OT Now: [OT] Iraq

[amalventano1 at tds.net (Allyn)]

>   we don't wanna talk about it.  I'm certainly no rabid lefty 
> but I do wonder what you all think.  And even when it's dead 
> and someone has to struggle to come up with scirocco content 
> we still can't discuss it. 
> Because it's too contentious.

OK,

Point being, we've been around the political block way too many times to count, and each and every time it only serves to decrease
the signal to noise ratio of this list while simultaneously pissing nearly everybody off.  *THAT* is why we avoid it on this list.
There are *OTHER FORUMS* to voice our repsective political opinions and/or frustrations.

Shit.  I've spent the last 2 years fighting for my career in the Navy - just so I can continue contributing to my country in some
meaningful or productive fashion.  I have thousands of pages of documentation, hundreds of sleepless nights, dozens of congressional
inquiries, and a whole shit ton of pissed off friends and family.  It has literally consumed me for the better part of 2 years.
I've halted work on the Twin and neglected the Rieger and the rest of the herd, but if you check the archives, you'll find that I
have only vaguely mentioned any of it here (the above is the most detail I've ever provided on-list).  Why so vague on something so
important to me and to the Naval justice system as a whole?  Simple:  THERE IS NO PLACE FOR IT ON THIS LIST.  I read this list to
learn about and assist others with their own Sciroccos.  I DO NOT want to have to sift through political / beaurocratic bullshit.  I
deal with it enough at work.

That said - I have no opposition to the occasional off-topic postings that occur from time to time.  They spice things up a bit.
It's really like we are all family and are just telling eachother about the cool thing we saw online somewhere.  Those discussions
are light hearted and usually downright funny.  Political discussions ARE NOT.  Would you keep talking about someones funeral or
some other disturbing topic?  Of all the places to do it - would you keep bringing it up on a mailing list for working on 20 year
old cars?  Of course not.  It just doesn't belong here.

Opinions wanted?  Wish granted.

Al