I have thought about shutting down this thread, even though I am a participant in it (as a member NOT as an admin).  I haven't though, even though it's gone off-topic and the reason why is that so many issues are being discussed and different points-of-view are being presented.  Do I agree with everything personally?  Certainly not.

Politics much like religion is a difficult subject to discuss.  It's very easy for people that are normally level-headed to become "un-hinged" or get personal.  I've tried to moderate the personal attack stuff out the best that I can.  I personally like to debate "the other side" or discuss subjects with people that I don't agree with.

I would like to see more discussion and debate and less personal attacks on people.  If you don't like someone's point of view either express it respectfully or refrain from making a comment publicly.  This thread got quite heated up a few pages back between members that I have a lot of respect for and value their participation on the forum.  I don't want to censor anything or anybody, I just want people to be able to express their feelings or their beliefs as long as it's respectful to other members.  By the same token, if other members or users express an opposing viewpoint, they should also be able to do so without "harassment" or insults.

Just chill.

My final piece of advice is to start a new thread to discuss some of the many topics brought up in this thread.  Slavery, racism, reparations, etc.  My only two pleas are to keep to the topic at hand and be respectful to one another even if you don't agree with what they have to say.  After all, we are still one.

I'll close this thread tomorrow unless one of the others of the moderating team decide to close it before that.

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