I first discovered Sodahead when furthering my research of the potential presidential candidates. I was intrigued with Sodahead as unlike Myspace, I can have open dialogue with those I disagree with and would be educated in different positions. But lately it seems as if everyone (including myself) have been sucked into this war of words and how many raves you have and so forth. I used to come on Sodahead to release steam and to get my political conversation fix but now it has become a political nightmare. Is this what the country is all about?

I do admit that I too have spent many long hours neglecting my husband to come on and try to have civilized discussions as well as educate and be educated... but does anyone come on to be educated anymore? It seems people have turned this site into a gang zone where people send their friends to gang up on one Sodahead because of their views in the name of patriotism. But how is persecuting one for their beliefs considered to be patriotism in a country that was founded by those escaping this very act?

I realize that I too am guilty of some of this behavior and have wasted way too much time on Sodahead debating in useless debates. A lot of this is due to my move from Los Angeles away from all my family and friends. It's been such a difficult transition for me because I come from a very big family and we are so very close. My husband has a schedule which isn't conducive to mine, leaving me alone in a rural town where I obviously don't fit in. Perhaps I was spoiled in Los Angeles with all it's diversity and excitement and being in a place like Ocala is not stimulating, to say the least. That's why we are finally doing the big move to NYC. Not only is my stepson there but I will once again be in a city that is alive and assorted with many types of people. A rural town is no place for a city gal hence the long hours on Sodahead.

Though when I come on Sodahead, I want to learn and teach. I am a student at heart which is why I chose the teaching profession (for now) rather than pursue a career in Law. I love education and all that it entails. Although law is intriguing, it's not as rewarding as teaching a child to read or teaching children the many places in the world and what it would be like to visit these places. I come on Sodahead to take on both roles of the teacher and the student. But lately it is so filled with hate and venom that I have wondered what ever happened to the fun place in which I released my steam? Why has it been the place that causes annoyance?

If you want to be the Messiah of raves, go for it. This is cyberspace, you can be whatever you want. If you are not being fulfilled in your daily life as to come on and find some type of acceptance then who am I to judge? More power to you. If you want a win on Sodahead, then I will gladly give it to you. I would rather win in my husband's heart and the hearts of the children I teach. If you feel like you are a better Sodahead, then be the better Sodahead. I would rather be a better person in the REAL world rather than the CYBER. So I guess what I say to all those that want to continue a war, continue it if it makes you feel good about yourself. I prefer a more meaning way of gratification through my career and humanitarian work. I prefer to use Sodahead as a place to exchange interesting viewpoints and educate and be educated and of course meet new friends along the way!