@msolga,
Well, I guess I have unlearned that then.
It's hard, but if something consistently does not work for you, I can't see the point of continuing to do it. And I learned the hard, and to others, bloody ridiculous way.
I know very well what you are talking about and how intense the need to respond feels.
I have been a lone voice on threads (especially about torture in the early days of the "war against terror") and felt highly distressed and deserted by those I knew shared my views. I know the distress.
Thing is, I think it's genuinely very hard for people to respond here on this thread.
Generally, this is a debate site.
People see a thread, and often come to to enjoy testing and developing their understanding by arguing about something.
To most, the debates between you and a number of participants (especially Rob, I think) was a genuinely high point of debate and illumination on the net.
Some people come to debate with no ill intent, and with enjoyment....and your brilliant and researched and measured responses invite more.
From experience on the other thread, I am aware that this is likely not your experience of what is happening, and I see you expressing tiredness and a desire that others come in and join the discussion. And I know from the experience of a relentless opponent!!!!!
Others come because they like to bait people with a passionate and honest view.
Much as I hate whaling, I cannot in all reason agree with your position. I hope it will become the obvious position, and not just for whales ( just as antislavery has become the default position, at least in the west) as humans evolve in our empathy and understanding.
But, it seems debate is not what this thread is intended for, and not what you want to occur on this thread.
So, I don't (just as one example) quite know what to say here, and I am reluctant to say anything because of this. But I hate seeing you arguing all alone, sometimes against some people who are just being obstreperous, as far as I can tell, when you have all the baggage of a passionately held belief.
Perhaps if you were to say exactly what you want here, and respond only to what you see as meeting this criteria?
The happy arguers would continue, or go elsewhere.
The baiters would get tired.
But....suggesting things to other folk is always an easy thing to do, as opposed to doing it oneself!!!
I think, personally, that the debate has been enormously useful for your cause, and will likely continue to affect those who read it for A2k's time in the sun, however long that is.
