"Rick would back down rather than fight, even if he was right, which he usually was."

We all miss Rick, but I have to say IF that was his philosophy, he was not doing anyone a favor. (I also think that the above statement may not be 100% true - I remember that Rick would defend his position and most people would agree with his logic)

Conflict is a natural part of human life. While it can be taken way too far, simply backing down and running off ends up with the wrong view becoming accepted fact. I can't think of any significant social change that did not involve someone taking a defiant stand in the face of seemingly overwhelming and attacking opposition.

I am probably on the opposite policitical spectrum as Martin, but we have NEVER had anything other than a civil and respectful discussion. If you re-read his posts, I have to agree with him - 90% of his "insults"(sorry, lack of a better word) are directed at people who have attacked him.

I really do think that there are people who come onboard here just for the sake of arguing. There is a recent thread - "scent free environment" where we were having a discussion. It appeared that anyone who could not come up with a defensible argument resorted to insult adn attack of the person making the opposing point.

Decency is a two way street. Perhaps practicing what you preach, and also developing a little thicker skin, would go a long way.   People take things way to personally and develop a victim comples. People are always complaining here that Mudcat has changed. Perhaps we are getting older and becoming crankier. Altercocker syndrome at work.