For all you newcomers, first: welcome. Second, if you read just the seven contributions above mine, you will get a sense of what we are about here. Nothing above should be interpreted as discouraging debate. We have many of those. All we are asking is that it remain a civil and caring debate. Keep your mind open and your responses thoughtful and you have much to gain here. Members of this community come from around the world, and have many different backgrounds and cultures.

Joe, Seed, Frank, and Shambles, I am absolutely with you. Speaking as one who spends his days in all the activities associated with collective bargaining, you can imagine that when I come home I can't wait to get to the Mudcat Cafe and some talk about music and issues to unwind. I am all for spirited debate on issues,and even a little teasing (Perry Como, need I say more:-)) I just don't need the nastiness and namecalling that I have seen popping up. Even though I have never seen the faces, of all of you including Max, Dick, Art, Alison, Jenny, Barbara, northport et al, I feel we have become friends and neighbors and it is up to us to keep this place a great online place to be.

All the best,

Mick