Heh. That would be me, I imagine.

I suppose it all depends upon what you're actually looking for to begin with, insofar as sampling other's viewpoints and opinions goes. If it's only fastidiously polite, politically correct smalltalk about matters of no real consequence that you seek, then you would probably be better off joining your local "Ladies Sewing Circle", perhaps.

If it's genuine, frank, honest, candid personal opinions and viewpoints on political and religious subjects that you seek, and if you're not so thin-skinned or hypersensitive about personal criticism that it interferes with your ability to tolerate being exposed the opposing viewpoints of others (as they relate to your own stated views or opinions) then this place is great.

The internet is chock full of lame, heavily-moderated and overly censored forums. They're a dime a dozen, and as boring as watching paint dry. What made the SR P&R Forum so interesting was the "Star Wars Cantina" atmosphere of the place. Flames and personal jabs were a regular part of the give and take there, and they contributed a great deal to the overall atmosphere and appeal of the place for most of us, I think. It wasn't always pleasant to be on the receiving end, necessarily, but it was definitely always intense, genuine and enlightening.

I always felt that I got a much better picture of (and feel for) opposing viewpoints when the full intensity and personal passion of the person presenting them was also an integral part of the exchange itself. It told me a lot about the nature of the person who's posts I was reading. It helped me to understand the underlying emotional basis (if one existed) of their attitude or opinion. It illuminated the real, living human being behind the point of view.

Matters of any real consequence are, of course, always emotionally charged issues to begin with. Political and religious issues in particular are extremely charged, emotionally, by their very nature. I don't think that we do ourselves any real favor by "filtering" out all the heartfelt emotion or passion from each and every exchange, either by doing so volunarily or via outright censorship. If you really wanted only dispassionate "emotionally neutral" views presented to you for your consideration then stick to reading the newspapers or watching TV.

In other words, I much prefer conversing with people that speak their minds freely, without holding anything back. And I also think that if certain people can't take the heat then they should probably just stay out of the kitchen.

This forum is small right now, but give it time. Even on SR it took some time to grow. If the atmosphere here remains conducive to lively exchanges of views it will attract and hold new visitors who come to look, and decide to stay.

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