People Are Strange

[H2O Man]

31. Although I usually try

to respond to posts on an OP in order, when I see certain names (of my favorite friends on DU), I sometimes skip around a bit. This being the case here ....

First, thank you for your kind words. The feeling is mutual. I have a comfort level in talking with you that, should we disagree, insures that it is as "safe" to express our opinions, as when we agree. And that it the way it should be. (I can't think of anything we've disagreed upon right now, but I'm sure that at some point, we have. If not, feel free to disagree with me, although that would prove my point!)

There are many people who are quite comfortable with the current tone of DU. They tend to view political discussions as requiring debate, and exchanges to be measured in a "win vs lose" context. Attacking the person, as a means of discrediting their opinion, is not only acceptable, but viewed as an art.

Now, I'm not opposed to serious debate. But those that require harshness, for me, are limited to the public square, when confronted by a right-wing republican. I'm always up for that. But even then, the exchanges are intended for the audience, not to destroy another person, no matter how toxic they may seem at that moment. And I don't see the benefits of engaging in that type of thing here.

I'm always glad to see when the Good People of this community speak up. And obviously, I include you as one of my favorites!