The Craftsman versus the Industrial Complex

[DWFII]

With all due respect, and to point back at your quote about being on a public forum... You had to realize that taking the stance you did, in the public manner you did, on the forum you did, would raise some (dare I say many) hackles. Yes, you and I are carrying on a civil discussion about the (off) topic at hand, but you must have realized that many would take offense to such statements.

OK...what does that signify? That I'm wrong? Or that some people are out of their comfort zone? Might it be that some are having to think a little deeper about some of these issues? I know I am.

And what should I do about it? Not express my opinion? Seems to me that way "the terrorists win."

I don't think that I am being disparaging to anyone. I am trying not to be impatient with people who don't read posts like they themselves would want theirs read.

I'm in the same position as everyone else here. There are people disagreeing with me. There are even people making cogent points countering mine. Shall I take offense? Shall I start characterizing their remarks as "elitist" or as "slag"(ging)?

I don't think I am doing that...I hope I am not doing that.

If people don't accuse me of calling them "cross-dressers" when I have not, I don't really have any problem with their disagreeing with me.

Do I have an opinion that is uncommon here...not part of the general mind set? Yes and no. I like and admire kilts ...tartan kilts worn with respect for the traditions of the Scottish Highlands...as much as anyone else.

And I am tolerant of all the rest--that seems to me to be unusual right there. I'd wear a 16 ounce PV kilt...in a heartbeat.

"Kilt police" indeed!

As for being "off-topic" let me ask your opinion...how does or how should a real time discussion go...in real life, I mean? Does the conversation build off of itself? One comment leading to another comment, slightly divergent; one subject inspiring another? Or does one of the participants jump up saying "we can't talk about that--it's off topic?" Yes, we're off topic. I'll move on if everybody else will.