Y'know, I'm pretty good at some things. I'd like to think I've learned from most of my mistakes, for instance. And I'd like to think I've learned some of the skills I've admired in other people. And I've associated with some very talented and some very tough people.

Unfortunately I've learned to needle people too well.

I happen to dislike the Conservative point of view of the world. Intensely. And I like most Conservatives personally. I had lunch today, a rather long lunch, with a very good friend, a guy who funds most of the Conservative causes in this area. We do no talk politics, however.

If I run across something I think is deserving, he's always good for up to $15,000 for them. He's given millions to local operations for the purpose of assisting youth in trouble, put more kids through school than I know about, and has buildings named after him. Mostly dedicated to research. Conservatives aren't all bad.

As a matter of fact, I think you are a more than decent person. Personally. I despise your political views, however, and have fallen into the very poor habit of letting the attacks get more and more personal.

As the result, I'll make a good faith effort in the future to separate the political beliefs from the person and make clear my comments are about the person. Sometimes I just plain get pissed off and may not be able to completely follow through though and that will be a mistake.

However, this is one of those learning opportunities, and I hope I avail myself of it. Thanks.