I don’t like the way you use the newsletter to forward your political views

Posted on December 4th, 2007 by Richard Catto 2,631 views

“I don’t like the way you use the newsletter to forward your political views”

That’s what someone just told me as the reason for unsubscribing from my mailing list, which goes out to people all over South Africa (and further afield).

So, I guess to keep this subscriber, I must cease expressing my political views because he (or she) is simply not interested in hearing dissenting opinions.

This is, I feel (oh dear, there I go again, expressing my personal opinion), reflects the sad sorry state of national debate (or lack thereof) in South Africa.

Many (or some) South Africans only want to read articles that are congruent with their own political views. Any dissenting views will lead to unsubscription or calls to boycott, but not debate. Debate takes time and energy and motivation to make your own opinions and rationale for them heard, and why do that when you can flip on the TV, eat a Schalk burger and space out?

Why indeed?

Tags: closed minds, Marc Ishlove, National debate, Rapport boycott, Schalk Burger, space out
Filed under National debate |

10 Responses to “I don’t like the way you use the newsletter to forward your political views”

1. Arnold Says:
   December 4th, 2007 at 06:54

   Debate? What is that?

   This seems to be an art form that is long gone in this part of the world. It seems as if folks will only take part in a debate if they agree with the original idea put forth or they are coming in with their own agenda. This very fact is shown clearly in the comments that are received by many South African blogs (my own included). They either agree with you or else they engage in ‘comment rage’. There is no middle ground. Everything is always black or white (excuse the pun) – there is no grey.

   I have just joined your mailing list so your lost subscriber has been replaced.

2. Richard Catto Says:
   December 4th, 2007 at 07:05

   Thanks, Arnold, and welcome.

    

3. SheBee Says:
   December 4th, 2007 at 09:58

   I’m having such trouble logging into wordpress, COnan!

   Grrrr.

   I facebooked Marc Ishlove. Can’t find him, only Marcia. Maybe he saw your site and went for a sex change. Lol.

   So, you becoming an online politician hmmm? We need to negotiate this I think. Can’t be having myself hanging around with the wrong kind of people, now can I?

4. Spencer Says:
   December 4th, 2007 at 16:38

   Richard, a debate is a rational discussion. Generally a debate does not include adjectives like “Fuckwit” and “Cunt” . reading your SAP post makes me wonder if you are also suffering from the awful malaise you mention above. Just my two odd pence…

   PS: you are rapidly being voted as “Screaming Dora Queen” on my “Is Richard catto Gay?” blog poll. 5 to 0 thus far.

5. Richard Catto Says:
   December 4th, 2007 at 18:30

   It’s no longer the SAP, Spencer. It’s the SAPS.

   Same thing with the SADF – it’s now the SANDF.

   You appear stuck in a racist time warp, Spencer.

   As for your poll, I voted on it myself. One guess which option I picked.

   Spencer, you’re lamer and st0000p1der than flyshit. Ditto for Lankester.

6. SheBee Says:
   December 4th, 2007 at 20:38

   Spencer, I voted on your poll too. I would have picked screaming dora queen too but I was laughing too much at your silly blog.

7. Spencer Says:
   December 5th, 2007 at 16:03

   Thank you Sheebee, I aim to please and spread my own special brand of light and joy to the darkest , most odorous parts of the internet. Which incidently is where I am right now.

   I may be stoopid but Richard my son, hell I am way better looking than you.

8. Richard Catto Says:
   December 5th, 2007 at 16:07

   Post a pic, Spencer, and let us judge.

    

9. Bridget Says:
   December 6th, 2007 at 01:26

   What would the point of my continued lurking if you stop the opinions? Whoever sent the mail, they are still obviously reading this, cos if they did a psych study on you they would have known you would post it. So to them I say, SOD OFF! In your place I will commit to daily commentary so Richard doesn’t ever have to post your diatribe ever again. Thank you, goodbye,
   Bridget.
   PS: If you are looking for the exit, it’s the one marked, “All Morons, Turn Right Here” Happy Holidays!

10. SheBee Says:
    December 6th, 2007 at 16:19

    Woohoo Bridget!

     

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