OT - Heating things up in Syria

[Medic]

Luckily for the restof the world, Israelis don't necessarily have a reason to meddle with the Syrian situation as I doubt their leaders could not probably care less about a dead arab or two, unless they pose some sort of a percieved threat at their national security, which the Syrian genocide (and yes, I think it is just that) does not. Instead I'm more worried about Israeli reactions about the potential Irani nuclear weapons - the most recent indications, the Israelis might act on them soon was during the Israeli prime minister's most recent visit to United States.

And for the record, I'm not anti-semite nor anti-Israeli in my opinions. I respect their military prowess and the fact, they have survived as a nation in the middle of hostile nations. However, I dislike their habit of disregarding international laws and rules, and running behind the U.S. back whenever someone challenges them for it.

[Jason Weiser]

Originally Posted by Medic

Luckily for the restof the world, Israelis don't necessarily have a reason to meddle with the Syrian situation as I doubt their leaders could not probably care less about a dead arab or two, unless they pose some sort of a percieved threat at their national security, which the Syrian genocide (and yes, I think it is just that) does not. Instead I'm more worried about Israeli reactions about the potential Irani nuclear weapons - the most recent indications, the Israelis might act on them soon was during the Israeli prime minister's most recent visit to United States.

And for the record, I'm not anti-semite nor anti-Israeli in my opinions. I respect their military prowess and the fact, they have survived as a nation in the middle of hostile nations. However, I dislike their habit of disregarding international laws and rules, and running behind the U.S. back whenever someone challenges them for it.

1. Moderator, can we yank this thread? It's starting to veer into hot button land.

2. I am a Jew, I have family in Israel through my in-laws. Sometimes, it's tough to be objective. Let's also not forget with regards to Hizbullah, we (the US) have some unfinished buisness of our own. They assumed control of the IJO around 1992. Therfore, they're the people to adress about the fact we still owe somebody for 241 dead US Marines in 1983. Helping the people of Syria free themselves ala Libya would be a nice, low footprint way to do it. As for Hamas? Had that argument before, people know my views. Ask yourselves one thing, if Canada or Mexico were shelling the US day in-day out, would you expect us to not do a damn thing? Sure, there's underlying issues, no doubt, and they should be adressed. But as Golda Meir put it, "Perhaps the killing will stop when the Arabs love their kids more than they hate us." One could argue that runs both ways. I suspect it does.

3. I shan't be responding anymore to this thread. Lest my own biases get out of control.

[Fusilier]

Originally Posted by Jason Weiser

1. Moderator, can we yank this thread? It's starting to veer into hot button land.

No disrespect intended, but I think that's what the little X at the top right of the browser should be for. Instead of calling for people to be silenced, I think it is better to just use some reasoned judgement and avoid the conversations that one might not like to enjoy reading. Your #3 point suggests to me that you are already willing to take the first step as to not put yourself further into something you already don't want to be.

Again, this isn't a shot at you, but rather I just feel strongly opposed to silencing people's voices when it isn't being forced upon anyone or is anything malicious. Especially seeing how this isn't a mandatory reading thread on a forum full of other topics worth reading. I hope you understand my point and don't get offended.

[kato13]

I agree with Jason.

The thread is not on topic and honestly not productive for the long term utility of the forum for its primary use. Providing information about a game with a diminishing fanbase without alienating any of those users.

Politics is expressly discouraged here. I have run forums for longer than some of our members have been alive and have always struggled to maximize the number of participants. Politics is a poison to forums where civility is the norm and the user base is small, I have seen it time and again.

There are maybe 300 people who might have a desire to talk about T2k. If any thread drives 10 away if that really worth it. I am not saying it is the case with this thread, but people (including myself) remember far more clearly when someone post something political that makes them upset. If it happens enough times they leave. Their voices are then silenced as well. It might be by choice, but when so few people can have deep discussions about a subject (T2k) each loss is tragic.

There are thousands of sites where politics is the focus and tens of thousands of users jump in and out of discussions. In general I thinks discussions of the validity of a UN position or how to classify Israel's reactions/provocations might be better suited there.

I am on my way out the door so my opinion does not matter much, but there you have it.

[TicToc]

Originally Posted by kato13

I am on my way out the door so my opinion does not matter much, but there you have it.

As in out the door for good, or as in just out the door to work for the day? Sorry if I missed news by being new or not catching the post where this was already discussed.

[kato13]

My administration and the forum home (including domain name) are eventually being transferred. We had few things that got out of hand a few years ago, which literally killed my interest in posting here (I think some of the sticky threads cover the basics). My loyalty to the people here kept me from simply shutting it down (though I was tempted at times).

Welcome by the way.

[TicToc]

Originally Posted by kato13

My administration and the forum home (including domain name) are eventually being transferred. We had few things that got out of hand a few years ago, which literally killed my interest in posting here (I think some of the sticky threads cover the basics). My loyalty to the people here kept me from simply shutting it down (though I was tempted at times).

Welcome by the way.

Muchly appreciated. I am sorry to see you go. I hope that the community can find a new home.