I’m sorry guys. I know Ryan wants the forum to be free of politics. And I don’t want to argue, I appreciate you all. But boy are we feeling bad these days. A many generations long friendship and a strong alliance seems to crumble. Who knows what the future will bring. It’s dark.
Edit: I really really don’t want political arguing here. But if anyone wants to send a DM with some friendly response, you are welcome.
Feel free to DM me any time you feel like venting.
I’ll stay as clear of politics here in these forums as I can.
The focus here is on our V1 community and being excellent to one another even if we’re radically different on the political spectrum.
I have deep respect for the desire to avoid politics in the forum, and I understand all the reasons for why. Personally I find it difficult to separate. I know that no one here is personally responsible, but the gravity of the situation wants me to tell the world how bad I feel. But as mentioned many times, I don’t want to ruin peoples need for a neutral ground/time out zone. I have gotten quite a few friendly messages, and they mean a lot. Knowing that we are many people across the pond who just have all the best wishes for each other calms me.
Photoshop
AI
Can’t possibly be real 
…I want to see that some day.
Yeah, me too.
Plus, here’s a mind blower:
Mars has both night side and day side auroras all over the planet.
Stunning! Bucket list stuff, for sure.
These lights were not very strong either. KP of 3-4. Maximum is 9 
(not at all nonchalant! 
)
When I stumbled upon this community I was in a difficult place in my life. I was on a sick leave, and things were dark. You’ve become my friends, teachers and mentors. I’ve spent 6 years here, and I feel like I’ve gotten a masters degree during this time. People actually mistake me for a mechanical engineer, which I take as a huge compliment. All this is thanks to @vicious1 and your great crew.
Right now, I feel at a dark place again. Not because of personal things, but because of the state of the world. My kids are worried, and I feel that the national bonds are withering. I know none of you guys have bad whishes for me or my family, but every time I come to this place - I’m reminded of the terrible situation. I know you guys want to stay out of politics, and I respect and understand this. But to me, coming here only reminds me of the state of the world. Sticking the head down into the sand gives me an actual ache in my stomach. I’m very sad about it all. I hope that this all will change for something better. Until then, I whish you all the best 
Btw, when we get our makerspace up and running, I’ll hang up the v1engineering banner on a central spot, with gratitude and appreciation!! No doubt about it.
Believe me, the current world turmoil is on my mind most of the time. This is a place where I go to see something else. It is a bummer that the V1 experience reminds you of it instead of being an escape.
That is a very real reaction and I completely support your decision. I do hope things get better.
I also hope you have a good support group at home that can help you through your dark times. I know you have been a shining light to people in trouble here.
I know what you mean. It’s crazy still having to work with and interact with people from the US on a daily basis. You end up with a weird background paranoia, wondering what their thoughts are on the whole situation. Hell, the upper echelon of my company are apparently out there waving the flag in support while our company is being crushed under heel. Insanity.
It’s oddly comforting when you see people coming forward and expressing their displeasure, even if it is veering into ‘politics’. It makes me glad to see that I hadn’t misjudged them.
Fully understand where you’re coming from, good luck with it all and I look forward to reading someday about the fantastic progress you’ve made 
I just want to add that I appreciate this is an international community. My exposure to people outside the US is otherwise quite limited. Outside of North America nearly non-existent. Having some connection to people in Norway, New Zealand, Australia, etc is wild. Being able to connect a country to a person when you read things in the news is cool and makes you care more.
We struggled with this during the BLM movement. There was a strong push from an outsider that daying nothing was taking a side.
I can appreciate that point of view. I supported BLM and I voted for Harris. I get in arguments with my relatives when they will have a civil discussion with me.
I strongly believe we need to have more positive connections in communities that aren’t aligned with politics. I want people to know that the kindness of strangers exists. So much of the Internet is full of jerks that take pride in angering others.
Everyone also comes with their own histories and often traumas. I don’t want to exlude anyone. Some people would not be here if we talked politics. Some people are triggered by that kind of thing. Half of them will just leave and the other half will get angry.
I hope we come out of this soon. I hope you feel like returning and not holding to bad of thoughts of most of us.
