Whose Soapbox ?? and Freedom

Here's my 2 cents, take it or leave it.

Whose soapbox is it? When it comes to Dien, Michael, & Gordon, they can soapbox if they choose to. And, like it or not, it's up to them how much "soapboxing" they let us do. If you don't like it, start your own forum, and just try to get anywhere close to the quality and intelligence that is found here.

Maybe some opinion posts could detract from the marketing aspect, but whose database are they taking up space on?
Intelligent, thinking people often like to inspire others to think things through from an educated perspective, rather than emotions. Common sense is dead and almost buried these days. Anything we can do to spread a little thoughtful information around is helpful.

Do I like to see people marching en mass, expressing opinions that I don't like or agree with? Not at all. But I realize that the same freedom that allows their march, also allows my freedom to express or march about anything I choose to. That is the incredible value of a free country, everyone is entitled to express their opinion.

That is what thousands have fought and died to preserve for all the rest of us, whether we support them or not.

Yes, war is hell or worse. I detest the thought of it, for all the suffering it causes, etc But sometimes the only way to preserve freedom is to be willing to fight for it.

If some brave farmers and shopkeepers had not found the courage and resolve to take on the world's greatest superpower, we would still be singing God Save The Queen, and paying outrageous taxes across the ocean. (unfortunatly now we pay them to a different king at home)
No offence meant to our Brit friends, they have come a long way since King George.

Maybe we would all be hailing hitler, and the list goes on and on...

We need to always only use force as a last resort, and sometimes maybe not even then, but if the bully knows you won't fight back, they will bully you forever.

I'll get off my soapbox now, didn't really intend to climb up there, just sort of flowed out.

Just posted to say "he who has the forum, makes the rules."

I, for one, am greatful for all the intelligent opinions expressed here, whether I agree with them or not.

Sorry if that's more than 2 cents worth, Dave