It’s hard to say, at my age, but I suppose the “gift” that would truly make me happy would be a moderated online discussion forum where people actually understand what “debate” entails — that it involves connecting what you say to reality, offering verifiable cites, responding directly to the other person, refraining from namecalling or insults, etc.
Many years ago, I was on the Compuserve Political Debate forum. I even helped to moderate it. The rules on that forum, which were strictly, fairly, and transparently enforced, were simple. No namecalling. No personal insults. Beginning a sentence with “you are…” was discouraged. No “you are a racist,” or “you are a communist,” unless the person actually avowed themselves as these things. “What you say is racist,” or “What you say sounds like communism,” was, however, permitted.
No addressing others with unwanted endearments or nicknames. No calling people “Rethuglicans” or “Dimmocrats.” No “Babes,” no “Honeys,” no “Sugars..” If someone named “Nicole” asked you stop calling her “Nicki,” repeating the offense would get the post removed. Do it again, and you’d be banned.
The result was one of the most well-run, intelligent online discussion forums I’ve experienced in four decades of discussing issues online.
I miss it.
Pam Troy 