Reply #8: Absolutely, slate hereby clear on my end.

[diamondsoul]

Always happy to grant someone new the title of friend.:-)

For my own part, I try very hard not to reply to posts I find to be inviting a flame-war (which our initial meeting seem to stem from), however, I also know ALL of us can get pretty nasty on occasion, just as I know there are some Kucinich supporters who are far and away a distance from respectful comparisons.

I have my personal issues with Dr. Dean, mostly intuition and instinct, and I fight them on a regular basis because they aren't founded in logical assessment of his positions or statements. I do NOT want to engage in battles with Dean supporters, and I certainly don't want to engage in empty rhetoric. If I question Dr. Dean, I make every effort to do so based on genuine concerns about his ability to lead an entire nation, period. I do the same with all of them.

This morning I posted in response to a suggestion that Clark supporters had "invaded DU", well WTF? How do Democrats supporting a Democratic candidate "invade" a Democratic forum?! I've argued in defense of Clark's voting history because it's PRIVATE, without exception, imo.

Dean's statement at the debate in response to my man's challenge, initially I was pretty harsh about it, but let's face it, anyone can speak in a moment of frustration or just plain outrage and screw up, so OK! I'm content to give the man a pass or two if he says something not quite accurate, on the genuine belief it isn't intentionally lying or misleading. My opinion of him beyond a once or twice of that would have to depend on how many times he makes that mistake.

FTR, I'm posting so much because I want you to have a reason to respect me beyond the fact that we're both human beings with thoughts and opinions. I try to behave with honor. I don't always succeed at it, but I DO try very hard. I hope I've given you something to go on besides a call for a truce, and yes, I will deem you a friend unless and until we have a dispute that can't or won't be resolved by honest discussion.