....I’m not posting this because I care what you think of me or my opinions. I’m posting this because I care what I think of me and my opinions. And, honestly, I’m sick and tired of the threads, in which I engage, devolving into snarky, vituperative, and hateful flame wars that no longer resemble reasonable debate and that usually stray so far from the original topics they end up a hundred-page hate fest.
I accept fully my disproportionate role in that happening. I have done all those things; snarked, mocked, insulted and name-called my way through a thread. I’d like to believe I don’t usually instigate the devolution of our discussion but, in reality, I’m sure I do it more than my share. There are many posters in this forum, with whom I vehemently disagree on almost everything but, who refuse to get in the gutter when the rest of us roll off the curb of civility. And, there are others who, while occasionally lapsing into insult, generally maintain a respectable tone. I applaud you and hope to, in the future, emulate your demeanor. I won’t always be successful – I’m emotional and passionate about some things – but, when I fail, I hope to eventually be sufficiently humble enough to bring my temperament back around to civil discourse, apologize, and set about re-engaging in the legitimate debate being had.
For those I’ve offended in here, I sincerely apologize. Personally, I don’t believe it’s possible to be offended by the words of others with whom I have no relationship but, I recognize and accept there may be those of you who do. And, for those who think I’m being insincere, even now, I guess future behavior will either be your justification or my vindication. We’ll see....