Because...

It isn't much fun having a conversation with people who call you names and stuff. I'd rather associate with people who appreciate that I have feelings and are sensitive to them.

If I've hurt your feelings then I'm sorry - I never meant to. If I've hurt your feelings then you can tell me that, you know, I do try and be sensitive to peoples feelings.

If I feel attacked then the point is kinda lost, however.

Enjoy your brand of freedom... Or something...

I think that the studies and the interpretation of the studies remain the subject of much controversy. It is unclear how much the studies provide in the way of evidence either way. I guess things get controversial when people feel passionately about either side and when people feel there is a lot at stake.

For the record, yes, I do sympathise with abusers as I similarly sympathise with victims. The majority of abusers have been victims, you see, and the majority of victims go on to abuse in one way or another (by their attention being drawn to their hurt hence neglect, by verbal and physical abuse, by sexual abuse in some instances).

I do lament some of the things that society condones, however. Quite a lot of it. Violence on TV and smacking children and exploiting animals for clothing and make-up and unnecessary food and mutilating the genitles of little boys and yes pornography and gun ownership. I appreciate that some people think some or all of the above are wonderful wonderful things - or at least things that one should be at liberty to partake in - but I guess I have a bit more of an idealistic view of where I'd like society to be headed and... I guess there is little to be done but for me to do my best to live in accordance and express my views at times...