Marley23 Closes "2nd Amendment" Thread in GD: WTF?

[John_Mace]

I can’t believe I’m opening a thread about moderator action, but what the hey…

This thread “Second Amendment Solutions” (the [hopefully civil] GD version)" was just closed.

@Marley

This thread is slightly more civil than the one in the Pit, but not by much. It might be possible to discuss this issue in a civil way at some point. I don’t think that’s possible barely 24 hours after the shooting, when the emotions are raw and not that much is known about the motives of the shooter. I’m locking this thread. Feel free to continue discussing this in the Pit thread.

Considering the thread had gone 3 pages, and the warning you issued as part of the above quote was the very first moderator warning in the thread, I don’t see how you concluded that it was only “slightly more civil than the one in the Pit”.

This is the biggest news story going on right now, and you’re basically saying you’re not going to allow us to debate it in the GD. Makes absolutely no sense to me. I don’t think that thread was any less civil than any number of threads we have open right now.

[Marley23]

It’s being discussed in two other threads right now. I said that I don’t think, right now, it is possible to discuss the issue in a way that stays within Great Debates rules. I just re-read the thread and I’ll consider reopening it and expanding my note.

[John_Mace]

The Pit thread degenerated into foolishness not that long ago.

But thanks for reconsidering.

[mhendo]

@Marley23

I said that I don’t think, right now, it is possible to discuss the issue in a way that stays within Great Debates rules.

But you’re wrong.

It is possible. And people should do it. And it’s the responsibility of the moderators to warn people who won’t, and/or to send those people to the Pit thread.

There are only a couple of people in that thread stepping over the line; most people seem to be arguing well within the rules of GD. We managed to have GD threads on the day after 9/11; i don’t see why this has to be any different. Just enforce the rules.

[Frank]

@mhendo

It is possible. And people should do it. And it’s the responsibility of the moderators to warn people who won’t.

This is absolutely correct.

Marley23, I believe that you have made a mistake in closing the thread, and I hope you reconsider.

[Northern_Piper]

I agree. If we can’t discuss matters of high political/social significance in GD, might as well delete that forum.

[BlankSlate]

It’s not like it was a 1st Amendment thread.

[Marley23]

@John_Mace

The Pit thread degenerated into foolishness not that long ago.

I’m not surprised.

I reviewed the thread again and I’ve reopened it with further instructions and example of the types of comments that are not going to be tolerated. I closed the thread because I felt there were just too many of those to get the thread under control without a bunch of (ultimately futile) warnings. But there actually weren’t too many posts like that and I think the discussion can stay on track.

[John_Mace]

Thanks.

I was afraid someone might resort to the cyber equivalent of 2nd amendment remedies to get that thread re-opened.

[Frank]

@Marley23

I reviewed the thread again and I’ve reopened it with further instructions and example of the types of comments that are not going to be tolerated.

Thank you.

[Attack_from_the_3rd_dimension]

Thanks Marley.

[mhendo]

Thanks Marley.

[Northern_Piper]

thansk, Marley.

[pseudotriton_ruber_ruber]

htnask, Amlrye.

[Northern_Piper]

The mutton Kaydet is very good tonight (hic).

[PlainJain]

Hankers, Malty.

[John_Mace]

Flask Barley.

[Siam_Sam]

Task Gnarly.

[Shot_From_Guns]

Shank Armly.