question about internet political forums

[steve2470]

I almost never stray from DU. Hence, my question: are there any good, well-moderated American political forums for all political allegiances on the internet, or is that "impossible" ? I know even here, things can get very heated. Thanks in advance for your time.


Steve

[bemildred]

1. Never seen anything like DU.

I think it occurred in response to a need at the time, an emergent phenomena, at least as much as something created by intent. Like the "Arab Spring" or OWS.

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. An international (but in English) one, with many Americans on

www.politicsforum.org

Moderated to stop personal insults, but allowing everything from fascism (if they can avoid being racist, that is) to communism. It has a North American forum if you want to concentrate on politics close to home, but the general ones have threads in which a US perspective can dominate too.

[bemildred]

3. +1.

I'm going to check it out.

Edit: the one difference I see is that here we allow "utter nonsense".

[muriel_volestrangler]

4. I can't remember a 'no utter nonsense' rule there

They do have a 'conspiracy theories' section, that moderators may move things to, if that's what's you mean. It is something that comes up when you sign up?

[bemildred]

5. It was in the "about us" page.

http://www.politicsforum.org/documents/politics-forum/a-quick-introduction-to-the-politics-forum.php

"The Politics Forum is intended for discussion by adults, so please post in a manner in keeping with adult discussion. Please treat other users with respect and don't post utter nonsense. Before you can post you will need to register an account. If you are interested in a further explanation of the purpose of the forum then you can read our mission statement."

I expect one can still get away with excerpts from Lewis Carroll though.

[steve2470]

6. more info here also:

http://www.politicsforum.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=45525

[TreasonousBastard]

7. Curiously, I was listening earlier to an interview with a guy who...

said there is no possibility for an internet forum to be worthwhile and have intelligent discussion.

He said it's just too easy for anyone with an opinion, worthwhile or not, to post it without any supporting facts or documentation and all that noise drives out serious discussion.

[bemildred]

9. He's wrong.

People do whatever they like on the Internet, including having good discussions. If freedom isn't free, it isn't freedom.

[Shankapotomus]

8. The City Data political forums is pretty well moderated

and with pretty good activity:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/politics-other-controversies/

They also have a "Great Debates" section with even higher posting standards:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/great-debates/