Agreeing with the wise fellows, Chris and Don, and as a participant in this forum for many years, I think it is fair to say we are reaching the "Serenity Prayer" portion of this annual purge of pent-up winter, non-golf season group therapy session. We have some form of it every year, and often serveral times a year. We all should know a few simple things by now. We engage and express and opine, even about others style and motives, because we CHOSE TO. No one need respond or engage in something that appears wrong, unfair, or boorish that is said and done, unless we want others to have what we ourselves narcisistically deem the 'benefit' of our own observations and beliefs. And, as an offender myself, I'll say sorry to those who take offense, and have at me to those that wish to engage, rebutt, point out my shortcomings of thoughts or deeds, and I will for one decide if I've had enough, or will continue the debate, discussion, or food fight. Those offended, should avert their eyes, and I say this with all due respect, for I'm just a participant and observer of our treehouse behavior for many years now.
Sure, guys marvel at how different some on-forum persona are from real life meet-ups. After all, it is unlikely we would meet anywhere else than a venue of golf where we have common passion, and mutual respects. I doubt most of us debatants will be meeting each other at our own political party caucuses, socialist workers of the world, Fox news editorial board mid winter clambake, MSNBC pub crawl, or Tax payer alliance convo. So, if something jerks your chain that is commented on, just use your common sense and wit to make your point, offer a link or two to support your thoughts-if it is a complicated subject, and move on. Those that agree and disagree with either cheerleading you or tell you what a dolt you are, do so because they can and should if they are so motivated. But, don't get into it, if you can't take it. And disengage if it becomes too insulting or too much to bear another person's indescret personal invective vituperation. Have faith that we aren't the dumbest lot to inhabit a cyberspace forum. (I'm rather proud actually of the quality of knowlegeable people on this forum in many diverse subjects...that they will engage with me at all, argue or agree, even when we get far afield from the actual GCA topic). Have faith that if discourse is taken in an uncivil direction, that the rest of the forum are smart enough to separate the valid and meritorious from the cheap and invalid tact that may sometimes be taken. It is all fine, if you just put it in context and perspective.
Dr. Katz is greatly missed... and this sort of group therapy session should not be guided by just any rank amatuer.
