On civility...

[H2O Man]

18. Recommended.

Very interesting. Both the OP and responses are worth thinking about.

In my opinion, "choice" is the best option. However anyone opts to respond to the Trumpets is fine with me. I can understand and appreciate any and all of the very wide range of options that different people take. I also think that an individual has the option of using different responses, based upon the context of how they are feeling on a particular day, and the situation they find themselves in.

I try -- but fail -- to use the example of Gandhi and King as often as possible. But I understand that they were great individuals, while the only "greatness" I may have is recognizing I am an imperfect, damaged human being. Thus, I try to be patient with myself, as well as with others. And I frequently fail at that, too.

However, I know that in certain circumstances -- those being an immediate threat to my family or friends -- the old side of me, which was too often violent, attempts to gurgle up to the surface. I'm old, and not as strong as I once was. But I could still do a fucking lot of damage, quickly.

Finding balance takes a lifetime.