I just want to add my comments to others,’ urging the disgruntled posters who have left the Tent (or at least stopped posting) to return.  Let’s face it, people only get worked up over things that mean the most to them. It’s the subjects that are nearest to our hearts that matter most, and “being right” or at least being given a fair hearing, is very important to all of us. Naturally, tempers run high over these critical, heart-felt issues, and we need to cut each other some slack and calmly agree to disagree at times.

We discuss all the most volatile emotional landmines here at the Gold Tent: investments, religion and politics. People can be pretty senstitive about their beliefs and choices, especially when it comes to bad financial decissions. Criticism, even when meant to be helpful or instructive, can be very painful. We need to be supportive of one another. There are enough people on the outside to consider enemies; let’s not make enemies of those here who should be our family and friends.

I have found posters here to be very polite and considerate to me. We may not always agree, but you never attack me. I think part of this is because men are less hostile and agressive toward women. They take a softer approach in disagreements, and are more patient and polite. I suggest to you that you start treating everyone here like a woman, LOL!!!  Pretend, if you must, that the poster you disagree with is a nice little old lady to whom you feel compelled to show kindness and respect. Will it really kill anyone here to disgree agreeably? If you could only share your differences with respect and tact, there would be far fewer hard feelings and far fewer people leaving the Tent.

Forgive me for saying this, but I sometimes wonder what kind of marriages you guys have! Have you never learned in your relationships to fight fair? To compromise? To discuss differences without insults and name calling? If you HAVE mastered these skills, please apply some of the same principles here at the Gold Tent. If not, please contact Aunt Polly for marriage counselling and advice ;-)