I now look at the subject line then look at who is posting the message. If its a poster that I don't agree with I don't even open the message. I just move on and it saves a lot of frustration. As for the poster named sam. In the beginning we were "butting heads". I was as much to blame for this, and I always remember what my grandfather used to tell me...not everyone will always agree on politics and religion and therefore just respect what the other person has to say and move on.
I've been reading the posts in the past and in all fairness sam does not do a lot of the original posts. It is other people, then when she gives her opinion (like we are all allowed to do), that's when people start in on her and then claim she's started it all when she didn't. There are even posts that have nothing to do with politics but trying to egg sam into a fight.
So my rule I try and keep is post something and if you don't like sams response just ignore it (don't open it) and ignore it. It sure saves on the nerves. Also, its not fair to ask for someone to be banned, especially when she is not abusive and insulting and just defending her opinion, just as I'm sure you wouldn't want someone asking you to be banned.
P.S. - Sam, it might just be easier for you to change your name. We do respect your right to post messages and answer and respond. I enjoy hearing your opinion on things. I know there are others like me that feel the same way as I've been reading some of the messages. BTW, because of things you have brought up, I have changed the way I look at some things (not everything but some things).
I know it's a political board and people on both sides get into "heated" discussions, but for me I try and not take any of it too seriously. We are all people with feelings and I'm much calmer when I let things go in one ear and out the other.