Clarification From Ravine, Apology To Vic D

[Ravine]

While I was unable to learn this fact by scanning the forum in which the trouble occurred [[this forum,) I have learned that a comment I made, probably on Sunday morning, was mis-understood, may have been offensive to some folks, and caused a big mess.

I am asking for the subject to not be re-invigorated in this thread, as it [[apparently) led to more discussion of another forum than Lowell-- whose forum this is and whose rules are not up for debate-- was willing to tolerate; I am responsible, also, for that development, mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa.

When I used the initials "CP," I was not referring to Cerebral Palsy. I have never, and would never, make a flippant remark about that condition, or any other similar condition, nor would I even so much as use a reference to it as a spring-board for a flippant remark about anything else.

What I was referring to is a matter of no significant importance, and I'm not going to digress into that topic.

If "CP" is commonly, and widely-recognized, as a reference to Cerebral Palsy [[as "MS" is, with Multiple Sclerosis,) I was not aware of that, and if I had been aware of it, I would not have used those initials without attaching a clarification of sorts.

In any case, while I do not know what-all went on, in that thread, after my post, I do know that Vic Doucette took it as a reference to a condition which, apparently, he has, and if I offended him-- and it is easy to see why, given his mis-interpretation of my remark, he would have been offended-- I sincerely apologize, because while the offense occurred without any intent on my part and only as a result of a bit of confusion, I am still responsible for the post which triggered the unfortunate chain of events which led to the offense and the big mess which-- as reported elsewhere-- followed.

[LodgeDodger]

Ravine, you're a good egg--we all know that. We also know [[by your past posts) you are not the type of person who would make fun of someone with cerebral palsy or any other condition that one doesn't have control over. So you're a little cranky at times--no big deal. I like 'em crusty on the outside and soft and squishy on the inside. Sending a big hug to my favorite cockpuncher. *HUG*

[Ravine]

Thank you, LDodger.

And let's face it: I'm cranky all of the time.
I occasionally play that crankiness up, a bit, for comedic effect; I have come to see that some folks do not realize that I am doing so. So what. I have grown weary of, and have decided to cease, laboriously explaining myself to a collection of folks who seem to barely understand that which they are saying, much less that which I am saying.

But all of that is an issue separate from the one about which I fired up this post.
Thanks, again. Love you, too.

[Retroit]

And I would like to apologize to anyone who has been offended by my use of the term "liberal". If "liberal" is commonly, and widely-recognized as a reference to its dictionary definition of "giving freely; generous; large or plentiful; ample; abundant; tolerant of views differing from one's own", I was not aware of that.

On the other hand, if "liberal" is much more commonly, and much more widely-recognized as a reference to Constitutionally-challenged socialists who want the Federal government to bankrupt this country by providing unlimited welfare, then F.U.!

[Ravine]

Retroit, you couldn't start up your own thread on which to pursue your cheesy little political agenda? You had to interfere with this one?
Well, I suppose one more clarification won't hurt, eh. Now we more clearly understand something about your character.

[Retroit]

I would like to apologize to Ravine for interfering with his thread with my cheesy post. If "thread" is commonly, and widely-recognized as a reference to one person's exclusive monologue, I was not aware of that. If I was aware of that, I would never comment on any thread started by someone else, and instead start my own thread.

[gnome]

good idea.

[Ravine]

Retroit, your whole act-- including your "apologies"-- is both tired & tiresome. Threadbare & moldy, in fact; we can smell it from here, and we are not even down-wind.
Go tell yer mother she wants ya.

I came back to add this final comment:
I'm not going to get into a limp-wristed slapping match with you and your little tyrannosaurus arms, so you're on your own. My goal, when I posted this thread, has been met.

[East Detroit]

Magnificent Valor, Ravine.

[LodgeDodger]

And I would like to apologize to anyone who has been offended by my use of the term "liberal". If "liberal" is commonly, and widely-recognized as a reference to its dictionary definition of "giving freely; generous; large or plentiful; ample; abundant; tolerant of views differing from one's own", I was not aware of that.

On the other hand, if "liberal" is much more commonly, and much more widely-recognized as a reference to Constitutionally-challenged socialists who want the Federal government to bankrupt this country by providing unlimited welfare, then F.U.!

You're acting like a jerk. Ravine posted a sincere clarification and apology. You need to learn some manners.

[Ravine]

My Dear Lady, you know good & well that, after about age 15, manners can't be learned.
Oh wait. That may mean that this particular cause is not entirely lost.

[MoparDan]

You're acting like a jerk. Ravine posted a sincere clarification and apology. You need to learn some manners.

LD, this guy's normal operating procedure is to "act" like he's on topic, then throw in some lame remark which shows his true colors. I'd say he's acting like a 10 year old, but that would be an insult to 10 year olds everywhere.
This has more to do with class: you either have it or you don't. He falls into the latter category.

Anyway, I remember reading the original thread Ravine is referring to in his apology. And man, it was painful to read because of the horrible spelling, grammar & punctuation[[or lack thereof!). It had to have been purposely written that way to agitate. I know Ravine didn't mean any offense in what he wrote...I had no idea of it being referred to as "CP" either.

[East Detroit]

If he was trolling, he just scored 3 points in a row.... oh wait, 4.

[Retroit]

Oh, come on! Anyone that thought that Ravine was making fun of people with cerebral palsy needs to get their head examined. [[Oops, do I need to apologize for that? )

As for me acting like a "jerk", I am offended that LodgeDodger was making fun of my Turrette Syndrome and I demand an apology!

Once we are expected to apologize to every overly-sensitive, easily-offended individual out there, then we become the victim. What Ravine said was clearly not what it was interpreted as, and from now on, his Freedom of Speech will be violated every time he is forced to ask himself "Now, who can possibly misinterpret what I am saying and be offended?" If a person is not mature enough to accept another person's viewpoint without imagining some offense, then internet forums are not the place to be.

[Ray1936]

Every once in a while, I post something that I really wish I hadn't. But who among us has not?

I'd not lose any sleep over it.

[Ravine]

Retroit, I am not sure of where you are really coming from, here.

My initial outburst came as a result of my annoyance at your jumping into this thread to drive home your own point about your own agenda.

However, I may have allowed that annoyance to over-color my general response to you.
I am dropping my rusted, funny-smelling sword and saying, "No hard feelings; let's start over from Square One."

Thanks for returning to the thread and clarifying your viewpoint.

[Retroit]

Ravine, I've been a huge fan of yours from day 1. You have a very interesting writing style and unique perspectives on many issues. Never in any of your posts have I ever sensed the least bit of malevolence toward anyone, let alone someone with a medical problem.

I think some people take things a bit too personal. Perhaps it is due to them being new to the idea of people freely sharing their opinions on an internet forum. I know when I first started, I was a bit intimidated. Over time, I realized that everyone is entitled to their opinion and that is a GOOD thing. Now, I've come to expect people to strongly disagree with me, and am sometimes discouraged if they don't.

Awhile back, you said something to the effect: "We need to be careful to listen to what people are saying and not to what we are hearing." I've found this to be very helpful when reading what people have to say, because a lot of times when I first read a post, I see one narrow opinion, but when I read it again, I see a much more profound meaning.

I only hope that we can all look below the superficial and search for the deeper message.

[Ravine]

Thanks for the response and the thumbs-up, Retroit. I did allow my initial rush of annoyance to get the best of me. I regret that.

Sometimes, on the "Paging..." threads, the first several responses are from folks other than the person being paged, and that bugs me, a bit... and yet, the first response to this one was from LodgeDodger, and she is a person for whom I have great respect & affection and who I hold in high esteem; on top of that, her post was very supportive and much appreciated. So, as always in life, no general rule ever applies to anything.

In any case, I have interred the chopping instrument. Sorry for jumping down your throat.

[LodgeDodger]

Thanks for the response and the thumbs-up, Retroit. I did allow my initial rush of annoyance to get the best of me. I regret that.

Sometimes, on the "Paging..." threads, the first several responses are from folks other than the person being paged, and that bugs me, a bit... and yet, the first response to this one was from LodgeDodger, and she is a person for whom I have great respect & affection and who I hold in high esteem; on top of that, her post was very supportive and much appreciated. So, as always in life, no general rule ever applies to anything.

In any case, I have interred the chopping instrument. Sorry for jumping down your throat.

Awwww, Ravine. Such kind words about me. Right back at you.