I agree that it is not a good use of our time to discuss political issue on Less Wrong. In fact, I think it would be harmful, because it would drown out other discussion and attract people who are not prepared to discuss it rationally.
However, we should discuss politics in other forums, using what we have learned here. We should be able to avoid seeing arguments as soldiers. I would like to spread rationality techniques among those who regularly participate in politics. (Though I am not sure how. Leading by example has been to subtle in my experience, and direct instruction leads to emotional defensiveness. It might be interesting to have debates moderated by a Less Wrong member, where it could be seen as their proper role to point out biases.)
I agree that it is not a good use of our time to discuss political issue on Less Wrong. In fact, I think it would be harmful, because it would drown out other discussion and attract people who are not prepared to discuss it rationally.
However, we should discuss politics in other forums, using what we have learned here. We should be able to avoid seeing arguments as soldiers. I would like to spread rationality techniques among those who regularly participate in politics. (Though I am not sure how. Leading by example has been to subtle in my experience, and direct instruction leads to emotional defensiveness. It might be interesting to have debates moderated by a Less Wrong member, where it could be seen as their proper role to point out biases.)
I immediately thought of the Confessors...