Hi Tempest,
I appreciate what you're trying to do, and I admit I haven't read all the posts in the thread you shut down. (and in which I've also posted)
Is there any reasonable way to explain how/where the people who posted on this thread went awry, or outside of good taste, given the subject matter?
Being one of the worst disasters that this country has ever experienced, and politics being the heated subject that it is, by definition... and this being (though obviously O.T.) one of the forums in which we all have to discuss these things...

a heated, emotional discussion in reaction to an event such as this can be very healthy, and important, and necessary. Should we, because we've violated the T.O.S., or because we're off topic, go elsewhere to do this, in spite of the comraderie and sense of community we all feel here... at a time when an event like this naturally prescribes the opposite?

Thanks, Tempest... I'm just trying to understand.

Tempest,

We're sorry. We thought we were having fun. An escape into friendly political banter can be therapeutic. We have no ill feelings for anyone on this board. Tomorrow we'll all be side by side helping or receiving help from one another in peace and harmony, with the occasional difference of opinion.

Again, we apologize.

Mr. and Mrs. Wondering

edited to add: We actually spent the evening together laughing and talking in regards to this thread. At least for us, it was Marriage Building <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The thread was closed for many reasons. Being off topic was NOT one of them. I have no problem with off topic discussions - as long as they remain discussions. As the thread progressed it had, in my opinion, offered nothing new in the way of arguments and had deteriorated into racism, political party bashing, and personal attacks. That is why it was locked.

I understand the need for healthy emotional discussion. I did not see that particular thread as healthy toward the end. I cannot chastise those I feel were responsible for the unhealthiness of it here on the forum - that would be inappropriate and irresponsible on my part.

The humor of the exchange escaped me under the circumstances. Perhaps my sense of humor is in need of repair.

Thank you, Tempest.
I understand, and we ALL appreciate what you and all the Administrators are up against here.
(And I doubt your sense of humor is in need of repair!)

Thank you, Tempest!

Glad you are there....