Im with Graydon, i am not going to respect everyone just cos they take the time to write something down. Sometimes (myself included) people write the biggest load of BS, and they need to be told that, i respect their right to write their opinion, but they must respect other peoples right to say what they think about that opinion. This is an internet forum after all...
I would agree that we need to stick to the topic at hand.
But respect is earned, in every sphere of life.
Edit - the sentiment is right, i would personally pledge to not say anything if it isnt constructive, or contributes to the topic at hand.
Thanks Andy, I appreciate it... right up to the edited point where you pledge to not say anything. I do believe you missed my point - along with everyone else.
For 12 years I stood every morning at school with my hand above my heart and recited this :
I pledge allegiance to the Flag
of the United States of America,
and to the Republic for which it stands:
one Nation under God, indivisible,
With Liberty and Justice for all.
Some time about middle school I began to question what all this mumbo jumbo was about. 12 years of saying this while half paying attention meant nothing to me in the end. It didn't make me a better citizen or person, it made me a robot. Do I love my country? Damn right I do. I never needed to make a pledge to love and honor my country.
Then everyone took a pledge to stay off drugs (just say no - thanks so much Nancy Reagan...). Next was a pledge of abstinence. Then who knows what.
I sat back and watched all of those people that made their pledges and followed the masses in a sheep like format get hooked on dope, get (people) pregnant and have children that they abandoned or aborted. Hypocrites - each and every one of them.
You see - I don't need to tell the whole world what I will do, to make pledges or promises that I may or may not keep. I simply do what I do. Sometimes I regret it and sometimes I don't. I'm an individual and a human. I make mistakes and bad judgments sometimes. I can also sincerely apologize if I feel I made and error.
But I won't make a pledge to a bunch of people online promising to do or not do something. I won't drink that cool aid.
Oh - to me this has nothing to do with respect. I respect each and every person's opinion and right to say and do what they wish. Free will is a great concept. When allowed to do so I believe adults are able to do the right thing.
Nuff said - before I become the brunt of the flames.