When SoCal asked if I would be a moderator for a couple of the threads, I was concerned that I didn't spend enough time on this (or any) discussion board to be effective --- it appears that was an accurate assessment.
I've reviewed the various threads leading up to this one, and continue to believe (as I stated before on IHB) that this is a COMMUNITY DISCUSSION FORUM, and that wedge issues like politics, religion, abortion, sexual orientation --- etc, etc really do not fit what we are trying to do here. Generally, no good can come out of those discussions --- not because they are without merit --- but because the people inclined to engage in those discussions are such extreme partisans on either side of the issue you will never change their mind. I liken the TI boards to the watercooler in a professional workplace. Yes, there are "non-professional" related conversations all day long around the workplace watercooler. But it would NEVER be considered appropriate etiquette to bring up any of the topics I noted above, for the very reasons noted above. That's why they are called wedge issues, folks.
Trooper and WINEX --- I hope you two both realize that you are extreme partisans on either side of the respective issue. On either side of any political issue there are a fringe 10% who are very partisan, and the other 80% of all people fall in the middle. Most don't come to Talk Irvine to hear partisan howling on these subjects --- there are more appropriate forums to engage in that discussion. Talk Irvine is a board to discuss various local issues in a civilized manner, whether it real estate, local and regional economy, schools, resturants, local activities, etc. But the wedge topic poison pill was introduced and it is most unfortunate that two valued contributors to this COMMUNITY FORUM seem to have been caught up in it. I truly hope that stepping up and tmare will rethink their decisions. Both of your respective contributions regarding on the cities you live, gardening, schools and so on are exactly the type of contributions this forum is looking for. I'm sorry that you have been caught up in this discussion.
As far as Trooper and WINEX, I understand you both have a very strong opinion on this and other politically charged issues --- but you must both understand that this is YOUR political hot button, and most of us regardless of our political leanings do not feel nearly as strongly one way or the other. Trooper, I agree with you 100% that all Americans should be afforded the same rights, and I voted as such. But for obvious reasons I am not and cannot be an activist on this issue. I've got other fish to fry in my life. I am sure you can appreciate that. We've all got our individual crusades --- I have one, too. But a local community discussion forum is not necessarily the appropriate venue.
WINEX, your incessant baiting of Trooper on an issue that you know is so personal (and hurtful) to her is unacceptable. On the same token, Trooper, it was unacceptable for you to take a backhanded swipe at SoCal for being "church buddies" with WINEX. Stereotyping is just as bad from either side.
So in summary, Tmare and Stepping up --- please rethink your decision to leave. Trooper and WINEX, please consider the venue for your discussion, and I hope you both stay to discuss the local community issues. But stop the wedge issue discussions at TI and take it to an appropriate forum --- because it will serve no purpose here but to destroy this community. If you cannot discuss in a civil manner the topics this community is founded on, then in my opinion its best that you both move on.