Exactly. To address IOAG’s issues directly, Os has a history dating back years of deliberately inflammatory posts and of responding to people who disagree with him with sweeping and insulting generalisations about “the left” when many of those people are nowhere near left wing. It’s textbook internet trolldom, and he has been banned, just from this thread, for that.
I am definitely of the same mindset as your first comment. I think I’ve been fairly clear about that but good comment
Lol who would have thought the Politics thread would be about board politics and not national politics
Very much agree. As an old socialist who finds himself leaning rather to the right on some issues I've found this forum quite useful in the past. There were/are some decent views and posts which enable me to "self check" my perspective. During Covid I was made aware many times of issues which mainstream media did not cover well, people did not always agree but It didn't decline into rant mode on the whole. My occasional posts have become fewer due to the increasing shouty nature of the thread, maybe I'm a coward or don't like my views challenged but it just didn't seem worth the while. I'm not blaming Os for all of this but he did most days set the mood and frankly yes, made it boring as there was no longer an exchange of views. However be glad of some small gains, I've learnt for example people who end a post with Fact! (you really need the exclamation mark or even better caps lock on) rarely understand or have little interest in facts.
That cant be true. Possibly most on this board disagree with many of your political views, me for one but I certainly respect you and your right to express them here.
And to add although I disagree with some of IOAG’s views, the way they present them encourages debate and we engage with them because of that.
I am worried that the lack of electricity in Spain and Portugal is due to the actions of someone like Russia. I thought it was bad enough with Marks and Spencer last week ! Trump's unaction in Ukraine has emboldened Russia.
I am awaiting the results of the upcoming peace talks with trepidation. Anything that sucks Ukraine into Russia’s orbit is very bad for all of us. Likewise, any outcome that sees minimal reparations and maximal gains for Russia will encourage more interstate bullying. On the other hand, peace in Europe would be a great thing to get back!
That's very disappointing to hear Milton, I thought we were mates. I didn't think I posted that many different views to disagree with to be honest. But nevertheless, I'll take that as a compliment.
Lol I only did as recently O's claimed he is a she and non white. Not really sure what to believe about them now, so playing it safe. It does raise a point though. I know (ok assume) you have (from your posts), strong views on LGBT etc, and although I may not share them, I don't find your views offensive, nor do I feel your views are trying to get a rise out of people. And it isn't because I don't identify with the LGBT community, like I do with the race related posts by Os. This is maybe the main reason for Os ban. We can all have different views and I actually like that, but it is the way you put it across. In the main there is no right or wrong, it is just opinions.
I always imagined Os to be like the computer nerds in 'The Accountant 2' film this weekend. Never convinced that he was much older than a university graduate and supposed his time away from this board will be spent either following some undesirables on Twitter or popping his zits. He never engaged in the debate. Just found his replies a bit childish when he didn't hide from a more adult discussion. I can take abuse on here (such as being refered to by my surname by a certain Daily Mail reading contributor to this board ) but i feel Os crossed as line a few weeks ago in my opinion
Id be sad to see this thread go. It's good to see what English people think about world and local events without delving into the madness of social media... Interesting to see how things are perceived in the other side of the channel
Surprised to not see any mention if the current political storm brewing due to some alleged comnents by the Irish Rap group Kneecap ? I am normally not a fan of artistic expression being suppressed but have been quite surprised by this group. Biting the hand that feeds them ? I dislike Rap although i recognise it has a political and social clout akin to rhe Blues which i do like. It made me wonder about good and bad art as a method of political expression. I love the social commentary of Blues which has 'celebrated ' issues such as the sinking of The Titanic where the infallability of white people resonnated with the impoverised black community. (Thinking of Blind Willie Johnson in 1920s) it still seems unacceptable 100 years later but possible to understand Johnson in context. Great art can and sometimes should shock. Not sure about Kneecap in this instance , though even if i am not comfortable with courts pursuing people in the arts. I feel they are more louts than artists. The art does not transcend their voice of protest. Art should challenge but this is not Abdullah Ibrahim railing against apartheid through his unique and majestic take on jazz.
You might be surprised where I stand on some issues milton. I'm sure we have more in common than you think.
