I'll be taking several days off for a little R & R, so all my worthy sparring partners can sit back and sharpen their knives in the interim. Comment moderation will be left on, so anyone still wishing to leave a comment may do so and I'll check in periodically.
As a parting word, I would like to acknowledge that some of the issues we have covered here have been contentious to say the least. Feathers have been ruffled on both sides of the more divisive issues. If I have inadvertently hurt anyone's feelings, I sincerely apologize.
Part of my "Journey" has been to try to come to terms in my own heart with the same issues that everyone else is grappling with in today's Canada. This forum has been an excellent venue to conduct that type of discussion. I've learned a lot from all of you, and I would even go so far as to say that my initial very hard-right stance has been softened somewhat by the comments that several contributors have shared.
The one thing I want to make clear, however, is that calling me a "bigot" was not the "tipping point" (thanks Malcolm Gladwell, as I leech off you once again).
Neither was it the blindsiding hate-filled posts by some other vengeful bloggers where they attacked me personally with a plethora of raging epithets and derisive labels. I could provide links here, but why give them more hits?
No, instead it was the poignant comments and calm, logical arguments from several intelligent individuals that helped me to have empathy for another point of view.
You know who you are, and I thank you.
49 comments:
JDave, other than the one that the Rat Pack concocted, there are three others that I know of. All of them I just happened across.
There was one post some time ago from a gay fellow who disgreed with something I said, and he posted about it in a non-attacking fashion. He had the decency to send me the link so that I could defend my position.
Now that is class.
Have fun!
We're all here for similar reasons,. I think people in the future will look back enviously and wish they had been in this blogging social phenomenon when it was still just getting started.
Each new thing that is built on this internet changes things in ways that are not obvious at the time. For example, the web was developed so university researchers could publish their work and read each other's papers, kind of like a giant symposium. There was little anticipation of corporations having web sites, advertising pervading search engines and news sites, things like ebay, online communities, and web logging.
Blogging was supposed to be something like an online diary, I think, but has changed into something more like message boards, except each board has its own administrator/moderator and they are easy to set up.
I really believe that blogging, or something like it, will have a transforming effect on society. For example I have seldom engaged people in political debate in real life. I usually just agree with them enough to change the topic, and remain thankful that my ballots in elections are secret.
That does not result in much learning, so I form political opinions from media. But media has become very biased, in one way or another, and you don't really see exchange of ideas anymore, just infotainment and one sided "discussions" that amount to preaching to the choir. The worst ones are those that don't simply admit they have a slant, and try to make you feel like their view is the only valid one. The blogging world provides much more diversity, and opportunities to find common ground.
Take it easy, Joanne, and I offer you this image I have in my head now, of Wile E. Coyote, sitting at his bicycle pedal powered grinding wheel, sharpening axes and knives...
People get so worked up over blogs.
I use mine as a policy venue/rant, some people use theirs as a diary, and others use theirs to explore ideas close to their hearts like Joanne.
I don't always agree with Joanne, but she has every bit as right as I do to express her opinions.
When I agree with Joanne, I post my compliance. When I don't, I just sit back and watch. There's no need to attack her.
Some people take blogging way too seriously... these people are idiots.
There certainly are some creepy bloggers out there, but Joanne's not one of them so lay off of her.
L.S. - Thanks so much for the encouragement, and the Wilie image! lol!!
Very profound perspective on blogging and it's possible impact on society.
You're right. We can definitely get a much better sampling of opinion and ideas this way, rather than from MSM. I think as long as we try to respect and have some compassion for each other, this will have a positive impact on democracy.
Thanks, Riley. Much appreciated. I know you've experienced the odd attack now and then yourself, but you've always handled yourself with grace.
You are another class act.
I would even go so far as to say that my initial very hard-right stance has been softened
Sweet!
Glad to hear that some my nonsensical ramblings are helping to build a more progressive Joanne.
Not sure which group I fall into but I hope you enjoy your rest and recreation. We should perhaps all indulge ourselves with a bit more of that and take a break from relentlessly hammering away at one another. I don’t agree with you on many, many issues and will not hesitate to voice my displeasure at your opinions when they rub me the wrong way (as I perceive it). This is not always done in a considerate way and for that I apologize. Anyway… happy trails on the vacation thingee.
Zac, you sure do have an amazingly mature perspective, considering that you are younger than my son. Yes, I have learned a lot from you. For the most part, you have been very patient and civil, even in the heat of battle. ;)
Red, thanks. We've had our moments, but maybe that comes from taking ourselves too seriously at times. I've been witnessing some blogging wars going on elsewhere, and I can't believe the petty back-stabbing going on.
Yes, taking a break is good. Thanks for the kind wishes.
your not a biggot and have fun on your rest journey!
jdave,, well I could call you some worse stuff but you really are not worth my time,,,,
keep blogging jo just take a break
Sara, thanks! I remember Molarmauler saying something like have a good Sojourn last time I took a break. What ever happened to Molar? I miss him.
And Sara, thanks for not feeding the bears.
-------------------
Oh yeah, and to Zac, there is a reply for you from Mac buried deep in the archives! (the comment is buried; not Mac)
Oh yes, and thanks to the individual who so 'graciously' pointed out an error in 'grammar' when I initially posted this morning. What would I do with the likes of you to keep me on my toes...
s/b "without"
No need to send me a correction. Thanks.
He just pointed out that the error actually had to do with vocabulary. Which is utterly crucial in the grand scheme of things, right?
...Wile E. Coyote, sitting at his bicycle pedal powered grinding wheel, sharpening axes and knives...
Joanne the last time you took a break, I think it lasted 3 days. Not sure what you have in mind this time but I've enjoyed each of the discussions. Time has permitted me to contribute to only a few, but I've found the debate lively and for the most part well thought out.
I for one side with you on almost everything. However, no matter which side you land I think it's important that we don't slide too far to the right or left. For the most part we all want the same end result, we just have a different way of making it happen. There's something in the middle to me, that's just a little right of centre that's kind of a sweet spot - where free entrerpise, less Government and Christian values lie - and that's what we need to continue to strive for.
Enjoy your three days off...
Lol! I guarantee it will be more than 3 days, Gerry, but I may go into withdrawal.
Thanks for being such a loyal reader. :) I always enjoy your comments too.
Jdave,
I havent read too many of your comments on here, but what I have read I don't like.
Calling Sara "gimmeMoneyForMyKids" really ticks me off. What, is her point of view not valid?
Stop being such an instigator and get a life. If Sara and Joanne bother you so much, I suggest you read other blogs.
I can guarantee you I won't bother to read your blog.
I hope your serious about some down time as I don't know how you do it...
Further to my comments, an example of a little too far left to me is sampling womens breast milk and calling it art??? Help me, what about this don't I understand???
Hey Joanne...anyhow when you get back at it keep up the good work...your awesome...
Enjoy your R&R, Joanne but don't go Molar on us...
Hel-lo Jo-anne,
If I'm not mistaking, did you not say you were taking a rest a few weeks ago and then were back before the sun went down the same day? It's not that I don't believe you, but... ;-)
Riley, I allowed JDave's least offensive comments. I had to trash about 80%!
Gerry - Breast milk bars? Yeah, I heard about that. Totally bizarre!
Mac - Thanks! We need to send out a search team for Molar.
Omar - I know, I know. And Gerry was trying to tempt me with that milk bar thing...
J(TB), enjoy the holiday! It's summer time, we should be out partaking in the sun & fun instead of slaving away at our desks anyways, whether it's for blog posts, thesis preparation, or sitting in cubicles writing cover sheets for TPS reports.
RGM, you are so right! Summer is short enough in this country.
BTW, if anyone wants to keep up to date with Caledonia, check out
sda
regarding the latest.
For anyone wanting a good chuckle - get a copy of Saturday's National Post. There is a letter about how the new Ontario logo looks like 3 guys in a hot-tub!!
i would like a credit from my subscription, I do not pay for your holidays missy!
Sara, that's too funny! I want a raise then!!!
Molar posted on mine not too long age,, jdave is just trying to get readers. You see on my blog not too many comments like Jo's but mine is not contriversal, just facts they read mine for info on how and why. Most agree with me...
I don't need the spot light just the gossip lol
as for breast milk being art,, well EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW, I've had formula by accident once and ewwwwwwwwwwwww that is not art
riley,
thanks for protecting me against the big bad jdave lol
Omar, I agree with you Jo won't last long she's already emailing me lol
jdave,
if you really wanted to argue with me or anyone else, just do it without being mean. We would have no problem attending your blog as well but what you're doing right now seems to be desperate for attention. If you have kids you must realize if we give into your tantrums you won't learn. So as a mom I will ignore you until you grow manners again ...
Sara, I know. I'm suffering. This is hard. Already today there were several things I could have posted about. I need this break though. I need to detoxify. ;)
Tango, I will take all your advice; especially the watermelon which I just picked up. I will be heading to the beach and soon will be sipping on that cold, frosty beverage as well!
An oasis? Wow, I thought of it more as a war zone lately!
Have a wonderful holiday. you and i agree most of the time, but not quite all of the time. That's what makes life interesting. You are always kind and gracious. see you back soon.
Nah! Not a war zone. OH!-EH?-SEZ!! Ya.
Oasis.
Just that the left-handed butt-hats thought they were being far more clever than the right thinking folks.
A firestorm isn't really a firestorm just because someone thinks they're in one, or because they believe that they are in the process of trying to generate one. You kept your cool and you kept it all together. Great work at a tough gig.
Am trusting that your retiring from the jousts is kosher and just for a time, rather than being a case of the braying donks driving you away. "...cause then, you know, the terrorists win..."
ciao, like, for now!
Thanks for the very kind words, Dr. Roy. Cute avatar, BTW! Yes, it would be exceedingly boring if we all agreed. (Yikes, that almost sounds like Red Tory. I do need some time away!!!
Tango, I'm glad you thought I was keeping my cool. ;)
Actually I enjoy a good joust as you call it. If I posted day after day, and nobody commmented, or if everyone just said, yeah, you're right, that would be tedious. As long as people are respectful, everything is fine. Some people seem to want to contest every little thing though; even point out a typo or use of the wrong word (which I don't mind being told in a nice way). You'd think I was getting paid to do this, the way some people complain!
But no, never say die. Not I. Not til I'm bored. :)
Molar posted on mine not too long age
Sara, that was a trick! Very clever way to get me over to your site. It was worth it though. Great post!! Definitely worth the trip. ;)
no he did, I just don't remember where... been working for days now don't know who I am anymore..can't feel my feet,,, what are my kids names does anyone want fries with that... I NEED A VACATION!
Oh, poor Sara. You need a little "pamper Mommy" time. Or a least a nice bottle of wine.
move over Jo I'm coming with you!
lol! Yes, Sara! Hop in!! Quick!! Mommy needs a break. ;)
jeez bad time for you to go on vacation!!!!!!!!!!!!! sheesh woman!
Yeah, I feel so guilty sipping wine, laying in the sun, cooling off in the crystal clear water. Just a shame.
For crying out loud!
JO! If you're taking a holiday TAKE A HOLIDAY!
OMMAG
lol!!! I'm addicted! I need help!
Admitting you have a problem is the first step... Wait, didn't we already cover something like this before??
Hmmm, you may notice I have a blog account now, Joanne. RT & Omar shamed me into it. I don't know that I'll use the blog but I grabbed a decent name, just in case.
lol!
Cool about the blog account, Mac. How about a pic of the yellow vette on your profile?
BTW, Mac, you blog name is very catchy. I guess "Libertarian on the Left Coast" would have been a bit more clumsy. ;)
I hope you take your blog to the next step at some point.
Right on the Left Coast is my location info. The actual blog name is which is a bit of a play on words with my nickname, my unusual political & philosophical beliefs.
The yellow Vette picture isn't a bad idea. I have to figure out a few things first, like how to link the blog onto my user name, how to upload pictures, etc etc etc. I might have to open a PhotoBucket account or something to make things easier.
Unlike some lucky people, I don't have a technical wizard at my beck & call so I'm fumbling along in my restricted spare time.
Speaking of time-out, I won't likely be around for a week or so as I'm travelling to a conference Stateside. I pray the hotel a/c works as California is scorching this time of year.
Well, good start, Mac. It's something to play around with. Other bloggers will be only too happy to assist you and answer your questions as well. My IHTG is on vacation right now, but when he returns, you can ask him stuff too.
I noticed you didn't have any comment option set up or I would have left one. :)
Have a great time and stay cool. Drink lots of water!
Hmmm, I think html hates me. The preview didn't show all my words being turned into a link. It was supposed to be only one word. Dang.
lol! Which word were you trying to use as a link? Did you put the code for the end of the link right behind the last letter of that word? I find it easier to put the word that I'm going to use as the one to click on as a separate line.
The name 'Enig-Mac' was to be the link and the end cmd was there but it didn't work which is odd since it worked in the preview.
Yeah, you're right. That is strange, if it works in the preview. Well, Blogger sometimes acts up.
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