it should be about fights.

win-win solutions don't really exist, but debate can make a policy idea/outcome more palatable to more, perhaps even to an overwhelming majority sometimes

Dear Chris,

I'm still learning.

And there are skills that take time to develop.

We all have obstacles to over come, and life often
throws curve balls and difficult people at us.
And of course there are just toxic people that not
matter what you say or do - you'll never please.

As I've learned - best to avoid situations that drag
you done. Nobody deserves to always be wrong.

Besides - as the saying goes - there's no point in
watering dead plants!

excuse my typos.

It all depends on our personality.

Yes, we should strive to be civil al of the time.

But, for myself, politics is very much about the issues that divide, albeit at times the same issue of debate can evolve into greater consensus or division.

This is true of most important policy issues.

At the moment, I am preparing a piece on race, a very topical and difficult subject.

In the end, I will annoy some, and hopefully please some.

But we shall see.

The main thing with politics, is to address all sides of the debate as best as one can.

CHRIS LEWIS...My friend, I was a former professional pug in my earlier days in the coppers, and I'm here to tell you if you wish to juxtapose a verbal debate with that of a legitimate 'stink; a blue, or a knuckle on', any of the former will always prevail? It's so much more difficult trying to verbally debate an issue, with a mouth full of busted teeth.

Myself, I'd prefer to employ words like a brawling, or bruising dialogue, or a fierce discussion, rather than that of a 'fight'. After all, it has so many connotations none of them is especially helpful on an august site such as this? I know, I've been thoroughly berated even ostracized for being so aggressive in the past. Moreover, you win no friends, and you lose the respect of your peers.

Foxy,

What I like most is that I can let people know what I THINK about certain topics, whether I am right or wrong. Mr Opinion cogito ergo.

Try doing that in your beloved China, Bronwyn, LOUDmouth and Shadow Minister and see how far you get!