I have grown weary and humorless reading threads where mature broad-minded individuals are defending themselves against a minority of narrow-minded oafs. Seriously, folks, my feeling is go to hell. Most anyone who visits Mudcat has an interest in folk/blues, but with most of us our music is closely entwined with our politics, social issues, interest in others. We want to know more about each other because most of us walk the fringes and it's reassuring to know others think as we do. For those of us who have been around for a couple of years, the threads have changed and it probably is no longer a site for the purist. So be it. If you don't like the threads, find another web site to exert your aggressions. Sometimes, I'm not interested in the subject matter or political/social rhetoric of a thread, but it certainly gives me food for thought. And I'm not fond of Celtic music, but respect the passion of those who are. If I don't want to go there, I DON'T HAVE TO! Bruce O. ... this isn't directed at you. I've enjoyed your comments and hope after a break you will return. Sometimes, I take a few days away from the Mudcat and am always glad to be back. I won't suggest we lighten up because Ferara said it very well a few weeks ago. If it doesn't assault my ethics or morals concerning humanity, I let it go. Earlier today I suggested ignoring the narrow-minded. When these threads show up, don't respond; they will diffuse themselves. I think the purpose of the nastiness is to cause unrest and arguing the point will serve no purpose. This is my last comment on this situation, for which, I'm sure, some of you are celebrating. If it continues, well, I guess, it continues … moonchild