Grammatical Correctness

[HansV]

Let's not get into a discussion about politics here - there are other sites for that.

[Skitterbug]

Let's not get into a discussion about politics here - there are other sites for that.

It is sad that other sites are not moderated with as even a hand as this one is! We could probably have a fair discussion about anything of interest here. Thanks Hans for keeping us on the straight and narrow!

[ChrisGreaves]

Therefore, to say "Yes,we can!" is an appropriate usage of the verb; ...

My high school geography teacher Mr. deKurloi taught us what he knew about the coastal people of British Columbia and the salmon there:
"They eat what they can and they can what they can't"

[BobH]

Let's not get into a discussion about politics here - there are other sites for that.

Hans (and all)!

I cannot let the aspersion cast go unanswered.

My comments, if read carefully, are apolitical. You raised the mantra of the 2008 campaign. I merely used it - because it is so well known and familiar to the world - to further explicate the lesson in grammar. In fact, I found the analogy of the mantra quite perfect for distinguishing the use of the verbs.

As used, the mantra was a statement of intent . . . of ambition and purpose; therefore the use of 'can' instead of 'may' was appropriate and correct. To stop there, however, fails to elucidate the point adequately. Comparing and contrasting the ambition and intent to the result further reinforces the idea behind the choice of grammar.

I made no comments positively or negatively about any political side or any politician. To construe them as such is over-reaching.

I understand and fully agree with the rules and know why we don't allow posts to devolve into political soap boxes. I also understand that 'political correctness' is just another way to suppress ideas and remove freedom of speech. Not to allow me to use the analogy you chose, in my opinion, is unfair and inappropriate.

I would appreciate it if anyone who would like to discuss this matter further with me would do so privately because I don't want to see sides taken and meaningless debate over my intentions waste the group's time. I could not, however, let the implied criticism of my comment go unanswered.

If these sentiments are not welcomed here, please let me know - PRIVATELY - and I'll take my custom where it is appreciated. You shan't have to bar me.

[HansV]

I fear that we'd end up with the same kind of fruitless discussion as we had about Norton AntiVirus some time ago. I'd prefer to let this subject rest.

[HansV]

By the way, my post "Let's not get into a discussion about politics here - there are other sites for that" earlier in this thread was not intended as an accusation against anyone. If I thought that a reply went too far, I would have edited or removed it (and sent a PM to the poster).
My post was a request not to let the thread develop into a discussion of the merits of the president of the USA - a discussion that could follow from my remark about his campaign slogan. In hindsight, I regret posting that remark.

[Bowlie]

We can (not may) talk about Swiss politics but No let's talk about Swiss football! Tied the Italians yesterday 1-1

[Claude]

Swiss tying with the Italian football team.

[Bigaldoc]

When I was a student, one of my friends ALWAYS answered questions such as "Do you know what time it is" or "Could you tell me what time it is" with a short "Yes"...

And from the comics:

2010-06-06_071910.jpg

[DaveA]

But Al, you did NOT post the last of this cartoon!
What about lunch time?