A little arguing is good in a debate but I haven't witnessed much debating. A debate is where both parties are given an opportunity to voice there opinion in a point/counterpoint scenario without any preconceived idea about the other party and BOTH parties stay on the TOPIC. I taught high school debate for 9 years but I don't claim to be a "PROFESSIONAL" just SOMEWHAT knowledgeable. In a forum EVERYONE has SOMETHING to bring and add and NO individual should be scrutinzed and have their opinion picked apart at every turn. I have to also disagree SLIGHTLY that it SHOULD be about manners and POLITENESS. I'm like caj518 I'm new, COMPLETELY to dog ownership, my FIRST nor do I PERSONALLY know ANYONE. There are lots of interesting topics AND humor, HELL the Serbian Syl...whatever thread and following threads were the hottest few weeks since I've been following MD and it's been a few months for me but I was following along before I joined. I also have to say that there are some VERY intelligent people and some that got their degrees from life but NO one should be personally attacked. Maybe I'm not paying close enough attention but a haven't witnessed any blatant racism, forgive me but I also think if it were as bad as others have said I assume or HOPE that Gary would intervene. My thoughts/OPINION you don't have to agree but it IS MINES, on a forum EVERYBODY has one like ASSES. PEACE, Alan