The current batch of mods are by far the best we’ve had in OD.

There is no problem with political discussion. What has happened in the last few days was an increasingly inflammatory posture taken by a couple of members, and others spread that posturing into other threads.

While we generally agree to disagree, when we become too stubborn to grant respect to a reasonable if opposing comment, then the transition between debate and insult is pretty quick. I suggest that if someone really only wants to use the forum as a place to toss insults, then perhaps a few days of r&r is in order. We are all familiar with each other's views, in several cases reaching back over 7 years. Most here know one or two (or more) topics that are all but guaranteed to get a response out of selected other members. But making the same points grow tiresome even when presented by the most illustrious writer. So mix it up.

Encourage variety by the topics you present. If all that is important in your life is what is going on in DC or Iraq, I don’t know what to say except that life offers far more. While commentary about topics which we can do little or nothing to change has a definite cathartic value, it is easy to cross the line between gaining a therapeutic value from sharing the exasperation that has come to characterize politics, to just being exasperating by continually asserting a well worn point. The point doesn’t loose it’s value, but can become an irritant when mentioned too often. If you wanna put on the flame suit and bonk politics until your fingers are sore, there is always Benzworld, which from what I hear has many bright members, and very little to no moderation.

PS: The babe in front of that SL sure has a purdy smile....

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...Tracy

'00 ML320 "Casper"
'92 400E "Stella"