Lilygurl and SShaw, I just love the way you both write!!
You are considerate, obviously well educated, and have a very succinct way of expressing yourselves. Bravo!
This is a popular topic that pops up now and again (as Nicole said). It is so difficult sometimes for people to accept the fact that not everyone agrees with them, and the fact that others may have a completely different point of view seems to come as a bitter surprise. I see people post and I sit back and say "OH MAN it is going to HIT THE FAN now"!!! And I am usually correct. I have just gotten to know where the hot buttons are and why, but new people aren't always so lucky.
One thing I have repeated over and over is that these things you are looking at are just WORDS. They aren't weapons or sharp objects of any kind. They cannot cause any lasting physical damage whatsoever. They can, however, wound in other ways IF and ONLY IF you let them. Put on your "word armor" if you are posting to any public forum. You will ALWAYS eventually need it!
Most people are truly trying to help. But there will always be the flamers in the crowd. They are the instigators, the antagonizers, and the bearers of new ideas! Even if you are angered by them, they will STILL make you think. And that is what separates us from our pups and all the other animals. Our inate ability to reason.
Let's all be as reasonable as we possibly can. Live and let live. Bygones.
Man I love this forum!!