I offer the following response to the original post. I've only addressed points two and three, but I believe I cover the first and fourth points as well. Additionally I point out that the entire body of a post, including the signature line, appears with each polsting. I feel that political and religious sentiments should be barred from this the signature lines as well as within the posts.
Here are my views on the issue, thanks for the opportunity to comment.
Does it need to be partisan to be considered political?
No. Partisan sentiments are at the core of political discussions, but the full range of political connotation goes far beyond a partisan position. Ridiculing, bashing or even simply pointing out legitimate internal conflicts within our governmental infrastructure is a political discussion. Infrastructure includes local, state and federal governmental officials and agencies, law enforcement at all levels, military, and especially political parties.
Example: If someone asks about collecting sales tax and I respond that there are stupid tax laws in (un-named state), then I'm turning a legitimate question into a political discussion. I could say that the tax laws in that state are tricky to negotiate and that the enforcement is aggressive, then it would not be a political statement. The harsh value judgment "stupid" takes it out of being informative and makes it political.
Are jokes and comments about any country's government considered political discussion even if they are not partisan?
Usually they are, especially when the brunt of the joke is intended to point out a political position. If the content of the joke is more historical than political (did you hear the joke about George Washington's horse?) then it is probably not making a political point, The politics can be implied as well, if I were to post a picture of someone at a political rally who was holding a sign that made it evident he really didn't have a clue, that would be political. Humor comes in many forms from biting sarcasm to rolling on the floor laughing; all forms can be political. If a political joke or commentary is outrageously funny or absolutely true, it is still political.
