Well, I obviously see it differently. Maybe because this is the only online community that I have ever participated in and enjoy political debate, but mostly because this is a good cross-section of (mostly) normal people with whom I disagree vehemently over major issues. And it is all harmless IMO, as long as certain basic rules of civility are observed. And they ususally are.
It has definitely crossed my mind that many board members might cease to be interested in helping me w/ 911 advice once they find out that I don't share their political views, (at all), but that is a small price to pay for the privelege of good debate. I don't know about anyone else, but it has always fascinated me how good people can disagree so completely on major issues and the direction that our country, and the world is going in. And I consider almost all of my debating adversaries here good people. The ones who aren't, who cares about them.
Our society is too polite in this area, IMO, we are largely uninformed and fat and happy in the U.S., IMO. Political debate is the healthiest thing on earth and the surest sign of a vital democracy, and there is nothing more interesting than politics.
Can anyone recommend somewhere else on the web where this type of debate is allowed?
