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Kit McCallum
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since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada

0 posted 2001-07-25 07:23 AM


The Great ... "Debate"

When words become a weapon, do you wonder, "Where's the line"?
I've seen it far too often … heard it way too many times …
Discussion turns into debate - debate to argument;
All parties rest their laurels on the points they circumvent.

We often think a good discussion need not to offend,
And though it's true, by explanation, "Webster" does contend …
"Discussion" by it's definition, "argues" or "debates",
Through "ventilation of a question" … do we seal our fate?

For what describes a good "debate" within the "Webster" world?
"To argue or discuss a point", as dialogue unfurls;
To "mediate upon", it notes, "deliberate", "discuss",
"Contend in words or argument" … it's quite ambiguous.

Now "argument", well that's another kettle of a sort,
"Convince the mind" with "views of proof", "advanced in clear support";
That reasons well, until it states "discussion" (how innate),
It notes that it's a "controversy" worthy of "debate".

So if by definition, even "Webster" overlaps,
Perhaps it is no wonder that so many talks collapse;
For though we seek to justify the words that we expel,
In civil confrontation, all "begin" by meaning well …

Yet in the blend of "back and forth", our humanness seeps through,
No matter what the point at start, it's often led askew;
Now enters "altercation", though it's labeled a "dispute",
It's fraught with "warm contention" touched with "anger" … purpose mute.

Now what of said "contention"?  It's a "contest" or "debate" …
Although we've come full circle now, we've sealed our very fate;
What started with a good intent, exploring different views,
Unravels to a "contest" as a war of words ensues.

So if you feel your voice is raised, defending points of view,
Amidst a mere "discussion" … grab the "Websters" for review …
And if you find you've journeyed to a "contest" verbally,
It's time to simply walk away … agree to disagree.


/Kit McCallum

© Copyright 2001 Kit McCallum - All Rights Reserved
RSWells
Member Elite
since 2001-06-17
Posts 2533

1 posted 2001-07-25 07:56 AM


It's a shame there need be a winner and loser on all issues "bantered". Very well thought out poem. Enjoyed.

"Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to decieve"

Cpat Hair
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Member Patricius
since 2001-06-05
Posts 11793

2 posted 2001-07-25 08:33 AM


yes..very well thought out. I enjoyed!
SEA
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Member Seraphic
since 2000-01-18
Posts 22676
with you
3 posted 2001-07-25 09:18 AM


Kit,
so much of this going on lately.....people want so much to be right, they just can't see that it doesn't matter if they are "right" about it or not.....ugh....makes me crazy   LOL I really enjoyed your poem and loved the last line, "It's time to simply walk away … agree to disagree." that says so much   wonderfully done!  

Decaflame
Senior Member
since 2001-05-11
Posts 1635

4 posted 2001-07-25 09:19 AM



A woman after my own dictionary....the only problem with one on one debating? Our silly emotions get in the fray!

this likes me so darned much!

[This message has been edited by Decaflame (edited 07-25-2001).]

Seymour Tabin
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since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
5 posted 2001-07-25 09:28 AM


Kit,
It's not what the winning will bring
It's the process of the thing.
Well done enjoyed.

Mysteria
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since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada
6 posted 2001-07-26 12:15 PM


Yanno...I learned by raising a child successfully that power struggles just don't work, so when the place gets heated I start laughing, and it works every single time, or walk away from it and let them win, "you're right" leaves them dumbfounded every time too.  Kit, you sure came up with a debate here did you not?  He he, want to debate this issue further?  Great job on this one.

~ Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance ~And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance ~ I hope you dance. (Lee Ann Womack)

Irish Rose
Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263

7 posted 2001-07-26 06:16 AM


YOU are one lady with class and style and this proves it in spades, what can I say but utterly professional, fantastic and well done! Yes, knowing when to walk away is vital sometimes in avoiding a confrontation.....needed this, bad day yesterday with my boss!  

" I walked beside the evening sea And dreamed a dream that could not be" George William Curtis"

Kathleen

[This message has been edited by Irish Rose (edited 07-26-2001).]

MARK V SHELDON
Member Elite
since 2001-06-21
Posts 3015
In a corporeal internship...
8 posted 2001-07-26 03:35 PM


Kit, this was crafted very well and prompted consideration to the topic -- a rather unique subject for a poem, by the way.  Enjoyed.

-MVS

"When you tell the Truth, you never have to remember what you just said."
--Del Casher

Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

9 posted 2001-07-26 04:02 PM


Now what of said "contention"?  It's a "contest" or "debate" …
Although we've come full circle now, we've sealed our very fate;
What started with a good intent, exploring different views,
Unravels to a "contest" as a war of words ensues.

So if you feel your voice is raised, defending points of view,
Amidst a mere "discussion" … grab the "Websters" for review …
And if you find you've journeyed to a "contest" verbally,
It's time to simply walk away … agree to disagree.
=========================

youve been in the Alley havent you LOL    
well poetess so wise... theres no need to debate that this is a cadence kissed gem of truths and wisdom.
Clever write, the way you work in Websters word play...great job Kit girlie...
you   with the best of them  

Mark Bohannan
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269
In the winds of Cherokee song
10 posted 2001-07-26 07:39 PM


Look who is giving lessons now.  Well written of course filled with wisdom.  I expecially loved the cadence of this piece but I have as you know always been a sucker for that anyway.  Loved the read and the message it carries.
Titia Geertman
Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182
Netherlands
11 posted 2001-07-26 08:02 PM


I plead guilty   I'll use my Webster in time next time  

Really a WOW peace you wrote.

Titia

A rose is a rose is a rose...I guess...
Feel free to use the pictures on my website. http://communities.msn.com/Titiasplace/

Balladeer
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since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
12 posted 2001-07-26 09:32 PM


How well thought out this is, Kit!!  

The definition is simple. If it's a discussion we have in which you are going to eventually agree with me, it's a debate. If you don't...it's an argument!!!  

Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
13 posted 2001-07-26 10:20 PM


RSWells: It is too bad there is often a winner and loser RS, I wish we could change that inevitable conclusion .... but I'm so glad you enjoyed, thank you!  

Cpat:  I'm glad it flowed well Cpat, thanks so much!  

SEA:  You're right Susan .. sometimes the need to be "right" can be so encompassing, the whole concept is lost. Much appreciated!  

Seymour:  "It's not what the winning will bring, It's the process of the thing." You've captured this beautifully Sy … so very true, and so very glad you enjoyed!  

Mysteria:  You're so right Sharon … "power struggles just don't work", and laughter is the best remedy to a heated discussion … blows everyone out of the water in a wonderful way … I love your style!  

Irish Rose:  Thank you so much for these wonderfully encouraging words Kathleen, I so appreciate you. I do hope today was better with your boss, much appreciation!  

MARK:  I'm so glad you appreciated the uniqueness in this piece and the craftsmanship Mark, I do enjoy writing on different tangents now and again … thanks so much for the kind words!  

Janet Marie:  LOL … no, JM, not in the Alley, just in my own backyard, LOL.  I know there's no debate regarding the fact that you are probably one of the most warmest hearts I've met … no debate on that sweet gator gal, thank you!  

Mark Bohannan:  ROFL … Lessons Mark?  Oh, no way … I'm still the student by a very long shot, but I'm so very glad to see you were here and enjoyed. I'm still smiling over your last challenge. I really missed you. Wonderful to see you here again my friend, thank you!  

Titia Geertman:  LOL, so do I Titia, and far too many times I fear, ROFL. I think I need a pocket Webster's for myself. I'm glad you enjoyed!  

Balladeer:  LOL … Are you SURE we're not married, ROFL!!!     Do you possibly "know" how much I appreciate your comments Michael … gosh, I hope so … you're wonderful (and don't you dare argue with me on that, LOL)  

Much appreciation to all,
/Kit

[This message has been edited by Kit McCallum (edited 07-26-2001).]

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