Please, take the non-VX discourse over to "Chit-Chat". I'm just as guilty for getting drawn into this as well by my own comments. This community of late has become much, much too intense in regards to the intolerance of dissimilar views and outlooks. Those who have met me will remember how I've mentioned the most fascinating thing I find about other VX owners is that when you get together you always discover at least one other common interest you're passionate about. That's positive diversity.

Generally you shouldn't talk about religion, politics or how much you make amongst strangers. But I've had some of the best discussions with new VX friends at meets about religion and social issues, with everyone staunchly representing a different view but openly discussing the others.

We used to be like that here.

I was discussing how the board has become of late with my fiancee at lunch today. I run a forum for antique Caterpillar tractors and support another, and during the recent Presidential election it was entertaining to read the political threads there. While other boards were entering political melt-down and frag-fests these hard working machinery operators and enthusiasts, from all over the world mind you, were fierce Bush supporters. Especially the Australians and Europeans. Now I'm only mentioning this to highlight that it was refreshing to see a group with such solidarity over a volatile subject, no matter what their leaning.

And I believe that our problems here started about the same time the election started heating up the board. Suddenly the folk here became very galvanized voicing opinions along their party line and out right attacking those who weren't in lock-step with their beliefs. Someone you've chatted with here for years and shared jokes and mods and what-not starts sharing thoughts you've not had the opportunity to see before, and maybe you don't like it so much. Your opinion changes, and not for the better.

I just think a lot of bitterness has been seeded and many here just need to step back a bit, look at what's happening and figure what changed within themselves to bring this about.

We all are individuals with some common interests here, but far more differences person to person. Being open to those differences, being courteous and respectful enough to not attack those differences, that's what defined this board and it's community.

Now, again, please go to "Chit-Chat" for non-VX discourse. Back to Bantan's Wing-O-Lator!