......exactly what do all the political OT posts here (or anywhere in
cyberspace) accomplish?

Is anyone's opinion changed?

Are the folks in these debate *movers and shakers* who can really impact
world or national affairs?

Is a positive contribution to national or world affairs made as a result of
these debates?

Nope on all counts.

While I have been a major player in these discussions in the past I have now
called it quits for the most part....you can say I have seen the light (and
it ain't pretty). ;-)

So why continue with this garbage folks? Exactly what is the *purpose* of
these political debates?

An inquiring mind wants to know. ;-)