Annette Yunker

> Oh some threads go on a long time, but sometimes they are interesting to
> watch. Usually they go on a long time when they are about explosive
issues. I
> do not mind seeing (reading) a good debate but it can get a bit tiresome
if
> it becomes less of a debate and more of an attack on someone's opinions,
or
> even worse, someone's life or lifestyle.

I haven't posted for quite some time - I'd like to hop in here, though. It
is exactly the kind of comments where debate turns into attack that have
kept me from posting. It's not exactly that I'm not brave enough to post.
I'm just not up to being used as someone else's figurative punching bag -
when one becomes the focus of an attack turned personal, sometimes it's even
harder to stay/get out of the fray. I personally enjoy hearing other's
opinions - it opens my mind to seeing/understanding certain issues even
more. I doubt if anybody holds to an opinion believing it to be completely
wrong. I know no one who enjoys being bullied or pistol-whipped into
changing their opinions. Even "facts" often prove nothing conclusively as
they can be interpreted differently at times. I'd like to see the list
reach the point that a few posts back and forth on an issue are enough to
satisfy us all that we've been heard, whether we've convinced anybody else
of our position or not. I do get weary of someone trying to prove oneself
"right" on every issue regardless of the cost to the peace, dignity, and
respect of the atmosphere of the list and of individual posters. Let's keep
the debate healthy and welcome dissenting opinions and additional facts
where relevant.

O.K. - anyone out there, go ahead and take your best shot, as I don't
intend to respond. No, I'm not chicken. Yes, I've said all I want to say on
the issue. Yes, I will read your opinions with interest (well,to a
point-LOL), and it really won't be a problem for me if you disagree. I do
not feel compelled to pound this into the ground until I quote umpteen
websites, books, articles, personal experiences, or experts until I'm sure
everyone knows how right I am or how right I think I am. ;-).

Annette