TS: "To understand me better: and for me understand you, I make this offer. I don’t hide behind an alias I answer emails and my number is in the book. If you are in the Cda area I would love to buy you a cup of coffee, or the beverage of your choice and chat. You see, in order for this country to work, we need to understand each other, not just quote what we have heard, but share our experiences. Sure we may continue to disagree but ... Here is your olive branch from a guy on the right."

DFO: Good for you, TS; this is exactly the kind of thing I strive for here at HBO -- a chance to communicate rather than talk past one another. Sometimes, I despair that the goal can be accomplished, especially when the flamethrowers are flicking their Bics. But there's been some great threads over the last coupla days. We're making progress here when gays and Evangelicals can discuss Idaho's marriage amendment without resorting to buzz words; when Demos and Repubs can find mutual ground; when Seasoned Citizens advise and fret over college kids like Sam; when young adults like Bre, Sarah, PDX Pup share their zest for life with their elders, when Bob, GreenL and I can enjoy poking fun at one another without losing respect for one another. Those are the good times that ease the burden of feeding this insatiable beast all the time.

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