So now I've had a post flagged and removed for "harassment!" It is interesting because I tend to go out of my way to find common areas of agreement with most people and when I disagree I always do it in a civil manner.
There are a few who simply cannot be told anything different than they are convinced is correct! They take umbrage at dissent and either won't allow it on their posts or delete it off, rendering their posts a dishonest representation of the actual comment thread.
Well, to any who's feelings I have hurt, I sincerely apologize. That was never my intent. To those with whom I have strongly disagreed and we continued to exchange comments, I want to thank you even if our disagreement got rather hot. From you I learn. I don't necessarily agree but I may modify my view on an issue and certainly learn more of what and why I think as I do!
I'm not the sharpest tack in the box but I do recognize that I'm not going to change anyone's mind here on Gather, and especially those who object most strongly to what I have written! But it still helps me understand a thinking concept that would never have occurred to me otherwise.
So the real object of this post is to give my personal thanks to the many with whom I have disagreed and who came right back at me with their opinions. You folks are invaluable in this forum! I can think of too many names that fit in here to mention as so many of the Gather posters fit this category on the threads I frequent. We may argue at length but don't offer personal insults or attempt to preempt the debate by declaring all other comments unworthy of consideration, a false refuge for those who cannot accept that some one else may have a real opinion.
And to those who cannot or simply will not engage in controversial dialog, when you refuse, you establish your own limitations and weakness. We all have them and I will live with mine, but you must live with yours.
I came here looking for lively debate and to those who have provided this and crossed swords with me, my greatest appreciation!
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Comments: 52
That make you pretty sharp right there.
Harrassment? Did you personally mention someone by name and attack them or something? What happened?
I did not think your post was harrassing, but Gather is touchy about what can be called a personal attack, even if it isn't.
Harassment?
No way James, you always post witht he utmost civility.
Just take this one for what it is, childish revenge.
It's been clearly demonstrated that you are an extremely sharp tack, and while many people with polar positions aren't going to spin around 180, I've noticed that you provide a lot of substantive detail along with your opinion, and I think a lot of that appeals to reason and therefore shapes thinking, whether that thinking changes dramatically or not.
That's value.
I prefer well supported and explained arguments to mindless rants any day.
In addition, I can say that I have learned quite a bit from you, and have even modified my positions because of your input. For that, I thank you.
Unfortunately, the banner at the top of a flagged item does not indicate this information even though the specific offending item (post content, comments, photos, tags) is required when reporting an inappropriate item.
JS
Best wishes for a happier day of gathering!
Gather really missed the boat - again. Unfortunately, they often side with the people who harass others, but have the most "friends" who will complain if anyone dishes back even a fraction of what they have dished out. Unfortunately, Gather chooses not to hire monitors or editors, and to rely on the community for assistance. Because reasonable, intelligent, and sane people deal with things on their own, and the irrational deal with them by sending whiny, mass mailings to all their irrational friends if they feel slighted by someone, and those friends bombard Gather with irrational complaints, Gather sees only one side. And that's often the wrong side.
I'm sorry this happened to you.
I created a home for my removed comments. You might want to do the same - or you are welcome to post yours on my page.
"And a rose, by any other name..."
James C, love your posts, like your attitudes and outlooks, so Write On!
"I can't tell you how many times your comments have gone through even though I disagree with you!"
mooch (Impeach Obama) -., Feb 3, 2009, 8:06am EST
Sez it all...
Wilka
Consider the source and move on.
I've never seen you be anything but a gentleman.
I should take a lesson from you, but what fun would that be?
I have several that have been removed for harassment.
One lady told me in an email that she hoped my legs fall off and I go blind. I removed her name and posted it yet somehow I voilated TOS.
So wishing me bodily harm is acceptable as long as you do it in private.
I read all your articles dont sell yourself short. You are one of the sharpest tacks here.
(Note to he-who-shall-not-be-named: The above was a literary device called sarcasm and is not to be interpreted literally, although that probably won't stop you from doing so.)
If you're guilty of "harassment," then we all are! You are one of Gather's best and most thoughtful commenters. I hope you don't change your style and approach.
I couldn't agree more, there are lots of sane and balanced people here on Gather! The exceptions are out there but thank God, they are few.
The post was removed and I contacted Gather who reviewed and determined it was not harassment, so they put it back. Thanks for stopping gy!
Your comments are deeply appreciated and thanks for stopping by!
It was the post itself, without doubt. But thanks for your comment!
Thanks for the comment! No, we don't always agree, but I do always appreciate your comments and recognize the value of your opinions.
I really appreciate your stopping by, reading and commenting! Your kind words are always encouraging.
I always appreciate your comments and your logic. I sometimes read them and think, "I wish I'd thought of that!" Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks you for the comment! Your idea is excellent, I'll have to visit that one.
If you think a lot of people might disagree with what you say just mark it as adult content... better safe than sorry... some people are ridiculous!
Thanks for stopping by! I'm afraid I just call them the way I see them and Have no desire to offend or harass anyone. I've never complained to Gather about anyone and I've encouraged you personally, to go ahead and post or comment as you will. Your comments will remain on my post as long as it is there. I'm not looking for personal animosity at all but I won't say something other than what I think just to make it more pleasing, either.
If I say something about anyone that is patently wrong, I'll definitely apologize for that. And if you've read many of my comments you've seen me do that, as I do make errors. You can read my posts and comments, ignore them, refute them or, by some miracle, praise them, it makes no difference. They represent what I think. That is what I want from you and everyone else, your honest thoughts. And I sure as hell won't go complaining to Gather for getting them. I've also never flagged another person's article.
Again, thanks for stopping by and giving me your thoughts!
James, I've touched base with you before about your bright and level headed discourse. Don't change your style, please. I need all the help I can get.
Nasty is as nasty does.
Thank you for the kind words and for stopping by and reading my post! It is appreciated.
Thanks for stopping by, reading and commenting! Your always gentle and kind words are appreciated in most anyone's posts!
I certainly hope you aren't walking around on stumps today! I cannot imagine the thinking of someone wishing physical harm to another person, even one they hate. Such hatred does far more damage to the person who carries it than to the one to which it is directed, in my opinion.
I wish for your continued good health, complete legs and continuing posts and comments!
Good advice! I've done that before. Actually, I never thought there were too many people involved in the political threads who were not ostensibly adults but there's always exceptions. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
I really appreciate your thoughts and comments! And I've read enough of your writing to recognize that you definitely are skilled in it and make it easy to read and understand. Your input is always appreciated!
Thank you for stopping by and commenting! John, your comment has wisdom in it. Mark, I think I followed your comment. Thanks to both of you!
Always appreciate your comments! Thanks for stopping by.
Gather reviewed my post, made the determination it did not constitute harassment, and restored it to the listings. They did not tell me who had complained about it only their flag which said the "community" and that was before it was removed.
It is frustrating to spend the time on an article, read the responses and develop a thread, and have that effort and time just disappear. I contacted Gather and said I felt entitled to a reason for the removal and that was when it was restored. A thread represents time for not only me but for those who responded and is still the reaction to the post, even if it is all negative!
Thanks to everyone!
I do think you should not apologize, despite its erosion we still have something called freedom of speech. Too many on here think calling someone a name is the height of debate and by no means are you a member of that club.
Thanks goodness that you and others like you, far outnumber those who believe theirs is the only allowable opinion! Diverse opinions add to the interest.
I know of all those that I have disagreements with, you are the most respected of my debaters. I have yet to see you get rude or insultive. I know I have had many that cannot debate, but only attack, yet when you disagree, it has always been civil, and I highly respect that.
I haven't been on gather all that long but you stand out as of a great disciple of reason, civility and graciousness. Thanks.
Excellent thoughts and attitude!
Thank you very much for the kind words, as well as for stopping by, reading and commenting.