Hi Jim --- as you may recall, I have previously defended, here on this BB, your right to speak your mind (even abrasively) and, as I recall, even went so far as to acknowledge the validity of some particular point you had been making. And, I will continue to defend your right to say what you please (as long as it isn't libelous!!, in which case you're on your own).

But, I don't think it's necessary to be personally disrespectful to make a valid point in a contentious discussion. And, I don't think "well, that's just the way I am" is always going to be an acceptable excuse or explanation. We all like a certain amount of curmudegonly (sp?) charm, but that only goes so far.

I also think we should keep in mind that this public forum is being read by a lot of people who aren't necessarily responding to the posts (the new "Views" feature of this board shows how many people are reading the posts). Some of them are going to be newcomers whose first impression of the club may well be what is being said in one of your messages. If by your own concession, these messages don't always accurately convey your feelings about the person you are addressing (particularly where it is the president of the club), then what impression is a newcomer likely to get? Something worth thinking about.

----- jim o\-S