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along with. In general my politics probably lean farther left than right, yet I find - on average, but not exclusively - I enjoy my conversations with right leaning posters more than left. This is obvious evidence that I am a deviant. Burning at the stake, a turn on the rack or at least a good drunking are in order.
There are those who, while definitely having a certain inclination one way or the other politically, still manage to be somewhat open minded and are able to learn new things and at least consider opposing viewpoints. I seem more favorably inclined to listen to what these people say. There are others who are partisan, agenda driven and adhere to strict dogma of their side having political beliefs that are etched in stone. Despite my best efforts they frequently get my back up, even when I agree with them.
I like to think I am one of the former rather than the latter as I truly feel I learn quite a bit from the participants. I have discovered that I am not all knowing and have changed my opinions and admitted to being wrong on several occasions. I am still alive despite this and hope others may also learn from my example that being wrong or changing one's opinion in light of new evidence is not a shameful disgrace and life threatening experience.
The left holds the upper hand at present as Bush is seen by the overwhelming majority of Americans as leading us in the wrong direction. Left leaning posters have a little more ammo when it comes to partisan discussion at present. Those that identify themselves either in name or by policy endorsed with a specific party can see the writing on the wall, or the poll as it may be. What magnitude of impact this has on who does or does not visit the Lounge is debatable, but I have little doubt the effect is there.
