Just wanted to clarify something...

There were some things in that thread that were very upsetting to me. Not about religion, nor about politics, but about a combination of the two. Normally things that I would have said "well I just don't read that thread" but these were things that I find difficult to let slide because I strongly believe that they promote an attitude of misunderstanding that should be clarified. Things that may have seemed innocent to the current discussion but that I consider inaccurate and slanderous.

However I found myself torn because to post there I believe I would have started an argument. I felt that was the worse evil, so decided to hold my tongue even though it was very difficult for me. It is more important to me that people remain civil and able to support each other, even if that means restricting my speech sometimes.

I did not delete that thread... I would never do so for something that I am personally emotional about, it wouldn't be possible for me to be objective to make a decision like that. Obviously others felt that it was also crossing into hurtful territory and so the decision was made.

In general I don't think things are deleted merely because of mentioning a "restricted" topic... those subjects are flagged because they very often do lead to arguments. That doesn't mean they are deleted automatically, but when they seem to be leading to a debate the option is there. It is a very difficult decision to balance having an interesting discussion vs. stopping an argument before it results in hurt feelings.

I did not PM anyone because I didn't want to get into a debate about the issue even in private, both for personal reasons and out of respect for other peoples beliefs. If anyone wants to though they can PM me to talk about the problem that I had with the thread... that is, my objections as a member here, not as a moderator.

I am sorry that the deletion of that thread led to concern. I don't think it is healthy to have an atmosphere of "moderators vs. members" and I wanted to make it clear that the thread was not deleted simply because moderators have the power to do so.

In light of that I think it is healthy to question the decision... hopefully an explanation will help everyone get along better and avoid potential arguments and make it more clear the basis that decisions are made. I'd like to feel we all work together toward an understanding of what makes this place friendly.

------------------------------------
--http://www.idexter.com