Where is Lily? I haven't seen a post from her in a long, long time.

Glad you asked Iris. I have noticed that Lily hasn't posted for awhile.

He just posted over here....

Technology

Hurray! I always worry if I don’t see anything from the ones most familiar to me. Yes, I know it’s weird since I don’t know any of you personally. Now let’s find Lily.

Lily is taking a break. She's doing ok.

I was wondering about these two also. I do hope Lily will be back, (to HT as well,) and always feel relieved to read OJ's posts when he's been away for a bit. Thank you for posting, Iris.

It's nice to know that we're missed if we have to be away for a long time. I hadn't posted in a long while due to some health issues and was overwhelmed by the "Welcome Back" posting I received.

Feels like old friends when I come here and I can always count on folks being friendly (most times) and helpful.

Lily told me to tell you all: "Tell them I was banned. I try to come back but can't."

I admit I didn't want to say it, but she wants you to know the truth. She is really ok though.

This isn't something I have any experience with (though some may think I might have) but I would think a different email address and a different IP address, along with simple subterfuge, should work to sign up as a new user. I don't know what she may have done, maybe in a Houzz forum I don't read (like Hot Topics), but I'd hope forum management would allow banned users a second chance and that those given amnesty would have learned what they did that ran afoul of the rules and what conduct is expected. Unless she's already been given that opportunity once before or maybe she got warnings beforehand that weren't heeded?

Wouldn't that skirt the purpose of banning?

Amnesty and forgiveness can be granted or sometimes otherwise arranged.

I know nothing at all about it but anyone interested can pick a side. It appears you already have.

Management's side. If I ban someone, I'm not interested in them coming back. For _______ amount of time. The first time. Amnesty isn't unreasonable, unless they're a repeat offender.

I actually think Lily should be here though. So let's get that straight.

So, if one is banned from Hot Topics you're not banned from all of GW?

Hot Topics is getting smaller and smaller and I post less and less.

I was reading a little Hot Topics today. Was shocked to see some of the memes. Is that normal for that forum? It doesn't seem to fall in line with the statement at the top of the page.

I enjoy political conversation but that forum seems to be an exercise in name calling and futile expressions of outrage, from people of all views. That's a waste of time.

Politicians of all stripes don't seem to be doing their jobs. I'm reconciled to that and I'm much happier ignoring the daily outrages in the media. The weather's great, the sun is shining and I prefer engaging in enjoying happy days rather than with pointless issues and the day's latest outburst or uncovered secret that no one can do anything about. For now.

Andie that has become a regular feature of HT. Yesterday there were several postings that were flagged immediately after they were posted. Since it takes at least two flags to remove a posting for at least yesterday it appeared to be a concerted effort. One of the things I find interesting is what is reposted with some memes still on them. I have started making fun of them so will see how long I last. I think I have been on here in one form or another since 2006 or 2008. Perhaps before then.

Politicians of all stripes don't seem to be doing their jobs. I'm reconciled to that

Elmer, but this isn't a normal time in our country's history. As much as I'd like to ignore what's happening, I just can't. I can see where that forum can be informative, but golly gee, all the crapola you have to wade through is a bit mystifying. Why is it allowed on a site like this?

There's nothing wrong with free expression of opinions. Some people get a little to worked up over little things but that's okay with me. So long as comments there, as here, remain non-personal

I'm a denizen of the double yellow lines in the middle, I don't have a lot of affection for either of the two major parties nor their leaders. Both sides have plenty to be criticized about and blamed for.

Outrage has taken the place of engagement and compromise. Whether justified or not, there were plenty of Republicans who were unhappy with Obama and what happened during those years. And with Clinton. Is anyone more right or more wrong? Maybe, but it doesn't matter, because criticism of the opposition is what rallies supporters.

Less so than in countries with parliamentary governments but here too, how the country stays on an straight course is by having periodic changes from one party to another. More extreme things get changed every so often or changed back to how they were before being changed, it's not a bad thing. In the meantime, obsessing over details or events really doesn't do much. Vote for the candidates you like and don't expect them to do much once in office. There are some exceptions, good and bad.

It sounds, though, that criticism of Trump on the Hot Topics forum has gotten someone banned. Isn't a forum like that designed for criticism of our politicians?

How do I find that forum?

So, who else is missing?

@Toby - Have a thick skin and enter at your own risk

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/hottopics

My comment about Hot Topics and what's going on there wasn't an informed one because I never go. If that forum is getting rowdy or intemperate, maybe it would be better to find fairer places to discuss politics and leave that one for the rowdies. The moderators can only do so much and trying to enforce respectful adult behavior amongst adults is probably not what any of them (who signed on to work for an internet company) want to do.

Hot Topics, which I have ventured into and read several times, is basically a cesspool of angry political extremists on both sides, spewing any sort of hate, vitriol and "proof" to back their claims that the other side is basically Hitler.

It's like a real life example of Godwin's law.

Nobody learns anything there, they don't go to grow and learn and understand the other side, they go to shout and pound their chests and PROVE they are clearly right and the other side is insane.

IMHO, it's best avoided unless you just really enjoy seeing people riled up while you sit back and eat your popcorn; for me, that's not entertaining.

Nobody learns anything there, they don't go to grow and learn and understand the other side.

Texas, it was. It really was. Years ago. It's so sad it's become like it has. I learned so much from so many there. King Turtle, David, Labrea (sp?)... I could go on. We were opposite ends of the spectrum, but able to converse in ways that were productive. Those days are gone. Hot Topics is as dirtied as the party I once I loved. I am a moderate, but tend to the right side of the spectrum. I am nowhere near the current GOP members these days. But then, I don't think anyone is since the fringe is now wagging the tail.

I agree with rob333. People used to post the most interesting links that lead to great discussions. And now all the threads and links are used for "gotcha". It is just a shell with nothing inside anymore.

It really does sadden me to see that this has happening. I;m a Canadian liberal but have voted Conservative in the past and may someday do so again.

I love Lily. She is so smart and she is 'real people'.