I think it’s time we had an open an honest conversation about what is and is not allowed to be posted here, and then update the rules accordingly.
It’s quite clear that on certain topics, certain views may not be expressed, while some extremely dubious assertions are tolerated. It is acceptable, for example, for someone to claim that without vaccines, Taiwan’s COVID situation would be dramatically worse (this is not directed at any particular poster - the claim has been made repeatedly on forumosa and all over the interwebs). You only need an outline grasp of statistics, and the published data from the CECC in hand, to observe that this is demonstrably false … and indeed could not be true even if the vaccines were 100% effective, simply because (a) so few deaths are being recorded and (b) so many unfortunate side effects of vaccination are being recorded. This is not a matter of opinion. It’s a numerical fact. One might argue about the validity of the data. Or one might formulate opinions about the implications - eg., one might opine that even though the vaccines don’t appear to have any purpose we should all be vaccinated regardless, but I suggest one should be prepared either to be laughed at for that opinion, or to have an interesting justification. What one should not expect, surely, is to have any objection moderated away.
Now, I’m not objecting to people posting things that are false or dubious. I think it should be encouraged, precisely because it allows other members to (a) point out that the thing is false and (b) to explain why. And indeed that happens in other debates. I see a robust and informative discussion going on regarding nuclear power, for example. Both sides are bringing strong facts to the table. Even some light poo-flinging seems to escape moderation. But this is not so in the COVID threads, where false information is allowed to stand, and debatable opinions are not up for debate.
So the point is this: if there are limits on what may be discussed regarding COVID, then it needs to be clearly explained. If there are certain tenets which must not be challenged, let’s have an official list. It is presently impossible to determine beforehand what’s likely to get temped.
Discuss. Feel free to bring some poo to fling.