Thanks for starting this thread, Startup.

I for one would like to see people lighten up and I am glad some of you feel the same way. It was surprising to see how quickly threads would degrade to flat-out antagonism (in no way constructive) and then die out because no one wants to get involved after a certain point. Otherwise, it's the same people agreeing about some US related news with some 'witty' exchanges. Those die quickly too since any thread with two people saying 'hee hee, good one' to each other should die quickly. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it's almost like people don't want to bother saying anything in those threads either because it'll just be another flame war.

I'm always very careful in my posts (put things in parenthesis to clarify and be non-offensive - it's quite funny to look at) but I'll always attract a barking dog, always putting words in my mouth or insinuating some BS. In any case, flaming is a common characteristic of internet forums anyway, too many people like to take out their real-life frustrations out anonymously on the web I guess...

Forums are usually quite nice for discussing, but this one seems to be more about people always ranting about the same things as if they had a personal vendetta. I know most of the threads are US related so mentioning Bush is inevitable, but repeatedly name calling Bush is so trite and easy, it shouldn't even belong in a real political discussion. That's more for the bright-eyed undergrad college kid just learning about politics and being surprised at how corrupt people around them are. I would like to hear more about other countries. The link to the photo journal of the area around Chernobyl was a great one for example. I come to the forum to compare and discuss, rather than bad mouth others and try to get along but that's pretty much impossible.