The blockers have invaded.

And I got a couple of ad hominems thrown at me this past week. Sad those types are here and so impolite. And often they are the ones who block others so they do not learn anything new.

I might block. I doubt i would tell publicly.

I don't know how it used to be because iv'e only been here for about two months.
But with the exception of one person, every one I've met here has been kind and respectful.
Even if we disagree we still are civil in our discussions. And sometimes I've even learned things from others, I try to keep an open mind.

Even though i've only been here a short while I feel like I've made some new friends already.
I am really happy I found this site, it's the first place I've really felt welcomed in a long time.

Some comments are kind and profound. Let them represent the site. But for any that may be nasty, I see that at the end of a post, you can move the mouse arrow over the three lines and one of the links is labeled, "Report."

I am brand new to the site, but I will add my two cents. I think the civil discord has dramatically shifted in this country since the 1970's and has exponentially grown since 2016. Many feel "their time has come and political correctness has been thrown out the window", freeing them to be rude, have lack of empathy for anything other than themselves, promote bigotry, dishonesty, and ignore human traits that promote common decency. Ironically, I have witnessed this drastic civil change in Christians, especially the Evangelicals. Sometimes I wish Christian beliefs, as I understand them, were true. If their god came back today, he or she would slap the shit out 99% of those proclaiming to be devoutly worshipping their god and looking forward to "heaven". I feel the same way with the Muslims. I am a Pagan and have been more many years. I have no deities that I worship, solely believing in reason, science, and my limited understanding of my place in the universe. Maybe this group will be good and then maybe not. Nothing ventured....nothing gained.

Everyone has a "thing" that they wish not be a part of "the discussion" whatever that may be. Myself included. But then when I think about it, do I want my standards (or lack thereof) applicable? My answer is no. Then we get into a situation where one is not able to freely speak their mind. I don't like censoring based on my personal tastes. That's what the block button is for. Keep in mind however, that the freedom to speak one's mind opens a great opportunity to contribute in a thoughtful and intelligent manner, or in a stupid, ignorant, and childish manner, be prepared in that however you choose to comment here, there are going to be consequences. Some kind and agreeable, some harsh and brutal, and some neutral/meh. You'll either learn something interesting or you won't. Freedom of thought doesn't always mean one is right or one's sensitivities may not be ruffled. All I'm saying is expect consequences.

A lot of potential for damage in such groups. I mention that I've blocked some people but never offer up names.