[kgargiulo]

I did not read all posts, apologies if this has been said.

We need to have debates and we need students, mentors, parents, sponsors, and volunteers in FIRST who are passionate about their beliefs. That said, I think there is ample recent evidence to support these two points of view about how and when we can productively have those polarizing discussions.

• A discussion forum like this, without the benefit of body language or tone of voice from a personal discussion, web cast, or phone call, is the worst possible communication channel in which to conduct a discussion on a polarizing/emotionally charged topic. There are too many unintended consequences with damages and it is simply too hard to convey complex opinions through this medium. No offense to CD at all, it's implicit in the format and equally applies to FB, twitter, or email blasts.
  
• Having a polarizing discussion immediately after events that lead to the discussion is also the worst possible timing for having the discussion regardless of the means of communication. Everyone needs some space, decompression time, and, frankly, sleep. Then figure out another forum

Keith