I would ask that chapter staff belay the decision to delete off-topic posts at this time.
@TDWfan Would you mind re-posting your original post in a new thread with a slightly different title so the original conversation can resume and this thread remain live and visible?
@Wolfeman @blsimpson @uraikus @Dchsknight Having read and re-read (and re-read again) all posts in this thread, I believe everyone was seeking to address legitimate concerns and that no one violated any forum rules or acted out of malice.
uraikus' response makes it clear that he intended no offense regarding flag protocol, which, as Wolfeman pointed, is, as it should be, very important to men and women who fought and suffered to protect our freedoms. The flag remains an important symbol of our nation and values veterans hold dear and should be treated with the utmost respect. I don't see any evidence of lack of respect for the flag or what it represents on uraikus' part, only a gap in knowledge (one I share; Wolfeman's post taught me something new, too) easily rectified.
Dchsknight and blsimpson, as forum moderators, seek to keep threads on topic, which is part of their responsibilities as chapter leadership. As a fellow moderator, blsimpson's concerns about appearances of discord, especially regarding charged topics like the handling of the American flag, most certainly resonate.
So I can't look at the situation and say that anyone was particularly antagonistic or way out of line. Unfortunately, communication broke down early in the discussion, as communication often can on online forums, but we still have an opportunity to take a step back and resolve the matter amicably.
I can easily see how deleting the off-topic posts would seem the right course of action. A few years ago, I probably would have done exactly the same. It wouldn't be out of line with forum rules.
But I ask that Minecraft chapter staff indulge me and leave the thread public and unlocked unless new posts warrant locking it. I may be making a mistake with this request, but I ask that you all give me the chance to make a mistake and trust that I earnestly seek to mend relationships.
Digital communication can be difficult. I know. I've been involved in both synchronous and asynchronous online communication since the early 90s. I still can't say I have a firm grasp on it.
But I believe we can still resolve these issues in a way that, while the resolution may not please everyone, everyone will trust is fair and leave no bitterness or strife.
Never heard of that.