There seems to be a bit of confusion going around STEEM and Hive. It appears as if the concept of a neutral stance is up for debate, as if the concept is radical and new.

Define Definition

Some people refer to this as word thinking, which is to say, you don't address the behavior, the action, but try to change the concept of the word as to defend the action itself.

To give a simple example. Let's say I'm told by my wife that eating carbs is not allowed in our house. Let's say she spoke with a physician about my health and thus knows that I should not get anywhere near them.

Simply because "I'm a rebel" and I "need to win" I decide to eat an oatmeal cookie, I get caught, and thus the argument starts.

I could be stubborn and defend my cookie eating by pointing out that oatmeal is excellent for your health (some truth to that) and that it doesn't count as carbs because of this very reason.... Or... I could be a grownup and accept that I ate carbs.

Playing both sides

I think the best analogy, the best way to frame the recent events is to equate them to a war. It may sound hyperbolic, but the battle of ideologies was in full display as far as I could tell.

Along that line of thinking, Imagine that I was a soldier in a conflict between to neighboring countries. Imagine that I, because I'm a smart cookie and because I need to ensure my living, decide to sell products to both sides.

So, to Republican Country of South Steemia I'm selling shields to defend themselves from North Hivea, to which I'm selling swords to.

You see, I can claim to be "neutral" because I'm selling them items to maintain the stalemate. One can't hurt the other, meanwhile I'm chugging along trying to make my monies.

In my example, it's quite clear that I'm acting without honor, and if someone was to point it out, no matter how much I massage the definition of "neutrality" nobody in their right sober mind would accept it.

Well, the picture is quite clear.

RACISM!!!

It's the last resort for those out of arguments. I see it so often it barely moves a needle in my head. Every single time someone is losing a logical argument they resort to the classics.

1. Your a racist
2. You are like Hitler
3. You are ignorant

None of these land, because they are the blunt tools of the mentally crippled.

So...

If you are still confused about being neutral, let me know. Maybe I can call the cops on you, plant some drugs, but call you to let you know they are coming so you can run away on time.

And, if you get angry with me... well... We'll know your just a racist piece of shit.

MenO