Thanks Ebbie... nah I just write what comes to mind and heart. For me, it's best not to be too self-conscious about writing.

Thinking about this thread makes me realize that we all have two choices in life: To try to bring out the best in others, or to try to bring out the worst. Martin has chosen to try to drive others to say and do things that are not a part of their true character. He takes pride in upsetting people enough to bring them to respond in kind. The choice we make depends on how we see others (and ourselves.) If you see others as basically hypocritical, dishonest and weak, you will do everything you can to "expose" them for their true nature. Sadly, all you do is expose your own nature.

If you see others as of great value and basic goodness, you will encourage them and praise them for their good acts. In the process, you challenge yourself to become a better person.

Hatred begets hatred, judgment begets judgment. And sometimes, judgment begets love.

Jerry