How do things happen? Please keep this family together:)
I have been away for just three days and have come back to a forum full of hatred and unfriendliness.
I am shocked and stunned.
The original post was about the piece of news that gay marriages was now legal in the State of New York. Just as a matter of fact, it has been legal for years in Spain now.
Some agree, others do not agree with gay marriages, what I don't understand is why the discussion could not be held civil.
The question arose if this cannot be discussed on this forum, well of course it can! We can discuss almost anything on this site...even though I had to close a couple of threads on bullfighting which I simply do not allow as this gets so out of hand that I cannot see a way...but gay marriages? I don't see why not.
I have seen several gay members feel offended by some of the approaches, and I would just like to mention that all members are welcome on this forum, whatever their religion or sexual orientation is.
I also saw several members saying I am leaving this site...everybody hates me here, like Lazarus.
I do feel that lazarus is often , hmmmm, as sensitive as a block wall, 
, but we must all agree on the fact, that this forum would be not the same without him. I cannot count the times I tell people , ask Lazarus, do call Lazarus to this thread, go write lazarus.....in my opinion any members who leaves is a loss for this small family site...but if Lazarus leaves for good, that is a small tragedy
I can only repeat, everybody is welcome to this site, everybody can have his own way of living and all ways of life are welcome and any member is as appreciated as the next and just do me the favour to forget all about last night and keep this family together
29 Answers
¿Qué pasó amigos? 
Like Heidi, I was away for eight days. I just returned from Mexico hours ago and I am sorry to hear there have been disagreements.
I hope all can be worked out!!!! Everyone is needed and appreciated here!!
I love the fact that we can all share our opinions and beliefs without judgment. By judgment, I don't mean that no one will disagree with our opinions. Of course we will not all agree on everything However, the fact that we are all able to share our differing views without being offensive is something that has always amazed me about this site.
I can't seem to find the thread, so I am not passing judgment on anyone here. I'm just hoping we can all continue together....learning Spanish and enjoying everyone's diversity!
Amen to that!
Can we get back to learning Spanish and English, now?
We should express ourselves fully. But never disagree on content. We can argue about the accuracy of our expression in the language we are trying to learn. Nothing else deserves to be argued because it only distracts from our purpose here.
So it is Monday morning (well, here anyway) and all is back to normal. It's going to be a good day. Thanks Heidita.
Ahh, mystery solved... so it was a storm in a teacup. Well put Heidi. It's good that we can move on...... "flounce!" 
We can work it out: link text
We have an emergency, amigos. Code red!
Looks like I picked a good weekend to go camping!!
I remember something like this happening last year after I first joined and members threatened to leave. I have not seen Sunshine anymore. However, I also remember that some of you were involved and did not carry out the threat of leaving. For that, I am thankful.
We are all human with real human emotions. With that comes the the truth that we will always have different views. I, of course, have my views. If we cannot be adults on this forum, how can we expect to lead by example in our every day face-to-face lives? Disagreements are expected, these reactions should not be.
I am glad things are being contained and wrapped up. I look forward to sharing many more fun topics with you all.
What about gay bulls fighting? I would have a problem with that! Only joking Heidita!!!!! Now that mummy is back I'm sure all will be cool
I wouldn't exactly say it was a storm in a teacup, because real feelings were really hurt and a class of people was once again belittled and reminded of how much some people hate them, but I can see what you mean. Let's move on, but let us not undermine the very real pain and hurt that this thing caused...
Wow... haven't logged on for a couple of days and hadn't seen this coming...
I haven't read any of the supposedly offending threads and I don't think I will because it will probably take up too much time. But I'm very sorry to hear that discussions have become so fierce that people, especially wellrespected members that have been around for years, would leave over them. There's not much to add to all the comments that have already been made other than that I would like to encourage all members to keep in mind that this site was created out of friendship, a wish to learn and share and to have fun. It's a beautiful place that should remain friendly to all.
Post anything you like as long as your posts are respectfull and well formulated. Be gracious and self-critical and remember that every person has their own truths based on their personal experiences. They are perceptions and every member is entitled to theirs. This site is not meant for judging other members. If that's what excites you there are many other sites where you can indulge that wish. This isn't the place for it.
Saludos, Chica
Heidita: Since I agree with the sentiments that you expressed, I will confine my comments to your manner of expression.
it has been legal for years in Spain now
Possible. Certainly not ungrammatical. "it has now been legal for years in Spain" or "it has been legal now for years in Spain" would be more common.
why the discussion could not be held civil.
This, simply, does not work. The minimal correction would be "why the discussion could not be held civilly." (instead of an adjective with no clear reference, an adverb modifying "held"). However, few people would actually employ this construction. For normal speech, your choices would be "why the discussion could not be civil." or "why the discussion could not be held in a civil manner."
as sensitive as a block wall
Certainly not incorrect. I would have expected "brick wall" (or, perhaps, "stone wall"; these being more common). Despite my earlier disclaimer about content, this seems to contradict my impression of Lazarus' conduct. Brick/stone/block walls are impervious to insult (or praise, for that matter). If anything, he is overly sensitive to criticism (even from Philistines).
I have been away from the forum and was devastated to find that SD had changed so much! I am glad to see that bridges are being rebuilt .Perhaps this episode is a lesson to us all -" we don't know what we've got until we nearly lose it !"..........
In my Spanish classes we regularly discuss difficult/controversial topics.Our teacher has an interesting approach she finds out our views and then makes us defend the opposing viewpoint I can't always do it - but it does make one see that there are two sides to most disagreements.
This is a great site full of wonderful people - I don't want anyone to leave.
I don't have much to add that hasn't been said already. I just want to give my support to this thread and to my friends here. This means you.
