I goofed bigtime.. I created a post which created dissension and went south. I need to apologize to everyone involved

I do not know the post to which you are referring, but the post I am reading now speaks to your character. There are many here who thrive on dissension.

I do agree with others who say that controversial posts are not bad in and of themselves, but if that was not your intention when you posted, then I am sure it came as a shock! (I have experienced that too -- I actually received a downvote for a post about being civil! lol)