One does not have to be a sound-bite psychologist to observe the obvious. Snobbery usually has the visibility of a billboard.

Exchanges of ideas and opinions often work best with mutual respect. Snide remarks and insults under the "it's just my brand of humor" may keep Don Rickles employed, but that does very little in increasing knowledge and understanding on subjects of the day which one would think is the purpose of a politcal discussion board.

There are many points of view among the participants of this board - probably as many as the number of participants themselves. We learn about these views from the presentation, discussion, debate, challenge and rebuttal, and our personal view (at least mine are) are often tempered by developing a better understanding of a contrary position. Let's hope we can keep this exchange in a respectful manner, as more is learned in such an environment than through just verbally slicing a person for the "fun of it."