[burzum]

You're right -- there is no way to solve any societal problem completely, but does that mean you ignore or discount it?

I don't discount or ignore anything. I just give it the weight that it deserves. I am not arguing that rape or domestic violence doesn't occur. I am arguing that this study was made for political purposes and liberals are misleading the public about the significance of the results. The scientists are claiming things that their data simply does not support. Other data may support their claims, but the data that they have cited does not. As far as I'm concerned *this* study is debunked.

The number of women who have been raped or beaten would probably astonish you -- it always shocks the hell out of me.

It does surprise me. But that is not why I posted.

[Chanticleer]

You're right. You posted an article on a study with suspect and flawed methods. What worries me is the immediate, violent knee-jerk reaction that the women in the study were drug-addict, liberal, whining lesbians who just like to complain. I guess my knee jerks, too.

But the problem is real, and it has ramifications to the Republican party. This board has had many threads that are offensive and/or hostile to women. I especially enjoy the "Why American Women Stink" threads. Yes, I know many men have been burned in ugly relationships, and that sad . . . but it's wrong for these men to turn bitter and hostile toward women just as it is wrong for abused women to hate all men.

Conservatives can't afford to alienate conservative women. Those of you who delight in posting cutting, witty comments in threads like this should remember this. Criticize the study all you want, but I think everyone would be wise to make it clear that physical abuse of women is totally unacceptable.

Thanks, Burzum, for having the courage to address me, and to do so respectfully.