You see though...you had no trouble in articulating yourself, it didn't take thirty posts and there is heartfelt feeling which makes the topic more open to discussion and not reactionary-ism or simple retaliation.

Somebody needs to tell you this: You folks have gotten downright scary the last few months.

That may be true. It's easy to lose sight of the bar of equilibrium. Today's world is a scary place and folks tend to get polarized under such circumstances.

However, Lindy raises an interesting issue when she says she fears what the world would be like if Tom were a narc reporting on the "commies".

I think the difference is, Tom listens to reason, and although perhaps frighteningly opinionated to many, I would rather have him reviewing my case, were I indeed a "commie", than Bowser or many who profess to have the best interest of all at heart, yet seem to either be unable to take time to research the issue or simply listen respectfully to counter-POV.

I really lament the fact that some of the others you mention post less. I feel its a tragic blow to the balance of the boards and has led to this Bowseritis-Prolificus.

I know time constraints hinder many and Fox is hanging his hat elsewhere much of the time, which is understandable - but it still makes the boards "mechanics" much tougher, while also developing a natural tilt when a plurality of posters of a particular political persuasion are presently pontificating.

It isn't easy to speak up when it seems as if your society has taken leave of its senses, that the herd is stampeding because of an unusual alignment of its fears and emotions. It would take an almost superhuman discipline, but try to keep in mind that at times like these, voices of dissent are particularly valuable because it's so easy to follow the majority right off the cliff's edge. Listening isn't an obligation to agree, but it's a necessary duty. If you really consider yourselves patriots, you have a duty to consider the possibility that you're wrong and might be leading our country into disaster.

Ah but you just have spoken up! And was it that difficult? I am the first to admit that all things are relative - I could spend a week arguing the "left's" opinions pretty well and justify certain courses of action - or inaction.

I do believe anti-americanism is on display in the world around us, and that we are witnessing a glee in America-bashing from those nations or people who feel globally impotent.

There is indeed a difference between censorship and feeling uncomfortable speaking amongst a mob. I would like to think the lot of posters which make up HZ are not of the mob-mentality.

I have no qualms about people speaking their minds - in fact I like to believe I encourage it!*

Thanks for weighing in Robert.

SDAI-Tech1

*(albeit it definitely helps if they have a mind.)

;-)