In many indigenous traditions there is a process of coming to a group decision or understanding that is known as a talking circle. Each person is welcome to speak freely and as passionately as he or she wishes, without interruption, but is also expected to treat all other speakers with respect even when he or she disagrees with them, and to acknowledge and build on previous speakers' ideas, so that there is an increasingly rich accumulation of thought and a building of consensus. Help us to find common ground upon which to stand together and move forward in a more co-operative spirit. We ask all participants to be "hard on issues, soft on people." We will not post personal attacks. Because this is a moderated forum, there will be a delay between submitting your message and seeing it posted. Disclaimer: Submitters to Turning Point forums are solely responsible for the content of their messages. Turning Point does not vouch for or warrant the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any message, and is not responsible for the contents of any message. The messages express the views of the author, not necessarily the views of Turning Point, its moderators, or any entity or individual associated with Turning Point.