Yo, DU. I think we all need to take a deep breath, just for a moment, to remember

[tavalon]

96. I couldn't have said it better, but I'll add to it.

Know thyself.

I am, for instance, not an antivaccer, but my child was brutally hurt by the 18 month vaccines and is now an 18 year old who got his first vaccine since 18 months last week. I used to try to be the voice of reason around here to be cautious and thoughtful about vaccines and not to just follow someone else's schedule. I quickly learned that people here have great hatred for any thoughtful discussion of vaccines and that it turns out that they can hit my hot buttons with amazing skill and speed. Therefore, I rarely read and never respond to any of the discussions about vaccines because I know I'll get pissed and nobody wins.

If there is something one cannot discuss without landing in the mud with their fellow DUers, they would do well to understand that, and back away. Flame wars rarely end with one party saying "Wow, You're right and I'm wrong. Thanks!" I've seen that maybe three times in 10 years and yeah, it's beautiful to see, but really the odds aren't in your favor.

It really is okay if someone on the internet, specifically DU, is wrong. Really, it is. Unless you can remain calm, kind and thoughtful, you just add to the noise and nobody wins. Besides, we are a team (of cats) so why try to score on your fellow team members?