AB, as the real world is, seems to be populated far more now by the precious, the habitually offended, the childish, the politically correct, and the sycophantic, than it ever was in the ‘old days’. Some are all too often quick to accuse others of ‘personal abuse’ or of ‘ganging up’, or of racism, etc., etc., and, encouraged by their particular clique (no, I know they don’t exist here), are far too eager to press the report button – or if they’re a ‘mod’ to zap the offending post themselves - for the slightest perceived transgression. My avatar (courtesy of my fellow ABer, the admirable, awfully intelligent – and often deliciously daft - Mibn2cweus), emanates from the ‘old days’ when regardless of the intensity of the discussion, or of our opposing opinions, the most we ever really threw at each other was custard pies. The AnswerBank was more unrestricted then and far more sensibly moderated. The real ‘nasties’ were quite legitimately, in my opinion, unceremoniously ejected, suspensions were not imposed so often or so swiftly, discussion proceeded freely and there was actually more fun and a genuine sense of camaraderie even between some of the most vehement opponents in political/religious or any other variety of debate. I talk to everyone whether they want me to or not; most I quite like, some I very much admire, some I take with a pinch of salt, some amuse me, some I find too good to be true, some bore me practically to death (they’re usually of the ‘me me me’ brigade), but no one here is important enough to me to hate.
Gosh, thanks SP. That was therapeutic! ;o)