We note that on this thread already, we have the dictum that anyone who dares dissent from this Guest's particular opinion, position, vision or "view" instantly becomes fair game for attack, intimidation, embarrassment, and who-knows-what else, no holds barred. Now does this meet the criterion for "flame", and qualify the "contributor" for the "pretend-he's-not-there" treatment?

Just wondering.

By the way, Amigos; we (regular Mudcatters) are not the only ones who browse this forum, many anonymously, and form lasting impressions of it - and us - on the basis of what they read. Are they going to "ignore" our detractors/flamers as well? When we step in the dog doo-doo, do we just ignore it, hoping others will as well, until it wears off and goes away, or do we hobble over to the hose and try to clean our sneakers?

Far be it from me to whine over "controversial" or passionate, sometimes contentious topics; those of you who are familiar with this old Yankee "Uncle" know that there are certain donnybrooks which I just can't seem to resist pitching into, despite the probability of getting lugged back out on a stretcher before the last table tips over. That's not, it seems, what most of us are concerned with here (although many I know wish we'd take it out back by the dumpster), and I thinks most of us knows about where the line is.

What I see a need for is community dialouge (like what is happening here) leading to a modicum of consensus, followed by appropriate, reasonable, consistant standards.

The future of this valued community may well rely on it.