Hey HearToLearn - I had the same problem as you - I did not realize just how sensitive people can be, and I used to say things they found abrasive, insulting, or worse. And ironically, I consider MYSELF a sensitive guy.

For what it's worth - I didn't find any of your comments as you described them....just goes to show how different people have different communication styles and perceive things differently.

Now, when it comes to politics - my advice to you, just keep quiet LOL. I wish I could follow it myself ; ) I read an interesting Quora article about how people identify with a team and do not speak in a fact-based, searching-for-truth kind of manner. And I think that's absolutely true. I will share the link when I come across it again.