[QUOTE=ahsposo;10951610]As a relative newcomer to these forums

Yes, in fact your are a relative newcomer.

It may be that I am very insensitive, imperceptive or just missed some of the recent interplay that has brought about the creation of this thread and a couple of others. I have wondered "what caused that?"

It should not surprise you that as a newcomer you might miss some of the subtleties of the 50+ forum.

Civil debate is one of the great hallmarks of a vibrant society.

While I am aware of societies where this is not the case, I'll generally accept your comment. However, it is not the only hallmark of a vibrant society. By its very nature debate is adversarial. It is the intensity with which debate occurs that, IMO, signals the intent of the participants. In my experience the 50+ forum stands above others, because individuals recognized the importance of staying connected and building productive relationships instead of winning of proving themselves, right, superior, smarter, etc. Hence, the adversarial element has always been toned down or reeled in when the risk of damaging relationships occur.

It seems that many people today are very inflexible in their perceptions and beliefs. To allow an opinion that clashes with their own is an anathema and must be shouted down. I see this at too many levels of social and political discourse.

I'll take this an an indication that there is some agreement with portions of my previous statement.

Trust me, if your opinion is more correct the democracy of the forum will prove your point.

I suggest that a forum such as this is not a democracy. It is, in fact, controlled to a greater or lesser extent by the moderators and forum administrator(s). Yet what concerns me more about this comment is the "prove your point" element. As Denver so eloquently stated, that has not been the purpose of this particular forum.

If your feelings are easily offended the internet can be a dangerous place and perhaps one should choose to not participate.

Or... perhaps if you do not get the level of civil debate (with whatever intensity you seek) on the 50+ forum it would be best to seek a place more in harmony with your desires. While all are welcome, I don't think it's a stretch to say that many who have been regular contributors for some length of time, understand the subtleties of the 50+ forum, and this is a large part of what keeps them coming back.