Why this forum is here.

[Feathers268]

If you are relatively new to this site, you may not know me.
For those who have been here I apologize for rambling a bit, but, I was irked a
bit when I had a thread shut down because someone could not help themselves and
throw comments in where they are not needed, or welcome.

 

In 2008 this forum did not exist. I sent a message to the
powers that be about having a forum to concentrate on all things American. Up
to that point other forums looked at the unique relationship we all have chosen
to pursue as well as forums showing perspective behind the Great Wall and
introducing us Americans to Chinese culture and a hopeful understanding of the
land of the Middle Kingdom. What was missing was a place to talk about the
history and society of the United States, a culture much younger than China,
but for most of us, would be the place where our loved ones would be traveling
to and living. For many, my wife included, would actually become a citizen.

 

Now, I’m not going to claim responsibility for the forum’s
creation. I received word back from the mods that others had also asked for
this forum and not too far after, here it was with one major rule, NO POLITICS!
In the months that followed, we had discussions about things like past
Presidents, patriotic music, and even had a good discussion about the history
of and current state of racism here in the US. Used correctly, this forum can
be a valuable tool in helping our loved one acclimate to life here and just
maybe help them understand us crazy Americans just a little bit better.

In short, I love my wife and her home country of China. I
also love my home country and I admire the institutions that make up our
government and society. I will never forget the pride I felt as I watched Jen
raise her hand, along with a few hundred fellow immigrants, and take the oath
of citizenship. I will continue to post here and on other forums when something
pops up in my head, and I invite anyone to chime in. If you can’t seem to keep
from running into politics or being disrespectful, send me a message or get in
your car or hop on a plane and come here to NY and we can talk about it in
person.

Edited January 29, 2013 by Feathers268 (see edit history)

[warpedbored]

Well said Jim. I know you went to great pains to make that post non partisan. Some people just can't restrain themselves. We have tried allowing political discussion in several different formats and they all without exception end up the same way. People spewing hate. I wish I had a better solution than banning politics but I haven't found one yet. You're a class act Jim, keep on posting.

[Doug]

Well write on and yes the American side of things always sounds good from what I remember about your little trips with the wife and others in the USA.

 

Historical perspective is and should be welcome.

 

As far as politics, or controversial politics, we have our neighbor website over at chinafamilyvisa.com and anyone can start or post all the politics they want over there and get with it, and sometimes with the same folks here. Carl I say this so those who want can go vent as needed. It is an outlet and why not reference it? At least I never look at the 2 as competitors. They complement each other. Personally I find it enjoyable to go to both sites and wish at least one character or two would post over here more often, but so it is what it is.

 

Certainly we have more ladies over here than there and miss those who used to post. CFL has so much history and rich topics. CFV should have been around when I needed a place to sling a chair across a room. I had some rough years and this place was my outlet, perhaps unfortunate for many, but now I have a much better life and feel much tamer. Perhaps at least this guy will enjoy this forum in the years to come.

Edited January 30, 2013 by Doug (see edit history)