Insults are part of the political debate. When do these go too far? For me, it was when someone told me I didn't care about my brother, because I cited his paralysis as an example of why stem cell research would be beneficial. Agree or not agree, did this person cross the line by taking my brother's tragedy, and using it against me, just to lend 'creedence' to his political views? I think that's sick...how 'bout you?
2006-07-20 07:41:39 · 20 answers · asked by hichefheidi 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
You get whole hearted agreement for me. I know that we disagree on almost every subject but to use your brother's misfortune as political ammo is sick and wrong. There are times when it is better to be silent and thought a fool than to speak and leave no doubt.
2006-07-20 07:45:37 · answer #1 · answered by Ethan M 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you. If I am in a heated debate, then it is me you should be attacking. To attack the ones I know is taboo in my book.
I don't mind attacks on my grammar and spelling. In fact, that lets e know that there is no counter argument of that is all someone has to come back at me with. It irritates me being called derogatory things, but I am thick skinned and my feelings are not easily hurt. The point is, if I couldn't take it, I wouldn't be in the debate.
However to attack my friends and family is over the line. They are not part of my beliefs and should not be attacked for what I say.
However, you should look into adult stem cell research, leaps have been made in treating paralysis with it. But to use your brother against you is wrong.
2006-07-20 15:00:22 · answer #2 · answered by JFra472449 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In political debates, such as the one you describe, the focus becomes less on establishing a truth, and more about winning an argument. A technique for this is "throwing your opponent off guard," or off center. It's effective (especially in your case) because now you are outraged about someone audacious enough to make a statement like this, rather than the original discussion which was about stem-cell research.
This is an insidious technique used by many who sometimes don't even know they're doing it.
Your challenge (eveyone's challenge) is to not get yanked off your point by being emotionally jerked around by your opponent. If you can keep your emotions in check (in your example, your revulsion) you disarm one weapon of your opponent. Unfortunately, there is a flip side to this. Remember Presidential Candidate Dukakis' response to the question, "what if someone raped your wife?" Aside from the fact it was a repulsive question, what most Americans wanted from him was not a technical/legal response. They wanted to know if he was human and that he loved his wife so much he would rip the rapist apart from head to toe.
Yes, it's sick, but so are a lot of other things about this world. The key is to understand and arm yourself against them so you can protect your family and ideals.
2006-07-20 14:54:49 · answer #3 · answered by Finnegan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That was way over the line and wrong. As for the stem cell issue, I have no problem with a private company funding the research and do not believe it to be immoral but I do not think it should be funded by tax dollars. The problem with tax dollars being used for science is that it turns issues (like this one) into political questions when they should simply be scientific ones. I think separating science and government would be best for both.
2006-07-20 14:55:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Embryonic stem cell research will not help your brother or anyone else. However adult stem cells can they have cured many diseases and you dont have to kill the host to get them. In the 30 years that they have studied embryonic stem cells they have not even been able to cure the common cold. There is no future in embryonic stem cells so why do we continue to try to use the excuse of "they can cure disease" it has been proven with out a shadow of a doubt that they can not.
2006-07-20 14:53:16 · answer #5 · answered by bildymooner 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree 100% with you. I always debate the issue and stay away from personal attacks. I believe that when you start to attack the person it is because you have run out of logical facts and emotion takes over. You didn't deserve that and neither do the rest of the YA answerers.
2006-07-20 16:13:11 · answer #6 · answered by therandman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many who show absolutely no ability to empathize with another human being on this site. There's not much you can do about them because they have no shame. They're sociopaths, so what can you expect. The best thing to do is to ignore them, or if it gives you pleasure, go ahead and attack them back (only if that makes you feel better), because if they are that rude to you, whatever you give back to them won't do anything. It's just that the venting can be cathartic.
2006-07-20 14:58:10 · answer #7 · answered by WBrian_28 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, that's over the line. Intelligent debate never requires insults and mean-spirited attacks like this.
2006-07-20 14:47:07 · answer #8 · answered by Chris S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How can u really choose one life over another. I know it's your brother, but how would you like your baby killed to save your brother's life. Baby stem cell research is wrong. VETO GEORGE BUSH, VETO
2006-07-20 14:47:10 · answer #9 · answered by Casey M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i drew the line this morning, two conservatives. one asked a racial question-"texas 1970" you can look it up i dont want to repeat it. the other one answerd a question with a racist remark. i reported both of them for abuse and i hope they get points taken away. neither one of them said it to me. but an injustice to one person is an injustice to all. i draw the line when you make comments about someones race and culture.
2006-07-20 14:47:18 · answer #10 · answered by david c 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋