<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by anrkitec:
FlyAAway,
I make no assessment of you as a person other than to the extent that I can read your words. I never said otherwise.
First let me point out that I edited my post to remove the word "coward" for two reasons. The first is that I felt it would be seen by many here merely (as you say) as name-calling (though I stand by my opinion that the argument you make is in fact oolish). </font>
Dude,
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
whether or not a person is or is not a coward is based on far more criteria than whether or not one is "a decorated combat veteran".</font>
I don't recall suggesting that it was the sole criteria. It might be based on more than your opionion, as well.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">While I in no way belittle your contributions, military service is not the ultimate "measure of a man". That you feel a need to bring attention to your "documented bravery" suggests an unbelievable insecurity about something on your part. This really isn't a pissing contest.</font>
You are incapable of
effectively belittling my military service. It may not be the ultimate measure of a man, but I offered it because it is quantifiable and relatable to a large segment of the population. Insecure? Your opinion. It merely suggests that I was not blowing smoke. Until you offer the ultimate measure of a man, or what constitutes bravery, perhaps it is a "urinary olympiad."
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">My initial response based on your words were that you were a coward because rather than lay the blame for 9/11 and the events that took the life of your friend where they rightfully belong (with the individuals that actually committed those acts) you none to subtly suggest that the world would be a better place by "taking [me] out" and that my "liberal" views somehow contributed to what happened. I felt that you were being cowardly because rather than face the real enemy you turn your fear and hatred towards me. Regardless of my views and opinions I had nothing whatsoever to do with the loss of your friend or the events of 9/11 and to suggest otherwise is quite simply cowardly.</font>
Sir, I neither fear nor hate you. Did I use the word "liberal" at any time? Did I suggest you
personally had anything to do with my loss? If it was not clear, what I am suggesting is that a less than cautious attitude might lead to more deaths. I regret the implication that you had personal responsibility. I hold you blameless in the Harrod's bombing. I
never said the world would be better without you. Please read it again. I said that your attitudes would facilitate the enemy in his effort to remove those that hold your views. I did not say it was a good thing, or that I wished it upon you. I do not wish you ill.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Those in my life that I have lost and the particular circumstances that surround those losses quite frankly are none of your business and I see no need to share any of this with you. That you chose to do so is your prerogative.</font>
I agree with these statements 100%. Your losses are none of my business. I did not "need" to do so. This was the first time I have mentioned it; I feel it was
quite germane to the argument. Again, I offered it for a reason; I am not just grandstanding.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">I do not "sit on the sidelines" of this fight against terrorism. I wholeheartedly support the efforts of our government to bring those responsible to justice and prevent similar occurrences from happening in the future. As I am over twenty-eight I am ineligible for military service, which appears to be your only benchmark for either having or being allowed to express an opinion on this matter. </font>
I think it is a great benchmark, but certainly not the only one. If you wanted to serve in the military, I will help you pursue a waiver. Also, I think you are still young enough for certain specialties. Don't sell yourself short! Of course, this begs the question, what kept you away prior to turning 28? The Reserves are a great way to serve and subsidize college expenses.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">I wholeheartedly support the efforts of our government to bring those responsible to justice and prevent similar occurrences from happening in the future. </font>
Wholeheartedly? With no exceptions? You have some heartburn with airport security, do you not?
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">To bring up the notion of a "perfect" anything is again a childish argument in that no rational adult believes that anything can be perfect. I submit that there is room somewhere between the unachievable "perfect" solution and the censoring of ones reading material and confiscation of nail clippers.</font>
Re-read the post; I believe I amended that notion and said I would accept a flawed solution. I will agree with you about a solution "somewhere between"; now just tell us what it is.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">To bring up the notion of a "perfect" anything is again a childish argument in that no rational adult believes that anything can be perfect. </font>
Several rational adults believe just that; step into a Lexus dealership and you will experience "the relentless pursuit of perfection." Better yet, drive one. You may become a believer, too.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">No one, myself included ever suggested that we "fly without any restrictions whatsoever". This is a rather weak use of hyperbole on your part IMHO. What others and myself here have clearly said is that the choice in ones reading material is of absolutely no threat whatsoever and it was more than a simple over-reaction to prevent this individual from flying because of that. That others and yourself actually believe that this and many other recently imposed and equally feckless "security measures" protect anything is at the very least interesting</font>
My only response to this is that you remind me a lot of me, when I was 28. I say that with no malice. You have shown the capacity to make my blood boil and the capacity to make me laugh. I do applaud the courage of your convictions. You are obviously, to the extent of what I read here, and in your profile, an accomplished young man. Speaking of insecurity; do you have issues surrounding your vocabulary? Yours is actually quite well-developed, but enough with feckless. You don't have to pull your six-shooter out everytime you leave the bar to unhitch your horse. The childish argument is also overstated here. You are a worthy adversary (competitor?) and you do keep an "old" guy on his toes. I have been known to be wrong. I have also been known to admit it.
I am anxious to hear your reasoned response.
[This message has been edited by anrkitec (edited 10-24-2001).][/B][/QUOTE]
[This message has been edited by FlyAAway (edited 10-24-2001).]