Very well said.

>Some general thoughts from a PUTM and SysOp:
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>1. Civility, where has it gone. Out of the thousands of members, I can count the problem members on less than 1 hand.
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>2. The primary reason I like the distinction of the envelopes is helps me decide what to include in my replies to someone. If I see someone has a yellow envelope, I usually spell out acronyms, format URLs, be more specific about file locations, and add any other detail to assist them where they lack the advantages of PUTM.
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>3. I steadfastly believe in the FREE Enterpise system. The market will dictate to Michel what is best for his business. If Michel makes a mistake, then he pays the price for it. We are peripherally affected by this. But it is his lively-hood that is affected, not ours.
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>4. I like the UT as it is. Free, open and voluntary. Just as much or more contributions have come from basic UT membership than any other group on the UT. Come one, come all!
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>5. As a SysOp, my PUTM is free. However, each year [at least in the recent past] my PUTM expired, I sent in my Credit Card info to renew. Each time, Michel has rejected it. That is his prerogative. Even though I contribute behind the scenes as a SysOp, I still feel PUTM is worth the value to me because of what I still get out of the UT.
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>6. The foundation is just as important as the trusses, cross-beams and formal dining room. Stop acting like this is class envy/warfare. Every nail is important to the support of the entire structure.
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>7. It is none of my [our] business why someone chooses to be Basic or PUTM. Two of the reasons I love this place are the Flags and pictures. To me, this is totally fascinating to virtually experience people and views from different parts of the world I know I will probably never see. My horizons have definitely been broadened. Anytime you can learn something new, you have been blessed and enlightened just a little bit more. Knowledge is indeed the true source of power because you can never be robbed of it [except by illnesses, of course].
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>8. How many of you followed the thread started by a Hong Kong member when that country was reverting back to Chinese rule? How many followed the plight of Dragan and his family when his country was being bombed by UN forces? The internet has helped bring down barriers faster than any other medium in the history of the world. Don't start building these walls again.
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>9. The last cliches: United we stand, divided we fall. You have to stand for something, or you will fall for anything.