Hello All, I have been a member of this list almost since its inception, and I have to say that I am troubled by the political exchange of recent days. My primary concern is that such discussions, while arguably very important in the proper context, will have a chilling effect on our group as a whole. My guess is that the demographics of this list will likely mirror somewhat those of the country at large--a near 50/50 partisan split. With ever increasing enmity and polarization in society, we need ask if these trends are what we want to see manifest in a group focused on the common admiration and enjoyment of our small sailboats. Furthermore, I think it is important to ponder the potential effects of publicly characterizing a list member--or by extension/affiliation--a group of list members. While for some, glib one liners or snippy pejorative titles might fall into the category of playful bantering, others (myself included) might be deeply sensitive to/offended by the same. I can offer one personal example of how this might in turn affect our otherwise amicable exchange: I was considering the upcoming San Juan/Gulf Island rendezvous when a particular posting (offensive to me) arrived in my mail box. I asked myself honestly what I would do if the sender were to be a participant in this rendezvous. The honest answer was that I would avoid him, and probably not be warmly receptive to any of his further input. This would be a shame, really, as I have enjoyed the information and stories shared by this individual over the years, and I am sure that we could find considerable common ground outside of politics. Am I too sensitive? Maybe, but I suspect there are more than a few on this list who would react similarly. So, while it perhaps bucks the current tendencies of our society and partisan politics, I would make a plea that we preserve this list as a sanctuary for our beloved pastime of our boats and sailing. I don't in any way mean to suggest that political discourse is irrelevant. Those on this list who know me well are amply aware that I have my own pronounced political and/or personal passions. Nor am I at all unsympathetic to wanting to find the reinforcement and validation of politically like-minded individuals. I would only ask that, for purposes of harmony, we focus on that of which we are truly like-minded--the world of M-Boats and sailing in general. I believe it is incumbent upon all of us to extend individuals the same respect in cyberspace as we would in person. Doing so would serve our list well. Thank you for your consideration, Scott Grometer M15 #478 Flicka #392