A new cold war

It has occurred to me that there is lots of division amongst us on this forum in regards to various topics. Some of these threads can get carried away and become very testy. So what is at the root of all these divisions?

Currently the threads are focusing on the pandemic and politics. Division in politics is nothing new of course, but the rational for which some on here fight tooth and claw over is astonishing. There appears to, very much, be a line in the sand and you are either on one side or the other. Both sides think the other is crazy. Both sides claim THEIR resources of information to be true gospel.

So who is right and who is wrong?

I’m not convinced this can be answered easily. It has donned on me that the new weapon of choice for many people is information or mis-information depending on where you stand. Since almost every stat, report and even videos can be doctored, or misinterpreted, or skewed, it becomes increasingly difficult to trust any of it.

I’m convinced that foreign governments are weaponizing misinformation to create division in their adversaries population. This way they can weaken a nation from within. Like an apple with a rotten core. Once we are at each other’s throats than an enemy state can swoop in and finish the job.

Easy examples of this aren’t too far away. Just south of the border the political arena is drenched in information/misinformation. The country is aggressively and proudly divided into their own beliefs. I don’t know who’s right and who’s wrong. Only time will tell. But the longer it drags on, the harder it will be to trust your neighbour.

Some food for thought.

I agree with you wholeheartedly.
The sources of all this discord are most likely Russian and perhaps Chinese.
They are doing a bang-up job.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Birdbuff

I’m convinced that foreign governments are weaponizing misinformation to create division in their adversaries population. This way they can weaken a nation from within. Like an apple with a rotten core. Once we are at each other’s throats than an enemy state can swoop in and finish the job.

---

Yes....

"Activists, experts and policy makers are speaking out on what they describe as an ever-growing “influence” of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in Canadian business, academic and political circles.

There has been mounting scrutiny on the CCP’s increased flexing of its intelligence muscles since the ascension of President Xi Jinping in 2013.

Canada’s intelligence agencies have taken the rare step of naming China as a significant threat to the country’s sovereignty, with CSIS director David Vigneault publicly saying in a February 2021 speech that Canadians are being “aggressively” targeted by foreign interests – and Beijing was engaged in “activities that are a direct threat to our national security and sovereignty.”

https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/activi...nada-1.5407770

Totally agree, but I think there are still many of us on here that might disagree on somethings but agree on many others.

It can be healthy for people to have opposing views.

I generally don't believe anything anyone says with regards to politics and religion regardless of where they land on the spectrum. I am much nicer to get along with if the topic remains fishing/hunting.

This would be a great camp fire chat topic.

I'm to the point where I haven't watched the news in over a year, if I hear of current events worth my interest, I need to read multiple articles from all fringes of the internet to even consider forming an opinion.

I don't have any form of typical social media, but I can see what it does to form people's opinion on so many subjects. Most don't scrutinize anything they hear to the extent that they should.


Propaganda is not a new tool.

It would be good camp fire discussion, actually the guy's I hang with outside of here we regularly discuss topics like those on here and we don't always agree with each other.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dean.f

This would be a great camp fire chat topic.

I'm to the point where I haven't watched the news in over a year, if I hear of current events worth my interest, I need to read multiple articles from all fringes of the internet to even consider forming an opinion.

I don't have any form of typical social media, but I can see what it does to form people's opinion on so many subjects. Most don't scrutinize anything they hear to the extent that they should.


Propaganda is not a new tool.

---

It’s not so much not agreeing that I see as an issue. Having a different opinion is healthy and encourages more thought processing. But one must be careful how far down the rabbit hole they want to go with what they perceive to be true. It’s been said before, the truth lies somewhere in between one story to the next. We are living in challenging times with so much available information easily accessible, whenever! Information is great, but that’s no reason to let logic take a back seat.

And I agree with you as well on that thought.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Birdbuff

It’s not so much not agreeing that I see as an issue. Having a different opinion is healthy and encourages more thought processing. But one must be careful how far down the rabbit hole they want to go with what they perceive to be true. It’s been said before, the truth lies somewhere in between one story to the next. We are living in challenging times with so much available information easily accessible, whenever! Information is great, but that’s no reason to let logic take a back seat.

---

Well I’m sure no one wants my opinion, but i do agree with the original post. My observation is there is a rush to vilify anyone who holds a different perspective. There is nothing wrong with holding conservative values, or liberal values. I suspect depending on the topic, most people would hold values that would fall across both camps. But as we have seen, it digresses rapidly into name calling, taunting, and general school yard shouting matches. Unfortunately I doubt it will change. A day, a week maybe, but it will be back in the mud before long.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Cameracutter

My observation is there is a rush to vilify anyone who holds a different perspective. ....But as we have seen, it digresses rapidly into name calling, taunting, and general school yard shouting matches.

---

When you walk into a sports bar in Montreal and yell out "Go Leafs"...what do you expect will happen ?

When you choose to continually go up the down escalator in life, expect that the journey will be fraught with backlash. There are a handful on here that are habitually contrarian, then complain they are not respected for their opinions...Duh..

Quote:

---

Recreational contrarianism is the behaviour of adopting an unpopular, contrary position for the sake of enjoyment. Similar to a provocateur, a recreational contrarian likes to provoke others, but does so specifically in matters of debate, in order to attain the high that comes with eliciting shock, outrage, and attention. Being able to influence such a strong reaction offers a tempting taste of power.

Anonymity offered by the internet helps to turn everyone’s social media account into a character in a game. Having the ability to toy with others, with little risk of any serious consequences or confrontations, can be extremely appealing. Internet trolls are undeniably recreational contrarians. The difference is that the latter encompasses a much larger group of people. The internet troll is just a single, clear manifestation of this wider psychological and social phenomenon.

---

As per right vs wrong....Truth be told, there is no right vs wrong, there is only perspective. People's views and opinions are the results of their experiences and what they have been taught. So of course there will be conflicting opinions. That's' healthy as long as you accept and understand it's because of perspective.

On this forum, you are dealing with a specific segment or group of society, so there will be a stronger sense of bonding with similar perspectives. Going against the conventional wisdom of the group, is again, going to create friction.

https://i.imgur.com/sA2XG8Bl.jpg

Well said Mike!

https://i.imgur.com/5IAIceT.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MikePal

When you walk into a sports bar in Montreal and yell out "Go Leafs"...what do you expect will happen ?

When you choose to continually go up the down escalator in life, expect that the journey will be fraught with backlash. There are a handful on here that are habitually contrarian, then complain they are not respected for their opinions...Duh..

As per right vs wrong....Truth be told, there is no right vs wrong, there is only perspective. People's views and opinions are the results of their experiences and what they have been taught. So of course there will be conflicting opinions. That's' healthy as long as you accept and understand it's because of perspective.

On this forum, you are dealing with a specific segment or group of society, so there will be a stronger sense of bonding with similar perspectives. Going against the conventional wisdom of the group, is again, going to create friction.

---

Who decided which team this "bar" cheers for? What group gets together and sets the "conventional wisdom." Are these "similar perspectives" written down somewhere so people can know what is expected of them?

Or is the reality that a small cabal of reactionaries, butt hurt about the direction of Canadian society, feel they can dominate the discussion on this forum and enthusiastically attack anyone who doesn't share their narrow-minded viewpoints?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Badenoch

feel they can dominate the discussion on this forum and enthusiastically attack anyone who doesn't share their narrow-minded viewpoints?

---

Thanks for participating and providing the perfect example of "Recreational contrarianism' ie: Trolling.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MikePal

Thanks for participating and providing the perfect example of "Recreational contrarianism..

---

Thanks for participating and providing the perfect example of the reactionaries who feel they can dominate the discussion to the exclusion of other viewpoints.

Meanwhile the questions remain about the secret group on this site setting the "conventional wisdom" and the "similar perspectives." Are there regular meetings? Are minutes kept? Is a light lunch served?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Badenoch

Thanks for participating and providing the perfect example of the reactionaries who feel they can dominate the discussion to the exclusion of other viewpoints.

Meanwhile the questions remain about the secret group on this site setting the "conventional wisdom" and the "similar perspectives." Are there regular meetings? Are minutes kept? Is a light lunch served?

---

Is it normal for you and the rest of the trolls to have lunch meetings? ...lots of whine.? :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MikePal

Is it normal for you and the rest of the trolls to have meetings ?

---

Note to new members: Unless one adheres to the "common wisdom" and the "similar perspectives" of the reactionaries on this site you will be called names.

[QUOTE=MikePal;1166801]
As per right vs wrong....Truth be told, there is no right vs wrong, there is only perspective. People's views and opinions are the results of their experiences and what they have been taught. So of course there will be conflicting opinions. That's' healthy as long as you accept and understand it's because of perspective.

On this forum, you are dealing with a specific segment or group of society, so there will be a stronger sense of bonding with similar perspectives. Going against the conventional wisdom of the group, is again, going to create friction. ]

So unless one drinks the cool aid they’re a troll and not agreeing with the “conventional wisdom” is an invasion of your safe space.

Sounds a little like communism.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MikePal

When you walk into a sports bar in Montreal and yell out "Go Leafs"...what do you expect will happen ?

When you choose to continually go up the down escalator in life, expect that the journey will be fraught with backlash. There are a handful on here that are habitually contrarian, then complain they are not respected for their opinions...Duh..



As per right vs wrong....Truth be told, there is no right vs wrong, there is only perspective. People's views and opinions are the results of their experiences and what they have been taught. So of course there will be conflicting opinions. That's' healthy as long as you accept and understand it's because of perspective.

On this forum, you are dealing with a specific segment or group of society, so there will be a stronger sense of bonding with similar perspectives. Going against the conventional wisdom of the group, is again, going to create friction.

https://i.imgur.com/sA2XG8Bl.jpg

---

I agree with what you are saying.

But ... this is truth ....

Turdeau is a lousy PM, doesn't care about the laws, and doesn't care that he's printing (and spending) money to the point where it is unsustainable and there will be major repercussions for decades to come. In a nut shell, he is a negligent leader ... likely a selfish person too.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Cameracutter

So unless one drinks the cool aid they’re a troll and not agreeing with the “conventional wisdom” is an invasion of your safe space.

Sounds a little like communism.

---

Not communism but another iteration of "cancel culture." The irony of the biggest critics of "cancel culture" practicing it here with such enthusiasm should not be lost on anyone.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Badenoch

Thanks for participating and providing the perfect example of the reactionaries who feel they can dominate the discussion to the exclusion of other viewpoints.

Meanwhile the questions remain about the secret group on this site setting the "conventional wisdom" and the "similar perspectives." Are there regular meetings? Are minutes kept? Is a light lunch served?

---

I disagree ... I have enough different views from others on here (that share similar views on other topics). All respectful conversation in my eyes.
For example, there's some that totally disagree to getting the vaccine ... due to various reasons. Some I understand, some I don't believe ... we aren't calling each other names ... at all! And I still feel very much welcome here.

I'd say maybe if you are trying to convince the masses here that Turdeau is a decent PM ... then yeah, you're going to get a big backlash ... because the people on here have enough intelligence to know he is a disgraceful PM. He's a crook, liar, wimp hiding behind (and sacrificing others) ... sell out ... I can keep going on .... just trying to use the nicest words to describe him.

"Censure yourself, never another. Do not discuss right and wrong. Some things, thought right, were considered wrong for generations. Since the value of righteousness may be recognized after centuries, there is no need to crave an immediate appreciation. Live with cause and leave results to the great law of the universe. Pass each day in peaceful contemplation."


I came across this several decades ago, it might add some wisdom to your discussion. I've found it interesting in our current society how many ideas have become turned upside down, it would appear the author of this philosophy may have nailed it.

You don't stop hunting because you grow old. You grow old because you stop hunting.
- Gun Nut

If we all want to get along, maybe both sides need to burn down places of worship, deface and tear down all statues of leaders nation wide, block and burn railroads and hwys, riot and loot city streets.
At least if we all do the same we should be able to put an end to the cold war.
There's no better way to create unity than allowing criminals and hate crime to flourish. If we are all treated equal when it comes to hate crime we might achieve unity? Until then best of luck..lol

Discuss Ideas, not ppl ....
but have to agree with the original post. it is making a division within all sorts of groups.
I have lost some friends after 30+ years of friendship, cause of covid and related stuff.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Birdbuff

It has occurred to me that there is lots of division amongst us on this forum in regards to various topics. Some of these threads can get carried away and become very testy. So what is at the root of all these divisions?

Currently the threads are focusing on the pandemic and politics. Division in politics is nothing new of course, but the rational for which some on here fight tooth and claw over is astonishing. There appears to, very much, be a line in the sand and you are either on one side or the other. Both sides think the other is crazy. Both sides claim THEIR resources of information to be true gospel.

So who is right and who is wrong?

I’m not convinced this can be answered easily. It has donned on me that the new weapon of choice for many people is information or mis-information depending on where you stand. Since almost every stat, report and even videos can be doctored, or misinterpreted, or skewed, it becomes increasingly difficult to trust any of it.

I’m convinced that foreign governments are weaponizing misinformation to create division in their adversaries population. This way they can weaken a nation from within. Like an apple with a rotten core. Once we are at each other’s throats than an enemy state can swoop in and finish the job.

Easy examples of this aren’t too far away. Just south of the border the political arena is drenched in information/misinformation. The country is aggressively and proudly divided into their own beliefs. I don’t know who’s right and who’s wrong. Only time will tell. But the longer it drags on, the harder it will be to trust your neighbour.

Some food for thought.

---

Good post! I was typing something similar yesterday about the wedge that is becoming more and more evident lately but didn't post it. You said it well, and I wouldn't be surprised if much of it is intentional. People are much easier to control when they aren't on the same page.

Sent from my SM-A520W using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GW11

People are much easier to control when they aren't on the same page.

---

The old "divide and conquer"...:)

We just saw that run thru the US election.. almost 50/50 split. A battle fought openly on MSM..CNN vs FOX etc..

Well let me tell you something - what is right and what is wrong ?- what is immoral ? - to me there are certain things that are wrong and certain things that are immoral - this is based on my faith, my upbringing and my experiences - other people may not think the same as me and there isn't much I can do about it but I can do my best to push forward what I think by any lawful means available - when it comes to issues that are discussed in the social realm I can vote and express my opinion and when the opportunity presents itself try to convince someone my thinking is correct - our country is divided and there is no way of healing that - this weakens our country and will eventually lead to its down fall - one of the biggest contributors to this division is diversity - when you try to mix millions of people of different religions, races and other cultures you are going to have division - people talk of the great melting pot our countries are because of this diversity but unfortunately the pot is melting - one group pushes right and the other group pushes left - one president builds the wall and the next president tears in down - on president attempts to limit abortions the next supports it - one cuts taxes and other raises them - so how in the hell is the country going to stay ahead of a country (like China) where they push in one direction -

Perfect example of paid influencers derailing threads.
A small minority of 2 trying to control the narrative. Big fail...lol

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by impact

A small minority of 2 trying to control the narrative. Big fail...lol

---

The other two are vacationing together with no cell service. :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Badenoch

Not communism but another iteration of "cancel culture." The irony of the biggest critics of "cancel culture" practicing it here with such enthusiasm should not be lost on anyone.

---

Ah I see. So when your argument doesn't hold water anymore, your opponent is practicing "cancel culture".

You might want to grow some thicker skin if you insist on taking up the unpopular position, especially if you're going to post about it.

Sent from my SM-A520W using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GW11

Ah I see. So when your argument doesn't hold water anymore, your opponent is practicing "cancel culture".

You might want to grow some thicker skin if you insist on taking up the unpopular position, especially if you're going to post about it.

---

You see wrong. When an opinion that does not reflect the views of the reactionary malcontents the poster is referred to as a "troll" or other derogatory terms. It is the same way Liberals and the left use the term "racist" when they encounter alternate opinions.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Badenoch

You see wrong. When an opinion that does not reflect the views of the reactionary malcontents the poster is referred to as a "troll" or other derogatory terms. It is the same way Liberals and the left use the term "racist" when they encounter alternate opinions.

---

It's your decision to continue to debate with those who refer to you as a troll, yet you continue to do so and then proceed to whine about it. For that matter, you'd think someone who has flung more names around here than most could take a little of what he gives, but evidently not.

I see what I see, if you think it's wrong there's a good chance I'm on the right track.

Sent from my SM-A520W using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by impact

Perfect example of paid influencers derailing threads.
A small minority of 2 trying to control the narrative. Big fail...lol

---

There’s a paid job available? They didn’t mention that at the Globalist/Communist/Leftist/Socialist Convention.

I believe there are more than 2 that have been labeled as trolls.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Cameracutter

There’s a paid job available? They didn’t mention that at the Globalist/Communist/Leftist/Socialist Convention.

I believe there are more than 2 that have been labeled as trolls.

---

You have to stay awake during the meetings. Lots of options depending on your preferences. Freemasons pay by the post. The Illuminati pay a monthly retainer. Bilderbergers pay by the hour. The Tri-Lateral Commission pay based on the number of responses, the kookier the better. Opus Dei don't pay because they believe it's your duty to God but will go easy on penance if you sin. The Rothschilds have been known to comp a case or two of claret as well.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Birdbuff

I’m not convinced this can be answered easily. It has donned on me that the new weapon of choice for many people is information or mis-information depending on where you stand. Since almost every stat, report and even videos can be doctored, or misinterpreted, or skewed, it becomes increasingly difficult to trust any of it.

I’m convinced that foreign governments are weaponizing misinformation to create division in their adversaries population. This way they can weaken a nation from within. Like an apple with a rotten core. Once we are at each other’s throats than an enemy state can swoop in and finish the job.

---

I just watched a movie/documentary on Prime called "The truth about 5G". There is a part that talks about this.

Ever since my second Covid dose my cell service has improved. Coincidence?

I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before but I don’t see a point of getting worked up over someone else’s opinions or perspective. Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs. This, therefore, becomes the point of unity. By way of mutual respect for one another we stand united. A little less hubris and a little more humbleness goes a long way.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Birdbuff

I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before but I don’t see a point of getting worked up over someone else’s opinions or perspective. Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs. This, therefore, becomes the point of unity. By way of mutual respect for one another we stand united. A little less hubris and a little more humbleness goes a long way.

---

Yup..you obviously learned the lessons that were taught in your formative years thru grade school. That's the socialization that kids learn back when we had large families and in the playground. (Play nice with each other).

Unfortunately many may not have been having those experiences over the past two years. It's going to be interesting to see the long-term effects on this generation.