I had just lost a good colleague (and cube mate) at work from a massive heart attack/stroke and was pretty upset. Being called a "death Eater" on that thread kinda pushed me over the edge.Please pass on my apologies for the use of bad language. This I do feel bad about.
You know, Memorial day has just passed, and it has started me thinking about all the military vets that have been banned from FR. I'm sorry to say that I don't know them all and can't name them all, but there have been quite a few.
Just recently a freeper in Iraq was accused by another freeper of working for the enemy. Complaints have been made about this post, but it still stands. How is it that the people who put their lives on the line for the country do not have the privilege on this forum of disagreeing with others, without fear of being nuked?
I am somewhat in awe of people who have devoted their lives to serving their country. I consider my year in Vietnam to be trivial compared to the service rendered by some of the people who have been barred from posting here. I'd really like to cry out, "Shame!" to some of the self-righteous, self important pretenders who inhabit this site, people who have never seen the wrong end of a weapon or wondered when a stray mortar round would find them, or find a buddy.
I'm sure my own politics will eventually get me banned from FR. I have difficult conforming to other people's demands. I grew up in a democrat household. My father worshipped FDR. I went to a Quaker college. I could have avoided military service easily.
But I went to Vietnam -- against the wishes of my parents and against the wishes of my friends, and against the wishes of all my teachers. I went because I love this country.
What I love most about this country is liberty and freedom of conscience. I have put my life on the line to defend this country, and I think I have earned the right to dissent occasionally from the prevailing opinion on this website.
People like Radioastronomer have likewise earned that right. He is my friend; he is a patriot, and anyone lacking the guts to hear what he has to say deserves no respect.
I hope I haven't said anything that makes you think that applies to me. I was not familiar with Radio Astronomer or what his views are. The only thing I did know was what the link someone provided showed where he called someone a "fucking moron", against the rules but I doubt that it is enough to get anyone banned unless it is done repeatedly. My Quoting it may get this reply deleted for that matter.
Relay to Radio Astronomer that I am a vet too and I respect the contribution of all vets.
Based on what little I know about him, it's my opinion that banning was too much. But I don't know the whole story and it's not my web site and I have zero sway in whether or not he comes back.
Thanks for your post, I learned a little.