On Thu, 6 Mar 2008 00:34:18 +0000 (GMT), simon hall <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
[...] >When I started boating the waterways were a friendly place with one boater >always helping another . >What has happened in the last few years ? >People are fed up with the growing attitude of back biting and abuse from >people who should be (by all rights) their friends > >Mr Stott your attitude and your comments sadden me . You must be such a sad >and lonely person up in your high tower looking down on us lowly peasants . > >I now realize who you are I have read your articles in Waterways World ! >Your attitude in those articles is just the same as your comments here (jumped >up and self opinionated) > >I pity you ! Come, now. Far be it from me to suggest that Adrian might need assistance in any debate (he is well able to look after himself), but some of your comments are unfair. I have argued with Adrian many times, in this and other forums, and we agree on not very much, but I have always found him to be polite. Infuriating, yes; wrong-headed, yes; unrealistic, yes: but invariably polite, even under severe provocation. I have met Adrian only once, but found him very personable on that occasion; I would be happy to have a drink with him at any time --- and to resume our argument (there's bound to be one) afterwards. And we are all (I hope) self-opinionated, but better to have our own opinions than to adopt others second-hand from the newspapers or the televisual viewing apparatus. What distinguishes Adrian is not his opinionatedness but his outspokenness and his willingness to express, and argue forcibly for, positions that he knows will be unpopular. Adrian performs a valuable service in that he draws attention to fundamental issues, including the economic and legal aspects of waterways operations. You and I might disagree with his approach to any particular issue, but I cannot say that he is wrong to raise the issue. Now, after that short break, let battle recommence. bjg
