@JGoldman10,
* sigh *
They're
teasing you. In other words, they're trying to get a rise out of you; and, incidentally, they're succeeding, thus adding to the hilarity of it all. How many times do I have to tell you that?
Perhaps you
do know and have known this all along. The possibility definitely exists that while you may be serious about the issues you raise, a small part of you is enjoying this immensely. You enjoy the reaction, and the other members enjoy the interaction as well. I mean, why would you be willing to put up with all the ridicule for -- how long has this circus been performing? Oh, well, we all have our roles to perform ... "And the band played on."