W_L, thank you for this plog. It brought a smile to my face.
I like what you are saying, a lot. I think we don't have to agree on every issue, but mutual respect would make a huge difference. I must admit I have been feeling low for a few days since the 'fat people on planes' thread really took of. I read comments there from people I personally admire a lot and felt let down. I won't point them with finger.
I like that we all have our minds about things, that should be the richness of GA. We all come from different cultures and different backgrounds with different skills and likes and dislikes. For me what the problem comes down to is selfisness. I'm the first to admit that I'm utterly selfish, stubborn and opinnioted too, yet every now and things happening around me shake me from my bubble. I thrive for a more open minded view of the world. I hate the things that make me narrowminded - I fight it when ever I realize I'm down that path.
M