of aggressions.

            ““ok, the youngsters today aren’t good people anymore”
            This is very unfair on a whole generation. This is a statement made to satisfy an agenda or a bias and will not stand up to examination.”
            Oh, but it does. Haven’t you noticed the low level of education, of manners, of thinking ability in the past 20 years? Didn’t you see the heavy bias on extreme right bollockticks?

            “And yet you selected a YouTube lecture by an American professor to argue your point?”
            Mearsheimer is right, you know? And I choose him BECAUSE he’s one of yours. Proves you can be American AND Smart! It is possible … if you wanna.

            “As I have explained before. To condemn just one of the larger powers and its allies, while excusing other large powers and their allies, is not a stance I find valid when viewing the entire world.”
            Huh? We have basically the choice in between the West and the East. I made my decision. Based on facts and points. Based on which side has more “adult politicians” and is generally fairer and better for the people.

            Call me biased, maybe you’re correct. The longer the west refused to see reason, the more I tend to be biased towards the global east. There you have it.

            Liked by 1 person

            • I admit to one busted computer and bringing a Microsoft ‘Update’ mangled another back into working order.
              And I admit to putting aside time to read your response in detail.
              What else can I say? I throw myself on the mercy of the court 🤷‍♂️
              And to business:
              1. Evidence of the genocidal Nazi
              Ukrainians in the 21st century?
              2. “All three are of no concern for anybody outside the USA, so utterly non-essential. your prob to fix.”-
              No not mine I’m British, however to ignore the state of one nation anywhere is to court consequences at a later stage, there are always consequences. We have them in East Europe, USA, Middle East, Africa, South East Asia, China Sea.
              3. “I made my decision.”
              Of course you did. So did I….. “Based on facts and points. Based on which side has more “adult politicians” and is generally fairer and better for the people.”
              When we discuss politics it has to be accepted ‘Truth’ is a variable based on a person’s perceptions. Which is why we are in dispute over this matter.

              4.”Call me biased, maybe you’re correct. The longer the west refused to see reason, the more I tend to be biased towards the global east. There you have it.”
              Yes , we exchange ‘East’ for ‘West’ and I am almost in ‘polar opposite’. But I still maintain, ‘No state. No community. No people, in all of their histories have clean hands. We are flawed creatures,’

              Liked by 2 people

              • “I admit to one busted computer and bringing a Microsoft ‘Update’”
                Don’t do that! Grown up, self sufficient adults in the 21st century should never ever use Windows or MacOS or similar walled garden, proprietary nonsense.

                “And to business:
                1. Evidence of the genocidal Nazi
                Ukrainians in the 21st century?”
                Where have you been in the last 9 years? I’m too lazy now and consider it below my dignity to act as your replacement history teacher.

                “2. “All three are of no concern for anybody outside the USA, so utterly non-essential. your prob to fix.”-
                No not mine I’m British”
                /me gigglesnorts. So you’re America’s bish, doing their dirty work on this side of the pond.

                “however to ignore the state of one nation anywhere is to court consequences at a later stage, there are always consequences. We have them in East Europe, USA, Middle East, Africa, South East Asia, China Sea.”
                That went straight above my stupid noggin. 😮 What did you try to convey here? That internal squabbles in the USA make any difference in Ukraine? Sorry, I have to call BS on that.

                “Truth’ is a variable based on a person’s perceptions. Which is why we are in dispute over this matter.”
                Wrong! Oh so wrong. Only if you look away and divert your gaze you can be in dispute. There is only one truth! Open your eyes and see it.

                “4.”Call me biased, maybe you’re correct. The longer the west refused to see reason, the more I tend to be biased towards the global east. There you have it.”
                Yes , we exchange ‘East’ for ‘West’ and I am almost in ‘polar opposite’.”
                Wait? Did you just call yourself an @$$hole? Are you in favour of 9 years of ongoing genocide. Really?

                “But I still maintain, ‘No state. No community. No people, in all of their histories have clean hands.”
                But some cough USA cough cough enjoy getting their grabby hands dirty and bloddy. Coz it’s profitable!

                “We are flawed creatures,’”
                As a whole, yes. Not me though, personally, no, I’m as flawless as an angel can be. 😉

                And still, in all your response you failed to discuss the point at hand, the fu… nny Ukraine. And there specifically we see two of the biggest mistakes and character flaws of the west: 1) A terrible, compromised, corrupt Ukrainian govt and 2) the will to sacrifice a whole country, incl its people, just to hurt another country, an economic rival.
                No wonder two thirds of the world are ralleying behind Russia and China and getting their divorce papers from America.

                Liked by 1 person

                • And here we go:

                  Computers and computer programmes. After decades of public service with the devices I am immune to their ways. Whatever system it is I will work around or ignore.

                  And where have I been the last 9 years, well and before that too. Watching the progress of Russian forces dealing with the resistance in Chechnya, assisting Assad in Syria and firing missiles at Ukrainian Cities. How about you?
                  (I have a secret bet with myself on your reply Orca- see if I can earn myself a new dvd)

                  An American…bish? That old one, as also used by lazy sections of the UK Left. You must not know a great deal about Anglo-US relations, 200 years of acrimony, pretend friendship getting together when it suits both sides. Being insulting, actually being inaccurate and insulting does not help your case.

                  All the actions of nations have consequences around the world. Taking the USA if the Republican Party gains traction again, many in that party will want to pull support for the Ukrainian government. You might hope for their rise then. Won’t that be ironic for you?

                  There is only one truth? In politics? No, sorry. There is no truth in politics there are winners and losers of the arguments, contests and conflicts.

                  ‘Did you just call yourself…’
                  Insults again?
                  No, no.
                  You support Russia and Russian policy. I do not.
                  Simple?

                  Of course you are flawless Orca. You are a true believer. I accept that. I am not, I am a flawed fellow, of The Realistic School of International Relations😀

                  But I have discussed the Ukrainian, over and over. From the current stance, from the historical stance, for the geo-political stance of large nation activities. Of course the problem facing you is I do not agree with you. Nor will I.

                  Liked by 2 people

                  • “Watching the progress of Russian forces dealing with the resistance in Chechnya,”
                    Chechens troubled an unprepared Russia. In the end Russia won and right now Chechen troops are doing a lot of the fighting on the ground in Ukraine.

                    “assisting Assad in Syria”
                    Contrary to the NATO/USA Russia was there on invite, in order to fight the US-sponsored terror group ISIS. They did their job, against America’s weak attempty to protect ISIS.

                    “and firing missiles at Ukrainian Cities.”
                    Gloves are off after the Norstream pipelines and Kerch bridge bombing gloves are off. Yesterday Russia, for the first time ever retaliated by destroying the SBU headquarters in central Kiev and went after an assorted collection of Ukrainian infrstructure.

                    “How about you?”
                    What about me? I’m not important or instrumental in the slightest way.

                    “pretend friendship getting together when it suits both sides.”
                    Ok, if it benefits you to be America’s pitbull sicced on Russia. Have fun.

                    “Being insulting, actually being inaccurate and insulting does not help your case.”
                    I fukn don’t have a case! Me mis-interpreting the US/UK relations won’t change political and strategic reality.

                    “many in that party will want to pull support for the Ukrainian government. You might hope for their rise then. Won’t that be ironic for you?”
                    Since I’m fresh out of fucks to give for America, I would be cautiously positive for a better, happierer earth once the Western threat removes itself.

                    “There is only one truth? In politics? No, sorry. There is no truth in politics there are winners and losers of the arguments, contests and conflicts.”
                    Typical western POV. Sorry, this is unacceptable for me, since I don’t dabble in politics. Simply no interest in that shit. A bombed city is a reality. No matter what bollockticians say about it.

                    “‘Did you just call yourself…’
                    Insults again?
                    No, no.”
                    If you support the crazy unhinged western aggression against Russia, then calling you an asshole isn’t an insult but a valuation.

                    “You support Russia and Russian policy. I do not.”
                    Me neither. I don’t have the motivation or the means t support anything.

                    “Simple?”
                    Yes, very. West pokes Russia in order to hide its own weakness and moral decay, can’t deal with the retaliation. Simple situation, predictable outcome.

                    “Of course you are flawless Orca.”
                    Oooh, thank you kindly. =^.^=

                    “You are a true believer.”
                    I’m not. Too old and disenfranchised to believe in anything. I’m kinda thru with homo politicus and now just analyse.

                    “I accept that.”
                    You accept something that doesn’t even exist?

                    “I am not, I am a flawed fellow, of The Realistic School of International Relations😀”
                    That’s terrible! How could you ever let yourself go and sink so deep?

                    “But I have discussed the Ukrainian, over and over. From the current stance, from the historical stance, for the geo-political stance of large nation activities.”
                    Important is only the situation at hand, and that is a completely new Ukraine, a Ukraine forcefully created at the Nuland/CIA instigated Maidan massacre of 2014. That’s the evil, bad Ukraine Russia has to deal with.

                    “Of course the problem facing you is I do not agree with you. Nor will I.”
                    And that is my problem? Or Russia’s?
                    I’ll wake up tomorrow morning and make my way to the gym like every morning; my life won’t have changed in no way. Maybe I’ll feel a little bit smug tho. 😉

                    If you must know: My current set-list starts with Chicago’s 25 or 6 to 4 blaring out of my van’s stereo. Hateful singer but what a joyful brass arrangement and nice guitar solo. Gets me in a good mood in the early morning hours.

                    Liked by 2 people

                    • Hey Orca … I just wanted to let you know that when I woke to 11 lengthy comments on my post about Indigenous Peoples Day, I closed comments on that post. I felt it had gotten out of hand and the comments had gone on long enough. Just wanted to let you know, since at least some of those … actually most all of those … comments were yours. Not censoring, just felt the conversation needed to be put to bed.

                      Liked by 1 person

                    • Hi Orca
                      As I have read this again we have so many things we disagree upon,
                      (Even fundamentals like the best version of ‘Walk on By’ and the standard of vocals by Chicago’s Peter Cetera).
                      And yet this is far more interesting than the slogan style from my fellow Left-Wingers in the UK (our fractious in-house politics can be more virulent than family’s fighting over a will). So no doubt we shall continue to battle. Which will be fine:

                      And you visit me on my political blog:
                      politicsandhistory359465094.wordpress.com

                      Take care. The world is a troubled place.

                      Liked by 3 people

                    • “the standard of vocals by Chicago’s Peter Cetera).”
                      I’m not saying he was a bad singer, guess he hit every note. It’s just his voice makes my skin crawl. It’s more a physical reaction than an opinion. 😮

                      Shivering regards 😉

                      Liked by 3 people

    • If you feel I’ve maligned you or used you “as a punching ball”, then I apologize. Quite frankly, insulting you was never my intention. I am trying to find a middle ground with you, but … I do believe that you and I are operating from opposite ends of the spectrum. I enjoy and welcome civil discourse, but when you start out a comment by calling me either a liar or a stupid person … “Unfortunately is yours bereft of any truth. You have no evidence to substantiate your fantastic claims, because there is no evidence!” then yes, naturally my hackles raise. And then you talk about “indulging” my “fantasies” as if I were a 5-year-old child you needed to ‘splain about why they couldn’t have a cookie before dinner. But no, I haven’t held back more than 2-3 of your comments, those that I felt just went too far with what I consider to be Russian propaganda. In some posts, largely those that don’t pertain to Russia or Putin, we seem to get along fine and I think that you’re basically a decent person, as am I. We all have our flaws and none of us are perfect. I often wonder, though, why people who already know they will disagree with all I say, even bother to keep reading my blog. It seems sometimes as if their intent is only to rile me and my readers.

      Liked by 1 person

      • “you and I are operating from opposite ends of the spectrum.”
        I shall hope so!

        “you start out a comment by calling me either a liar or a stupid person … “Unfortunately is yours bereft of any truth. You have no evidence to substantiate your fantastic claims, because there is no evidence!””
        It’s just facts. The “liar” and “stupid person” was your interpretation of my post.

        “your comments, those that I felt just went too far with what I consider to be Russian propaganda.”
        See, that’s why we should never ever have feelings. Feelings make no good reasonings.

        “their intent is only to rile me and my readers.”
        I”m not posting for your readers, Jill, as I have my own. I also can’t be bothered thinking about the psychological effect of my posts. I’m only h2ere since I just couldn’t stand the amount of anti-Russian hate speech and cold-war rhetorics. Fact is the Russian Federation is not the USSR. China today is n

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        • Sorry, fuxn keyboard is jumping around.

          China today is not Mao’s China. Both these mega countries are in a steady flow of development, adaptation and adjustment. That’s what makes them so fascinating and maybe threatening for our static, inert western societies. Thinking about either of them in terms of the ’50s – ’80s is a big mistake.

          “you’re basically a decent person, as am I.”
          I know I am. And from what I read in your blog you’re too. And I guess when it comes to internal American politics you’re basically on the good side. When it comes to global politics … well, your American. :/

          You wonder why I read your blog? Really, Jill, really? I’m trying to never be caught in a bubble, that’s why I read outlandish – for me – blogs with weird politics and world views. And when I comment it’s mostly to protest and to right some of the most blatant wrongs.

          Again, if that is enough to rile you then you’re far too personally involved for a cool academic dispute.

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  21. I’ve only ever blocked one commenter and that was not only because he used extremely vulgar language, but because he attacked some of my readers who commented on my post. I don’t care if a commenter attacks me, but if they attack my readers, that’s where I draw the line.

    Liked by 3 people

    • I’ve always said the same … they can attack me, but not my readers. Lately, though, the hatred directed toward me by just a couple of people has started to take a toll, even to the point of sometimes causing me to wonder if I even want to bother with this blog anymore. Fortunately, those moments pass quickly, for I have made many friends who constitute my ‘blogging family’ and I would not want to give that up!

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Jill, you’re a reasonable, objective person with standards, and if it’s your judgement that a commenter has crossed the line and transgressed your standards, CASE CLOSED. It’s YOUR blog, and you’re under no obligation to publish vulgar and disrespectful comments. I would even argue that it behooves you NOT to ‘dignify’ such comments by giving them a forum on your blog.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Thanks, MM! Much as I try to be open-minded and fair, I do get tired of the craziness sometimes. As you say, it is MY blog and I do have editorial control, but still … I don’t want to be unfair or shut down others. Nor do I enjoy being told I am a stupid b*tch. Sigh. Thanks for your confidence, my friend.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Jill, often poorly framed and even inane responses are their own indictment of the person’s argument. It is like letting Trump talk actually allows him to sink his own argument. I would only ban uncivil, name calling, and denigrating comments that serve no purpose. Keith

    Liked by 5 people

    • Keith, I think that, by now, anyone who doesn’t see the futility of “letting Trump talk….” will never see it for what it is — so, letting him talk serves only his own purpose. Anyway, I agree about banning “uncivil name calling and denigrating comments” (as distinguished from SATIRICAL and ‘SURGICAL’ name calling and denigrating comments).

      Liked by 3 people

  24. To explain myself. If there is two-way communication, I go with it. If comments are reasonable, I go with it. If people are friendly I go with it. But, when comments are the same over and over, if they continually push an agenda without some basis in a reality that is possible, or if they are being contrary just to be contrary, then there comes a time to pull the plug.
    I am of the mind vulgarity is not a concern. Read my comments on Clay Jones blog. I use “real language” quite liberally. I am not offended by those who do. But I am offended by stupidity, and unchangeability. I am not said saying the current situation is stupid, there are signs of intelligence. But there also are signs of Kool-Aid drinking, not necessarily of the Trump variety, but of the Putin-worship kind. I cannot envision any reality in which Putin can be considered a heroic leader, or even a sane leader. He is certainly not a peaceful leader. He is a throwback to times when citizens were expected to be mindless thralls who had to do what their leaders told them to do. The number of young men fleeing Russia so as not to fight in his war of dishonest aggression tells me everything I need to know about him. And the person who is hawking him as a hero. Were this person on my hlog, they would not last long. 👎

    Liked by 4 people

    • I fully agree with your first paragraph … there comes a point where it is sucking the air out of the room and … for what??? But on your second point, I would argue that I am not a fan of being called a b*tch. Oh yeah, I’ve been called that many a time in my life, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it. And … while I’m not above a bit of cursing from time to time, I just don’t think it’s the best way to get a point across, and some are highly offended by it, so … what’s the purpose?

      I agree … Putin is not even a humanitarian and to defend him against innocent people who are losing their homes, their children, their very lives, is unconscionable. I guess that is the situation that has led me to wonder if I should even allow such cruel, inhumane comments to pass. I still struggle with that one, but … for now, I shall allow the comments and you can all respond or not as you wish. If she gets no responses, perhaps she will stop commenting with such inanities. Maybe? Hopefully?

      Liked by 2 people

      • I doubt it, and I doubt I can keep silent. I try to not see her comments, but I am a glutton for punishment. There is something perverse about her whole demeanor. But I am pretty sure I have not called her a b*tch yet, or any other vulgar name. On your blog I prefer to use proper English to call a brainwashed moron a witless nincompoop.

        Liked by 2 people

        • You’re probably right … I think she actually enjoys the attention she gets with her inane comments. Thank you for your efforts to be courteous on my blog … I really don’t want to be banning one of your comments! 😉

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      • Just by-the-bye, I understand you were taught to believe vulgarity has no place in a courteous conversation, but I fo not accept those beliefs. I will admit that I don’t believe in using vulgarities just for their own sake, but I never use them to offend. I use them because they are very descriptive words that convey a particular sense of outrage or unambiguous intent.
        Unfortunately, when I am in court, and asked to swear on a bible, I cannot so swear because the bible has no meaning to me. If it did I would surely end up being charged with contempt of court for doing exactly what I was told, in perfect English, to do. And I would fight the contempt charge right up to the highest level of court available to me.

        Liked by 1 person

        • No, actually I was not taught that … my parents were as foul-mouthed as any. I just came to hate it … it is my own preference, though these days the f-bomb comes out of my mouth more often than I would wish. I don’t like vulgarity, don’t see it as serving any useful purpose, and I find that in 99.9% of circumstances, my non-cursing vocabulary is quite adequate to convey any message I wish. But, to each his/her own.

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  25. Pingback: A QUESTION TO PONDER. |jilldennison.com | Ramblings of an Occupy Liberal

  26. No! It’s not these people’s opinions you’re banning, it’s their behaviour. Those are two very different things. Apart from that, people who use those kind of tactics to ‘win’ arguments are just bullies. End of.
    And finally, while everyone has the right to behave as badly as they wish, you and we, have the right to object to that behaviour and to block people who use it. Freedom works in both directions or it isn’t freedom at all.

    Liked by 8 people

  27. If people disagree in civilised fashion then I don’t think they should be banned. As you say, we can learn from sensible discussions with those whose opinions differ. I’ve seen some comments on here which don’t seem to be based in any reality I recognise and I suspect that may be the one to which you refer – if it degenerates into abuse, offensive language, and blindly shouting conspiracy theories I don’t think this is the place for them. Maybe they should move over to Truth Social, where I’m sure they’ll fit right in.

    Liked by 6 people

    • Heh heh … good suggestion, my friend! Truth Social, or Twitter where not much is taboo unless it is fact-based! Sigh. I agree … I have no desire to turn into the ‘thought police”, but I am so tired of having to spend time and energy rebutting that which makes no sense to begin with. Yes, you probably have seen the comments I’m referring to. I think I’m of a mind to just let them through, but not waste my breath, time, and energy responding. Others can if they feel so inclined. I’ll ban those that are denigrating to a specific person, though. Hah. Start a blog, they said. It’ll be fun, they said. And sometimes I DO have lots of fun with it, but other times … I just want to go hit something.

      Liked by 2 people

      • I had been tempted several times to respond to that person’s comments but didn’t think that an appeal to reason would get very far – I’d just get a load of MAGAbuse. And Twitter will become like Truth Social if Musk buys it – a home for the mentally challenged bigots of this world. Keep doing what you do – we like it!

        Liked by 3 people

        • You’re right … you wouldn’t get far with an appeal to reason … I’ve tried it and got nowhere. My tolerance level is low these days, I guess. I had hoped that the idea of Musk buying Twitter was in the dumpster, but apparently it’s been revived. I’m very tempted to delete my Twitter account if he succeeds in purchasing it. Sigh. I think I’ll just go sleep for about 10 years and maybe things will have turned around by the time I wake.

          Liked by 2 people

            • Same here … I link mine to both Twitter and Facebook and get maybe 2-3 views per day from each, if that. I mostly like Twitter because I can stay in touch with friends, and because it gives me a venue to poke a bit of fun at certain politicos! 😉 Ah, so you play Wordle! I tried it twice and did horribly both times, so I never tried again. Now Sudoku … that I can do!

              Liked by 1 person

    • That’s my thought, too, but it seems that especially in these toxic times, many people seem to feel the need to call people names and insert a few choice “f-words” any time they comment. To some extent, it doesn’t bother me, but I really am tired of being called a stupid b*tch over and over again. I may not be the brightest bulb in the pack, but I’m also not exactly brainless!

      Liked by 1 person

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