The Anonymity of the Net

On the Minnesota Trout Unlimited forum there has been quite a bit of a kerfuffle. There was tensions over Bait/Flies/Regs/HI etc.

Often when I go to the Star Tribune or Pioneer Press websites I read the articles and then glance at the comments and it is a war between Liberal/Conservative talking points. People call each other names, question patriotism, etc. Sometimes it devolves into homophobia, xenophobia, racism, elitism, classicism, "I hate your goddamn dog...."

There seems to be a certain level of comfort with saying stuff to someone you've never met, never seen.

I fly fish. I occasionally throw jigs for skittish smallies in low water. But, mostly I fly fish.

Contacting employers in an attempt to settle scores over bait/flies debates is silly. Getting into these stupid arguments is even sillier.

We may as well scream at each other over abortion, gay marriage, gun rights or whatever. No one is going to change there mind.

I dunno. Seems like we can't get anywhere with each other.