I appreciate the variety of opinion expressed here–no one has all the right answers. I’m all for less polarization, more respectful listening and a search for common ground rather than constant parsing of differences.

Do you hear that Senators?

I also believe that people can agree to disagree without being disagreeable and resorting to name calling or personal attacks.

I don’t agree with Mike Ball’s position on certain issues but I have tremendous respect for him as public offical, this is why:
“As an elected official, I believe that I have a responsiblity to put my opinions on the record;”.

The anonymity of the blogosphere is both a blessing and a curse. As an elected official, I believe that I have a responsiblity to put my opinions on the record; but the anonymity allows many a greater freedom of expression. Of course there are those who will abuse the cloak of anonymity.

As the influence of the Parlor continues to grow, more political hack will try to abuse it. You’ll just have to adapt as you go to keep honest dialogue going. This might be the only time I ever agree with bhamhomboy, but his previous comment is right on target.

In my experience, election season always raises the stakes, namely the number of people (or at least screen names) posting regarding their candidate of choice. If I had to wager, the respect this site garners throughout the state leads individuals to want their story to be carried here. In a roundabout way, Danny, consider it a form of flattery.

That said, I think it would be unfortunate if we had to register. Certain websites that will go unnamed require registration and than wantonly use that as a way to keep only those comments that coincide with the opinions of the owner. Granted, I know Danny would never use such tactics, even if we were required to register. That said, there is something to be said for a place that anyone is free to come and go as he wishes and say what he wishes to say. There will always be problems with that environment. For a system of free speech to work, however, fair minded people must be willing to accept the rudeness of others. Usually those people merely want attention anyway. The best way to get them to leave is to just ignore them. Like a fire deprived of oxygen, it will burn out on its own.