I am saddened to hear that Kakki has decided to quit the list. Besides
being an invaluable contributor to the list, she is a remarkable person.
One of many remarkable persons who make this place very, very special.
We are diminished by her absence. Hopefully, her passion for Joni, Paz,
Muller, et.al will get the best of her.
As to the merits of why she left, I agree with you Harper Lou that it
was her choice to leave us, we did not leave her. But I also feel she is
well within her rights to do so. It may not seem like a lot, but reading
petty bickering can be a negative force in one's life, even if it's just
other people bickering. Sometimes enough is enough and silence, clear
thoughts and positive vibes matter most, or at least more. There's a lot
in this world I try to say to myself, "You know, I don't have time for
this." It can feel very life affirming to do that. Kakki felt it was
worth it.
I also agree with much of Scott's comments. Joni Mitchell has enriched
our lives. This community has as well. People I haven't even met have a
special place in my heart. And those I have met bring me nothing but
smiles in remembering. There are days I feel I dreamed my Saskatoon
trip, the jmdl, Bob, the whole gang.
To be honest Paul, I too have found some comments of yours to lean
toward the negative a bit too often. And unlike Scott or Kakki, I also
feel people have the right to call you on it. I respect your right to
say them because I don't believe censorship is the answer. I just wish
you hadn't gone down that path. It's sort of like the fellow who jumps
out of his car in the heated moment of road rage: Once you start down a
path you have no control over, you never know WHAT consequences may
unfold. Most of them not of one's own doing, other than the fact that if
one did NOT get out of the car, none of the events would happen. -In a
sense, you risk the same game in speaking your mind in such negative
ways. I'm sure your intentions weren't to have Kakki leave the list. And
you have every right not to feel responsible for her doing so. It was
her choice, not yours. Still, had you spared us all that one remark that
night, none of this following thread would have happened.
Think about that the next time the urge comes over you. Not that
everything you or I write has to be squeaky clean and happy, but...
Freedom of speech does not make all speech valuable. It would be more
heartfelt, good and positive if we were all to show more respect and
concern for the feelings of others and resist the urge for being
negative.
John Calimee.
I'm sure Kakki's departure will bring forth a well spring of best
regards. Perhaps Scott you can show her some of them. It may help her
decide to return some day. I hope so.
