Trolling? For heaven's sake no. Give me a break. I didn't start something specific about models of guns, (and their folksongs) or demonize one country as opposed to another, or call Republican or Democrat supporters nasty names. I pointed out how I (one person) was getting terribly frustrated at the people who push and push ONE solution (an extreme one) to very complex problems.

Twenty five years ago far more people DISCUSSED issues without drawing lines in the sand. Today there are so many issues that you can't even BRING UP (obviously extremism generally, is one) without having your motives questioned. If some people were less intent on pushing THEIR solution as the only one, then the actual issues might get discussed.

I've watched a television program several times (is that part of my problem these days?) where prominent people from several religions discuss some hot issues. It's fascinating, and almost makes you think that humans can exchange opinions on pretty hot topics in a rational way. Until I read that ALL the participants come from "peace movements" simply because they couldn't FIND a panel of 'Conservative' Christians, Jews, and Moslems, who were willing to let each other even get a sentence out. I just feel that if there is no compromise then there is no solution. I'm not talking about issues where one side has the clout to dismiss the other quickly with either public support or massive firepower, but ones that drag on and on because the opinion of most people is divided.

marty