I'm just going to keep assuming people want to have a conversation, tptacek. Next time if you're only replying -- because why exactly? -- as a game or something you can save us a lot of time and effort by pointing that out, instead of thinking I'm going to remember your nick or style.

What you see in politics and religion I see in every discussion that goes on at HN. People have preconceived ideas, and act mostly on emotion. The question is whether or not they (and me) can move past all that posturing.

So nope, I don't see much at all special about this subject. To me it's the same as "what should I do with my life?" or "C++ or LISP: What should I try first?" or "What types of footwear do you use when you hack?" "Does Country and Western music go with VB programming?" "Has Microsoft stopped being the most evil company on earth yet?" or any one of the 1000 other issues and questions that require people of differing worldviews the chance to converse. (not debate) I enjoy having a conversation, asking questions, and learning stuff. Quite frankly some of the other topics, as emotional as they can be to some, bore me to tears any more.