Art, using whatever media, touches, and maybe rubs the wrong way, a common thread of humanity. Picasso's "Guernica," and the photos of David Douglas Duncan from Viet Nam come to mind. To some extent, if you post something intended to be controversial, you may have to defend your point of view. However, 'chelle and I, [and this week since I was out of town, Dear Cynlee], are charged with being Peacekeepers here. We WILL lock threads if they start being abusive. The TOS provides for this: "Personal attacks. This includes but is not limited to, destructive, abusive, defamatory communications in any form, and retaliatory attacks from personal attacks. If you need assistance, please communicate with someone from our Renderosity Team. Destructive commentary/communications made with the intent to disrupt or attack (Trolling). This applies to any communications within this community, whether in the forums, art galleries, graffiti wall, chat, or IM." Note that this includes IM's. If anyone receives an IM from another member which seems inappropriate, rather than escalating to greater conflict, please tattle to the Moderators. Maybe we can quiet things down before they get out of hand. I guess if I had a vote we'd stick here to Photography topics. Period. But life is sometimes not that simple.

Does that mean I shouldn't have tossed the mashed potatoes at Doug? No food fights? Darn.....! But in all seriousness we did seem to have a rather tough couple of days here in the gallery, forum was peaceful.... things seem to be quieting down, and very grateful for that. I suspect that there were some nasty IM's being tossed in one members direction for voicing his opinions on certain political matters.... and that is unfortunate. No complaints from anyone....!? Didn't realize things were seriously out of control until after the fact that another gallery had been decimated.... So I second Misha's message, if you ever have problems with another member, let us know.... we are here to keep the peace.... That's why I carry this paddle around ya know... and a big heavy stick. ;~)

i can just imagine how difficult it must be to be a moderator at the UN & stay impartial during these controversial times ...sigh

Bravo for being such awesome Moderators!