I think that the vast majority of folks here are plesant and polite even when you DO bring up controversial topics. There are some individuals who have hot-buttons that, when pushed, bring the mood to a boil pretty quickly. I think what happens is that one pushs the hot-button of a given user and THEIR reaction pushes the hot-button of another user and it becomes a snow-ball effect. Heck, I have my own hot-buttons.
Who doesn't? The REAL problem lies in the fact that many of those with said hot-buttons don't take the flames personally, and OTHER folks do. That's where the true problems lie.
So, enjoy yourself. Get into every conversation you wish to get into. We have free speach here. Be respectful. EXPECT respect. When you're not respected, call them out for it. Do NOT expect your opionions to be respected without some backup. I think a mistake people make is that they expect their OPINIONS to be respected. That's not reasonable. I think every PERSON should be respected until they prove not worthy of respect. Opinions, on the other hand, should not. Too many people equate having thier thoughts and opinions flamed as a lack of personal respect. They CAN go hand in hand, but don't necessarily do so.
Wow...what a ramble.
Just my buck three eighty.
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Do not go gentle into that good night - Dylan Thomas
http://www.geocities.com/morgunnmac
