I, too, am guilty of bringing up controversy and may have done so moments ago. However, I have learned that the better course of action is to type out the posting, walk away for a bit, then come back and read it again.
I NEVER mean to offend anyone, but will defend my position if I feel the need to do so. My antics are most often directed at those I feel close enough to do so and to bring a light hearted bit of humor in most cases.
However, when it comes to political or religious matters, I very often will avoid posting like the plague. Many times I may read the first post or two then never revisit it again.
An very wise old man told me many years ago "Opinions are like ***holes - Everyone has one, some ARE one...." I'm sure there are those that consider me to BE one and that's fine. I've also found over the years that first impressions are not always correct. I've met folks that I thought were very offensive and real jerks that later turned out to be close friends. I've also met many who I felt were very sincere and honest, then later turned out to be back-stabbers. It's just the way things are in the human race.
I'm glad to see that you will refuse to leave this forum based on a few that seem to stir up controversy on a regular basis. Some of these people just have the personality that they feel they have to stand on their soapbox and tell others what is right and what is wrong. Doesn't mean they are right, and doesn't mean they are wrong. They are just expressive. I do not appreciate when someone is expressive to the point of offensive and will likely tell them so. But I will not let that influence me into quitting the forum that is made up by the majority of folks high above that mark.
Now... With guitar in hand... I'll strike a G chord and we can begin the "Kumbaya..."