Let’s be clear here, everyone is entitled to an opinion. Once that opinion is publicly stated, no matter how it is couched or cloaked, it moves from being a personal opinion more to the staking out of a position. If you disagree with this point, why does one feel the need to publically state one’s beliefs?
Doing so naturally invites comments supporting, questioning, challenging and or opposing. That in an open forum, others might challenge a position is to be expected. The intensity with which one offers statements is most often equaled by the intensity of the discourse that follows.
Some may note recently I have not been a regular participant on the board. There are many reasons for this, partly because this time of year I find myself in more off-line / one on one discussions. But also, the nature of the give and take of late is something that while I enjoy following, I choose not to slog into. Doesn’t make it good or bad, it just is and I wouldn’t presume any just cause to challenge.
Most know I tend towards cryptic responses. That habit is the evolution of a cynical former response style reflective of Carl’s style. Time evolves us all and I have seen Carl evolve since his old regeneration lab days and those classic posts. Just as in many other things in life, don’t confuse style with substance.
While I admire Vern and consider him a friend, he advises not to partake of Charlie’s site. I can admire Vern but not choose to throw Charlie out with the bathwater. In the same sprit I suggest that just as someone has the right to opinions and to free speech, the rest have equal freedom to participate or not. I am picturing a recent visit to my front door by 2 young men in white shirts and black ties. No it wasn’t Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones in Ray-Bans, but a couple of Salt Lake good ol boys. I politely gave them a round trip… Similarly I suggest that if a particular poster offends one’s sensibilities, that when you see that person’s post, scroll on by.
The back and forth between combatants is usually a good read. 3rd party’s posts that don’t contribute to the topic but serve only to align one with a camp, tend to be the lesser reads and needlessly detract from the quality of the discourse.
