Smitty Wrote:
> I'm shocked that they are calling the Chrismtas Tree. . . . . .


At least Smitty's remark was related to the thread topic.

But then he got flamed, with stuff that was not related to the thread topic at all. I tried to point out that their (the flamers) point was just as biased as Smitty's. I tried to explain where I thought Smitty's perspective was coming from - valid or not.

But actually, it's validity or lack of same, was quite beside the point. I think back on the writings of Voltaire (a true liberal), "I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend with my life your right to say it". I therefore try to make it a point to actually understand what is really behind people's diverse views - whether or not I agree. That effort is truly fascinating.

So I sometimes get very annoyed at the smug, self-righteous, smarter than thou, elitist attitudes sometimes exhibited by so-called intellectuals on the left side of the fence. They should know better, and actually practice what they preach! Yeah, I know - those on the right sometimes have their own smugness too (Mike Huckabee comes to mind - I very much dislike his holier than thou attitude and apparent bigotry against Christian sects other than his own. Though if he wanted to clarify that - I would at least listen.


Captain Underpants Wrote:
> As Linus Van Pelt said, you should "never discuss
> politics, religion, or the Great Pumpkin." I don't
> know if he was a railfan.

Reality Wrote:
> You're 100% right... I let myself get caught up in things. I am done.


Yes, It is all very annoying, and I got caught up in it too. So I think I'm done too.


But then Bob2 wrote:
> The kind of insane nonsense that some people have managed to dredge up. . . . .

> It's Christmas, a good time of year to lighten up, and think happy thoughts. . . . .


Apparently, the beat goes on! -- more spurious characterizations of other people's views!

NUTS! -- But at least the 2nd line, though quite incongruent with the first line, is a good thought.