Gee, I feel like Bill D. last week. You go away for a few days and look what happens.

I do not think one can live one's life fully without being offensive. To pick a path that offends no one means to pick a murky, obscure road that really does not exist. Sometimes we know that what we are about to say or do will offend some people (perhaps a great number of people), but we say it because it speaks from the depth of our hearts (see my postings on "gun" threads). Sometimes we speak what we feel and are unaware that we are about to offend someone (for to know would be to read the minds of everyone, fat chance). And finally, we can offend others with the intention of malice.

I believe all three types of offensive statements have occurred here on the 'Cat. The one type I would argue to eliminate is the malicious one.

If malicious posters and Martin cannot exist side-by-side in this one Forum, then I would choose Martin over the malicious person.

I would encourage all of us to seek "common ground", to honor those ways in which we are similar. There is a music and arts festival in my home town that seeks just that. CLICK HERE.

I also want to speak about evil. It exists in the world and therefore there are evil people, who are caught up in evil. When I feel "evil" has been done, I have posted a Personal Message to the offender, speaking my mind. Sometimes I have gotten no response. Other times I have gotten posts that convince me that my judgment was wrong. I believe some have responded to my feedback and changed their approach.

Evil does not shrink away when ignored. It will wither in the light. To those concerned that Martin has been driven away, I suggest they speak directly to those they feel have done the driving.

I, too, would welcome you back Martin. I am sorry to see you go.

Roger in Baltimore