A well meaning person I know sent out a group email last week with his opinions on the bailout of Wall Street and a suggestion that this group of his friends and acquaintances start a dialog about their feelings.

What ensued was the expected spiral downward into chaos and madness as the emails between this group of people--all of which I unfortunately had to receive-- became progressively nastier. It was like a joke, really, to watch the exchange move from jocular to heated to violent. Sweeping political statements soon became directed personal attacks. I wouldn't be surprised if one of these people drove to the each others' houses and beat themselves senseless.

Finally, after several days, enough people started to say just "please take me off of this list" anfd hopefully the whole fucking thing will die. What compels people to hit "reply all"?

Suffice to say, I have no intention of speaking to my friend ever again...