The only portion of of the thread I agree with is:
It is time to take a stand!!
I AM taking a stand against any one who promotes xenophobia, hatred, bigotry, anti-homosexuality, anti-semitism , (such as: I know nothing about jews; I've never seen one - but are'nt they the ones who killed Jesus?)...I take a stand against ignorance.
Diana, un-register me. I cannot be part of this white supremacist group.
posted on October 20, 2001 10:44:44 AM new
{{{{Shosh}}}}, you're stronger than that.....come one. Without bigots and the likes in this world, we wouldn't be able to form our own opinions about how much we dislike that type of behavior - it's makes us stronger people and stronger in our own convictions. You know what's right. Some people aren't "there" yet Shosh. Sometimes it takes people, like yourself, with strong convictions, to voice your opinion and stick with with it. You might actually change somebody's point of view. But if you stay silent, no one will learn. Is that what you want? (I'm always here for you if you need me.)
Please ignore her request Diana, at least for now.
posted on October 20, 2001 10:55:34 AM new
In parting, I want to say that it is most unfortunate that the proverbial "bad apple" spoils the entire bushel!
It really, truly is against my principles to watch the venom being spread on this board. I was recently reprimended because of referring to a poster as dear in a sarcastic manner...
Yet, put in perspective, that was a drop in the bucket, compared to what is happening on the other thread.
As an American for 40 years, I also stand for Justice, which, of late, is sadly lacking...
posted on October 20, 2001 10:58:51 AM new
shoshanah,
My apologies. I have not seen the post you are apparently quoting. Could you help me out by giving me a link or the name of thread? Obviously, that would be a totally unacceptable post and will be dealt with immediately.
The quote was not in the thread that was linked, but thanks for the suggestion.
shoshanah,
I have found the post and deleted it. The poster was suspended earlier this week. I apologize for the comment standing for all this time, but as you know we can't read every post, and this one obviously was missed. Again, my apologies.
Edited for clarity.
Pat
[email protected]
[ edited by pattaylor on Oct 20, 2001 11:11 AM ]
posted on October 20, 2001 11:42:08 AM new
shosh, I never saw the post you are talking about and if I would have ,I would have been, and I AM furious about it. I am semi new here and do not know the track record of all posters. I must be more careful of the company I keep. I am 100% with you and beyond offended by the remark from the other post as you are. I also must avoid certain threads because I find them unproductive . I will look for my friends in a thread that has a truly round table. lately the table has been jagged to say the least.
[iI, for one, am quite disturbed by these actions of so-called American citizens; and I am tired of this nation worrying about whether or not we are offending some individual or their culture.[/i]
[i]First of all, it is not our responsibility to continually try
not to offend you in any way.[/i]
This idea of America being a multi-cultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity.
[i]
We speak English, not Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society - learn our language![/i]
If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture and we are proud to have Him.
If the Stars and Stripes offend you, or you don't like Uncle Sam, then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet.
We are Americans, like it or not, this is our country, our land, and our lifestyle.
Our First Amendment gives every citizen the right to express his opinion about our government, culture, or society, and we will allow you every opportunity to do so....(except to Blacks, Women and other MINORITIES..)
[i]Our First Amendment gives every citizen the right to express his opinion about our government, culture, or society, and we will allow you every opportunity to do so.[i]..(as long as the opinion does not differ at all from those of the writer)
But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about our flag, our pledge, our national motto, or our way of life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great American freedom, the right to leave.
Pat...seen enough yet? Or does that not count as venom and bigotry?
posted on October 20, 2001 11:47:13 AM new
Aw, Shosh, don't go, for I will truly miss your posts.
Think of AW like the bell curve of the population. There are truly brilliant posters, lots of average posters, and at the low end, some jerks.
Sometimes I read posts here and I think, "Dang, I wish I had that kind of knowledge." Other times I think, "Geeeeeeez, I'm glad I'm not that stupid." And of course all the stuff in between that's fun and interesting.
posted on October 20, 2001 11:59:43 AM new
If you allow yourself to be chased away from this board how much longer before you are chased away from the whole country as this poster wishes?
If you go away - and the other posters who don't agree with this knuckle head go away pretty soon I will have to go away because there won't be anything left here for me. And I don't have any other site worth taking the time to drop in and see what's going on.
Don't let him spoil it for us. Have I ever sounded like a white supremist jerk?
A fat grumpy white boy yes - but never supreme.
posted on October 20, 2001 12:02:23 PM new
Don't leave, Shosh. When I read that thread last night, I first thought ,"I'm not even going to respond to this." But then I had to say that I don't plan on leaving this country and I don't agree with what was said. Some people are comfortable being told you should "do this, this, and this..." I'm not - I like to question things. I'm an agnostic(probably an atheist). I'm not a flag waver and I'm not going to leave. So someone else better learn to deal with it.
posted on October 20, 2001 12:49:39 PM new
Shosh please don't go! If you have to, take a break for a day or a week, but not forever. The only way to rid bigotry is to stay and fight it. I know you must be tired of fighting, because, I think you have been though more than a lot of us here. But, you can help us understand. Just like Rocker (and she better not go either)you each have had experiences that others have not had. How can we learn if we are not taught?
posted on October 20, 2001 01:20:13 PM new Shosh, my dear friend,
I ask very selfishly, please, please reconsider.
I'm not nearly as good as you and others at writing words of compassion, but perhaps the following will help...
Perhaps just a (mini) break?
I know this last time I really had to step back and re-assess my participation on chatboards in general. I truly felt all the joy had gone out of it for me.
While I would miss so many people I like on this board, I just couldn't get past those people (elsewhere) who were directing hurtful and nasty things toward me and about me personally. My little part of the world does not take personal swipes at someone for stating their opinions.
It really sent me into a tailspin, when I've worked so hard over the last 2 years to expunge hateful people from my real life, choosing instead, those who do care for me and my well-being.
Irene is currently the only one on here who has my email address. Had she not emailed me Spaz' thread, chances are very good I wouldn't be here now. (Thank you, Spaz)
It reminded me that there are more people, despite our occasional disagreements, who care for and about me.
It also reminded me that, again, for a short time, I allowed those who don't care for or about me, have power over me.
-------
So, dear Shosh, concentrate on those who are sensitive to your feelings and those of other's.
posted on October 20, 2001 01:31:28 PM newI do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.
[B]I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces which guard my
country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.[/B]
[B]I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command
I will never surrender my men while they still have the means to resist.[/B]
[B]If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available.
I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape.
I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.[/B]
[B]If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners.
I will give no information or take part in any action
which might be harmful to my comrades.
If I am senior, I will take command. If not I will obey the lawful orders
of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.[/B]
[B]When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war,
I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth.
I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability.
I will make no written statements disloyal to my country
and its allies or harmful to their cause.[/B]
[B]I will never forget that I am an American fighting man,
responsible for my actions, and dedicated
to the principles which made my country free.
I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.[/B]
I am an American Soldier. I am a member of the United States Army--a protector of the greatest nation on earth. Because I am proud of the uniform I wear, I will always act in ways creditable to the military service and the nation it is sworn to guard.
I am proud of my own organization. I will do all I can to make it the finest unit in the Army. I will be loyal to those under whom I serve. I will do my full part to carry out orders and instructions given to me or my unit.
As a soldier, I realize that I am a member of a time-honored profession--that I am doing my share to keep alive the principles of freedom for which my country stands. No matter what the situation I am in, I will never do anything, for pleasure, profit, or personal safety, which will disgrace my uniform, my unit, or my country. I will use every means I have, even beyond the line of duty, to restrain my Army comrades from actions disgraceful to themselves and to the uniform.
I am proud of my country and its flag. I will try to make the people of this nation proud of the service I represent, for I am an American Soldier.
Do I really need to voice my opinion on what I feel about those who disgrace MY flag? What I feel about the pledge of allegiance, Independence day, Memorial Day, Veterans day? I gave 15 years of my life defending what our forefathers died to create. My Father gave his life for it. Am I concerned about hurting the feelings of those who have this freedom because of their opinions? NO! I do respect that they have a free voice to speak theirs, but to call someone a biggot for being proud of their country and disgusted at those who would want to disgrace our flag, spit on our countries motto, and say that our national anthem ought to be banned is wrong. Why do some have more rights than others?
We are all one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for ALL.
The names were changed to protect the innocent.
[ edited by hiddenmeaning on Oct 20, 2001 01:33 PM ]
posted on October 20, 2001 01:43:39 PM new
"It really, truly is against my principles to watch the venom being spread on this board. I was recently reprimended because of referring to a poster as dear in a sarcastic manner... "
Thanks for clearing up any doubts about your meaning, Shosh.
I'd suggest that while you're railing away at the venom you see others spreading on this board, you take a look at your own mean-streak...
posted on October 20, 2001 02:06:45 PM new
Sorry I missed it. And no, I *don't* mean that sarcastically.
You don't have to like (or dislike) anyone on this board. Nor are you obligated to read any of what's written here. None of us are. I leave this place for months at a time and then come back, because such a wide range of opions get expressed here.
That board friendships form and dissolve is a fuction of chat environments, imo. I don't wish you -- or anyone here -- ill. That doesn't mean I agree (not by a longshot) with much of what gets said. If you remove yourself from this forum, you silence your own particular slant on the issues du jour -- speaking only for myself, I prefer to read as many views as possible, yours and everyone else's...
posted on October 20, 2001 02:14:46 PM new
hiddenmeaning,
I agree with you. my husband is also a soldier in the Army and he works very hard for our country. If we choose to wear or hang on our walls our nations colors, then why can't we? If someone is offended, Owell, what do they expect from an American in America. I will not roll over and let everyone else tell me or my husband what to do. I will come to his defense just as he comes to our countries defense when needed.
I salute all the soldiers out there for being so brave and strong. It is a hard life sometimes in the military and even harder for the ones who are being deployed to fight.
I am especially proud of my husband, and support him 100%.
