DEBATE: Intensity

[XKI University]

MOTION: Are intense discussions on regional politics bad for 10000 Islands?

Normal debate rules apply. Debating will start as soon as we have the volunteers.

Prop

Guy
Hockeynutville

Opp

Ad Infinitum
Twobagger

[Bad Infinitum]

I love yelling at people! Sign me up for Prop.

[Twobagger]

Does Prop mean that they are good, or that they are bad?

[Bad Infinitum]

Wait, good point. I would like to be on the side that is for yelling at people.

[XKI University]

Prop means intensity is bad. I'll update the list now.

And I completely forgot to mention yesterday; kudos to Mutanatia for coming up with the motion.

[Guy]

I'll take the prop.

[Hockeynutville]

What the hell, I'll take prop too. Besides, I've always wondered what being yelled at by PAI was like.

[Bad Infinitum]

*rubs palms together*

Oooooh buddy.

*is giddy*

[XKI University]

Hmm, I think we'll have a small debate this round. First speaker from the proposition please!

[Hockeynutville]

Alrighty, I'll lead off as a moderate prop.


While I do like the fact that we can bring in and discuss multiple topics from multiple perspectives here in the Islands, I have noticed that some of the “real world” political discussions tend to get heated and personal very quickly. I won’t ever deny that everyone has the right to their own opinion, but I grow concerned when it teeters on belligerence and badgering of other people’s views.

I think that these “debates” hit on many personal levels beyond the NS scope and I would care to hypothesize that a few people have had their feelings hurt inadvertently or not, and angered or even enraged on occasion.

Politics are a very touchy and controversial topic no matter where you are. Bringing those real world angers and frustrations here simply causes unnecessary friction and bickering. I don’t necessarily favor banning political discussions or arguments; however I wouldn’t miss them either.

[Bad Infinitum]

Intense debates are great for the region. Challenging someone else's beliefs only makes them stronger, and the stronger your beliefs, the harder you fight for them. If we were all pushovers, anyone could get anything passed without question, and there would be heaps of poorly thought out legislation bogging down our government and our citizens.

Granted, heated debates regarding real-world politics can seem a little out of place and can lead to sour feelings amongst otherwise friendly nations. However, NS is a great medium for bouncing your real-world political ideals against other true believers, and can lead to more informed debates outside of NationStates.

Intensity drives debates forward and allows discussions to reach balanced conclusions. Weak debate leads to weak legislation, and as one of the strongest regions in all of NationStates, we can't afford to have any of that.

Eight words shy of 150. There we go.

[XKI University]

May I remind speakers that the debate is on regional politics. Not on RL.

Next speakers please!

[Guy]

Regional politics are, obviously, a very important part of our region. However, recently things got a little too heated.

10000 Islands is supposed to be a fun, relaxing place, and just as our former Delegate has said, people shouldn’t feel stressful here. We can all have our different views about 10KI politics without having to resort to attacks and the like. As someone who actually likes debating and arguing, I find most enjoyable the quiet, peaceful discussions.

Being a Senator or Delegate is a great privilege, and as such, you have got to convince the voters why to vote for you, and not the other candidates. However, we should be able to do that in a completely civilised manner, discussing the issues without any sort of negativity directed at the other candidates. That is not how we should to things here, the best region in all of NationStates.

Thank you.

[XKI University]

Seeing as Twobagger seems to have disappeared. Could someone fill in for him please?

[Hockeynutville]

I volunteer to argue against myself.

[Markanite]

ok ill give it a go , just because twobagger isnt here

[Markanite]

Intense negotiations leads to change, that is a simple point but in essence can sum up what I believe. Even though the road may be long, some form of change can be seen at the end of the debate.
Granted if the debate gets too intense things can get out of hand, however if the person themselves can let it get out of hand does that not show their dedication to the issue and that the issue itself is worth fighting over? I think it does.
Intense negotiations can rip apart legislation or proposition and can force improvements through that could in the end help a large amount of people. This is needed for scrutiny and to ensure that there is not too radical legislation being implimented.
So again intense negoitations are good, and do lead to change and without them we’d be worse off than if they didnt happen.

[SovietPrussia]

Thank you Markanite.

We'll now take questions from the floor. Better late than never.

[Markanite]

I don’t necessarily favor banning political discussions or arguments; however I wouldn’t miss them either.
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HNV , do you think there is a way people could moderate debates and find a way not to let people get too intense or is that impossible?

[Hockeynutville]

Apr 17, 2010 12:14:09 GMT -5 Markanite said:

HNV , do you think there is a way people could moderate debates and find a way not to let people get too intense or is that impossible?

I don't think debates can be controlled outside of such forums where people are willing to abide by the rules of course. I think passion is always a good thing when properly directed. It also shows though that some people can easily lose their heads or go beyond that hidden line when pushing their views or opinions. My thought is, is that intensity has led to more adversity here than good. This is supposed to be a fun activity in our leisure time. While I don’t mind so much if people want to get intense in debates in the grand debate hall for example, I do mind when it invades our little elections and suggests ulterior motives about loyal Islanders regarding decisions they have made while in service to our fantasy land. Unless you can physically shut someone off in a 10KI debate, there is no way of censoring “intensity”.

[Markanite]

That answered my question