As one of the usual instigators of incendiary topics on this web, I guess I
should be the one who steps forward to try to see Norm's logic.
    As some of you may know, I have been messing around writing a novel for
several years now. I think I do it as an outlet to vent my frustrations. In
part 2 of the novel, the hero begins both a working and romantic
relationship
with another student. They work wonderfully together on ecological research,
her mathematical brilliance balancing his intuitive intellect.
    The lead guy assumes that she is, like he and most ecologists, a
liberal-leaning thinker who despises anything conservative. He is shocked
one day to learn that she not only campaigned for Reagan, but was a delegate
at the Republican convention. What ensues is 4 or 5 pages of
point-counterpoint. Needless to say neither their romantic nor working
relationships survive the explosion.
    So why am I bringing this up? Because I think some of the users of this
list, myself included, share the shock that the guy in my book endured when
we learn that not all birders are liberals, or at least pro-environment.
    For his part, Norm would prefer that we just stay friends and preserve
our relationships. The couple in the book would still be in love and doing
research together had they not crossed the line into political squabbling.
    So let this be a new beginning. And let's not get caught up in the sale
of state lands on Norm's list.
    My email remains open to those who, like me, like to squabble.
    Jerry