I don't know that I have ever seen DU this rancorous or divided

[Jackpine Radical]

and I've been here since the beginning.

I think the divisions reflect some very real issues, and I have certainly contributed my share of...shall we say controversial...posts and threads. I expect I will continue to do so. But, in the midst of all this turmoil, I want to stop for a moment and say to everyone that I don't see anyone on this board as an enemy. I believe I have treated people with respect when disagreeing with them--I certainly hope I have, and sincerely apologize to anyone who feels that I have not. I think we, just about everyone here, ultimately seek the same ends: peace, a world in which people are able to live productive and happy lives with adequate access to necessities, a world nurtured by sustainable economies, and so on. We are now engaged in a bitter feud over the best route to those goals. Let us by all means continue with our debate with full passion and intelligence, but let us also remember that we are people of good will, brought into interaction with each other by a love and concern for humanity, that we have much more in common than we do separating us, and that the time will come when we once again make common cause with each other. I love you, and it would sadden me beyond measure if we were to allow our ephemeral disagreements give rise to any sort of long-lasting animosities.

Thank you.

Let us now return to our previously scheduled bickering.