ADIOS, MCS BLOG

Germanfrau,

After reading your blog, there were some points I think should be said.

Not every one is interested in the same thing.  Different strokes & all that.  As advertised, this is a community blog & so far has been an ideal venue for discussing anything that any person might find interesting.  What one person might, & I emphasize, might, find mundane or mediocre would be of interest to others.  It may be just me, but I would not consider leaving over one particular topic, person or style.

Yes, there are going to topics that don't interest every one.  There are some that might be repetative, maybe borring.  But one still does have the opportunity to not only scan past what they consider uninteresting, but also to contribute what they consider interesting. It's that simple.  Perhaps a rethink is in order.

RichK

I don't understand how people can get on a high horse about being offensive and be offensive along with self righteous.

Generalizations always exclude or include some at the expense of others and it's as easy way to be offensive. 

There are some valid points in the article you provided and there are some that are just totally without merit at all.  Not everyone here seeks to be verbose, and it's an insult that is collectively unworthy of being made. 

There is no difference between trying to be a stand up comedian in the blogs, or political postering on candidates or issues, it's all talk, it's a basic human need to communicate with others and seek those with like minds.  I for one have been educated on a great many things by the people here, both on a local community level and human nature. 

I very very strongly disagree with the tone, and attitude putting the spotlight on any individual with the intent to discredit their character.  THOSE are the types of things that should be kept to personal interaction and in my opinion are exactly the type of things that match the statement "not everything you think is worth publishing" 

Yuck!

What can be said except, Adios Amigos, So long, farewell, advietazane, good by.  That is what is cool about this site everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I will miss the many blogs and the input that you have contributed to this site.  

And I would add, "If you give up or just go away, the other side always wins."  While I don't necessarily agree with what anyone says on here, their viewpoints are as welcome as mine.  And I tend to be more lenient with those that see things as just "black or white" instead of in shades of gray or even in color.  Few things are an "either/or" situation and usually the more points of view that are offerred lead to being able to make a more complete decision or taking a "side" with more complete information.  Key2Life is entitled to her opinions but I hardly think that anyone really thinks that they're more important that anyone else that contributes to the MCS Blog, anonymous or otherwise.

LARon,

Key2Life would be the first to agree, my opinion is no more or no less important than anyone else's here or anywhere.

Karen Lake

What in the world are you agreeing to?  From everything that I copied and pasted from three of your blog entries below, it sounds to me like what you are saying is that there is more validity in what someone says if their name and/or face is attached.  You wanted your postings credited to your name and face.  I still don't know who you are.

Key wrote: 

Bloggers,

While most of you know who I am, I am most concerned about the level of integrity on MCS. In an effort to continue to build its validity, I am joining the ranks of Bax, OneMann, Mkelter, Marsha and a few others who live above board.

 I'd have to disagree with your assessment of MCS holding validity. There are many people I've talked to who believe there are a handful of bloggers who have multiple identities who talk amongst themselves to make their point of view appear as though its more widely held. They hide behind an avatar and a login name.

In the beginning, it didn't matter to me but I've realized over time that the login name and avatar are a mechanism that probably needs to change if this blog site wants to continue to mature so that people really do take notice of the opinions that are communicated here.

I absolutely believe that because OneMann (Michael S. Mann) signs off on what he writes there is a great deal more credibility to his posting. 

It's not a question of me giving bloggers credit, Angela. I've done that on many occasions. It's a question of bloggers giving me credit from whence I came.

With the way a majority of society behaves today, how can anyone be offended about anything.  We have had so much exposure to everything that I have trouble finding something new to be offended about.  Let's just list a few "offensive" things.  President's who utter words like, I am not a crook, while knowing well that they are.  Ministers who have relationships with their congregation members, both same and opposite sex.  Road rage.  Profiling certain ethnic groups.  Teachers having sex with their students.  A President who does an intern.  We deluge ourself with the nightly news and programs such as Jerry Springer who deal in the offensive.  Our radio disk jockeys kill pigs in parking lots for a rating.  We build houses where houses shouldn't be built in the first plance.  Quite frankly, at times I don't know if I am offended by everything or nothing.  America is not a kinder, gentler place anymore.  So why would you expect a blog to be kind and gentle.  Hey there is a link on MCS to nude photos of a ex Clay county teacher, for those of you who haven't read the Folio article.  Oh well, I am a bit sick of people who are always offended.  It's like TV or the radio, if you are offended by what is on, change the channel, or turn it off.  Don't go whining about being offended and then give the finger to someone driving 35mph in the left lane on 17.  

Offended on the Island

The Islander 

Islander,

 Can you direct me to the location of those pics of the teacher?  I need to examine them for content.

Thanks,

Magnum

Like LAron says "when you give up and go away the other side always wins". 

Yes by all means since there are so many hideous things in the world lets just all give up on basic decency and civility.  You want to talk about what you're sick of, how about giving me a turn at that.....I'm sick of people who want to point fingers at those who still think the basics are important.  I'm sick of people who say they're going to do something and then don't do it, it's called having some honor for your personal word. 

Because Presidents have affairs and because some Clergy of all doctrines are abusing the trust placed in them lets just let it all go to hell in a hen basket, lets just stop trying to do the smallest of things right, lets just have a free for all and see how nasty we can all get.

I didn't vote for Bill Clinton, I am not a Parishioner at any Church let alone one that has a child molestor on board.   I don't give in to the weakness of road rage and I don't have control over anyones sex life but my own.  I don't hire for the radio stations and I am not in control of the comprehensive plan. 

I agree that this is no longer and kindler and gentler nation but it should be and I am not going to give up on that idea because it's easier to just sit back and let people be nasty and find it entertaining.  You were no longer bored last week when all the hoopla over RichK came about, you enjoyed the the barbs, the contentious quarreling. I find no amusement in such things. 

I don't whine and I don't give people the finger because I don't like the way they're driving. 

There is NO NEED for people to make pronouncements about leaving and never coming back, most especially when they're trying to take an individual down with them when they go.  I would never think SO HIGHLY of myself that I'd believe for a moment that anyone on here would give a rats ass or miss me if I left, and I certainly am not so full of myself that I believe anyone would care why.  I have no intention of going anywhere or being driven away by people who think being civility and decency are optional.  If I do go I'll just be gone I'll make no proclamations about it and I won't mean mouth someone by way of a farewell speech.  

I REFUSE to give up on people being decent to one another, it's the only thing that seperates us from the animals.  There is still some charm and grace left in this world for those who care to experience it. 

There is a wide gap between kind and gentle and decent and civil, and I refuse to give up trying for the higher road.

You rock on, Marsha. Love paragraph 7. Love it.

KL

Marsha - you set a great example for your children (and for the rest of us).  I admire the way you stay away from the fray when the fray is negative, but speak up when you have wise words for the rest of us who sometimes run off at the mouth when we don't, deep down, really mean it or think that way. 

Thanks, Marsha, for setting us straight when needed.

You put it so beautifully, it brought tears to my eyes!  I happen to agree with you more than you can imagine.  I believe that the human spirit (not the  human mouth) triumphs over all. and you give me hope.  I don't believe my future is in Clay, cause I yearn for a smaller more intimate location to call my home.  There are wonderful people in Clay, don't get me wrong, but the vast majority of them are so self-centered (because they have to be) that they never get the big picture. (sic- but true).  I yearn for a time when policitians were at least quiet about their special relationships with certain constituents.   Oh well, good blog.  I hope and pray for the re-incarnation of the Ravines as you wish it to be.

Stuck on the Island, for health care.  Any rich people want to adopt me and pay for my health care for 7 years?  I promise I would be good and leave!!!!!!!

The Islander 

On the subject of offending, being offended & interpreting offensiveness.  I'm pretty sure I touched on this before.  Came across the idea years ago but I'll pass it on be cause it seems to be appropriate.

The person offering her opinion likened being offended etc., with the legal criteria of seeking damages.  In other words, the criteria should be, what actual harm or damage was done?  The subject doesn't matter.  Pick any of the 101 things or more that any one can claim to being offended by.  From teddy bears to political figures.

Any person can claim to be offended by anything.  But any reaction should be tempered by & based on actual damage or harm.  Using this as a yardstick usually brings one back to earth & instead of reacting verbally, it gives one time to think @ it is a pragmatic manner.  I thought it a good idea.  JATFUR.

RichK

We're not retreating, Hell! We're just attacking in a different direction! -(GEN. OLIVER SMITH, USMC  The MCS old-timers might remember when RK and I went back and forth regularly and not always in the most agreeable fashion, but always civil – and always finished with a promise to one day have a cup of coffee together.   Marsha usually stepped in at some time to temper us both, we re-armed and re-grouped only to repeat again on another string.  But we were always civil.   I now consider myself an observer at most times on these blogs, then jump in with my comments.  You might recall when I recently took somebody to task over their personal attack on SMunsey.   We all ‘lose it’ occasionally, and in fact there were times when it was probably a good thing RK and I didn’t know each other personally.  The trick is to stay sane when losing it, don’t do or say anything you will regret, take some time away if you need it – and then re-join the fray.   I agree with Marsha and RK, you can’t run away just because you feel offended.  If blogging isn’t your thing – then run away, but not because you feel offended. After all – it is only a blog.  And if you get your feelings hurt on a blog, what do you do when they are hurt in person?  Crawl up in the fetal position and not bathe?  (don’t answer that) 

If you need to take some time away, or like the good General said – don’t retreat, just attack in a different direction, then do so - RK and I have done it to each other for months and will continue to do so in the future.  And one day we will do so over a cup of coffee.

CCC,

I agree & wish I would have said that.

RichK

Under noun "The act of an attacking party"  Yes, RichK you have brought this up before and said "so what", "so what if you're offended"  Your indifference is noted, however since this is not a Courtroom and there is no litigation part of what you're saying is not applicable.

If you're defending someones right to be mean, petty and spiteful I think we all recognize in a free society someones freedom to spew vile (Websters 2, and 3)orations. 

There is no logic when someone who is insulted with someones words and actions that they in turn exhibit the same behavior, get down on their level with them.   On top of that Germanfrau does a copy and paste of someone else's words that is geared towards ALL bloggers.  The fact that it was supposedly pointed at K2L is beside the point.  If you're so bent about something you cannot come up with your own words?

I'm probably no more patient, or compassionate, or tolerant then anyone else.  I could spew some of my own negative thoughts or opinions on people but I don't because this isn't the place for it.  I think people say things in here that they wouldn't say to someones face.  This is where the fake names and hidden identities come in real handy.

A little decorum goes a long way.  

I am offended by people who are offended.

Why are you dissing me.

If you are offended by something, so what get over it. Don't look, don't listen, just think everyone has their opinion. Right or wrong you have the right to express your self. I may not agree with you but will defend your right to say it. Just don't tell me I offend you and I have to shut up. If that is the case than you have to shut up also. Would you like that ,or would that offend you? If your face offended me should I take you to court to make you get plastic surgery? 

How any one person can get a law passed because something offended them is beyond my understanding. I always thought that what the majority wanted in this country was the law. Sounds like the KBG will be instituted next.

Cry for the children, for they will pay for this madness in future years. From the National government to the state government to the local government.

"Those who give up freedom for security have neither"

No one is trying to get laws passed here, and I don't think the word "shut up" appeared before the last entry. 

Thank you to LAron, Sunflower for the kind words.  Islander I appreciate the humor in the proposal but trust me, if I ever find myself single again I will stay that way for the rest of my life.  I am also glad I gave you at least a moment of hope.

It is unreasonable to expect that people are always going to get along.  It is not unreasonable to expect them to be persistent in trying. 

In these blogs we all have the opportunity to take our time, and choose our words carefully.  This is not spontaneous conversation where something slips out there into thin air with no way to take it back.  I use my backspace key alot.

I have two teenage daughters who do not deal with the drama that I see here and we're supposed to be the adults. 

Sometimes it's just best to disengage, so having said what I was compelled to say I am now going to do just that. 

Marsha,

Sorry if you think I'm indifferent.  Like you & many other people, I can find many things that I can consider offensive.  My point is not indifference.  My point is picking & choosing what is offensive, put a value on it & decide whether or not to do anything @ it.  Was I offended by germanfrau's comments?  No.  Was I a bit disappointed at the manner in which she dedided to convey her message?  Yes.  I, like others have decided to take action by commenting on it & that's @ as far as I'm willing to go.  In the grand scheme of things, I just don't consider it that important.

As far as the courtroom analogy is concerned, once again, not my comparison, it was someone else's, but I haven't heard a better one.  As to my attitude of saying, "So what it your offended," I say that because you & the other readers will probably agree that in past years we have seen way too many people or groups weeping, wailing & threatening violence because they were "offended."  Latest example being the teddy bear incident.  I've heard versions that that said the religious aspect of this was secondary.  The primary purpose was to send a message to various countries @ the preassure they were putting on Sudan.  Regardless, if my mother were still alive, & I exhibited that behavior, she'd give me a lick up side the head & tell me to grow up & get my priorities right.

I agree with whitewolf & others who are offended by people who say they are offended.  The one thing, at least for me, that kicks it up a notch is when someone offends me by insulting my intelligence.  But that's just me.   

I also agree @ disengaging.  Like you, I think this thread has pretty much run its course.  I just wanted to clarify.

RichK