I think the issue here is not that East Coasters are necessarily
jerks, but that this is a list for Pacific NW birders - what
someone outside this area thinks is not necessarily material
to the group. So, as I read it, the two adjectives were unrelated
(I'm NOT passing judgment on whether they were deserved).
And I agree, not everyone from this area acquitted themselves
with respect and eloquence. Whatever happened to scholarly
discourse, or at least professionalism and maturity? I have
found myself wincing at many of the posts lately, and making
greater use of my delete key.

This is my plea for those who feel they must
rise to every provocation to do so in private e-mails, rather
for everyone else's reading annoyance. We've long ago learned
the views of certain members on creationism, free speech,
swearing, abortion, cats, hunting, etc. Why these posters think
we would be interested in hearing about this over and over
each time a new member makes an innocent but provocative
statement, I have no idea. Just my two cents. PLEASE,
if you feel you must reply, do so off-Tweeters. I'll be happy to
take your wrath (or commiseration) in private.

Wishing for a more enjoyable discussion - Teresa Michelsen
avocet at halcyon.com