Friar - Thank you for addressing this issue!

I voted against opening up the lounge for off-topic political and religious issues.

I'm not wishy washy on either. I am an ordained pastor and a former journalist - my job was the politcal and editorial beat for an Oregon newspaper. I think it would be peachy if none of the above were discussed here, or else, discussed in a separate forum or category.

Here's one reason I believe that way: I've seen at least one decent bike forum go down the tubes thanks to politics. On the other hand, I also know of a successful biker forum that gives members a chance to vent off-topic stuff in an off-topic forum. http://forums.thesabregroup.com/

Whether we keep off-topic discussions or not, I'll stick around; 'cause I came here to talk bikes...

Roadie