Prince W Baggett

Thank you Prince for your candor and honesty -- as well as Gillian.

Personally, I started out vehemently opposed to Obama in every which way possible. I mean, I wasn't one of those "he's a Muslim and/or the Anti-Christ" people, but I was baffled by the lack of investigation into his past and his beliefs. I read the books too! I won't say that I have disregarded my earlier opinions about his policies, but I've put those feelings and opinions within a new context now that the election is over -- one that can objectively appreciate and recognize some of the positive things that an Obama presidency will bring to our country. I also am able to see qualities within Obama as a leader that I have championed in other contexts, but because of partisan politics, I was unwilling or unable to see them before. Does this mean that I will agree with everything he does? Probably not. But this does mean that it gives me a new framework for working with people like Prince and Gillian in a way that isn't bound to the old confines of Democrat/Republican, but one that allows for looking at solving issues within this constantly changing future, and using netoworks of people - like the networks we can easily form on P4A, to address complex issues that affect us all. It's when we can come together and talk about things from the context of the future, and not of the past, that we don't need to worry about labels weighing us down and defining how we should go about making decisions and choices.

Jerry, it's funny you say that since you just told me in my posting that basically I shouldn't have posted the national rally against Prop 8. So, pick a side. It's an issue and a very large one at that. I have every right to use this forum as an aid for those who do support it and or maybe don't but know that everyone should be allowed the same freedoms. I am straight, but I know that allowing same sex couples to marry will have no impact on my life, in fact it will probably help the divorce rate in this country drop. Over 52% of all marriages fail. We aren't doing so well as straight couples maybe we can learn from the same sex couples. At least I keep an open mind and don't live my life by a book.

Not posting something controversial doesn't solve anything. Post away! Just don't get offended when someone doesn't agree with said position, that's what politics and discussion in general is all about. If we all agreed on everything there would be no point in having a site like P4A.

Prince that is a wise and timely warning. I am sure if someone comes in here and starts just throwing hate to cause trouble they won't last long, they will get removed as a last resort. A "Block User" function, like AOL chat rooms used to have when I was last on them (8 years ago), might be a useful addition to the site if that starts to become a problem, but the best action is to simply ignore those people that are not trying to actually discuss anything, only cause trouble. All they want is attention and if they don't get it they'll get bored and leave.

What about a user that comes on the site and hurls ROSES AND HEARTS instead of stones and hatred?? :) I'd love for some kind-hearted person to pop up on here unannounced and just spew LOVE and KINDNESS!! How refreshing! Maybe they just ask people to "hug it out" or "go pet a puppy you sweet thing you!" I know it sounds silly, but my point being that it's easy to forget the simple joy you can give to someone by sharing a kind word or a smile. The smallest of gestures can go a long way toward bridging gaps between each other and creating a culture of mutual respect. I can't tell you how encouraged I am to read and engage in conversations with the community on P4A - not because everyone agrees with me (who likes that??) but because it challenges me, challenges my views, gives me a new set of eyes, broadens my network, and makes me believe that we can do great things by focusing our attention and energy and ideas on issues that we all have in common.

So I just hope that people invite their friends -- especially the friends who don't think or look like they do -- because that is what makes this experience so unique.

Oh, and I found this really useful but extremely funny online guide called 5 Ways to Stop Trolls From Killing the Internet at Cracked.com -- You must check it out and have a laugh.

I bet ALL our moms had the book, "The Strong-Willed Child" on her bookshelf! (I know mine did.) Now, I get the pleasure of RAISING one myself...funny how it works out that way...