I think that Victor�s stated intentions with this forum were strictly for reasons of professional assistance and that any information which might be provocative to other member �s sensibilities were to be delegated to the "teacher �s cafe�. Even the "Caption Contest" and the "Word of the Day" contests are more appropriate to the �teacher�s caf� than here. That being said, I have been constantly annoyed and dismayed, (even though I have participated), that many of this forum �s postings have been as about as legitimate as a medicinal marijuana dispensary is in South L.A.

 A second reason I must fervently dissent from this suggestion is in regards to my relations and personal experiences with the recent posting of Mariethe �s concerning the riots in England. When the topic was first posted, I sent two lengthy private messages to Mariethe discussing my personal perspective on the riots and also my reasons for responding in private. It was not my intentions to hide any opinions of mine that other �s might find virulent, (I blog quite frequently and always under my true name all over the web), but because it was clearly stated by Victor in the forum rules, I understood that the topic and my opinions had no place being posted on the forum. The forum seems meant as a professional sanctuary away from the petty undermining and forced intrigues human beings frequently cast upon one another. Mariethe �s response seemed quite clearly to me as not kind gesture but more intentionally geared towards aggravating me into addressing this topic, (which her and I are quite polarized upon), in a public forum. The forum she is aware of being the most readily accessible to the other member � ears and eyes. This is a political motivation, (if not socially deviant) because it was meant to expose another member �s private, not professional, concerns for reasons of drawing a consensus of like-mindedness. That is the essence of political debate. I am ashamed of my fellow member here for that. It was as petty and spiteful as gossip-mongering is. If you wish to gossip, or be provocative to the sensibilities of other member �s, it seems Victor �s intentions were to do so in the teacher �s cafe. I have no problem with that...Nor am I ashamed of my opinions...But the teacher �s caf�, (or  private messages),  were the means  given here for addressing such dialogues.....And I do think Victor �s decisions in making that delineation was kind, wise and respectful to those who might come to this site only for professional assistance and not camaraderie...When you are merely going to buy a loaf of bread in a strange town you have never visited before, you don �t need to be dragged into whoever the store owner�s niece has run off with...nor do you want the grocer asking you what size underwear you have on for comparative reasons. Thus, I contend this forum was meant as professional courtesy to all ESL teachers and it should forever remain so.

Some of us hold opinions that are based on life experience, what we�ve read, seen or felt. Others have opinions that are based on what they wish, how they feel things ought to be. Nevertheless most opinions are heartfelt and seldom can someone dissuade us from those beliefs no matter what we are presented with. Politics and religion are topics that tend to polarize people because of their nature. For every point of view there are a myriad of facts and semi facts and outright lies that can be used to support each side. As we grow older we either become more open minded or we hold onto our beliefs even more strongly, we become more passionate about our beliefs. People tend to gravitate to those who have similar opinions otherwise there would be constant conflict and disharmony which as a rule most people try to avoid although there are those who thrive in controversy and enjoy stirring the pot.

 The best way to make someone dislike you is to disagree with a belief they have. There will be resentment for first disagreeing with you and secondly for possibly poking holes in your values. That is why arguments seldom leave anyone satisfied.  Your beliefs are shaken and you feel vulnerable and resentful for having someone challenge you or you don�t feel the other person�s views has any merit.

If you don�t mind having your ego bruised then by all means have these discussions. Remember though that we all do have egos and few of us like them stepped on intentionally or otherwise.  

Of course this is just my opinion.

BTW the first rule of the forum is very open to interpretation as to what can be discussed here. The bold is mine for emphasis. The etc. is a very big word there.

The forum:

�     You are free to use the forum to express yourself, ask for help, make suggestions, etc.