Political debate is being stifled, at an online [political] forum, which is funded by the Australian government.

Has Australia become a society where a diversity of views, is no longer encouraged or tolerated?




This post is a gripe about an Australian government funded, online forum.

ABC [political] forums - are pseudo forums, with pseudo [political] debate [in my opinion].

Dictionary,
pseudo = = not genuine; fake, pretentious, or insincere.

It seems, that the MODERATORS, at the ABC [Australian Broadcasting Commission] online [political] forums,
...do not allow views to be posted, which are not 'politically correct'.

Two particular 'politically correct' views that appear to be held, and defended, by the MODERATORS, at the ABC online [political] forums are,

• The aspirations of the 'Palestinian' people for their own state, are being thwarted by the cruel actions of the state of Israel.
• ISLAM is a religion. And ISLAM should not be criticised, and ISLAMIC religious texts and doctrines, should not be challenged, identified, or associated with the actions of some violent people.

If you express a position which disagrees with those particular views, it is very likely that your posts will be blocked by 'MODERATION', at the ABC online forums.

Once you are identified as what i would term, a 'contentious', or 'politically incorrect', forum poster [like myself], the ABC forum MODERATORS are able to, and will, direct all of your submitted posts to pre-forum-vetting.

You don't have to be an abusive poster, to be 'MODERATED', at the ABC online forums.

All you need do is post one or two politically incorrect views, and suddenly, the next time you submit a post to the ABC forum, you will receive this message in your browser,

"Thank you for your message.
This message board is currently being moderated, so there may be some delay before your message is published to the board."

....and [in my experience] the post you have submitted, and [in the same fashion] none of your subsequent posts, will make it onto the ABC forum.

You have been gagged, from political debate on ABC online forums.

Two ABC online forums i have had this experience with, are COMPASS, and Q&A
http://www2b.abc.net.au/tmb/Client/MessageList.aspx?b=87&t=1&te=False
http://www2b.abc.net.au/tmb/Client/MessageList.aspx?b=114&t=1&te=False








One obvious consequence is that ALL DEBATE on a particular issue [on such a forum, within that forum] can be 'guided'.

The debate is 'guided', to the point where only 'acceptable' views, will influence THE DIRECTION OF THE DEBATE.

In other words, what is ostensibly [to an outside observer] an open, online forum, for political debate, becomes a *pseudo* forum for political debate.









What the ABC forum MODERATORS are effectively saying is,

"Your point of view is [pick one] untrue/offensive/too contentious. And i won't allow such views to be expressed here."

My counter argument to the MODERATORS is,
ABC forum MODERATORS may disagree with my opinions, and even say that my opinions are untrue or 'offensive' to some.

But if they feel that, then shouldn't they, or somebody else, be prepared to make that argument, IN THE FORUM, against any points i present?

If i do regard ISLAM as an 'offensive' philosophy, then in a 'free and open' forum, shouldn't i be permitted to express that point of view, and be permitted to demonstrate, why i hold that particular view about ISLAM?

And if the detractors [of certain comments i make] have a legitimate complaint, then let them air it [IN THE FORUM], and have their complaint tested in debate!
.....FOR ALL TO SEE.

Shouldn't the ABC forum MODERATORS allow those [other] people who frequent the ABC forum pages, to decide for themselves if my [or anyone else's] arguments have any merit [or not]?

If what i say is untrue, or ridiculous, that fact, will soon become apparent to everyone, when what i say, is exposed to the light of [widespread] scrutiny.







Open societies do not fear the opinions of fools.
....they rather, EXPOSE and laugh at folly!

In any free and open debate, if a 'position' is absurd, if an 'argument' is absurd,
...then the debater is [often] condemned to all, WITH HIS OWN WORDS.

And isn't the exposure of folly, and error, THE VERY FUNCTION, of free and open debate?

Free and open debate *is meant* to be A CONTEST OF IDEAS!
....where every folly is revealed.

And i would contend, that open debate is healthy, to all general freedoms in a society.

Whereas, lies are easily concealed in closed societies,
....*because* these closed societies are places where lies, and falsehood,
....ARE NEVER EXPOSED TO SCRUTINY, OR SPOKEN TRUTH.




MORE.....

The Progressive Left can't handle dissent so they stifle it...  been that way ever since Hawke and Keating.

Unfortunately the PLeft have infiltrated Education and many levels of government and their propaganda is now formalised indoctrination.

Hell they even indoctrinate 5 year olds.

Try it.

All debate everywhere about multiculturalism and Islam is 'moderated'.

The benefits of multiculturalisma re considered like an immutable law of physics E=MC squared, you cannot argue with it because to even question the mighty Universal Law of the Holy Multiculti is to BLASPHEME SINNER!!!

You have committed a heresy, thou shalt not take the Multiculti In Vain!!

And Islam, Islam is a peaceful beneficient religion that loves everyone. Never mind the thousands of terrorist acts committed in the name of religion, or the constant violence perpertrated in its name. That is only because of our own intolerance.

See the more we ignore and pretend not to notice the violence of Islam, the less violence there will be. Because, we know that by ignoring terrorism and violence and the supremacist ideology of Islam, that they will respect our strength for burying our heads in the sand - and immediately depart from all of their accepted laws about slaying unbelievers and taking over the state, as a mark of respect for our respect. Respect, ya dig?

Quote:


Most people will not realise the truth, until it is too late, and there is gunfire on the streets as muslims take up arms to defend their *right* to an independent state in areas that are predominantly muslim in Australia.

Well, well!!!!

Ho ho, ho and a bottle of Rum!!!!!!!!!!!!

Some here will know that 'Political Animal' was spawned from an ABC sponsored and moderated web site.  That the ABC shut it down (about 2003/4) was defensible because, even though it was flush with political debate, it was also awash with tales of, for example, the greatness of the penis of one JW Frogen.  So, we were cut adrift.

What irks the likes of me is that SSSF, hosted at taxpayer expense by the ABC is still being funded by the aussie battler and yet contains less scientific discussion as it does waffle.

Soren wrote on Jun 12^th, 2009 at 10:57pm:

The art of persuasion is empathy and winning over the heart.

NorthOfNorth wrote on Jun 12^th, 2009 at 10:59pm:


The art of persuasion would be giving you a tray of cream buns.

Speaking of which, I saw a really big fat dude riding a disabled mobility scooter this morning, and order up some big cakes from the local cafe. I thought it might be you.

Calanen wrote on Jun 12^th, 2009 at 11:03pm:

Aw, shortarse... you're back. Did he give you a lift?

You all have missed the point which is the allegation that the ABC stifles, i.e. censors, debate on Forums run at taxpayer's expense.

Let's talk about that, hey?

NorthOfNorth wrote on Jun 12^th, 2009 at 11:07pm:


Can change hearts with surgery this days. Too easy.

NorthOfNorth wrote on Jun 12^th, 2009 at 11:17pm:


Which is less costly and more reliable?

Aussie wrote on Jun 12^th, 2009 at 11:15pm:

What? You've moved on from The Warrigal?

So what's the verdict? Is he really.... DT 

Calanen wrote on Jun 13^th, 2009 at 7:18am:

What!? The unicycle? And always followed by two midgets and the bearded lady?

Calanen wrote on Jun 13^th, 2009 at 7:18am:

Shortarse is gettin upset… Real life people ain’t like your circus friends, little guy… don’t just fall over on cue.

Hey, there’s a thought for your political career. You and the midget… He could sit on your shoulders… together you’d be seven foot… Course you'd have to work out how to communicate with him from behind the overcoat without speaking, otherwise it'd look like the midget's got a talking cock... The bearded lady could be your press secretary… But you might have to lose the blue hair and big yellow shoes. Apart from that you'd be good to go.

Calanen wrote on Jun 12^th, 2009 at 10:02pm:

I'd prefer to be a leftist dill than a rightard kiddy fiddler.

Funnily enough most "kiddy fiddlers" in Australia politics have come from the ALP.  Hmmm  maybe that should read all.

I'm sorry...  I try to avoid your bile and stupidity.  I note also who insulted name-called, trolled and flamed?  oh right it was you AS USUAL.

If that's all you can do they should ban you.  I know I'm sick of you.

NorthOfNorth wrote on Jun 13^th, 2009 at 8:42am:


Calanen wrote on Jun 13^th, 2009 at 7:18am:


Quote:


Yes you are a giant ready for the NBL playoffs at 5cm taller than me. And you wouldn't say boo to me in person, we both know that fatty.

Quote:


You really wouldn't  mind me borrowing your wife during the day for work purposes? That's awfully decent of you. Home based cake production for your fat arse may fall down considerably though, but perhaps that's a good thing.

You flamed me you idiot...  I merely commented on the incorrect stupid statement highlighted by Calanen...  unfortunately you made it dopey.

You were the first as usual to start  flaming etc, etc, etc...  I didn't even mention you.

So it seems you are the unaware twirp here. 

Grendel wrote on Jun 13^th, 2009 at 1:50pm:


So you can comment on statements I make but I can't comment on stupid statements you make, right got it.

Grendel wrote on Jun 13^th, 2009 at 4:03pm:

Does that bike peddle backwards quick enough for you?

So you were commenting on calanens incorrect stupid statement were you?  
DWMT with your flames, if you do I'll comment back, easy as that dips hit.

He lies I tell the truth...  he keeps it going I respond...  that's my prerogative on a public site.

You turn every topic into a Islamic issue...  I don't comment on your obsession.

calenaen and Helian are by far the worst and I don't comment there either.  But it is totally boooooring.

Almost as boring as me having to reply to the idiot whom calls himself skippy.

Quote:



Which two do you mean Yadda? Skippy and Grendel or Calanen and Helian?

I think she is referring to Skippy trolling and flaming Grendel.

Skippy, you do yourself, no credit at all by continually attacking Grendel.

I know your history with Grendel, but you need to start responding appropriately, not just flaming.

You sell yourself short Skip, when you want to, you can argue a good case to support your views, and this would be a better option for all of us.

Quote:



You have to be a monumental moron to divide the world into leftist dills like you and everyone else as rightard kiddy fiddlers.

But nothing is too daunting for you, you are equal to the challenge and do prove to be such a monumental moron.  Congrats.

mozzaok wrote on Jun 13^th, 2009 at 7:04pm:


Yea, right , I'm over this fukcin s hit that p rick flames and trolls me all the time but you never bitch about him, go bugger yourself mozz stick your fukcin forum up your ass.

Yadda wrote on Jun 14^th, 2009 at 4:09pm:


They are not very Christian like comments Yadda nor very fair. We all get angry at times. I can't see much difference between either Grendel or Skippy's "flames" - Grendel always responds to them and dishes them out also. If he is so incensed by Skippy - perhaps he should ignore him. Deriding a person for their writing style is a bit beneath the belt. The same could be said for those who are consistently accusing each other of being short or fat. Where's their lecture?

Ah mantra I tried ignoring him for several weeks...  all it did was let him flame and troll without comeback.

I note the last little set-to of his clearly proved my point to more than one person.
I suggest you read the comment I made that he's been rabbiting on about...  it wasn't a flame or anything like one.  Skippy lost the plot a long time ago mantra.

Now can you please stick to the topic at hand.

Where are we going OGly?
I replied to mantra.
She needed to be replied to.
Don't comment and I wont reply.

Ah ogly...  one of your children perhaps?

Sorry not me whose trolling...  just replying.

mantra wrote on Jun 14^th, 2009 at 7:47pm:



mantra,

I encourage all posters on OzPol, including skip, to engage in legitimate debate here.

But what skip was engaging in was PURE ABUSE.




I can't really comment on the culpability of Grendel in this conflict between him and skip, as i normally just pass over any any posts which i identify as purely abusive.
[i.e. i normally do not dwell on them].

But if Grendel is engaging in this abuse, to the same degree as skip, then i condemn that conduct too.




On my un-Christian comments,

Were my comments totally uncalled for, and were they unjust?

Well, i'm happy to let people like yourself mantra, judge if what i posted, was uncalled for, was unjust, and was unfair.

Calanen wrote on Jun 14^th, 2009 at 12:12am:


Yes many of them do have a sad story. Often identical to the stories of their victims. Victims that sometimes grow up to be monsters but always grow up scarred, hurt and isolated.

So yes Cal, I agree. The circle has to be broken where it can. Never released or death penalty is the only guaranteed way for the ones we catch.

But then I think the death penalty should be applied to child molesters, child torturers, child rapists and child killers. Through the anger a small part of me will sometimes feel sadness for their own sad fate that was not asked for, but you shoot rabid dogs and that's that.

locutius wrote on Jun 15^th, 2009 at 2:56pm:



We can conveniently use overpopulation to do some cleanup.

Imagine how many starving souls could be saved for $60,000 to $100,000 a year one takes to be kept locked up in protective custody when inside and all the destructive “chain extension” activities while outside.

To bring this conversation into reality we must stop. Have a deep breath, and look at the facts.
The facts are that the majority of "kiddy fiddling" takes place in your friends/relatives house. It's not an offence that can be thrown apon one group or another. It's present in society as a whole.
So what do we do?
This might sound strange, but I believe the best defence for this sort of problem is maybe... Community?
Teachers, cops and, well, you?
Do you know your neighbors?
This is a symptom of a disconnected society.
Until we address the fundamental problems that cause this, we cannot fix this among other great problems that face us.
Don't try and fix the symptoms people.
Can we not look at the bigger picture?