Posted by John Gray Wallace on 7/20/2008, 12:29 am, in reply to "Peace"
70.162.33.173
Peace is always desired---but is not always attainable.
Thing is, when people come on the board to pick a fight, they should be prepared to stand and fight when return fire comes BACK their way. Calling all whites "Klan", "blaming" ONE group for everything that's wrong in the world, etc., is definitely picking a fight. Aggression is never effectively met with appeasement, re Neville Chamberlain, Munich, 1938. Chamberlain's heart was in the right place, but history bears witness that his approach was a failure.
In his tome on the Korean War, "This Kind of War", T.R. Fehrenbach declared that, "...in a world inhabited by tigers, men must always be armed with spears. They must learn how to use those spears and be willing to use them when necessary. Otherwise, the tigers will devour men."
Tigers come onto this board, all boards, from time-to-time, in many guises. Alumni. Others. And they are welcome! But, when they start receiving return fire and run away, they have no one other than THEMSELVES to "blame". I'm not gonna' "take the 'rap'" for THAT one... Inviting them to "stand and fight"---with words---is a good thing under such circumstances, not a bad thing. It's encouraging them to "show some backbone", to "have the courage of their convictions", to "stay in the battle for the long haul".
I know that any kind of conflict is upsetting to some. I've no wish to upset anyone, especially Ms. Tennille, who I genuinely like and respect.
At the same time, I have to be honest and say that I am unapologetic for the phrase. Anyone who closely read my "offending" message to "Our M(is)s. Brooks" should be able to see that my intent was not to intimidate her into silence, but to encourage her to "not run away", and rather, to "stand and fight" for the cause she initially brought to our attention.
It's fine to bring a controversial point of view to the forum---but don't just get in your own shots and then run away; if you bring it up for discussion, then stand your ground and DISCUSS it---especially when others voice objections to your argument. If you wish to be judged on "the content of your character", SHOW some. Don't get in your own shots and then immediately go back to hiding behind the guise of a "victim" when others disagree.
I stand by my comments (and phraseology) without apology.
Respecting all who dissent, especially Ms. Tennille, I remain,
John
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