Coronavirus spreads. But don't panic! (topical thread)

[jerry mcmasters]

So why does this forum not attract a wider political viewpoint?

It is common for people under the influence of Groupthink to attempt to isolate themselves from outside influences.  We see this with cults all the time.

I am an atheist and I do get to be here under that condition only.

Credibility comes from having an open mind, or at least appearing to others as if you have somewhat (a little?  10%?) of an open mind.  Those on this forum that have little credibility with me are those whose political opinions are basically living breathing caricatures of political close-mindedness, you know their opinion of any event about a thousand years before it occurs, facts be damned. 

To repair your rep, describe two or three things you believe to be failings, large or small, of Trump's administration so far.  For bonus points, describe one or two failings of Republican policy or politicians.  If you can't think of any, then really no one can be blamed for thinking you're stupid, to me that's a kinder failing than being called dishonest, stupidity is something difficult to control or improve on.  But if you're not stupid and you're purposely being dishonest then you're being a troll.

someone else proposed this [aw come on, say something bad against trump and we might like you some]  a while back.

I rejected the idea.  I could care less about a shit rep passed out only because of my political position.  There are 1,000's of I fukin hate Trump posts and probably a hundred threads; and fuck them all for even suggesting my reputation is boosted by joining in the CultOfIhateTrump.

There is enough hatred of the man, I have no inclination to share my disappointments with any of you.  This forum is negative enough without my having to participate in that.  

And this forum is intolerant enough that only ONE ATHEIST Trump supporter disrupts the groupthink enough to create such hostility.  Dont take this personal, you and several others do not react poorly to my difference of opinion.

From the front page:

Welcome to Atheist Discussion

This is the new home of the community that lived at The Thinking Atheist forum before that site was shut down. Our site is still under construction but we are dedicated to rebuilding what was lost and to providing a place where atheists can communicate and support each other and where theists can come to learn about atheists and why we don't believe in any god claims. If you are new to the debate,find out how atheists define themselves.

Those are fair points, I have the same impulses when I get some of the political litmus-test treatment (I get it to a much smaller degree) that I just gave you.  (The impulse is: Go fuck yourself)

If you could humor me, though, is it at least accurate (unless I am reading your post wrong) that you in fact have disappointments in Trump, whether large or small, and you are just not inclined to share them here…but you have them?  Just curious.

I don’t think the only way one demonstrates credibility is to express faults and disappointments in ones own “team” when obvious failings occur, but it is a way.  Another way is to defend your positions as best you can in debate- here I think you’re getting screwed over a bit, when you just post goofy memes the complaint is “Just wish Drainy would actually defend his position” and then when you do the replies are insults and dismissals without countering the argument (not from everybody).

Internet forums!  Come for the atheism.  Stay for the fascinating intricacies of in-group out-group psychology!