"It's usually done to muffle those who don't share a common view and I think it's un-American." "I've eliminated all friendships with Bush supporters as I consider it to be a patriotic duty and a lot more healthy on my disposition. Best thing I ever did." --Sounds like someone champions free speech ONLY insofar as it agrees with his own . . . Incivility is incivility, NOT some idealistic sacred form of expression championed by the First Amendment . . . Let's call it like it is . . . ----- Original Message ----- From: Bob Olson To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Sent: Friday, March 18, 2005 9:50 PM Subject: political discussion So, when all your keels have disintegrated to dust because of toxins in our water supply. And the government starts charging a wind tax, would you not feel compelled to discuss politics? Personally, I have a hard time distinguishing between environmental issues and a sport that is so environmentally dependent. Even if you are only out for a short day sail, you are effected by our government's environmental policy. If you don't understand that simple concept, then I'd get educated. Even economics have a huge impact on this sport. Last thing-- this is America after all. Remember free speech? I figure if someone doesn't like what I have to say, they can tune me out--they will never muffle me. I figure that we are all adults here. And I resent those that create rules for discussion. It's usually done to muffle those who don't share a common view and I think it's un-American. I do agree with Tod on one thing. I've elimated all friendships with Bush supporters as I consider it to be a patriotic duty and a lot more healthy on my disposition. Best thing I ever did. --Bob Olson htmills@bright.net wrote: Scott, Good post, and they mirror my sentiments and reactions exactly. A few years ago, I went sailing with a visiting M-boater and we had a pleasant afternoon. Since then, I've lost interest in any camaraderie with him (and likely him with me) because I've seen how our political opinions diverge so widely and have drawn the conclusion that he most likely considers me an idiot for my political views. Why would I wish to fellowship with someone who holds such an opinion of me? I'd have to be a desperate masochist of some sort. Or at least an idiot. ;-) So, yes, expressing opinions that are: a) likely very personally disagreeable to others b) largely irrelevant to the topic of this list are indeed, divisive. I should have refrained from a couple of posts there and apologize. Happy sailing, Tod Mills