from the standpoint of at least preferring dialogue to simply up and down votes. I just think that is part of the package with boards like this and while I don't think it furthers any positive discourse, neither is it particularly more "simplistic" or "cowardly" to just down-vote a pretty clear opinion on serious and tough topic. People don't always have time for more and twitter-like response doesn't usually add any more than a down-vote. I'd be happy if voting features like this were removed, but it is what it is. It would also be one thing if your statement was "the earth is round", but it was not.

As far as assuming you must necessary support everything Waters is saying, you are right -- I shouldn't just assume this and this is a terrible tendency that also happens with message boards. I happen to feel strongly about this subject and regardless of Waters saying that he is just trying to promote peace -- I think he is going about in a horribly wrong way. You have also posted on this before in ways that I think can be fairly described as sympathetic at least from the nature of those posts (which of course your are completely free to do, I just strongly disagree) and I felt compelled to respond. I still try not to assume so apologies if this seemed to go too far.
[Post edited by fishhoo at 04/20/2016 12:20PM]