I have been thinking about this, lately, and have come to a conclusion. While not everyone can be categorized, I think there is a commonality among the most frequent posters here:

We are a collection of windmill jousters, Don Quixotes talking about our ideals from several different positions. Without going into examples, I think we know well each other's ideals, and I think this is the reason there never appears to be movement in our debates.

It is the debate itself that that leads us to bring out our swords of idealism, and it is abundantly clear to me that there is a great deal of passion. Passion is a common trait among idealists.

I admire those who disagree with me as much as those who agree, for all of us, warts and all, truly care about the country, about pursuing truth, and I think that is the tie that binds us together. A motley crew, brought together at this point in time to enlighten, aggravate, share laughter, share tears, and make a difference in one another's life.

It is the idealism that makes the debates so sharply focused-black and white as I said on another thread. But the universe is an infinite collection of grays, and no matter how black and white things seem, the gray will prevail. Some may not agree, but I wanted to take a stab at this and see what other people think.

-- FutureShock (gray@matter.think), January 06, 2001

Answers

I read and reread your post a few times. It is very concise. Let me add my observation that we all have different senses of humor, different buttons to be pushed, and different levels of tolerance towards one and other. That, in my humble opinion, is what makes this forum interesting and addictive. At the end of the day we are all good and decent people. (Yes, even you liberals.)

-- Uncle Bob (unclb0b@aol.com), January 06, 2001.

Yep!

Still, grey sucks. I dislike people that refuse to take a position. We carry 'em, woo 'em but frankly would be better off without 'em.

-- Carlos (riffraff@cybertime.net), January 06, 2001.

FS,

It is the debate itself that that leads us to bring out our swords of idealism, and it is abundantly clear to me that there is a great deal of passion. Passion is a common trait among idealists.

Yes, I must admit I feel passionate about driving my sword of idealism into the sheath of ignorance...........

Who was that posting on metaphors?

Frank

-- Someone (ChimingIn@twocents.cam), January 06, 2001.

Yes, ther is a black and white of things although people tend to see the light that is corespondant to white, therfore let the dominant survive

-- All american (Red Johnson@member.net), January 06, 2001.

Say what?

-- Carlos (riffraff@cybertime.net), January 06, 2001.

Very nicely stated FS. I had been thinking along those lines without even realising it. I am indeed an idealist and a dreamer, and damned proud of it!

Can anyone here name ONE single person in this world who EVER accomplished ANYTHING by deciding ahead of time that it could not be done?

-- Uncle Deedah (unkeed@yahoo.com), January 06, 2001.

Yeah yeah, what uncle bob said.

But, I've noticed that even moi has been more tolerant lately. Perhaps it is the new year.?

Perhaps laying flat on my back ill for 2 weeks did somethin to me? Aside from the weight loss. Um, you dont suppose I lost weight in my brain do you? Does the brain shrink? Sheesh, I sure hope not, cuz I need all the brain power I can muster.

I wish I had more knowledge like you guys/gals so I could 'keep the pace' on alot of issues and debates. Knowledge is power. I am an idealist and generally honest and strait to the point. No sense in hacking around a bush when getting to the point is ssoooo much easier.

My mom taught me that. *sigh* I miss mom.

-- sumer (shh@aol.con), January 06, 2001.

Carlos:

You said: "Still, grey sucks. I dislike people that refuse to take a position. We carry 'em, woo 'em but frankly would be better off without 'em."

Patricia S gave us a good argument against that position with:

"When trouble arises and things look bad, there is always one individual who perceives a solution and is willing to take command. Very often, that individual is crazy."

-- Observer (Observer@history.rem), January 06, 2001.

bump

I posted on the weekend. Bumping it to see if anyone may have missed it and has an opinion.

-- FutureShock (gray@matter.think), January 09, 2001.

Um, you dont suppose I lost weight in my brain do you?

Dehydration affects the brain very quickly, from what I gather. So the answer is yes, you may have lost weight from your brain.

-- Rich (howe9@shentel.net), January 09, 2001.

Oh my. Well, um, at least it aint from the drugs. :-)

-- sumer (shh@aol.con), January 10, 2001.

" A motley crew, brought together at this point in time to enlighten, aggravate, share laughter, share tears, and make a difference in one another's life."

Succinctly put FS. I am sincerely thankful to each of you who has made a difference in my life. You know who you are. I appreciate you posting this FS, and sharing your thoughts.

-- Aunt Bee (Aunt__Bee@hotmail.com), January 15, 2001.

Frank, you sexist oinker.

-- (loelei@lubricious.lips), January 15, 2001.