Hi tweets,

I really did not want to get involved in this
discussion because of the inevitable flame wars which
always happen when an issue like this arises. Don't
get me wrong, I can take the heat, but it always
causes very nice people and very good birders to leave
the list because of the *often* "immature and petty
attitudes and methods people use and express in their
opinions and disagreements" (the person who said this
to me shall remain nameless). In reality, many more
flames occur in private posts that many of us have no
idea about.

As for the issue at hand, It is really a loss to
EVERYONE on the list when such people drop off, while
it is really often no loss to those people. When they
post, their comments, ideas, and tips really add a lot
to our list. We are fortunate that people like Andy
S. and Steve M. make their contributions, and it is
only a matter of time before the most thick skinned of
us get tired of how people are acting.

When the debate becomes heated, I know that the first
reaction for many is too chime in and express their
views to everyone. What is it that Ben Franklin said
about counting to 100? I think that before posting
anything to the list of such nature, we should all
take the time to write a thoughtful message and then
seriously think twice before sending it to the group
as a whole rather than sending it only to those
individuals involved in the debate (some of you did in
this case, but most did not).

I know how Michelle feels. How many of you have ever
checked on your nest boxes to find that House Sparrows
or Starlings had pecked to death the Chickadee or
Bluebird sitting on the nest defending its eggs and
young? Trust me, it really is not pretty, and is a
truly heart wreanching experience. However, I also
think the argument that all life is sacred (yes folks
when you think about it, its a miracle any of us or
any life is on earth at all) has considerable merit.
For those of you interested in hearing my opinions, I
would be more than happy to share them with you OFF
LIST. The level of debate on this topic has gotten
out of hand, and the passions and ideas parallel how
many people feel about such touchy topics as abortion
and the death penalty (which we should all agree have
no place on tweeters).

Stepping off my soapbox...

Michael Dossett
Bothell
Phainopepla at yahoo.com


P.S. to answer Glenn's question: kinda like chicken??
I wouldn't know, I am a vegetarian.


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