I guess it is a good thing I am late to the serious discussion of the subject, cause I'm sorry to see the soapbox go. I read the announcement and said well this decision was made in the minds of the moderators months ago and it is pointless to debate it.
Several of us offered a suggestion keep the soapbox but don't moderate it, but sadly even that suggestion was pulled during the heated pre election discussion.
Truth be told I don't really care a fig about the soapbox what I care about is what the soapbox offered namely.
A place to have a discussion of the events of the days among people who's intelligence I respected, even when I was certain they were dead wrong .
So if the powers that be tell me where it is appropriate to debate
- The Obama cabinet: a betrayal of the left or smart choices?
- The Auto bailout :a march toward socialism or a necessary evil?
- Medoff Ponzi scheme: How could rich people be so stupid or there but the grace of God go I
- Carolina Kennedy: Good choice or liberal media hypocrisy?
- Afghanistan: Pull out now or win the war?
Ha Ha said it right, after 9 years of doing this early retirement stuff there isn't a lot new stuff to discuss that is relevant to FIRE. I'd like to think I am performing a public service in helping people new to the concept get on the road to FIRE. But that is entirely possible that is a conceit on my part and frankly most all of us long time early retirees. This time it may really be different and our 100 years of history stocks for the long term, 4% SWR yada yada advice may not only be wrong but dangerous to others financial well being.
So is this a forum only for discussion of bacon, bunnies, boots,and babes interrupted by the occasional discussion of financial matters or are we allowed to have discussion about non-financial topics where people may have passionate opinions that differ?