This is going to be a rant and will touch on both politics and religion so fair warning.
Every morning when I get up I check the web for the latest information. Almost every morning I'm astounded by the behaviors I see. Let's start with politicians. I know the bar is that high. As Robin Willaims once said, “Politics: 'Poli' a Latin word meaning 'many'; and 'tics' meaning 'bloodsucking creatures'.” It seems to me that the political process is turning more and more into an "I'm right, you're wrong" contest than one that is meant to ensure the health, safety and prosperity of the people. I speak here of the US but there are similar examples all around the world.
Let's look first at the House and Senate. Once these were forums for sometimes heated but intelligent discussions on what was to be done to ensure our country grew and prospered. There were differing ideologies but the only thing an aisle was used for was to get to your seat. Today that aisle has become a chasm. Nowhere did the founding fathers specify a two party system. Why? Because their fear was that party loyalty would overcome the good of the nation. I believe that is exactly what has happened. Here's a simple fact. Whether you're a Republican or a Democrat you're not always right. There are times when a conservative approach is the better solution just as there are times when a liberal solution is more appropriate. Although I don't believe there are many people who would argue against that we see a failure to compromised or admit that another line of thought is more appropriate daily. I bet I can describe the scene on CSPAN for any given moment that the House or Senate are in session. Whatever member has the floor will speak to his or her viewpoint in some rare cases actually making a viable case. While that is happening the majority of the floor will not even be paying attention or even present. At some point the speaker will refer to the aisle and most likely make an accusation. Once the floor is yielded the member from the other party will refute most of what was said while using the aisle as a means to throw some barb. How exactly can you have an intelligent discussion when no one is listening and it begins with accusations?
This type of behavior has gone well past the halls of Congress. In New York state senate the Democrats having lost the majority snuck into the building through the back, locked the doors to the Republicans and refused to surrender the gavel. I mean seriously that is the kind of behavior I'd expect from preteens not elected officials. Republicans preach family values and then pepper the news with members caught in affairs. Is hypocrisy the new platform? This attitude then continues into any discussion. Look at any message board or news posting comments about a political matter and in no time at all it will become a finger pointing session.
This same lack of tolerance holds true for discussions on religion. People who believe and those that don't will more often than not end up at each others throats. I don't know how many times I've seen threads quickly deteriorate into name calling sessions over religion. Here's another epiphany. People of faith don't need your approval and people who don't believe don't want to be converted. Why do people quote scripture into threads that don't call for it and on the other hand why would someone take offense if another said they would pray for you?
I simply don't understand why people of differing opinions are no longer able to respect one another enough to discuss their differences either to a point of compromise or if their differences are irreconcilable simply agree to disagree. There have been very few times in my life where if I step back and try to see things from another's view point that I can't see valid points. Politics and religion tend to be topics which illicit strong reactions and from time to time tempers will flair. This is a fact of human nature but how often do you see someone admit that they got carried away and apologize? Why is it that we no longer respect each other enough to show that simple courtesy?
My final point before closing is that although politics and religion can be emotional topics so can treatment for a disease such as ALS. As proposed treatments come to the net remember that even if you believe them to be the answer that until they are proven all they are is a belief. If you don't believe the proposed treatment will work then comes the time for intelligent discussion. If you believe the present and defend your facts. If you don't believe then question those facts or offer alternatives. Conjecture and hearsay have no place when discussing treatments that may end in mortality.
In closing I will say this. I don't care if your a Democrat or Republican, whether you're Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, an atheist or agnostic, whether you're black, white or Hispanic, what country you hail from or what language you speak. I will do my very best to listen to and respect your point of view and all I ask in return is that same respect.
I got my new power chair from the VA today. It took almost 13 weeks from the initial measurement until I actually got it. It is a Permobil C500 RS just like the one below except mine is blue. So far I'm very happy with it but it's only been a few hours. Tomorrow I intend to put it through its paces and see what it can do. Expect a review once I've had some time in it. 
I figured I'd throw a post on my blog in an effort to get others started and add some things about the site. The site is working fairly well although there are a couple of bugs I'm chasing. I need your help to make it work though. A community site isn't much use without a community. I realize it's early on in the site's life but as you get comfortable I could use your help. Any of the following would be much appreciated: