"Don't take it so heavy", as Rabbi Lionel Blue likes to say. And I'm thinking of that last response by Anthony Brown. Since he's signed in as a guest, I have to say it in open post, if I'm going to say it at all.

The post by George was critical and cutting, but I don't think it merited that kind of response. There is a fine line in these things. Maybe George stepped over it, Anthony clearly thought he did.

But responding to a hurtful thread by something that is meant to be more hurtful just ends up in flame wars and general unpleasantness. It is perfectly possible to carry on arguments which can be quite heated without going down that road.

"My hide is thick enough to absorb a barb or two in the name of free and open discussion." So it should be. So should all our hides be. And even if the barbs get through and hurt, that's no reason for messing up the Mudhole - "the brand of malicious sewage you spewed at me".

Count to ten - and once again - "Don't take it so heavy!"