I love to see how you think I'm pouncing on you, needing to calm down, or getting on a soapbox. I'm just adding to the discussion. You ask for comments and I deliver. Sorry if I've rained on someone's parade.
This is the problem with discussing on the internet; you cannot see the other persons physical posture and tone of their voice.
I never once thought you were pouncing on me, it is called humor or being silly with one another. At least that is how I interact with others. For you it may be different.
*If you and me were discussing face to face the issues we are involved in, I would have smiled largely blinked with my left eye and said, "Man you are on your soapbox today." Again you may converse differently with your friends, what I may be may be offensive and or derogatory.
I know you are adding to the discussion and I thank you for it. (You are one of my favorite posters)
I have no need for personal praise from an internet web board, so that rules out someone's parade.
As for your original point I agree that the add I gave describes how politics have evolved over the past 20 years. (The Republican Revolution as many call it.)
Substance has never been a political strength in this country. Either side resorts to attack rather than making any significant contribution to the society as a whole, rather pandering to particular interest groups.
In the end, I still have supreme confidence in the electorate. The electorate, in general, can see through the phony ads and still vote on what substance is left in this country.
So all of that to say this, I was attempting to make people laugh...and for that I apologize to you for making you feel indifferent about my intent.