Another element in all of this seems to be the way complex issues are treated in a black or white, right or wrong way in our culture.

There are no shades of gray for them.

Even an argument that doesn't disagree with a point, but shows another dimension of the argument not put forward, is dismissed as if the new perspective discredits the previous idea instead of adding to the understanding of the original idea.

Yet, while we must listen to other's ideas for merit, I do think there is such a thing as evil doers...and to many it is more fun to argue emotions over fact. Another problem with this society in documenting our arguments...
Information overload..I implicitely trust my information sources and feel well informed, yet I do not have th time or capability to store information like a computer; nor do want to...That should be a source of humility for most of us, when we choose to claim the role of know it all...Yet, I suspect if I choose to not cycle as much, in an argument I could attribute my views fairly well...
Cycle or argue whatever: get out the air pump and chain lube and gear up..Unless, for we desert dwellers, it is raining..

Black and white thinking is quite a strong American trait. I wouldn't mind living somewhere that had more shades of gray.

Just like you can't change the way their minds have been shaped by mass media and culture.
Yes, you can't change the way their minds have been shaped by mass media, culture and bike lanes. :D


All you can do is stay on topic and address the merits of the discussion.
Yep.

Black and white thinking is quite a strong American trait. I wouldn't mind living somewhere that had more shades of gray.
most issues have shades of gray, but that only confuses the matter.

Black and white thinking is quite a strong American trait. I wouldn't mind living somewhere that had more shades of gray.

Where would that be, and when are you moving?

most issues have shades of gray, but that only confuses the matter.

that confusion is where most of us live.

To be civil is to be polite and that means showing regard for others in manners, speech, and behavior.

Humans are emotional creatures, and even though emotions are fun, they are also destructive, so we should take care and take time when feeling emotions in response to postings.

Humility is required to be civil and it's all so evident to be lacking in some that post so destructively.

that confusion is where most of us live.

To be civil is to be polite and that means showing regard for others in manners, speech, and behavior.

Humans are emotional creatures, and even though emotions are fun, they are also destructive, so we should take care and take time when feeling emotions in response to postings.

Humility is required to be civil and it's all so evident to be lacking in some that post so destructively.
Closetbiker..You are one of those polite Canadians..Civility is a part of the culture..Spend a month in Brooklyn, that will change you..Civility requires civilization..

Civility requires civilization!! Haha that is going into my little book of quotes!

Spend a month in Brooklyn, that will change you..Civility requires civilization..

Aaight, now we throw down...I gotcha civility right here, punk...meet me at Flatbush & DeKalb and bring a baggie for your teeth! ;)

Posters who are insulting, rude, or spew that with which they are unfamiliar, make themselves look like the losers. I don't care if I'm insulted, for that reason. Unfortunately, the ugly and stupid posts detract from the threads.

What I don't get, is why we can't say ****, but we can say insult others. That said, I pledge to be always ****in civil to others.

Hey, I tried to use "the bad words" and they automatically turned into ****s. Thats so funny! What if I type them backwards? Here goes: kcuf tihs.

So, I can call you all bowling ball sucking pin heads, but I can't say ****.

Aaight, now we throw down...I gotcha civility right here, punk...meet me at Flatbush & DeKalb and bring a baggie for your teeth! ;)
Just Half joking..just gunfire whether promted or not on street corners is not a civil action..Gaul, that is worse than slander.. Just the way we live in our cities just adds to our hostility...Cities do not have to be like that..Not sure what the cure is...

So, I can call you all bowling ball sucking pin heads, but I can't say ****.

What you say will determine how many care what you say.

If you call someone a bowling ball sucking pin head, it'll be just as non-productive as calling some one a ****. - You might get some credit for creativity and imagination though -

But then as to gunfire on street corners..Some combatants are polite, so being shot does not have to be an unpleasant expereince.. Recall Bradd Pitt in Thelma and Lousie or Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid..There is hope.
Did not mean to pick on Brooklynites...Just I recall in the Spring of 1991 my employer sent me to NYC for a one month assignment..Could be any city in America or many other countries for all that..
But up in the Bronx about at 114 street, as I recall. There was a police station...Had a concrete barrier about the precinct with chain about...Can not forget the abandon cars that were apparently arsoned...and strewned about the precinct...Just gave me a very unfriendly appearance.Don't mean to be picking on anyone..Just observations of urban life in the civilized world..

polite Canadians..Civility is a part of the culture..Spend a month in Brooklyn..

Canada values collective good over the liberty of the individual

Closet biker...Yeah, I understand even the preamble of the Canadian Constitution is very much at odds with the US Constitution.. outlining a basic premise of Canadian values...
know a little about Canada, my Dad was born there.

even the preamble of the Canadian Constitution is very much at odds with the US Constitution..

The BNA act was written after the US civil war and we tried to learn from the US experience.

Strong central government, equalization, social responsibility, peace, order and good government are some of the ways we are distinct from the US.

Very civil.

Closet bike was not the Canadian Constitution re-written after the Brian Mulroney government...Did that maintain the tradition of government established for the well being of all.

Black and white thinking is quite a strong American trait. I wouldn't mind living somewhere that had more shades of gray.


You end up turning a blind eye to your neighbor getting killed with that kind of introspection though.

The BNA act was written after the US civil war and we tried to learn from the US experience.

Strong central government, equalization, social responsibility, peace, order and good government are some of the ways we are distinct from the US.

Very civil.

<snicker>

One of the final acts of the Trudeau government (68-84) was to patriate the Canadian constitution and add a Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Mulroney (one of the most hated politician's in Canada's history) tried to ammend the constition in the 1987 Meech Lake Accord that was eventually defeated in Parliment.

In 1992 another attempt by Mulroney to amend the constitution was made in the Charlottown Accord by referendum and was defeated by the citizens of Canada.

In 1993 Jean Chretien was elected and the country was pretty much sick of constitutional matters and not much has been explored since.

In 1995 Quebec had a provincial referendum on the question of separating from Canada but by a very narrow margin decided not to explore seperation.

As a result of all this activity, Canadians are a very active and informed group politically.

Canada values collective good over the liberty of the individual

As logic clearly dictates, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.

-Spock

As logic clearly dictates, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.

-Spock


Stars over Alabama...Reallly...

-Spock


:)

Stars over Alabama...Reallly...

-Spock


:)



:roflmao:

Canada values collective good over the liberty of the individual
Damn liberals

Canada values collective good over the liberty of the individual

i imagine that there would be a really strong push for mandatory helmet laws across all provinces then



cheers

marty

Martyr..Seems I have read the province of Ontario...Requires helmets and a bell..

i imagine that there would be a really strong push for mandatory helmet laws across all provinces then



cheers

marty

Ah, what a dag! That stands out like dog's balls, eh? I'll give you the drum, ask me after Feb. 15th, until then, it's cactus.

Ah, what a dag! That stands out like dog's balls, eh? I'll give you the drum, ask me after Feb. 15th, until then, it's cactus.
what is on the 15th?

what is on the 15th?

If you're going to give it a burl on that topic, I'm sure you're Dinky-di enough to have the background and not be a Galah! I don't want to think you've got kangaroos loose in the top paddock.

If you're going to give it a burl on that topic, I'm sure you're Dinky-di enough to have the background and not be a Galah! I don't want to think you've got kangaroos loose in the top paddock.

i'll persist with this one. i dont know why the 15th feb is significant.
tell me what it is, why i should know and then i'll stand corrected.

if CB can't elaborate, can someone else please advise?



cheers

marty

People should be able to post their opinions freely. The heated exchanges in some of these threads makes for some pretty entertaining reading & keeps me coming back for more. Especially during these long boring winter months.
Cyclists are opinionated people, maybe because of the variety of reasons we're involved in cycling in the first place. Some ride for transport, some for health, some sport, & some just for the fun of it. With all these different mindsets mixing it up, you're inevitably going to find differences of opinion. I enjoy reading other people's opinions, even if I don't agree with them.
Good to see that you come here to argue for entertainment.