I do hope that this latest dustup will fade quietly into history.  I do not have the answer to the greater issue that seems to generate the discord, that of freedom and how to use it.  My own view is that this is a gathering like a family reunion.  And so it is incumbent upon each of us who post here to observe that modicum of decorum required.  I look at it as if each one of us were the host at the gathering.  A good host would not abuse a captive audience by monopolizing conversation, nor would a good host direct conversation to areas that would seem to be likely to or have started to elicit discomfort.  If needed, a good host can discretely ask someone to meet privately for a chat.

There are ways to direct attention to a point of view without putting both feet in one’s mouth, or arguing in ways that would frighten the children.  One can suggest a book by a respected authority to read that may represent a different opinion.  Or perhaps an article or essay that discusses two sides of an issue, and then attempts to evaluate each, and finally to offer grounds for a decision in favour of one or another.  This is one way to develop good judgment, especially on social, political and related issues.

Tlaga taught me one of the golden rules of debate.  Be polite to your friends [those who would agree with you.]   And be most polite with your enemies [those who would disagree with you.]  I find this rule very helpful.  It forces me to be very cautious, slow to reply, and to be very moderate in responding to issues in general.

I have learned too that simply stated facts or opinions are not likely to change someone’s mind.  It is like the humourist once stated about the pedant, ‘Don’t try to confuse him with the facts.’  We may believe that freedom means some particular things, or that some issues have been settled long ago.  Yet for some the meaning of freedom is not like ours, nor for some have some issues been settled.

In cases where it seems that this is the source of dispute, then it may be best to set the matter aside before it becomes tedious for others to witness, especially when it could take a long time to settle the issue.   So, at such a point it would likely be best for people to agree to disagree, and set the matter aside for futher study; each can post later some article or book as I mentioned earlier, for those who would like to persue the matter futher.