[The Barrow-Wight]

There is not a fast rule that I remember or can find against bringing politics into the Downs, but there is certainly an unwritten policy. I recall a round of politicizing that occurred in signatures several months ago that was quickly ‘put down’, but other than that, we’ve had no real lasting problems with politics – probably because people don’t come here for such discussions (not that two pictures equal a discussion). I’ve no doubt that Thenamir introduced these pictures as nothing more than a bit of humor and the comparison Thenamir has made is not slanderous or even inaccurate (both Saruman and the Shiek would agree), but I don’t think the time is right for a Middle-east allegory topic. Everyone, enjoy the pictures if you like, dislike them if you want, but please don’t get upset about them. And don’t take them as an opportunity to discuss politics.

Thanks