[Vision2020] papering Wally's cage....

[Tony]

Wally, first, I would never characterize someone's participation in a public opinion forum as "trolling," that is an example of intolerance embraced primarily by internet totalitarians of the left.  I would simply suggest to you that should you wish to be taken seriously as a thinker, you might want to address another's points substantively rather than simply using smug and condescending one - liners like finding my words abhorrent.  What words?  Abhorrent for what reason?  Like your insistence that my writings are un-American, anti-American and, GASP! evil.  Again Wally, what words and why, specifically?  You cluck that I have vomited on this forum.  Again, no specific statement or position is cited.  An intellectual would at least attempt to elaborate.  Incredible hubris, you blurt, but still no reference whatsoever as to what you are referring to.  Ignorant abuse of free speech, you wail, but you let it go at that.  I use the first amendment to wipe my ass, you advise, as your fit of emotional masturbation reaches a fever pitch.  And as you cascade over the edge of reason, you conclude with, personal jihad!!  Hate!!

It is bad enough that you haven't the courage to sign your name.  The Lewiston Tribune frequently advises readers that they should give anonymous letters the "consideration they are due," meaning none.  While I don't agree with that position when they regularly rely on sources who "chose to remain anonymous," it still seems reasonable to ask you to be more specific than the local pet shop parrot who squawks cliché's mindlessly.

-Tony
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Walter Smith 
  To: vision2020 at moscow.com 
  Sent: Monday, April 16, 2007 9:52 PM
  Subject: [Vision2020] Taking the bait


  Keely, your words as always are both eloquent and wise. I greatly appreciate the service you have long rendered to our community, and your continued efforts to better us all. You stand as an example of what a true Christian is, and should you ever again seek public office, you will have my vote. 

  Ellen, thank you for your kind words, and for many wonderful memories of pasta past. I'm sure that Larry's new restaurant will be excellent, but it will never be the same.

  Tony, you caught me, and have exposed me for what I am, a human. I make mistakes, I really do. I have misspelled words, I have abused grammatical rules, I make typos, I even use the wrong word from time to time. I would be a failure as an English teacher, were I one; and I have even been known to be flat-out wrong. Please accept my apologies, I will endeavor to be more careful with my use of polysyllabic terms in the future. 

  Now, onto the actual reason for my failure to leave as I had intended. I know I should not feed the troll, but as I seem to be playing the part of a troll myself, what harm could there be? (Don't answer that.) 

  I came here in anger, as I have said before. The anger that brought my here was not anger at Tony, rather it was anger directed at someone whom I would rather not be angry with. Practically everything Tony says makes me angry, however, and I could not resist taking digs at him every step of the way. I threw the opening salvo, he did not. I am hiding behind technology, he is not. I did not expect, nor did I want, a friendly response from him, and I still don't. Indeed, were I to receive one, I would have good cause to reevaluate my own beliefs. 

  Carl hit the nail on the head when he posted what I will paraphrase as "criticism is not censorship." I find your words abhorrent Tony, but I would not try to prevent you from saying them. Much of what you have written I see as un-American, anti-American, and evil (loaded words, if ever there were); but I do not believe the government or myself have any right to suppress them. I do not understand your need to vomit upon this forum, but I do not question your right to do so. I believe you display incredible hubris, and will ultimately be held to account, but I will not be the one to settle such an account, nor will any human. It seems to me that the world would be a better place if you slithered back to the dank abyss from whence you sprung, and you would be a better person for doing so, but I will not force you back there. I am no supporter of enforced political correctness, far from it, but I also despise ignorant abuse of free speech. I have no problem with the First Amendment, I do have a problem with you using it to wipe your ass. Go on, try to mold the language to your filthy ideals, just don't expect any congratulations from me. 

  Similarly, I believe that abortion is rarely justified, and will ultimately be punished if unjustified (not by mankind,) but I do not presume to dictate bodily choices. I can also see that your personal jihad can never achieve what you desire (as no jihad can,) and would only make matters worse if you were to succeed. Do you really think that outlawing abortion will reduce abortion rates? All that such a ban would accomplish is to drive abortions underground, making them all the more horrific. I ask you, if a fetus is to be killed (and they will be, regardless of your wishes, mine, or anyone else's); would it be better done under anesthesia, by a professional, or in a back alley with a septic coat hanger? What would be the more compassionate choice? 

  The world is not black and white, Tony. I learned that nearly a lifetime ago, when will you?

  In all truth, I do not consider Tony an inhuman monster, I'm sure that he believes what he says, and thinks he is doing good. But until he demonstrates some basic adult understanding, and recognizes his hate for what it actually is, I will continue to treat him disrespectfully. (Yes, I do see the irony.) 

  Sincerely,
  A flawed human



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