Perhaps it wasn't necessary to personalize the argument so much? Does someone as kind and thoughtful as Mary Anne deserve banana cream pies thrown in her face? Even if her political views are in direct conflict with yours?

It helps to have a sense of humor, especially about politics. Half of America recently had to watch a man who they didn't believe fairly won the election be annointed President by the Supreme Court. No, I'm not revisiting the ridiculous count-recount arguments and counter-arguments. I'm pointing out that half the nation feels the man who currently sits in the White House was installed, that a coup d'etat occurred. They may be wrong, but that is what they believe.

There hasn't been a revolution, however. Many conservatives threatened to take to the streets with their guns if Gore had been declared President.

All I'm saying is that people treat politics just like religion, and take it way too seriously. Politics should be important, we should care about it, talk about it and act on it. At the same time, though, it doesn't hurt to remember that what really matters in this world are other people.

None of us are going to change the world no matter how many points we score in a political debate (or debacle) held on any of these boards.

The real reason most of us come to HZ is because we like it here. We enjoy the lively exchange of ideas, we like reading the latest news involving space and science, we get a kick out of some of the personalities.

Maybe the main point of these boards is really to get together and have fun?

By the way, I think you misread Mary Anne's 'saintly' post a bit. I'm sure you're well aware she never said 'saintly,' but perhaps you confused her political assessments with moral assessments? I think she was pointing out that the different political viewpoints of right and left lead them in different directions in the workaday world.

My reading of her post is that each group - right and left - thinks it's doing the right thing. Conservatives think the responsible thing to do is to take care of themselves, not rely on others or put themselves at the mercy of 'the system.' In their view, such a course is responsible and correct. The liberals who believe 'the system' can make a difference, and that their contribution to 'the system' can make a difference, consider that to be the responsible choice. Neither is saintly. Both are simply being true to their respective beliefs.

Anyway, who cares? Neither brand of politics has all the answers, both contain their own versions of hypocrisy, both think they're right even when they're wrong, both will always be with us. Besides, without all the petty squabbling, what would our politicians have to fight about, how would they keep score and make the other side look bad? Gotta have issues, even if we have to invent 'em!

It's just politics. Let's not take it so seriously that we make ourselves - and each other - miserable. Why not lighten up, have a little more of a sense of humor about this stuff? My own opinion - only my opinion - is that the people here are what these boards are really about.

Now I'll step down and stop preaching. Will everyone please place a contribution in the collection plates being passed around? Thank you, and go in peace.
: )