Vince wrote: > In that we have reached a point where a discussion of historical fact leads to > charges of my being vehemently antiCatholic then whatever I am doing here is not > doing any good, and the attacks by this friend and silence of others tells me > that it is time for me to go. I am making no contribution in here if *this* is > how what I wrote is interpreted. The fault must surely be mine and this new > level of pain in my heart caused by one friend's words and other friends' > silences lets me know that it is time to go. and Lieve wrote: My only point was that the grief is not exclusively American, that we are just as depressed and hurt here. ... Anyway, thanks to the many more listers who have sent me personal messages of support, at least some people found my contribution useful, widening the debate, which is all I wanted to do. Vince, Lieve, everybody- As Ashara so eloquently stated, everybody is hurting right now, everybody needs to share their grief, and everybody needs support. Over a week ago, even before the tragedy in New York/D.C., gentle requests were made for more peaceful, friendly posting and less fighting. This is even more poignant now and it is such a simple request. It seems that everytime there has been a major conflict on this list recently, politics and religion has been at the center of it. Once, again I think we should avoid getting in to these heated debates because I don't enjoy them, many other people don't want them, they turn into ugly arguments, and really detract from the peaceful feeling that we all want. Especially now, it seems that everyone is over sensitive and it seems perhaps subconsiously looking to take offense at something so they can release their frustrations and use it as an emotional outlet. Well, before you let this flood of emotions out and direct it at someone, or something they said, please take a moment, and give them the benefit of the doubt. If you think they are a "nice person" then they probably are. It is really easy to read something the wrong way and to take offense at it. But this list is here for support, friendship, and fellowship through the wonderful music of Joni Mitchell. Maybe, if something you read makes you upset, think about that for a moment before you respond and realize we are all here for each other and that everybody's feelings do matter. Vince, if you feel that you need to leave then I think that maybe you should. And I don't think you should single yourself out and make yourself a scapegoat, but at the same time, if you feel that you contributed to these heated debates are partly to blame then you are probably right and should accept that, and move on instead of being so down and taking the blame for everything. Please everybody, forget about your egos and try being a little more positive and supportive of each other. Victor Victor Johnson http://www.cdbaby.com/victorjohnson "Velveteen rabbits and moonbeams, Come when you lay down your head. While you are sleeping, they kiss you and tell you, That you are the reason the sun lights the sky." Scarlet-V. Johnson
