We need a new category: Politics

[camp guy]

I agree with the "NO" side of the equation. For one reason, we are spread all over the country, and, even though national politics is also spread all over the country, people have different viewpoints sometimes based on where they live. My main point for saying "NO" is that this Forum almost always enjoys a friendly atmosphere with differences of opinion generally limited to such earth-shaking topics as restaurants and boat styles which really do no harm.

A slip of the tongue in a political discussion can really cause a problem we do not need.

Let's keep the Forum in keeping with Winnipesaukee: Smile of the Great Spirit.

PS: However, don't forget to vote.

[Weirs guy]

Getting a bunch of yankees together in one place and expecting no one to talk about politics is kinda like getting a bunch of yankees together in one place and expecting no one to talk about politics, not gonna happen.

Do we need a new category, maybe? Another forum I frequent has a category where the one individual who always seems to be arguing with the rest of the class can run roughshod over everything, and you enter at your own risk. It seems to have eliminated most of the issues in the other threads, but mind you that site was much, much worse then Don allows us to get. Just food for thought.

[Argie's Wife]

Just as I wouldn't be fond of a "religion" forum, I think political views should be kept to one's self. If your points of view interest me, then maybe I'll ask you about it via a PM, but would rather not get into debates, see "recruitments" taking place, or other similar things. I think it would do more damage than good to this board, which I'm very fond of.

It would also make a lot of work for the moderators - and they probably have enough to keep them busy.

So, no. I'd rather not see this board go down that street.

(But a forum on local recipes would be wonderful!)

[webmaster]

From the posting guidelines (in the FAQ):

Remember that you're on the Winnipesaukee Forum & PhotoPost

Only post messages, pictures and comments that are directly related to Lakes Region topics and activities. No sports, religion, politics or chit-chat please.

The key words are "directly related to Lakes Region topics and activities". While local Lakes Region politics are fair game, national politics are not except in very rare cases where it is directly linked to Lakes Region topics. For example, the impact a summer White House (Romney) could have on the Lake.

Although this forum was created for Lakes Region topics only I have asked several times over the years if you would like a "lounge" area to discuss other topics. The answer has always been a resounding NO and I agree. There are thousands of sites on the Internet to discuss politics or any other imaginable subject. The reason I enjoy reading this forum is that it is completely dedicated to the lake. Unless the members have a big change of heart I think we'll keep it that way.

Don

[Hermit Cover]

gets my vote on this one....wise beyond his years....would make a good mayor, governor, senator, Pres......

[SIKSUKR]

I would agree with Don on however he wants to run his website.After all it is HIS.I think he has done a fantastic job in giving us members what we want.He is beyond fair in how he treats us members who might stray from his vision of what is acceptable.Whatever Don wants he can have.Ya I know it sounds like I'm really sucking up here but it's hard to argue with how this forum has been run.

[idigtractors]

I agree with Don whole heartily. In fact there is more than enough politics in some of the threads now on the forum as it seems to get in there some way.

[hazelnut]

If that is possible? Wow I feel like a waffling politician here with this one but... My .02 cents for what is worth. I agree that politics in general have no place on the forum. However consider it a classification system here. I mean all the sub-categories are just that... They just classify the discussions. So if one particular thread involves taxes and HB's and calling your local pol to vote one way or another on an issue important to the lakes region, well I say heck yeah it deserves its own category.
Not to say that GWB or Hillary or Obama should enter into the discussion here. I'm just saying that YES some of these threads contain locally charged political discussion. Does that not deserve its own category? This needs a hard second look here. Flip back through the forum discussions and I see several discussions regarding taxes and House Bills that could and should be classified under Politics or perhaps another aptly named category.

Just a thought.

[Alton Bay]

http://www.nhinsider.com/

If you feel like posting political chat, this site is about the most active.

Loving this snow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Alton Bay]

Forgot to mention to go to the Discussion Board under the Commentary category. You'll see there is a Lakes Region section for chat.

[ITD]

Originally Posted by Alton Bay

Forgot to mention to go to the Discussion Board under the Commentary category. You'll see there is a Lakes Region section for chat.

Looks like someone didn't want their posts seen and erased them all at the Lakes region over there, I wonder if it was someone who posts here and didn't want to be figured out???????

[tis]

No, ITD. I know who that poster is and he/she isn't on here and did not remove them for that reason.

[JG1222]

Plainly and simply - my vote would be "No". Let's not mess with a good thing here.

[John A. Birdsall]

My forum friends, if we got into a political thread, then the word friend may not exist. it would be a very TAXING situatution and would not lead anywhere. If we got into Politics then we would want a religious thread and then where would we all go. We all have different thoughts and beliefs in both areas, and we all are TAXED to the max. so no need to tax our friendships on this site.

Now about the lake..........................