Because I am often opinionated and occassionally prone to bluntness, I feel I should elaborate on a few things lest people arrive at a distorted opinion of me based upon less than the fact.
If you think I'm an asshole after the facts, that is no problem.
1. Females on Arfkom - Yes I am a designated card carrying member of the "I hate the radical feminist movement" and despise all of their bullshit. No apologies offered. Yes, I am a terrible mysognist but that is genetics and you can't blame me.
However, it would be wrong to equate that with hating women. My feelings about the females here specifically (Hannah, Marian, Tatjana, Hydegirl, etc.) is "I'm glad they are here." If I don't necessarily mind my manners on occassion it is because I honestly do treat them as equal. But I'd rather have 1,000 female members who are sometimes 'touchy' but willing to post on a mostly male oriented forum about a mostly male oriented topic than the alternative. So when the members of the "He-Man Woman Haters Club" drive you nuts please try and roll with it and don't take it personal.
2. Christians - It is no secret that I'm not a true believer. However, contrary to popular misconception I don't hate or have it out for Christians. Not willing to accept OT stories and hating are two very different things. I'd say roughtly 70% of this board considers themselves 'Christian' and of those I'd say about half are what I would call 'orthodox.' And I certainly don't hate 70% of this forum or I wouldn't be here.
I actually like most Christians, Old Painless is probably one of the nicest people online and really backs his beliefs up with words and deeds. I may not share his literal beliefs but I respect him and try not to directly insult him while questioning his faith.
And to add further credit at least most Christians are willing to discuss this issue. If you honestly think Christians are bible thumping hard headss stuck in the stone age just try and have a similar conversation with a Hasidic Jew or Fundamentalist Muslim.
3. Jews - Again, the popular misonception is I am terribly anti semetic and probably have a swastika tattooed on my forhead like Charles Manson. This idea is especially perpetuated by those who I have offended who happen to be jewish.
I can think of a LOT of jews I don't like (Schummer, Waxman, etc.) but it has nothing to do with the fact they are jews. I am also frequently cirtical of the politics of our relationship with Israel. Bur as I don't see all jews as being alike, and actually think that is a racists idea, my criticism of Israel is not a univeral critcism of all jews. There are plenty of people (who happen to be jewish) that I like and there are plenty of people (who happen to be jewish) that I don't like.
The above applies to all groups who might categorize themselves according to race.
Ok I think that about covers it.
So if I annoy you check the above and think about it or just ask. I'm usually not shy with my true opinion.