I too live in a vacuum (of my choosing), but felt I'd like to hang out with some photo-savvy adults. I'm around full-blown, shouting liberals and artists all day (a university), and there are few exchanges that get to the heart of the differences that divide and define each of us citizens of the world. When I come into the lounge I fully expect to be challenged, outraged, confused, saddened, mischievous, engaged, and (last and probably most important) alive. I've done enough photography (since 1969) to be slightly jaded and appreciate the vitality and guts many members exude... it's a balm to my senses to be around this level of passion.
I could always drop down a floor to visit colleagues in the school of management, but they have a unique and quantitative view of the current politics. I prefer to get my "opposition" from people who have traveled many of the same paths I have, but made different personal choices... that's the meat of the forum, and the lounge. I know and respect Frank P (more like envy!), Mark S (we had a few tussles, but then he likes to fish too), and finally I may remove Deane from my ignore list to read her contributions (it's a vehicle to keep my blood pressure in check ).
Strangely, many of the worst offenders of decorum from the liberal side, are absent in this discussion. Has the chill of censorship already taken its toll? The loyal conservatives have come back to engage... possibly a sign that we can still talk and find a purpose together here? Fist bumps all around! I'll buy the next round.
Bring back red blood, real voices, and sweaty, gritty passion... your future creativity may depend on it...
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