First, this forum was not created as a venue to discuss political issues that are unrelated to firearms and related freedoms. However, over time we (Moderators) very reluctantly agreed to open an "Off Topic" sub-forum in response to numerous requests from members. We were convinced that it was a major problem in the making and that we would surely have to shut it down. I'm proud to say we were absolutely wrong. We have had very few problems and I attribute that to the character of our members. To bolster that claim, I would also point to the fact that in almost five years (Dec. 2004), we have had to ban less than a dozen members, aside from spammers.
Even with the opening of the Off Topic section, we still prohibit out-and-out political discussion on hot button issues. Rule 11 sets addresses this as follows;
But here too the we have become more liberalForum Rule 11 wrote:11. Off-topic posts/threads: Since they tend to cause the most problems for other boards, our "off-topic" sub-forum is not an "anything goes" area. Absolutely no discussions of religion, immigration/border security, abortion, race matters, or any other hot-button political issues. (Gun-related political issues can be discussed in other areas.).
in our interpretation of this rule, by allowing ever increasing latitude to the members in determining what subjects will be within the character of the community the forum has created. Obviously, there are some issues/subjects that do not lend themselves to bright-line rules, but we (Moderators) err on the side of allowing a discussion when there is doubt. Occasionally we see threads that start off fine, then deteriorate resulting in either warnings or the locking of the thread. These too are rare. We understand that many issues are emotionally charged and when we enforce the forum rules it is to preserve the sense of community you members have created, not an attack on anyone's beliefs or opinions. I received a PM from a member who no longer feels welcome at TexasCHLforum because he describes himself as more liberal than what he believes to be the average TexasCHLforum member. At his request, his registration has been de-activated. I hate to lose any member for any reason, but I must confess that I’m just a little offended by his comment. First, let me say that liberals, moderates, conservatives and everyone falling somewhere in the middle of those labels are absolutely welcome at TexasCHLforum. Further, I think we the members and the Moderators have made that abundantly clear. I have had private “conversations” as well as public posts with members who describe themselves as liberals and libertarians and while we may disagree on some, perhaps many, political issues, we share a mutual respect for each other and a common goal of promoting gun rights to everyone, regardless of their party affiliation, or lack thereof. This is the very foundation of the TexasCHLforum – a strong commitment to supporting the Second Amendment and showing respect to one another regardless of our differences on other issues.
I truly believe that many who claim that “nothing but conservative opinions are welcome here” are upset that their personal opinions are not more widely shared here on the forum. But this is not a matter of their opinions not being welcome, they simply are not in the majority. It would take only a few minutes for me to find boards where my conservative, Christian, Texan opinions would surely fall in the minority. I would judge whether or not my opinions were “welcome” based upon the type of reaction I received. In my view, it is a personal attack, not respectful disagreement, that is a sign one is not welcome.
Chas.