Olds,
I chose not to respond to your e-mail because as far as I was concerned the subject was over. But since you feel the need to continue this here and are obviously looking for a response from me I’ll reply to this, just once.
Let’s start with the post I made in another thread that you are so upset with. First, you started the thread, and as a result of it two longtime members (you being one of them) decided to leave the forum. One, because he felt his morals or core values were being questioned, and you because you felt you were being beat up. The fact is Olds, you were being debated by others, not beat up; there is a difference.
The result of that thread is exactly why Chez has asked members, on more than one occasion, to refrain from subjects involving politics and religion. I couldn’t agree more. There are numerous other forums to discuss those topics if a person chooses to do so. No one ever wins or converts someone else to his or her way of thinking when it comes to politics or religion. It just results in tempers flaring and bad blood. Your thread is a perfect example of that. Nobody won and the forum lost.
As far as my comment that “politics and assault weapons have no place here”, well, as I mentioned above, Chez has asked that politics or religion not be discussed here. So if you have a problem with that you need to discuss it with him. With respect to assault weapons, that’s my opinion, if you don’t like it, too bad. As a member of this forum I’m entitled to my opinion just as you are yours. I wasn’t trying to change or control anything; I was exercising my right to voice my opinion.
I’m not sure why you referenced your comments about Rush in this thread. I have no allegiance to him, nor do I even listen to him. The comments I made in the other thread were in reference to the topic of politics being discussed here, and the way you responded to others feedback.
I bought my BS a little over a year ago mainly because of this forum and the information I found while reading it. It has been, and hopefully will continue to be, a great resource for everyone looking to experiment and try new ways of cooking and smoking foods. If I happened upon this site now and read some of the bickering and fighting that is going on, I might of thought otherwise.
As far as you returning, I hope you do. I have learned a great deal from you, and others here, and look forward to the information you can share.
I do have to admit, though, the subject title you chose for this thread speaks volumes.