This is meant to be The Coffee Corner - can we please keep discussions away from photography......
Actually on a serious note, I did think some of the topics had got out hand. Particularly the Trump tirade. Politics and religion, to name two, are very interesting topics to discuss, but online forums so easily deteriorate. The views of photographers who I admire greatly when on the subject of photography, I find completely at odds with mine on more controversial subjects. Nothing wrong with that, but my real friends I meet with and we have invested time and love in our relationships. You on LL are my 'cyber friends', not that I don't value you, but the main thing we have in common is photography - and that's the way I think it is best kept.
I have learnt much from reading your views on politics, gun laws etc - but they are too emotive a subject it seems to discuss online for long. If Parliament and the Senate cannot agree on the best way forward on subjects like Brexit and Gun-Control, what hope for us to agree or come to a consensus. There are no absolutes in most of these discussions, but some individuals seem to think there are.
The climate change discussion was great - when it stuck to the science.
I do not believe in a god, others do. I don't believe that citizens should have the right to carry guns, others do. Never say never, but these are two subjects I am unlikely to change my beliefs on. I would happily debate the topics, but many of us have deep-seated views on these and many more. I have respect for those who hold opposite views to mine - lots of my best friends are religious (including my wife) - even my neighbour has a licensed rifle (not for shooting people obviously).
I've always thought of the LL forum, which is the only forum I have regularly posted in, as like a meeting place in either a pub or my kitchen. It's a place to exchange views, seek and offer advice etc. I think the discourse should follow the same sort of etiquette. Friendly, sometimes probing, but always with good humour. It's okay to disagree - but say that and move on without banging on over and over the same point.
Not everyone will agree with my view and I'm sure there are flaws in my logic. But It's just my own personal guideline for using a forum - even though I sometimes have been guilty of transgressing.....
Jim