All members! Attention please.....about abortion, capital punishment, and other hot-button topics (mystic, grace)

[MysticSang'ha]

We have noticed recently a surge of very sensitive debate topics lately on the boards. It's imperative that all of our members maintain outstanding civility, grace, and integrity despite the emotions that can be triggered from discussing abortion or capital punishment (although abortion has now been the hot-button topic du jour, but the same can be said for homosexual marriage, or political platforms, or the war in Iraq, and on and on and on).

It is perfectly understandable that anyone can find themselves angered toward a position........but please refrain from directing that hostility toward people.

I understand that recognizing this anger displacement is far easier said than done. However, in order to maintain the mission statement of RF, the staff urges all members to find a way to rise to the occasion, to post and to respond within the rules, to keep emotions in check, to learn how to walk away from time to time to cool off - and to remember when you hit that "submit" button on your post, there is a human being on the other side reading your words.

Remember that you could be angry with another member's point of view. Take a breath.

Remember that someone else could be angry with your point of view. Take another breath.

And because I'm such a good nag (ask my husband), I personally recommend for everyone who participates in the hot-button threads to refresh yourself from time to time with the forum rules and mission statement found here.

Love y'all.

[Bouncing Ball]

Originally Posted by MysticSang'ha

Remember that you could be angry with another member's point of view. Take a breath.

Remember that someone else could be angry with your point of view. Take another breath.

Extra note. If none of the above applies to you, DO NOT STOP BREATHING! Even if there is no anger, breathing is very important for you to stay alive.

[ChristineES]

I should say that one can become angry and still remain civil (it harder but it can be done).

[MysticSang'ha]

Originally Posted by ChristineES

I should say that one can become angry and still remain civil (it harder but it can be done).

Thank you, Christine. That's the point.