"I have found a number of the posts regarding Dred Scott, command 
responsibility, Jefferson and slavery, and various other matters interesting 
and certainly within the bounds of the list's purpose. I will admit that 
there has been an undertone of sarcasm and general snarkiness in some posts 
that seemed uncalled for, especially when aimed at another list member."

Writing a fact should not present an intercourse problem. No one owns a 
fact. A fact stands on its own. It either is or it isn't. I have been told 
that (because it has been correctly recorded by investigated reliable 
sources) that citizens of South Carolina fired guns on the Union forces 
occupying Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861 - a fact. A fact until someone 
discovers conclusive proof that it actually happened on the 11th.

To present intercourse on why the fact happened presents a whole new subset 
of perceptions of the fact to those that weren't there when it happened. 
Inconceivably, maybe some corporal struck his match in the wrong place to 
light his cigarette and things just got out of hand.

To the point: Fact: I applaud your position as stated (entire statement). 
Opinion: As to "tone"; in all things it is the nature of mankind for one to 
dominate another either by influence or force. I am of the opinion that 
influence represents the more reasonable approach to reaching that "high 
place". Fact: Therefore short of "yelling FIRE in a crowded theater"; use 
the delete key for those perceptions that disturb personal "planes of 
persuasion". Fact: I invite all to do the same for this too. Opinion: (Yet 
it is held that once planted, the thought is never lost - especially to the 
"gifted".)

Opinion: We all want the same things is life: Trouble comes; we all want 
them on our own terms.

A Blessed Christmas To All And A Sincere Happy And Peaceful New Year To Its 
Own End,

Ray

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