Posted by leeran on April 18, 2003, at 9:45:46
In reply to Re: Next post....., posted by Dinah on April 18, 2003, at 7:09:42
Dinah, you had me at "hello." (Oh no, I'm quoting movie lines, where is IsoM?).
Okay, maybe you didn't have me at "hello," but you certainly had me somewhere immediately after that one mother thread a few weeks ago.
I speak from the bottom of my vomit-fearing heart when I say that you could probably have been the block-captain for Charles Manson's neighborhood (or Mister Roger's Neighborhood) and I would still think you're swell.
I voted for Ronand Reagan* twice and I used to be a card-carrying Republican. Then I voted for Bill Clinton twice. I shift my politics and views as often as I change underwear (that's daily - not every four years ;-)
One minute I'm applauding Rush Limbaugh and the next time I get on the computer I'm perusing RumorMillNews.
I abhor racism as well, but I also know that I love my father who, like so many of his generation, can be one of the biggest bigots walking. With racism, politics, etc. I find myself constantly trying to "understand where the person is coming from" (is that sixties or seventies talk?) and once I have a glimmer of their background I can understand them (and their views) much better. I may not agree with their views but I can at least try to accept the person.
I can only think of one time on any message board that I truly couldn't tolerate an individual and that was a member of the medical community who was using a message board (and many innocent people) to try to drum up business, and he was doing it by initally creating an atmosphere wherein people trusted him and almost revered him. I was sickened even more so when I was made privy to an email from a respected doctor who mentioned many of the procedures that he and others had corrected due to the inexperience of this opportunistic individual.
All that said, (TMI, I know) I just wanted to speak up and answer this question that wasn't even directed to me:
"Or will you feel differently about me, as I feel differently about those who express racist views."
The answer from me is "no," I won't feel differently about you.
I will detach myself (or more accurately, my ego) long before I allow anything to damage the immense respect I already have for you based on all the posts of yours that I've read in the last few weeks.
Now, try to sell me some snake oil or a bogus procedure that promises to make me look fifteen years younger and I may change my tune ;-)
*I've even visited his library and partook of the jelly beans.
poster:leeran
thread:220134
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030414/msgs/220352.html