BS: Politics only posters on Cat

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: Divis Sweeney
Date: 10 Oct 05 - 10:38 AM

Answers from Belfast to your questions Keith.
1.If the site was just for lovers of folk music the BS section would or should not be along with it.Also it should be stated that no political subjects be covered.
2.As I said I hold no interest in Folk music. I was told there was a section which was hitting hard at the Provisional Irish Republican Army. This interests me a great deal.
3.Yes I am here only for the politics, as stated no interest in folk music. If the threads are current news issues, non PIRA, American politics, Royal Family or British Nationalist Party, I would be the last to make a comment.

Keith we can always debate an issue. You are British or England whichever you wish to call yourself, I respect that, and respect your right to defend it.If questions are posted regarding Irish
issues. I will be glad to answer the best I can.
If there are written attacks on the PIRA Yes I will reply in defence in the manner the question was asked.

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: Wolfgang
Date: 10 Oct 05 - 12:56 PM

I'm less annoyed by politics only posters than by one topic posters who appear out of the clear air.

There are some regular posters with (Irish) Republican leanings. I respect all of them and read with a lot of interest what they write even if I don't agree. To read a post by Ard Mhacha or JimmyC for instance is nearly always a pleasure and I often learn a lot.

But the new bunch of Republicans over here are a nuisance and do not at all help their cause. They look to me like an ASU with a new job assignment.

But we have to see the good in it. They are off the streets this way and they have a sense of significance and do something against that empty feeling. Now if only the Loyalist 'brothers' could also be persuaded to lay down the arms for good and come over here to teach us the correct position to all aspects of Irish (sorry, Ulster for them) politics, we could have a jolly good time sitting at the sidelines and watching.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Oct 05 - 01:06 PM

Well Wolfgang thats another extra cheer for Germany in the World Cup.

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: Divis Sweeney
Date: 10 Oct 05 - 01:17 PM

There's no show without punch, as the saying goes. Wondered when the voice from the side line was going in for a bite on the ass. Well Wolfgang when the day comes that I require your viewpoint on Irish Republicism be assured I will ask for it.Having also read your past posts on Irish Politics I hope you don't mind if I pass on entering into dialogue with you. It's not a personal thing Wolfgang, but if you read the posts from the others you'll find they seem to know what their talking about. Yes Wolfgang we no longer crank blaster caps or load rifle clips against anyone. I myself welcome the peace. my nation has changed a lot.Funny how some of the old order never change and seem to insult and try to get people to react. Well thats were we differ Wolfgang with our respective nationalities.

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 10 Oct 05 - 02:18 PM

I tend to pay more attention to people I've run up against in the music threads as well as the non-music ones. It seems a pity to stick rigorously in one side or the other - and I see that as applying to those who make a principle of only reading and posting to the music threads. It's a bit like insisting on hopping along on one leg instead of using them both.

The best threads are often those which move between music and BS anyway.   A musical simile or a quote from a song is often a good way of making a point; and I like the feeling that even when we disagree about other things there's a shared interest in music that brings us together, even when we disagree about that as well.

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: Epona
Date: 10 Oct 05 - 02:23 PM

That, McGrath, was very well said, and I can see your point.

E

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: The Shambles
Date: 10 Oct 05 - 02:44 PM

Well Wolfgang thats another extra cheer for Germany in the World Cup.

That will only make-up for the one they won't be getting from Ian Paisley.

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: GUEST,Tik Mik
Date: 11 Oct 05 - 04:10 AM

Be Gob
Divi Sweeny amd my little Epony Youl be giving us paddys a bad name.

Sweeny finds the mudcat joinin thing to challenging, and herself tries to join up for him from a thousand miles away and wonders why mudcat thinks she is him

Sweeny remember, up there is for tinking, down there is for dancing.
Ar but you dont do the dancing. for kicking then yer savage bastard.

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: Divis Sweeney
Date: 11 Oct 05 - 04:36 AM

Nice attempt to cover your I.D. Sadly your choice of words gave you away.

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 11 Oct 05 - 06:03 AM

Thick Guest
I see that you needed 3 tries to master the mudcat posting thing.

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 11 Oct 05 - 06:11 AM

What difference does it really make if people join Mudcat for the music, or for the B.S.?

Surely the important thing is the content of posts.

Many of our Republican posters (they're not all rabid IRA killers, you know) have expressed their viewpoint in a more well mannered fashion than those who respond to them with narrow minded, and one sided comments.

McGrath is right to the extent that it is comforting to know that you are talking to someone who shares a common interest, in this case music. But it certainly isn't, and IMHO shouldn't be, a requirement for membership.

Nor does it in any way make their opinions less worthy of consideration.

As an Englishman born and bred in this country, who happens to have hundreds of years of Irish ancestry on both father's, and mother's side, I am always very interested in learning about Ireland. In order to do that, I need to hear both sides of the story.

It would greatly please me to be able to do this without having to weed out genuine comment from a storm of vituperation and hate, especially as most of it seems to come from people who should know better, and on other subjects usually do.

Don T.

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: The Shambles
Date: 11 Oct 05 - 06:23 AM

http://www.mudcat.org/Detail.CFM?messages__Message_ID=1277273

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Oct 05 - 12:43 PM

As a southerner of the catholic/gaelic/nationalist tradition, but more importantly, as a human being, I am appalled at the suffering in the North.The bitterness towards the tradition (my tradition)that spawned the murderers of people is understandable. However, I think the cause would be better served by the bare statement of the facts. These are horrific enough in themselves . But to be honest, the political commentary and invective on this website will give many people of my tradition the EXCUSE to ignore the underlying fact i.e. that our tradition caused young men to go forth and commit heineous acts against our neighbours in the name of 'Ireland'. I think it important to admit that we have sinned, and I can say this for my tradition and that this at last is a pretty prevalent opinion south of the border. Perhaps the Ulster Protestant/Unionist tradition may not always have interacted with the other tradition in an exemplary manner, but that is not for me to say. We first need to look at the beam in our own eye. Despite the 'peace process', what strikes me when I watch any political debate on BBC NI is the total inability of politicians to address themselves or speak to the people on the other side. What has Adams had to say lately to the unionist people, or what has Paisley (ever) had to say to mine? At the end of the day, we (i.e. the two traditions) have to find a way to live with each other, and this means speaking to (not preaching at) one another. Let's try to speak to each other and find the common ground of which there is a lot. It's people of my tradition, NOT the unionist tradition who need to hear.

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Oct 05 - 01:07 PM

Abu Mor !

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: dianavan
Date: 15 Oct 05 - 03:13 PM

I'm interested in Music but don't have much to contribute to the music section because I'm not a musician.

I think that folk music has a tradition of being political in nature - not always but quite often. It seems to me that the BS section should be to stimulate song writing. When debate occurs its healthy and gives the song writer a better perspective.

Why would anyone want to hear only one side? Why would anyone want to preach to the converted? Folk music, afterall, is not an exclusive domain. Folk music is for and about folks. That means all folks. Are you saying the audience should not be involved?

I guess some people just want to be a musician's musician.

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: Donuel
Date: 16 Oct 05 - 09:14 AM

I started singing union songs at age 4: You can't scare me I'm stickin to the union, Joe Hill, Mr. Block, You gotta go down etc.

In later years I discovered I couldn't play and sing at the same time.
Something to do with dyslexia or the way I'm wired. Its a snap to illustrate issues but I admire those who can stand and deliver musical words more than any picture I might make.

I'm trying to get out of the house to the getaway 90 minutes from here but the family won't be in gear for hours. Maybe I can sneak out and drive solo...:)

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 16 Oct 05 - 10:16 AM

Dianavan,
Do you look at the music section?
I expect you do since you are interested in the music.
I do too, but like you am not as knowledgeable as the big music contributors.
Do you not find it strange that some people log on to our site without any interest in our music at all?
That is all I was remarking on.
Not complaining.

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: Divis Sweeney
Date: 16 Oct 05 - 10:21 AM

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: dianavan - PM
Are you saying the audience should not be involved?

Dear Dianavan that is exactly what he is saying.

Keith, Not complaining! A term used when the back up does not arrive.

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 16 Oct 05 - 10:25 AM

No Sweeney.
It was the term I used in the first sentence of the first post of this whole thread.

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: Peace
Date: 16 Oct 05 - 10:30 AM

There are them wot likes to talk about politics; them wot likes to talk about music; them wot likes to talk about the weather, etc.

The music threads are meant for music. The others seem to be somewhat open, and they change over time. Some threads lead to long-time hatreds between individuals. Some never talk with each other again, or if they do, they do with a different tone of voice. Wooden bridges are easy to burn.

Hope y'all have a good day.

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: The Shambles
Date: 17 Oct 05 - 04:33 AM

Cut n pasters creepin' back in

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: The Shambles
Date: 17 Oct 05 - 04:44 AM

The following exchange from
Thread proliferation control is interesting.......

Subject: RE: Thread Proliferation Control
From: RichM - PM
Date: 27 Feb 03 - 11:15 AM

Good idea!
Carry it further though:
Forbid the messy notion of allowing uncontrolled new threads-- Every morning, or once a week,or whenever-- publish a pre-approved list of acceptable new topics.

So that we (as member or guest) can only post to an existing OR pre-approved thread. And NO more threads containing the word Ir** !


Rich McCarthy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I don't think I want to do that, Rich. One of the beauties of this place is its spontaneity, so I want to be careful not to exercise too much control
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Oct 05 - 07:44 PM

I truely agree with your perspective Divis Sweeney. However u must realise that post partition, the nationalist people of the North where left completely alienated and indeed to a large extent neglected by the rest of our countrymen, left instead to be completely shit upon by our unionist friends in every sense possible ie no voting rights, no job opportunities etc etc. What we were living in, in effect, was an apharteid state. Taking this into consideration I am glad to say that there will never be a return to those days of old and that the winds of change are now truely upon us. Having said that however it is extremely difficult for nationalists to forgive and forget those attrocities carried out by unionism/loyalism but that is something that will come in time. In addition I would also like to say that I find it a bit rich sometimes when people take time to condemn and demonise the I.R.A. when their guns are silent and put beyond use, not to mention the fact that liberation for the the 26 counties came about because of the actions of the I.R.A. ie Guerilla war fare, which was only 8 decades ago. Indeed the main political parties in the south trace their routes back to Collins and De Valera. In essence the foundations of the 26 county state is built upon the actions of the so called criminals (I.R.A.). Ironically if these criminals had not done the like of Mc Dowell and Bertie would be unemployed.

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 18 Oct 05 - 04:21 AM

Would you believe it!
I start a thread about people only coming to bang on about politics, and they hijack the thread to bang on about politics!

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 18 Oct 05 - 09:31 AM

And for most of the thread you were right in there with them Keith.

Don T.

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 18 Oct 05 - 10:03 AM

Fair enough.
But it was my thread!

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: The Shambles
Date: 18 Oct 05 - 10:11 AM

Oh no it isn't.

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: The Shambles
Date: 18 Oct 05 - 10:36 AM

We've always operated under the principle that threads are a product of the community, not of the thread originator.

We have allowed thread originators to control the content of threads only in certain designated PermaThreads.

Otherwise, thread originators generally have no control over what people may or may not say in subsequent messages.

Each individual has more-or-less complete control over the contents of his or her individual message, but not over the entire thread.

-Joe Offer-

So make no mistake - that is what "WE" now allow. Control over the entire thread now lies where it belongs with an unknown number of anonymous volunteer fellow posters - and you now do only what they will "allow" you to do. Got it?

The post can be read in full on the following...
In the UK

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: Divis Sweeney
Date: 18 Oct 05 - 10:49 AM

Fair enough ! That was close to an admission Keith, why do you not say things like that to me ?

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: GUEST,Tír Chonaill
Date: 23 Oct 05 - 07:37 PM

Well, well!
Would you believe it?

Keith wishes to discriminate on the grounds of limited musical interests, or apparent ability.
(... bit like reverse Maoism, if you ask me....)

This is not the first time, however when he has tried to start this smear campaign.

"My Thread" indeed!
Did you ever hear the like?

Good man Shambles!
... you can always count on our Rog...

Admit it Keith...
You know more about politics than music!
You're more interested in it, as well...

Otherwise you wouldn't have started this daft thread!

Hei Wolfgang!
Thanks...

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: GUEST,,The old soldier
Date: 24 Feb 06 - 03:52 PM

Valid thread.

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: Cluin
Date: 25 Feb 06 - 03:29 PM

But take nothing seriously in the BS section. Remember what BS stands for.




What does it stand for, anyway?




P.S. That was a rhetorical question.

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: John O'L
Date: 25 Feb 06 - 07:54 PM

B.S. = Big Silence. It's how there universe got started. Contrary to popular belief both above and below the line (The B.S. Tolerance Threshold or Event Horizon) there was never any Big Bang.

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: Cllr
Date: 26 Feb 06 - 06:42 PM

Theres no real politics on mudcat just a lot of ego's shouting about whatever they read in the sun last week. Now In my opinion ... (cont page 94)

Subject: RE: BS: Politics only posters on Cat
From: Donuel
Date: 27 Feb 06 - 09:03 AM

I don't shout, I illustrate.