discussion and you most certainly are NOT one of them. In this thread John is probably the only one who comes close to fitting that description, myself included. That was kinda the point and more an observation than anything else.

I will say I do find it odd and maybe a bit disturbing how defensive some of you get when you make racist comments or other offensive comments about transgendered folks, gays, etc. and then get called out for them (usually just in a snarky remark from me or a "SMH" from Balz). Maybe it's not intentional and you don't even know how horrible some of these comments sound (for some of you I absolutely expect that -- I hear people - especially older people - from my home town or my family say shit all the time that would make them social pariahs in my current neck of the woods). And yes, maybe I could be less of a dick about it (sorry if the jokes about you being repressed got under your skin - that was just an example of me messing with you) -- but I do find a lot of the comments made on here truly offensive and it doesn't help when you guys double and triple down on them or start a shouting match to defend them. When I'm a real "prick" that's usually why....(that and guns which I admit I'm probably overly passionate about but for good reason since I don't like people getting shot). In your mind that makes me intolerant, but I do snigger a bit when I'm accused of being intolerant of intolerance and that's a good bit of the snark. I will say you won't find me being an asshole to the handful of actual reasonable and respectful conservatives who post here. It's more that there is only about 2-3 people who fit that description....

Honestly though you seem like you're probably a pretty decent and well-intentioned guy and, unlike some on here, have displayed a good sense of humor from time to time. I hope you get that the RQ snark is 99% TIC and I don't hold any personal animosity against you. I actually will apologize to you if I've offended you - no shit.