". . . and almost all participants will wind up with the same opinion as when they started the discussion. So why bother discussing it?"

T.S., If you haven't noticed, your statement applies to about 99% of all topics posted on the CW N&Vs board. I cannot recall the last time a mind was changed on anything of any real importance - at least not to the point where the changed person admitted to the change.

I think Slavery, like "the causes," why the first shot was fired, and dozens of other topics are worth discussing and re-discussing if for no other reason than to educate folks who are new to the board and to cause those who have been here a while to periodically rethink otherwise rock hard positions already formed.

I monitor the slavery posts and, as a result, find myself periodically refining and improving my position on slavery.