AHA!!! it is the ego. And no that's exactly what I seek to destroy in myself but that's another topic and gets into my spiritual beleifs. I feel human ego is one of if not the most destructive forces on earth and when it acts in a collective it is awe inspiring at the misery it produces. At the very least hte improper formation of the ego is the problem...i agree you can never fully destroy it but you have to viciously contain it or it will utterly own your soul.
Dude, you have the most internet battles of anyone here (with plunky and whoever else you pigeonhole as neocon or neanderthal etc). You incessantly bang your head against the keyboard in hopes of getting people to see your way just as much as the others.
So youre not exactly trying to subdue your own ego.