Will this forum remain Politics-free?

[theshadowknows]

Well, there are several replies here following my initial editorial comment which I'd like to reply to, but rather than replying to each individually, I will attempt to consolidate my reply into a more general (yet specific) response.

Containment - there is nothing wrong with containing a certain subject matter, like politics, into a its specific forum.  It's already being done in all the other subject matter forums here.  The fact that there isn't a "Politics" forum was the very impetus for my editorial reply here to begin with, it is a subject which has overtly and 'obviously' excluded.  All due respect (moderators), but all excluding such a topic does is illustrate the lack of will to actually "moderate" a discussion forum; point blank...it's lazy.

Breath of fresh air - I categorically disagree politics ruins a forum.  On the contrary, it compliments a forum.  As noted previously, to overtly exclude such discussion will be the demise of said forum.  To suggest what the entire 'audience' wants and doesn't want is both short sighted, selfish and dated.  Sorry, but it is.  Politics is reality today, like it or not.  People can choose to openly ignore it, but this is akin to leaving your car unlocked at the mall and then acting surprised when someone steals your stuff.  That's not the world we live in today; it might have been back in 1980, but it isn't reality today.  It is clinging to some past 'fun time' when we were young and our blissful lives had no problems.  That's not reality today, and to ignore it, or even worse to prohibit discussion about it, is missing the forest for the trees (completely).  But hey, I don't make the rules; I am merely offering an opinion.  Outside of this I say...best of luck with that approach.

Bottom line - I don't mean to diminish topics like paranormal and UFO's, I enjoy these also, but the reality today is we live, every day, in an increasingly more draconian police state.  The inability to be able to discuss this, and the principle reasons for it (politics, and politicians), is a serious restriction which doesn't fit with reality, and is an impediment to member participation here.  This police state cannot be denied, it simply cannot be denied.  It exists all around us, and covers an almost endless spectrum of subjects (i.e. free speech, free expression, liberty, taxes, firearms, personal rights, constitutional rights, government overreach, and the list goes on, and on...and on). 

I am here because I believe in this concept.  ATS didn't die because of politics, it just didn't.  ATS died because of lack of ownership, lack of governance, and lack of maintenance (care and feeding).  To suggest politics is the reason for the demise of ATS is pure fantasy; this notion is a matter of some personally held preference, not one of fact.  If politics and the issues associated with politics cannot be discussed here for what they are, politics, then I likely have little contribute here.  Some may say this is a good thing, and if that's the case then so be it; you won't have to worry about me.  However, I believe a speak for a larger group than what may be apparent, for those who are unwilling to speak up on such matters.  Like DB, I am not known for holding my tongue (as it were).

Maxmars...I understand and appreciate the things you have said (Blaine91555, not so much).  I don't disagree with the points you have made, but I would posit, all of these points are manageable.  Please understand the bulk of my comments in this reply are not directed at you, but rather are editorial commentary at large.

The politics were the beginning of the end, with ATSNN and the Mudpit starting the oversaturation of politics over conspiracy topics on ATS. Here, politics within a conspiracy discussion is fine, but this isn't a political forum and it never will be.

I didn't moderate on ATS, but I know they went through hell moderating these last few years, and they weren't paid a dime. Instead, mocked by the new ownership as if they were dumb for their dedication regardless. I wouldn't call them lazy by any means. If they were, they wouldn't be here and they wouldn't still be moderating ATS. They'd say fuck it and leave it all to die.