Excellent question Susan. I posed the same one about a year ago and was somewhat disappointed that virtually no one had changed any of their positions after being exposed to this microcosm of a community. There are several things that I see differently now than I did when I joined Mudcat.

1. My position on gun ownership has changed since I've been here. I live in a very safe area, am a large strong guy with a very well developed sense of self-protection. Were I in a more vulnerable situation I'd probably want to arm myself for protection, as I've seen how scared the police have become to get involved in dangerous situations. I no longer feel I have the right to tell others that they should not be able to protect themselves. This comes from reading so many passionate posts from Mudcatters.

2. I once thought I had intelligent opinions on a solution to the "Irish troubles". I never realized just how deep and angry the feelings on each side are. There IS no solution that won't end in continued violence.

3. I'm more tolerant of deeply religious people. Still don't relate to it, but I wouldn't make the same "Jehova's Witness joke" I made two years ago. Had no idea how religious so many Americans are. Once again, influenced by Mudcat.

4. I was truly naive about "flaming". Not anymore. I now realize that those kids in school who loved to "bully", have found an adult medium to carry it on. Sadly this also comes from Mudcat.

5. It's taken Mudcat to show me that a part of me "needs" a community. Don't think I realized that before.

Rick