Tony......boy that was a close one.....I thought for sure I was going to wind up in the penalty box for graphic, exotic content in my last post when I saw your name on the thread.

I agree with a substantial portion of your post. My mom was a Boston democrat who worked on JFK's campaign and my father, a staunch Goldwater republican. It made for interesting dinner talk. At family gatherings, she would caution against conversation involving politics and religion. You would have to know my family to fully appreciate that point. Unfortunately our family loyalties were also divided between the Red Sox and the Yankees. Sports talk wasn't always a pretty option and it usually morphed into loud, animated political debate.

I learned to listen a lot between wine, appetizers, soup, pasta, roast and homemade Italian desserts, and then, start all over again. If you are Italian, you understand the serving process. Relatives would get insulted, have their feathers ruffled and sometimes didn't speak until the next family gathering and one of mom's day long dinners. As acrimonious as it got....God forbid an outsider should abuse or threaten a family member. Those who tried felt the wrath of the entire family. You've heard of the Soprano's? I know them, they took notes from my family.

I look at TOTV as kind of an extended family. It gets a little crazy sometimes, like my relatives... posters or visitors get their feathers ruffled on occasion, but, I believe that they are all good people who are passionate about their politics and loyal American patriots each and every one. I would like to think my polar political opposite would defend me if I was sincerely threatened. I know that applies with a degree of certainty to some antagonists I have had "bristling" exchanges with.

I guess I'm saying it wouldn't be a political forum if it wasn't contentious to some degree. You are correct about the unhealthy nature that surfaces when the vitriolic level evolves into personal attacks. I know that my twisted sense of humor has occasionally been taken as a personal attack. I wouldn't be sincere if I told you I felt apologetic about that.

Keedy is correct when he cites other out of control political forums. I hope that this forum does not meet an ignoble demise. I am sure you and the other administrators will do what has to be done to keep it alive and lively while tempered with enforced decorum.

For the record...you weren't in my mind dancing in the town square when I conjured up this post. Hmmmmm.....

Have a good evening.