So, I am trying to understand what is causing this division in the forum, because I do not want to do anything which would divide us.

I bring up political topics here sometimes because I am very interested in the Russian perspective. Of course we do not always agree. I was reluctant for a long time to even discuss gay rights, for example, because I knew we would disagree. But in my heart, I hoped to find some way to understand each other and sometimes disagreements can lead to understanding, and so I plunged ahead.

If political discussions are causing a division in the forum, I will refrain.

I do not expect us to always find agreement. But I did think we could all talk about it civilly.

I understand that my views on gay rights can be just as offensive to some Russians, as their views can be to me. I already stopped discussing that topic about a week ago. It is a very difficult subject and feelings are strong on both sides.

But I am trying to understand how a topic such as relations between our countries could be offensive. Personally, I blame America for this new "cold war" more than I blame Russia. So when I posted the topic about the cold war, it was actually an attempt to make up for the discussion about gay rights.

Anyway, I can certainly refrain from discussing politics if it is dividing people here. That was never my intent.