What's been working for me lately is to just not read their postings- not difficult at all once I got the hang of it. G-l -i-d-e on by. I know me- when my rusty buttons get pushed, I scream. But certainly in theory I'm with you.
As for their wanting to join in on any subject, Hyperabid, all they need to do is change their name and jump in, and we'll all be the happier for it.
I don't believe that Roger is trying to stifle the legitimate but controversial debates. People learn from each other. (I'm just spilling over with cliches this morning!) And just as in the gun debate thread, which got pretty hot, it's easy to leave the room when I'm uncomfortable. Good people can agree to disagree- it's the people who don't allow disagreement that are so terribly frustrating, at best.
Roger, could you come up with a vow that wouldn't be just a bit off-putting? Somehow this one feels a little grim. If you would come up with an easy-mannered promise I think it would fit very well indeed into the Newcomer's Guide. Ebbie