Parting observations: I have been on this forum for just over seven months, and I thought I would share some of my observations and opinions...for what they are worth, before I leave.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

I have been on this forum for just over seven months, and I thought I would share some of my observations and opinions...for what they are worth, before I leave.

To varying degrees, I have been angered, amused and dismayed by exchanges between liberals & conservatives. Both Mark Twain and Voltaire had quotes that speak to what I see as the situation on the OPP. Twain's was "The rule is perfect. In matters of opinion, our adversaries are insane." Voltaire's..."Weakness on both sides is, as we know, the mother of all quarrels." Think about it. I have no doubt both sides will likely deny any flaws..

Most people I have known in my life find ways to argue over 10% of what they disagree with others on, rather than dwell on the 90% in which they agree. Neither liberal nor conservative supporters are always right or wrong. I honestly believe that the vast majority of posters are patriotic Americans who want only the best for our country. The fact that there are varying opinions on how to achieve that should not detract from the fact that we are all in this together, like it or not. If there is not give and take, nothing gets resolved. I really expect to hear from those (on both sides) who feel they always give, and the other always takes.

I see both sides, too often, guilty of moral and intellectual airings of superiority. Both can also be condescending and arrogant, with some self-righteous indignation thrown in. Both are guilty of snarkiness and dismissive attitudes towards those with opposing views. In other words, I have seen the enemy, and it is us...paraphrasing Pogo. One side's behavior is no reason for reciprocation. It can only be used as an excuse.

I have been on long enough to know many posters as well as one can know another on a forum such as this. I truly believe I have 'friends' from both sides of the ideological aisle, as well as having probable 'enemies'. This is worth noting only because I have been often described online and in person as both liberal and conservative, and do not feel uncomfortable with either tag/label. I grew up in an eclectic family, and have accepted that others will not always see things my way. The people I like to call my friends do not always align with my political or religious views, nor should they. It is not required of me.

There are really fine people from both camps on the OPP, and I am privileged to know quite a few of them. The so-called 'trolls', IMHO, also come from either side of the ideological spectrum. Bad manners and vulgar language, along with a need to agitate or discourage honest discourse, are what constitute a troll to me. Having been called a troll, myself, I never have quite understood what its' meaning was for others. I would like to think that my friends would remain my friends if I got to know them apart from the OPP, and my enemies might become my friends if we had a better chance to get acquainted.

BTW, do not think this is a 'kumbaya' moment for me. I can be quick to anger and sometimes, would just as soon slap the hell out of someone as get along. My volatility has lessened over the years. As a result, given the choice, I would rather get along, and will...if allowed. Also, my apologies to all the moderates on board!

I will be parting for Florida to visit with my only surviving Uncle in the morning and will be gone for a week or so. If I do not respond to any of your posts during that period of time, please understand I am not avoiding wh**ever comments that may come my way. I will check them out upon my return. I do not do social networking on visits with Family. That is Our time. :thumbup: :mrgreen:

Armageddun Loc: The show me state

slatten49 wrote:

I have been on this forum for just over seven months, and I thought I would share some of my observations and opinions...for what they are worth, before I leave.

To varying degrees, I have been angered, amused and dismayed by exchanges between liberals & conservatives. Both Mark Twain and Voltaire had quotes that speak to what I see as the situation on the OPP. Twain's was "The rule is perfect. In matters of opinion, our adversaries are insane." Voltaire's..."Weakness on both sides is, as we know, the mother of all quarrels." Think about it. I have no doubt both sides will likely deny any flaws..

Most people I have known in my life find ways to argue over 10% of what they disagree with others on, rather than dwell on the 90% in which they agree. Neither liberal nor conservative supporters are always right or wrong. I honestly believe that the vast majority of posters are patriotic Americans who want only the best for our country. The fact that there are varying opinions on how to achieve that should not detract from the fact that we are all in this together, like it or not. If there is not give and take, nothing gets resolved. I really expect to hear from those (on both sides) who feel they always give, and the other always takes.

I see both sides, too often, guilty of moral and intellectual airings of superiority. Both can also be condescending and arrogant, with some self-righteous indignation thrown in. Both are guilty of snarkiness and dismissive attitudes towards those with opposing views. In other words, I have seen the enemy, and it is us...paraphrasing Pogo. One side's behavior is no reason for reciprocation. It can only be used as an excuse.

I have been on long enough to know many posters as well as one can know another on a forum such as this. I truly believe I have 'friends' from both sides of the ideological aisle, as well as having probable 'enemies'. This is worth noting only because I have been often described online and in person as both liberal and conservative, and do not feel uncomfortable with either tag/label. I grew up in an eclectic family, and have accepted that others will not always see things my way. The people I like to call my friends do not always align with my political or religious views, nor should they. It is not required of me.

There are really fine people from both camps on the OPP, and I am privileged to know quite a few of them. The so-called 'trolls', IMHO, also come from either side of the ideological spectrum. Bad manners and vulgar language, along with a need to agitate or discourage honest discourse, are what constitute a troll to me. Having been called a troll, myself, I never have quite understood what its' meaning was for others. I would like to think that my friends would remain my friends if I got to know them apart from the OPP, and my enemies might become my friends if we had a better chance to get acquainted.

BTW, do not think this is a 'cum-ba-ya' moment for me. I can be quick to anger and sometimes, would just as soon slap the hell out of someone as get along. My volatility has lessened over the years. As a result, given the choice, I would rather get along, and will...if allowed.

I will be parting for Florida to visit with my only surviving Uncle in the morning and will be gone for a week or so. If I do not respond to any of your posts during that period of time, please understand I am not avoiding wh**ever comments that may come my way. I will check them out upon my return. I do not do social networking on visits with Family. That is Our time. :thumbup: :mrgreen:

I have been on this forum for just over seven mont... (show quote)

Wonderful post by what I feel a wonderful person and buddy. Safe travel, enjoy your visit. Do return with more of your wit and humor plus wisdom.. Stay safe.

skott Loc: Bama

slatten49 wrote:

I have been on this forum for just over seven months, and I thought I would share some of my observations and opinions...for what they are worth, before I leave.

To varying degrees, I have been angered, amused and dismayed by exchanges between liberals & conservatives. Both Mark Twain and Voltaire had quotes that speak to what I see as the situation on the OPP. Twain's was "The rule is perfect. In matters of opinion, our adversaries are insane." Voltaire's..."Weakness on both sides is, as we know, the mother of all quarrels." Think about it. I have no doubt both sides will likely deny any flaws..

Most people I have known in my life find ways to argue over 10% of what they disagree with others on, rather than dwell on the 90% in which they agree. Neither liberal nor conservative supporters are always right or wrong. I honestly believe that the vast majority of posters are patriotic Americans who want only the best for our country. The fact that there are varying opinions on how to achieve that should not detract from the fact that we are all in this together, like it or not. If there is not give and take, nothing gets resolved. I really expect to hear from those (on both sides) who feel they always give, and the other always takes.

I see both sides, too often, guilty of moral and intellectual airings of superiority. Both can also be condescending and arrogant, with some self-righteous indignation thrown in. Both are guilty of snarkiness and dismissive attitudes towards those with opposing views. In other words, I have seen the enemy, and it is us...paraphrasing Pogo. One side's behavior is no reason for reciprocation. It can only be used as an excuse.

I have been on long enough to know many posters as well as one can know another on a forum such as this. I truly believe I have 'friends' from both sides of the ideological aisle, as well as having probable 'enemies'. This is worth noting only because I have been often described online and in person as both liberal and conservative, and do not feel uncomfortable with either tag/label. I grew up in an eclectic family, and have accepted that others will not always see things my way. The people I like to call my friends do not always align with my political or religious views, nor should they. It is not required of me.

There are really fine people from both camps on the OPP, and I am privileged to know quite a few of them. The so-called 'trolls', IMHO, also come from either side of the ideological spectrum. Bad manners and vulgar language, along with a need to agitate or discourage honest discourse, are what constitute a troll to me. Having been called a troll, myself, I never have quite understood what its' meaning was for others. I would like to think that my friends would remain my friends if I got to know them apart from the OPP, and my enemies might become my friends if we had a better chance to get acquainted.

BTW, do not think this is a 'cum-ba-ya' moment for me. I can be quick to anger and sometimes, would just as soon slap the hell out of someone as get along. My volatility has lessened over the years. As a result, given the choice, I would rather get along, and will...if allowed.

I will be parting for Florida to visit with my only surviving Uncle in the morning and will be gone for a week or so. If I do not respond to any of your posts during that period of time, please understand I am not avoiding wh**ever comments that may come my way. I will check them out upon my return. I do not do social networking on visits with Family. That is Our time. :thumbup: :mrgreen:

I have been on this forum for just over seven mont... (show quote)

Enjoy your trip. Family is what real life is about.

Searching Loc: Rural Southwest VA

slatten49 wrote:

I have been on this forum for just over seven months, and I thought I would share some of my observations and opinions...for what they are worth, before I leave.

To varying degrees, I have been angered, amused and dismayed by exchanges between liberals & conservatives. Both Mark Twain and Voltaire had quotes that speak to what I see as the situation on the OPP. Twain's was "The rule is perfect. In matters of opinion, our adversaries are insane." Voltaire's..."Weakness on both sides is, as we know, the mother of all quarrels." Think about it. I have no doubt both sides will likely deny any flaws..

Most people I have known in my life find ways to argue over 10% of what they disagree with others on, rather than dwell on the 90% in which they agree. Neither liberal nor conservative supporters are always right or wrong. I honestly believe that the vast majority of posters are patriotic Americans who want only the best for our country. The fact that there are varying opinions on how to achieve that should not detract from the fact that we are all in this together, like it or not. If there is not give and take, nothing gets resolved. I really expect to hear from those (on both sides) who feel they always give, and the other always takes.

I see both sides, too often, guilty of moral and intellectual airings of superiority. Both can also be condescending and arrogant, with some self-righteous indignation thrown in. Both are guilty of snarkiness and dismissive attitudes towards those with opposing views. In other words, I have seen the enemy, and it is us...paraphrasing Pogo. One side's behavior is no reason for reciprocation. It can only be used as an excuse.

I have been on long enough to know many posters as well as one can know another on a forum such as this. I truly believe I have 'friends' from both sides of the ideological aisle, as well as having probable 'enemies'. This is worth noting only because I have been often described online and in person as both liberal and conservative, and do not feel uncomfortable with either tag/label. I grew up in an eclectic family, and have accepted that others will not always see things my way. The people I like to call my friends do not always align with my political or religious views, nor should they. It is not required of me.

There are really fine people from both camps on the OPP, and I am privileged to know quite a few of them. The so-called 'trolls', IMHO, also come from either side of the ideological spectrum. Bad manners and vulgar language, along with a need to agitate or discourage honest discourse, are what constitute a troll to me. Having been called a troll, myself, I never have quite understood what its' meaning was for others. I would like to think that my friends would remain my friends if I got to know them apart from the OPP, and my enemies might become my friends if we had a better chance to get acquainted.

BTW, do not think this is a 'kumbaya' moment for me. I can be quick to anger and sometimes, would just as soon slap the hell out of someone as get along. My volatility has lessened over the years. As a result, given the choice, I would rather get along, and will...if allowed. Also, my apologies to all the moderates on board!

I will be parting for Florida to visit with my only surviving Uncle in the morning and will be gone for a week or so. If I do not respond to any of your posts during that period of time, please understand I am not avoiding wh**ever comments that may come my way. I will check them out upon my return. I do not do social networking on visits with Family. That is Our time. :thumbup: :mrgreen:

I have been on this forum for just over seven mont... (show quote)

Bravo to you for speaking your T***h. Lots of food for thought for the OPP "family" to ponder..friendship on both sides, regardless of politics, not being entrenched necessarily along one party line, do or die, no labeling of your fellow traveler in this adventure we call life. Noble thoughts, concepts to aspire to -- and if we all did, who knows what might t***spire. We "might", just "might" find common ground -- in spite of ourselves. What a wonderful gift to give to ourselves. Again, thank you.

alex Loc: michigan now imperial beach californa

slatten49 wrote:

I have been on this forum for just over seven months, and I thought I would share some of my observations and opinions...for what they are worth, before I leave.

To varying degrees, I have been angered, amused and dismayed by exchanges between liberals & conservatives. Both Mark Twain and Voltaire had quotes that speak to what I see as the situation on the OPP. Twain's was "The rule is perfect. In matters of opinion, our adversaries are insane." Voltaire's..."Weakness on both sides is, as we know, the mother of all quarrels." Think about it. I have no doubt both sides will likely deny any flaws..

Most people I have known in my life find ways to argue over 10% of what they disagree with others on, rather than dwell on the 90% in which they agree. Neither liberal nor conservative supporters are always right or wrong. I honestly believe that the vast majority of posters are patriotic Americans who want only the best for our country. The fact that there are varying opinions on how to achieve that should not detract from the fact that we are all in this together, like it or not. If there is not give and take, nothing gets resolved. I really expect to hear from those (on both sides) who feel they always give, and the other always takes.

I see both sides, too often, guilty of moral and intellectual airings of superiority. Both can also be condescending and arrogant, with some self-righteous indignation thrown in. Both are guilty of snarkiness and dismissive attitudes towards those with opposing views. In other words, I have seen the enemy, and it is us...paraphrasing Pogo. One side's behavior is no reason for reciprocation. It can only be used as an excuse.

I have been on long enough to know many posters as well as one can know another on a forum such as this. I truly believe I have 'friends' from both sides of the ideological aisle, as well as having probable 'enemies'. This is worth noting only because I have been often described online and in person as both liberal and conservative, and do not feel uncomfortable with either tag/label. I grew up in an eclectic family, and have accepted that others will not always see things my way. The people I like to call my friends do not always align with my political or religious views, nor should they. It is not required of me.

There are really fine people from both camps on the OPP, and I am privileged to know quite a few of them. The so-called 'trolls', IMHO, also come from either side of the ideological spectrum. Bad manners and vulgar language, along with a need to agitate or discourage honest discourse, are what constitute a troll to me. Having been called a troll, myself, I never have quite understood what its' meaning was for others. I would like to think that my friends would remain my friends if I got to know them apart from the OPP, and my enemies might become my friends if we had a better chance to get acquainted.

BTW, do not think this is a 'kumbaya' moment for me. I can be quick to anger and sometimes, would just as soon slap the hell out of someone as get along. My volatility has lessened over the years. As a result, given the choice, I would rather get along, and will...if allowed. Also, my apologies to all the moderates on board!

I will be parting for Florida to visit with my only surviving Uncle in the morning and will be gone for a week or so. If I do not respond to any of your posts during that period of time, please understand I am not avoiding wh**ever comments that may come my way. I will check them out upon my return. I do not do social networking on visits with Family. That is Our time. :thumbup: :mrgreen:

I have been on this forum for just over seven mont... (show quote)

don't forget where you belong, sorry I can't t***sport you this time. I have to disagree with your one statement above as I am always right, whether it's a political view or point of view

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

alex wrote:

don't forget where you belong, sorry I can't t***sport you this time. I have to disagree with your one statement above as I am always right, whether it's a political view or point of view

I am comfortable with being where I am, Alex. As I've said, it is not necessary to always agree.:wink: As far as your always being right...I would have to say that I agree with you on that. :mrgreen:

Searching Loc: Rural Southwest VA

slatten49 wrote:

I am comfortable with being where I am, Alex. As I've said, it is not necessary to always agree.:wink: As far as your always being right...I would have to say that I agree with you on that. :mrgreen:

Couldn't stay away, I see. :mrgreen:

alex Loc: michigan now imperial beach californa

slatten49 wrote:

I am comfortable with being where I am, Alex. As I've said, it is not necessary to always agree.:wink: As far as your always being right...I would have to say that I agree with you on that. :mrgreen:

you didn't have to ,but welcome back

Armageddun Loc: The show me state

alex wrote:

you didn't have to ,but welcome back

Welcome back....... Jack, Mac, uh yeah you...

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Armageddun Loc: The show me state

Armageddun wrote:

Welcome back....... Jack, Mac, uh yeah you...

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Is it me or is it strange that you came back on the same thread you left on? You are making me dizzy. :lol: :shock: :roll:

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Armageddun wrote:

Is it me or is it strange that you came back on the same thread you left on? You are making me dizzy. :lol: :shock: :roll:

It may or may not also be you, but...I am strange. :wink:

Armageddun Loc: The show me state

slatten49 wrote:

It may or may not also be you, but...I am strange. :wink:

Let's say you are unique, in a great way. So glad to see you made it back safely.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Armageddun wrote:

Let's say you are unique, in a great way. So glad to see you made it back safely.

Thank you, sir. It is good to be home. Another 24 hrs., & I will back in the swing of things. Family is with me through tonight...my son and daughter 'n law, and my wonderful granddaughters. :thumbup: :mrgreen:

I have to go into Waco, soon, for Lauren's game against Baylor. Nasty weather, too. We were hoping it would get postponed 'til another day. :roll:

Armageddun Loc: The show me state

slatten49 wrote:

Thank you, sir. It is good to be home. Another 24 hrs., & I will back in the swing of things. Family is with me through tonight...my son and daughter 'n law, and my wonderful granddaughters. :thumbup: :mrgreen:

I have to go into Waco, soon, for Lauren's game against Baylor. Nasty weather, too. We were hoping it would get postponed 'til another day. :roll:

We have had nice weather for the last few days, however, the temp is starting down again, Not bad but we had 75-80 now we have highs in the 40's. Drive safe.

Alicia Loc: NYC

Armageddun wrote:

Let's say you are unique, in a great way. So glad to see you made it back safely.

**********************
Ditto. Welcome back. :lol: