TM7,
I do not go to the religion section of GBO and there are alot of sections that I do not attend also.
I know there are those that are afraid of Islam. I know there are some that are afraid of differences between local customs and traditions. I try to tread in areas I am comfortable with myself. I have been to the middle east a few times and have been invited into the homes of citizens there. The hospitality of private families is remarkable. I am probably not the world traveler that some are but for the most part people are the same everywhere (there are a few exceptions of course).
There are some that would espouse violence and desecration of sacred things. I do not. Simply I do not care if someone worships an idol or a false god, it means relatively nothing to me. It is their choice. If asked what I believe I will certainly give an account.
My statement about trolling is directed at a few simply put if PM says the sky is blue there is an uproar about everything he posts. The most common defense used is he posts more than everyone else. So what, what you have is free speech in action. Those that troll are excercising that same free speech and if Mr. Greybeard decides enough is enough he certainly takes away that right. (so do a few of the moderators).
We should enjoy the opportunity to engage each other in conversation, I am betting sitting on a creek bank with a fishing pole in the shade most of us really don't care about 99% of the politcal or religious reteric on these boards. I would fish, hunt or ride motorcycles with 99% of the folks I have met here at GBO. Even those who want to drop pork all over the world, those that like an adult beverage or smoke a little of cheech.
I can honestly say I do not want to hunt, fish or ride motorcycles with the members from Alaska. I am simply not tough enough to keep up with them.