I look at it like this:
Opinions=poots-in-the-wind.
Sometimes they're useful, other times they are to be shared and ignored. You can't necessarily tell someone they are wrong for their opinion because that is their right to have it, BUT you can debate opinions with factual information HOWEVER when dealing with opinions one must be able to share his perspective while at the same time being open-minded enough to realize that not everyone will have the same idea as himself, NOR should he get so adamant (sp?) about his opinion that it turns folks off or against him.
For example, my opinion of FrogBoy is very high, while my opinion of NATE on the other hand...well...
J/K, Nate's my pal!!
Really, though, I have decided never again to get involved in those kind of conversations. Luke caused no problems but attempted to hold an adult conversation which got out of hand, but Kudos to Luke for his open-mindedness and over-estimated opinion that folks here could handle that topic when it's clear there are some who couldn't. I could to a point, but then bowed out because of it, and likely will never attempt to visit such topics again (I even hopped out of the Academy Awards thread because of it).
At any rate, Luke sounded like he was blaming himself and shouldn't. He's our penguin-pal, and one of those of my MC friends which I hold in high regards!
So, having said as such, who wants to play?