I think that the only way you can have descent discussions concerning politics or religion are, if possible, when you just don't take things personal.
I think everybody has the right to give his/her opinion. No matter what other people think, you must be able to give your own view on certain matters. Of course other people won't always agree (like uncle did concerning my opinion on Mr. Bush). But that is oke, it's nice to see how other people think on the same issue.
I don't agree entirely with uncle, but he has some relatively acceptable points. He also has some points I really don't agree on, but that's fine.
Nothing personal on uncle, it's just an example.
I don't care if other people agree with me on certain issues. Why should I care? Should I take something personal, when somebody 6000 miles away types something about me or about my opinion? Somebody I don't even know which his or her name is?
That would be rediculous.
Like I said: discussions are great and I really enjoy them, but people should really stop taking things personal.
Of course there is a sense of emotion in certain threads, but try to see things in a objective way and not to attack people personal.
Not only doesn't it serve any matter, it is also rediculous to call somebody names or something while you don't even know this person.
Just my $ 0.02...