[Fierce Allegiance]

We are all clearly very concerned, politically. Of all the crap we could be doing with our lives, we choose to be here debating politics. None of us likes to think we are dumb, either.

[Dark Skies]

When the debates get particularly passionate, people sometimes say ugly things. I often find myself apologizing the next day for some cruel thing I said in the heat of argument.

But, at other times, Freepers' passion causes them to speak from the heart in an open and unvarnished way that is rare in real life relationships...and that makes these threads valuable.

I believe I have learned a tremendous amount about politics and life from Freepers and I think I have learned as much from those who disagree with me as from those who agree.

I remember on the first day of undergrad school, some crusty old dean said we'd learn as much in dormitory bull sessions as in class. I don't know if that was true, but FR is certainly one continuous bull session and I have learned much more at FR than I learned in college bull session.

Anyway, that's my two bits for today. Hope you have a great weekend.