I enjoy a good political debate. Even though this board is dedicated to Ford Explorers we have a community where people have become friends and other issues often come up for discussion.

The anonymity of the Internet makes it easy for people to hide behind their screen names. This often leads to people acting bolder on the net than they would in person. I have been guilty of this myself at times.

What I try to do, and I encourage others to do the same, is to sit back and think a minute before you hit the send button. Ask yourself if you would talk to a person that way if you were standing right there with them. If you have any doubts, re-word your post. You can get your point across without resorting to name calling or harassment.

Everyone has their own ideas and beliefs. You can express your ideas, but don't expect anyone to go along with them, chances are they will have differing opinions. By expressing your beliefs there is a possibility that you may change someones mind to see things your way. It doens't happen often, but it does happen. That's why we write letters to our representitives. In the hope that enough peoples opinions will sway the opinion of someone who can make a difference.

Enough, I'll get off my soap box now. Let's have some fun around here :D

well said rick :)

yeah, this is a great site. we get lots of differing opinions, and thats whats so cool about it. i'm glad that the majority of us are mature enough, that we can disagree and still respect each other and remain friends. a good political disagreement is good every now and then if it doesnt resort to namecalling and childish bickering. we need some controversy, i'd hate to see a few immature posts ruin the discussion.

:) that's all i have to say:)

Thanks Rick.

well put. bickering/nagging/b**ching never sways opinions, and closed mindedness doesn't make you even more ignorant. namecalling doesn't do anything but make yourself more of an @ss, and a good rule of thumb that i use is that if i'm going to say something about someone, would i say this in front of their face? just me 3 pennies