Society

All things outside of Burning Man.
whataboutbob85
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Society

Post by whataboutbob85 » Tue Jun 21, 2005 11:36 am

Alright, I want this thread to deal with issues in society. It will be an open discussion so feel free to post whatever opinions you like on any of these subjects. Also, post any links you might find useful or relevant to any discussions that take place here.

First off, let me tell you a little bit about myself and my opinions. When I was younger, I scored incredibly well on an IQ test a counselor had me take. They labeled me some sort of child genius and tried to hurry me through elementary school. At the time that was fine with me, but as I would find out later it was the worst thing they could have ever done. Once I got into jr. high I began to realize how much it sucked. I had no friends and I felt really out of place. So naturally I started rebelling. Doing illegal things and doing drugs which led to an extensive criminal record.

It is a widely held theory that everyone needs to maintain some semblance of balance. Nobody is perfect. People who have high intellect pay for it in many other ways. Oftentimes, the smartest people in the world are stuck in failing bodies that don't want to work for them. For example, it has been proven that people with autism can score higher on an IQ test than nearly anyone in the world. But they are forced to live in hell on earth to be that smart. Such is the case with me. I have a photographic memory and amazing insight into everything, but I am stuck in a body with a heart condition, anxiety disorder, attention deficit disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. At times this insight can be a blessing and other times it can be a curse. I can see society for the way it really is, but there are times I wish I was just like everyone else. Not being able to understand things. Just going with the flow like sheep being led to slaughter. Everyone said I was smart enough to do whatever I wanted in life. They told me I could be rich and be a well respect doctor or scientist or an engineer. Instead I chose to become a writer and an activist. To use my insight to make life better for everyone else.

I would give everything I have to help anyone out. That's one of the problems with society today. Almsost everyone thinks about themselves and people close to them and doesn't bother worrying about anyone else. That needs to change.

Alright, now on the first in a series of posts I will make to get some discussion going around here. This will deal with government.

As of right now, the United States government is just as bad as a communist government. When the U.S. was founded, it was originally concieved to be a true republic. Majority rules. However, the founding father realized at that time that most people of that era couldn't read and probably would not be able to inform themselves enough to really understand any of the issues. So they created a government based on indirect representation instead of direct. But that was always meant to be changed once the common people grew smarter. But originally there was no need to change it because for the most part, the people had as much freedom as they wanted. Then at about the time of the industrial revolution, the government started using their powers to restrict the freedoms of others. They started making all substances illegal and regulating businesses and trying to censor things. And that leads us to where we are today with that damnable Patriot Act and the recent Supreme Court ruling against medical marijuana.

Another topic for discussion is our current foreign policy and the amount of our budget we spend on defense. When George Washington took office, he said that in the future, the U.S. should stay isolated and stay away from foreign entanglements. And just look at us now, we have our military in several countries and meddle in their business. That is why so many people hate us and why we are in so much debt. If we would just pull the military all back into our own country and then downsize it and only use it to defend ourselves instead of spreading it around the globe, we would be a lot better off. And other countries have a right to hate us. How would you like it if another country came here and tried telling you your way of life was wrong and occupied your country and tried to change your government and society.

Well that's all for now. Feel free to discuss these topics. I will be posting more later. These are all just basic summaries of essays I have wrote and had published. If you would like to view the whole thing PM me and I will send them to you.

Peace.

blyslv
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Re: Society

Post by blyslv » Tue Jun 21, 2005 12:31 pm

whataboutbob85 wrote: but there are times I wish I was just like everyone else.
You are, more so perhaps then a 20 year can realize.

I apoloqize for playing the age card, but sometimes some perspective is a good thing.
Fight for the fifth freedom!

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stuart
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Post by stuart » Tue Jun 21, 2005 1:06 pm

I will be posting more later.
but I won't be seeing it

thank god for plonk
call me baby

whataboutbob85
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to hell with everyone

Post by whataboutbob85 » Tue Jun 21, 2005 2:28 pm

To hell with all of you pricks on this board. Anyone who wants to have a serious discussion then just email me at [email protected].

Anyone else, just fuck off.

And you're right man, maybe it is just an age thing.

Peace and Goodbye

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Chai Guy
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Post by Chai Guy » Tue Jun 21, 2005 3:10 pm

It will be an open discussion so feel free to post whatever opinions you like on any of these subjects.
ETA: As long as
A. as your opinions do not differ from my own and
B. no one tries to call me on my bullshit.

If A or B occur, I will tell everyone to fuck off and promise to never return (even though, I will actually return).

Kinetic IV
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Post by Kinetic IV » Tue Jun 21, 2005 3:52 pm

Here be dragons.

They have awakened. Time to put on the firesuit and watch the show. Unless he keeps to his word in the other thread and bolts for the exit when confronted with things.

He made a great entrance splash to the eplaya though, I'll give him that. 5.7, 5.8, 5.8, 5.5, 5.8, 5.7. Still not good enough for the bronze though. I've seen more spectacular entrances.
K-IV
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Thank you for over 7 years of eplaya memories. I have asked Emily Sparkle to delete my account and I am gone. Goodbye and Goodluck to all of you! I will miss you!

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Isotopia
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Post by Isotopia » Tue Jun 21, 2005 4:22 pm

First off, let me tell you a little bit about myself and my opinions. When I was younger, I scored incredibly well on an IQ test a counselor had me take. They labeled me some sort of child genius and tried to hurry me through elementary school. At the time that was fine with me, but as I would find out later it was the worst thing they could have ever done. Once I got into jr. high I began to realize how much it sucked. I had no friends and I felt really out of place. So naturally I started rebelling.
Call a medic.
.......tongue.......is.......
....bleed.......ing.........

Bit........
.....too........
...hard.............

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Lassen Forge
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Post by Lassen Forge » Tue Jun 21, 2005 4:33 pm

Pricks??

But... but... but...

Mommy!!...

I don't *have* one of those things.

I am so glad he was kind enough to be one for those of us who are sorely lacking in that appendage. My question is, however, what are the menfolk here gonna do with 2 of them??

(Oh Gawd, I shouldn't have asked that!!)

****

True, his entrance was... um... noteable... but that reverse split after tripping over the edge of the mat, finished with a stumble worthy of Dick Van Dyke into a bellyflop, face first, into a 6' vat of loose playa dust...

2 of the judges started crying. Another fell out of their seat laughing . 3 of them reached for paper sacks ... and one was last seen calling someone named "Cousin Vinny"

****

Just remember the warnings...

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calsur
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Troll Bait

Post by calsur » Wed Jun 22, 2005 12:22 am

whataboutbob85 states : “As of right now, the United States government is just as bad as a communist government.”

Except if you disagree with the US government they do not shoot you in the head. And then send a bill for the bullet to the family like the Peoples Republic of China.

I am calling this statement COMPLETE BULLSHIT!

And I have to ask whataboutbob85 about his “I have a photographic memory and amazing insight into everything, but I am stuck in a body with a heart condition, anxiety disorder, attention deficit disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.”

So Bob, Have you been more than 20 miles from your deathbed? Have you visited any other country? And does having all these disorders that most people think are bullshit effect you at all?


TROLL BAIT!!! BRR in a new form.

Janka
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Post by Janka » Wed Jun 22, 2005 1:43 am

If the guy's just twenty, maybe we should not be so hard on him? I was pretty moronic when I was that age, and I am really, really, really, extremely, unbelievably happy that web boards and blogs had not been invented yet, and I hope all logs of all BBS's I used to frequent will burn down before anyone digs them up. :)

Not that I would have anything intelligent to say about US politics, being a foreigner. "Pretty scary" is not much basis for an informed discussion. :)

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Isotopia
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Post by Isotopia » Wed Jun 22, 2005 3:55 am

So Bob, Have you been more than 20 miles from your deathbed? Have you visited any other country? And does having all these disorders that most people think are bullshit effect you at all?
I'm waiting for him to declare his cancer status. That'd complete the circle.

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Ranger Genius
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Post by Ranger Genius » Wed Jun 22, 2005 4:21 am

Beware those who offer, without being asked, to inform you that they're a genius.


Um.


I was tempted to write a response to the initial post, but the undertaking seemed too odious, and laborious. Here's the reader's digest version:


What? No. What?
Never....wait, always....check your sources.
“We cross our bridges when we come to them and burn them behind us, with nothing to show for our progress except a memory of the smell of smoke, and a presumption that once our eyes watered.”

Kinetic IV
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Post by Kinetic IV » Wed Jun 22, 2005 7:55 am

Ray / Isotopia / Badger:
There is no connection between me and whataboutbob85.

I am fed up with you and your ongoing attacks (in this case in the form of a thinly veiled cancer status swipe) over my medical status. Back off, shut your mouth, and leave me alone. That's all I'm asking and it should be easy enough for you to do.

The admins have already spoken about keeping your issues with me out of the main channels but like many other things you keep forgetting what your told. So I'm reminding you again to quit attacking me and to stick to your commitments. You are a man of your word, right? Then shut up and stick to it.
K-IV
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Thank you for over 7 years of eplaya memories. I have asked Emily Sparkle to delete my account and I am gone. Goodbye and Goodluck to all of you! I will miss you!

qtipman
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Post by qtipman » Wed Jun 22, 2005 9:36 am

Alright, guys. Don't you think that's enough. Yes he may be a stupid, immature kid but if he keeps his word and doesn't come back, there is no need to sit here and keep insulting him. I agree with you all 100% that he brought this on himself and he deserved the backlash he has recieved on the two threads he started, but this is getting to be overkill.

And Isotopia and Calsur. That is completely offensive to some people when you talk about his medical conditions like that. As someone who has lived with both Anxiety and OCD disorders I can tell you that it is not easy. When I was first diagnosed and it started getting bad I became a complete recluse and almost ended up committing suicide. They can be very serious problems.
And don't joke around about someone having cancer. My 26 year old best friend that I've known all my life just found out last year that he has an inoperable brain tumor and probably only has a few more months to live. So just don't talk about people's medical conditions anymore.

I say we all should just leave his two threads and never respond to them ever again. Unless he comes back, then feel free to attack him all you want.

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Post by Will » Wed Jun 22, 2005 4:00 pm

If you think we're turning into a bunch of Communists, I suggest you go look at the definition of a Facist government.
Will
www.comicsbyemail.com

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Isotopia
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Post by Isotopia » Wed Jun 22, 2005 4:11 pm

The admins have already spoken about keeping your issues with me out of the main channels but like many other things you keep forgetting what your told. So I'm reminding you again to quit attacking me and to stick to your commitments. You are a man of your word, right? Then shut up and stick to it.
Dear K/Kinetic/Archangel/Shawn/ComaBoy/Guy Who Fakes Having Cancer/etc.,

I never commit to anything that entails giving up the opportunity to scorch on nutjobs.

Sincerely,

The Object of Your Obsession

Kinetic IV
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Post by Kinetic IV » Wed Jun 22, 2005 5:58 pm

I never commit to anything that entails giving up the opportunity to scorch on nutjobs.
I think you meant: I never commit to anything that entails giving up the opportunity to discriminate and attack people with medical issues or prior mental illness who are working to overcome their problems.

Coming from a man who openly declares himself part of the gay community, discrimination is the last thing I would expect. It's strange.

Congratulations Iso. It's Pride Week in San Francisco and you sure showed your colors. And they are not the colors of inclusion, tolerance, and open mindedness.
K-IV
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Thank you for over 7 years of eplaya memories. I have asked Emily Sparkle to delete my account and I am gone. Goodbye and Goodluck to all of you! I will miss you!

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Isotopia
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Post by Isotopia » Wed Jun 22, 2005 6:18 pm

I think you meant: I never commit to anything that entails giving up the opportunity to discriminate and attack people with medical issues or prior mental illness who are working to overcome their problems.
Hey Wank-o, people make (or invent) their own hell.

Airing as much in a public forum - especially when referencing my name make you fair game. So please, don't put your issues on me. This ain't Therapy-Playa, I ain't cha' daddy and you don't have cancer - ya crank.

Kinetic IV
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Post by Kinetic IV » Wed Jun 22, 2005 6:42 pm

Sheesh, you have that nice 1890's mindset when it comes to public health and mental illness issues. For someone who's been trained in modern medicine...I expected a more enlightened perspective.

There's more to science than shooting sub atomic particles down linear accelerators. Perhaps you should take a look at what other disciplines are doing. And take a look at how society is changing it's mindset about these kinds of things while you're at it.
K-IV
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Thank you for over 7 years of eplaya memories. I have asked Emily Sparkle to delete my account and I am gone. Goodbye and Goodluck to all of you! I will miss you!

spectabillis
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Post by spectabillis » Thu Jun 23, 2005 11:00 am

Isotopia wrote:Airing as much in a public forum...
You gotta be fucking kidding me.

I really dont want to have to worry about locking threads down because you two have some twisted sexual tension, or OCD oriented around each other... or... whatever this is.

Just keep it to PM's, please.

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Nightterror
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Post by Nightterror » Thu Jun 23, 2005 11:36 am

qtipman wrote:My 26 year old best friend that I've known all my life just found out last year that he has an inoperable brain tumor and probably only has a few months to live.

If he found out last year and he really only had a few months to live - wouldn't he be - well - you know - DEAD now.

RIP - Friend
I express my excitement by brutally interrogating whomever is nearby

Janka
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Post by Janka » Thu Jun 23, 2005 12:11 pm

Dear Isotopia,

First, generally, I love your writing style. It is refreshing and fun and while not politically correct, you usually have a point.

Second, will you please give people, especially new people, on this board a fucking chance? Fun politically incorrect points can be, well, fun, but please do limit it a bit and have some of that playa spirit. Radical inclusion and stuff, you know?

Third, I am drunk and would probably never have said this had I been sober. Let me apologize for saying it now, as the Finnish midsummer feast is starting and I won't be around to do it for the next couple of days. (Not that I did not mean it. Just in my opinion it is not always necessary to blurt out everything you think.)

If you catch me on the playa, ask for drinks, I'd love to meet you in person. :)

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Badger
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Post by Badger » Thu Jun 23, 2005 1:47 pm

Third, I am drunk and would probably never have said this had I been sober. Let me apologize for saying it now, as the Finnish midsummer feast is starting and I won't be around to do it for the next couple of days. (Not that I did not mean it. Just in my opinion it is not always necessary to blurt out everything you think.)
No need to apologize.

BTW, are you doing the Finnish wife (husband) carrying contest during the festival?
Desert dogs drink deep.

qtipman
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Cancer

Post by qtipman » Thu Jun 23, 2005 3:39 pm

To Nightterror:

He was diagnosed a year ago and they told him if his surgery and chemo went well then he might make a full recovery and live a healthy life. But his latest diagnosis shows the cancer has spread and they just told him he has a few months to live. We recently had a benefit for him to help pay his medical bills and all of us have been visiting him pretty frequently. He's in pretty good spirits for someone who knows they're gonna die.

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Don Muerto
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Post by Don Muerto » Thu Jun 23, 2005 4:25 pm

Kinetic, have you ever considered a strategy that doesn't involve going ballistic when someone lobs a shitbomb your way? You know, every kid gets teased, but the kid that freaks out gets teased the most. You are that kid.

Setting aside whether you actually have cancer or not for a moment, you, and you alone, have utterly destroyed your own reputation and credibility by telling numerous lies in this same vein, and defending these with the same mixture of self-righteousness and indignation as you do regarding your putative case of NHL.

Cancer is a horrible plague that takes many people before their time, and punishes many more with painful cures and surgical procedures. I personally feel nothing but pity for you if you do have NHL, but that in no way translates into me believing that you have this disease simply because you insist that you do.

Perhaps this time you are telling the truth, but you have created a large credibility debt that you must work off before many people are going to extend you more sympathy and belief on credit. Because of your lack of credibility, your detractors and their accusations, IMO, have a legitimacy that you do not. It's your decision whether you wish to do the hard work to reverse this lack of credibility, -you may well decide that you do not care enough about the people involved to expend the energy.

What is not your decision is "when," or even "if", somebody believes what you say again.

I think you are a person that does have something to contribute here, but frankly every time you freak out and demand to be believed is just another step backwards. Do yourself a favor and only contribute positively to this forum, -regardless of what Badger or anyone else does. Stop being a pull-toy and a wind up monkey. Stop being as utterly banal and predictable as an airhorn.

If you are a relentlessly positive contributor, in time your detractors will have to shut-up or risk holding a less and less tenable position. Please remember that the amount of time involved is not in your control. When you get frustrated in the meanwhile, perform your angry dance in the mirror where it is best applied.
Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

Kinetic IV
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Post by Kinetic IV » Thu Jun 23, 2005 9:48 pm

I really dont want to have to worry about locking threads down because you two have some twisted sexual tension, or OCD oriented around each other... or... whatever this is.

Just keep it to PM's, please.
Don, I have responded to you in another forum out of respect for Spectabillis's request. I'm sure the reply will get back to you through various parties.
K-IV
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Thank you for over 7 years of eplaya memories. I have asked Emily Sparkle to delete my account and I am gone. Goodbye and Goodluck to all of you! I will miss you!

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joel the ornery
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You are what your are and you ain't what you ain't

Post by joel the ornery » Fri Jun 24, 2005 7:31 am

I would like to share John's perspective on society with this song.

"You are what your are and you ain't what you ain't
So listen up Buster, and listen up good
Stop wishing for bad luck and knocking on wood"


Dear Abby
©John Prine

Dear Abby, Dear Abby ...
My feet are too long
My hair's falling out and my rights are all wrong
My friends they all tell me that I've no friends at all
Won't you write me a letter, Won't you give me a call
Signed Bewildered

Bewildered, Bewildered...
Chorus:
You have no complaint
You are what your are and you ain't what you ain't
So listen up Buster, and listen up good
Stop wishing for bad luck and knocking on wood

Dear Abby, Dear Abby...
My fountain pen leaks
My wife hollers at me and my kids are all freaks
Every side I get up on is the wrong side of bed
If it weren't so expensive I'd wish I were dead
Signed Unhappy

Unhappy, Unhappy...
Repeat Chorus

Dear Abby, Dear Abby...
You won't believe this
But my stomach makes noises whenever I kiss
My girlfriend tells me It's all in my head
But my stomach tells me to write you instead
Signed Noise-maker

Noise-maker, Noise-maker
Repeat Chorus

Dear Abby, Dear Abby...
Well I never thought
That me and my girlfriend would ever get caught
We were sitting in the back seat just shooting the breeze
With her hair up in curlers and her pants to her knees
Signed Just Married

Just Married, Just Married...
Repeat Chorus

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Don Muerto
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Post by Don Muerto » Fri Jun 24, 2005 7:47 am

Goon squad huh?

Well, it was good advice even if you're not capable of hearing it.

Have you ever asked yourself how you expect to grow as a person when you have the need to concoct elaborate conspiracies around the negative feedback you generate?

Everybody is dependent on honest feedback in order to learn and grow, that is why rock stars and actors are such unremitting @ssholes; -they get no honest feedback and slowly grow out of shape like an vine without a trellis.

In your case, you get plenty of feedback, but immediately throw it away in favor of far-fetched delusions that make you out to be an important target of some cabal bent on dragging you down.

Some personal growth to work on vs. an organized conspiracy to defame you

Which one sounds more likely?

Self-reflexivity isn't always fun, but its guaranteed to be safe and effective.


PS Telling you to rise above your detractors and only post positively will not reverse the gains of the Civil Rights movement.
Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

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EvilDustBooger
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Post by EvilDustBooger » Fri Jun 24, 2005 8:00 am

In Between my long pandiculations I`ve really enjoyed this thread, and I`d like to add to Joel`s song, if I might, with a verse of some slightly bastardized modern poetry. See if you recognize the author. The book title describes this conversation rather well.
Exerpt:

"In my lonely cell I sit
My pants are full of shit
My balls are gently
bouncing on the floor
I can feel the bloody snag
Where she bit me on the bag
...I`ll never fuck with Isotopia Anymore.


Heh Heh

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Isotopia
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Post by Isotopia » Fri Jun 24, 2005 8:33 am

PS Telling you to rise above your detractors and only post positively will not reverse the gains of the Civil Rights movement.
<howling!!!>

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