Community rules

US Vantage exists so people who disagree about US politics can argue well. These rules apply to everyone, on every side, equally.

1. Argue ideas, not people

Attack the argument, never the person making it. No insults, slurs, or personal attacks — about other debaters or about public figures as a substitute for an argument.

2. No threats or harassment

Threats of violence, encouragement of violence, and targeted harassment are not allowed. Repeatedly following or baiting one person across debates counts as harassment.

3. No spam

Don't flood debates with repeated posts, copy-pasted text, advertising, or links unrelated to the motion. One strong argument beats ten copies of the same one.

4. Stay on the motion

Keep arguments and replies relevant to the debate you're in. If your point belongs in a different debate, post it there — or start that debate.

5. Cite sources when claiming facts

When you state a fact — a number, a date, what a law says, what someone said — say where it comes from so others can check it. Opinions need no citation; facts do. Don't present guesses as facts.

6. Keep motions neutral

When you start a debate, word the motion as a neutral policy question that someone on either side would call fair. A motion that assumes its own conclusion (“Should we stop this terrible policy?”) isn't a debate — it's a slogan.

7. No private information

Don't post anyone's private information — yours or anyone else's. Handles are the only identity here; keep it that way.

Reporting

Every argument and reply has a Report button. Choose the reason that fits: threat, harassment, spam, or off-topic. When three different people report the same post, it is automatically hidden pending review and shows as “hidden pending review.” Reports are counted per person, so one person can't hide a post alone.

Enforcement

Hidden posts stay hidden pending review. Posts that break these rules may be removed. US Vantage applies these rules without regard to viewpoint: a good argument from any side is welcome, and a rule-breaking post from any side is not.