Modern politics and religion are not subjects for discussion on these boards. Controversial political or religious avatars and personal signatures are also are prohibited.
In particular, anti-American politics will not be discussed. I am your host. In addition to owning
FORVM Ancient Coins and I am a retired U.S. Navy commander. I find anti-American propaganda very offensive. I often disagree with my own government and I also have strong political opinions but I do not discuss my political opinions here.
That said, one of the most important reason to study the ancients is the lessons of
history. Humans keep doing the same stupid things over and over. We can discuss how the lessons of
history might apply today. You should, however, be able to discuss historical events and how they might offer lessons for today without offending. If you can't, don't bother to discuss it here. If the lesson from
history is valid and compelling, you should be able to discuss the historical events and allow the reader to draw their own lessons from it.
Religion may be discussed only as it applies
very specifically to coins. For example, the meaning behind
Christian symbols on
Roman or
Byzantine coins is an appropriate discussion. Whether or not the
denarius of
Tiberius is the true
Tribute Penny is an appropriate discussion. Discussing whether or not events in the Bible are historical facts is not an appropriate discussion. Comparing one religion to another is not an appropriate discussion. It is impossible for me clearly and absolutely delineate the difference between appropriate and inappropriate religious discussion. However, any discussion that insults religious beliefs or results in a heated debate about issues of faith is prohibited.
Political or religious avatars and personal signatures are highly discouraged but not entirely prohibited. For example, "Jesus Loves You" or "Muhammad is
his Prophet" would be OK in a signature, a
cross or Krishna image would be OK as an avatar. Positive personal messages are OK. Offensive, insulting or even just controversial political or religious messages are not. What is controversial? I don't know how to define it, but I know it when I see it. If you are considering something but think it might be controversial, forget it, it undoubtedly is controversial to someone else.
People come here to talk about
ancient coins. If we talk about other things, particularly those that offend people, we are straying from the purpose of the boards. There are
plenty of places to talk politics, religion and every other topic.