I'm certainly not too nice. But I think you are reading Shari's motives wrong here.

I am also uncomfortable with discussing someone when they are not present in a convo to speak for themselves.

I'd also add that around here how do you know who's here and who's not? If she's not popping up when there's a good chance of political turmoil as Erika suggests and is in fact lurking more than speaking, then who knows?

That said, I made a point of addressing my point to her rather than speaking about her. YMMV if that makes a difference.

I am uncomfortable labeling anyone a troll for bringing up unpopular sides to a convo. I am also uncomfortable with discussing someone when they are not present in a convo to speak for themselves.

Me too. Although I feel the need to point out that just because she's not posting right now doesn't mean she's not reading this right now. I have to admit it's upsetting to me to be having this conversation here in Natter.

I don't talk a lot about my view on immigration because I am on another end of the spectrum. I think we should make it as easy as possible to come into the country. If no one has to come into unlawfully , than things like undocumented people in the ER won't have to exist. Because they will be documented. And most likely paying into the system.

Simplistic, but this:

I think most parents would do anything for their children or their own parents and so on. I just can't find it in myself to criticize people who are willing to do what it takes to provide for their families.

Rings true. I know I'd go pretty far for my family, and I don't even have kids. And it is for most of the people I know.

and if i hear one person take a strong stand on undocumented immigration, and then hire the day labors around here... I might explode.

Why is it upsetting, Burrell? Real question, not snark.

I have to admit it's upsetting to me to be having this conversation here in Natter.

I don't mind having it in Natter, but I do think there's a big difference between saying, "I think you're being purposely inflammatory and/or not listening" and "Go find a bridge," too.

Part of the point here is that what we say and how we say it matters.

True, Brenda, and I was guilty of making a generalization.

I don't mind having it in Natter, but I do think there's a big difference between saying, "I think you're being purposely inflammatory and/or not listening" and "Go find a bridge," too.

Part of the point here is that what we say and how we say it matters.

YES. And now I'm going to quote something from the b.org Etiquette page:

"Play nice, and you've found a home away from home. If you make personal attacks or offensive posts, or try to start a fight, you will be shunned".

I'm not into content suppression...ftr. But there are people who enjoy starting shit in communities they don't really belong in. Maybe I leapt to judgment, though.

Why is it upsetting, Burrell? Real question, not snark.

Because I can't help but put myself in her place and I know that the feelings it causes me are hard: both deeply mortified and very angry. Now the truth is, I don't know Shari and so for all I know she's feeling neither of those emotions. But it's hard for me to turn off my reaction.

And really? Those feelings are for me to own. No one else here is responsible for making me feel this way. I know that. So I'll back off now lest I put my foot into it.