I too need to add my two chips worth here as well.
Much of the back and forth banter That Westen (and others) read on this board is between individuals who have known each other for years. Some of it is good-natured kidding which the competing parties understand, but may be interpreted as bickering or in-fighting by those who don't know any differently. Granted, some of it is also intended as insults or baiting... but who said the world is perfect? Some personalitites are bound to clash after almost 20 years the club has been in existance. H@ll, even husbands and wives and family members occassionally have disagreements. After all is said and done, most times the warring parties get back to common ground and remain friends ... until the next heated discussion comes about.

Geez ... come to think of it ... I haven't read any political "debates" in the past few days...