Apology ...

[Military Mom]

I am aware that on some issues, people cannot be swayed. I have said from the beginning that I respect others rights to judge and live for themselves. I am sorry if anyone find my opinions or how I deliver them offensive or worthless or whatever.

A point I often try to make here is that when you have the opportunity to explore all the different things in the world - like when you move to a new state, or meet someone who opens your mind, or take on a new hobby - whatever - you change your way of looking at life. I'm sorry, but when I see a closed mind, it's like a mission for me sometimes to try and be the spring to open it, just a little. To plant the seed of expanded thought.

Anyway, I understand that many of you here are very strongly religious. I used to be. I am no longer for reasons we may someday go into here. So, I know that many of the things I have to say here probably might make some angry or think less of the person writing the words down. I am not here to cause trouble or stir up conflict.

I do however, wish to stir up minds. I want to see if anyone else sees life the way I do. I love to see people THINKING and pondering for a change, rather than just saying the first thing that comes to their minds.

I do believe that we can debate heated issues but without getting angry with each other. It's the idea we are exploring, not the person offering the idea. Besides you lose face when you become reduced to hurling insults or calling names.

So, sorry again, to those who I have offended. Keep in mind - it's never about YOU - it's about the issue.

mm

[blinc]

Just wanted to add my two cents here. I didn't find the discussion as being offensive at all. I also love to read other people's opinions and believe it or not, there are things that I have looked at differently, since joining forums. The ability to look through others eyes is one of the reasons I do enjoy forums so much. Life can get stagnant living out in the boonies - it's so refreshing to see different views. I think you add a lot to debates Military Mom. :) I guess sometimes a discussion just reaches a stale-mate, and the time comes to just let the thing rest? Please keep posting your opinions, I love reading them!!

[jamesglewisf]

{toothy}Ditto what blinc said. I don't think you have anything to apologize for MM. Keep 'em coming.

The last thing I want is for FrappyDoo! to turn into a forum full of a bunch of like-minded people. It wouldn't be much of a discussion forum if we all believed the same thing.

The only reason I closed the thread was because it just wasn't going anywhere. I thought the discussion was very civil and interesting, but link blinc said, it was growing stale. {toothy}

[In_His_Shadow]

Hey MM,

I am one of the strongly religious, and I would never become angry or think any less of you. I think you have handled yourself very well. And if I ever get to the point that you feel I have judge anyone on this group please by all means make me aware of it. It is not my place to judge anyone. Thats one of the bases of Christianity and if you see it happen it is wrong, thats the bottom line.

CJ

[Military Mom]

Thank you for the feedback, guys.

Blinc, it's nice to know you feel I add to the debates. {blush} It's even nicer to know that you have mulled over ideas a little more closely than you had before since coming here! I think you add quite a bit to the debates yourself. ;)

Jim, Agreed. Stalemate indeed. {frusty} Sometimes there really is nothing left to say at all. We started out talking about Gore but ended with the debate over gays in the military then gays in general and who knows what all else! Guess it goes to show how one comment made by someone (Gore being that someone in this case) can bring tensions to the surface. But we really did start to veer off topic there...

IHS, you too add to the debates. I think that in our own way we all tend to judge - which I don't really think is wrong. That is how you live your life after all - by making a series of judgement calls then acting upon them. It IS for us to judge, in our minds. We just have to do it nicely out loud. (Some of us are better at that than others... I';m workin on it, honest ... {angel} )

Thanks,

mm

[TWTCommish]

I think I know what this is in reference to - there's nothing to apologize for. Having to disagree with people who at least respect your beliefs and find value in them is a lot better than the alternative - which I've come across in the past.

Shoot yer' mouth off whenever you feel like it - you know I do! :)

[blinc]

I wanted to add this also. I'm really upset that Military Mom felt there was a need to apologize at all. The point of belonging to a forum is to share ideas. If for some reason you were made to feel bad about expressing your views MM, then we aren't conveying the right message here. I for one, wouldn't wish anyone to feel bullied or stifled into not giving their honest opinions on any subject. Please accept my apologies, as a moderator for Jim's forum, if you were made to feel that way.

[TTP]

Originally posted by blinc
I wanted to add this also. I'm really upset that Military Mom felt there was a need to apologize at all. The point of belonging to a forum is to share ideas. If for some reason you were made to feel bad about expressing your views MM, then we aren't conveying the right message here. I for one, wouldn't wish anyone to feel bullied or stifled into not giving their honest opinions on any subject. Please accept my apologies, as a moderator for Jim's forum, if you were made to feel that way.

Diddo, diddo, diddo. All the way.

[Military Mom]

Thanx again, all. I was afraid I was really offending some people here, and didn't want to alienate anyone.

TWT, I thank you especially for your reply. We are both still learning about this mixed up world.

Nuff said. I feel free to keep speaking my mind here, thanks.

mm

[TWTCommish]

No problem! Like others have said: It's us who owe you an apology if you even felt the need to apologize. I used to apologize as such earlier on, but as I got into more debates (friendly and otherwise) online, it became apparent that in the fairly civil ones, people don't take things personally. People disagree, and that's it! They're just more willing to argue their points through computers. :)

[Debby]

Oh you guys....I think I just love you all!!! Everyone here is so honest, and opinionated (in a nice way) and Military Mom....I think I wish I could adopt you as MY mom...lol....though i know you arent old enough to be the mother of a 35 year old...:) Your opinions are so refreshing and thought provoking, I also didn't think you had anything to apologize for....I hope you never stop posting here! :)

[Military Mom]

Awww Deb, you're so sweet! I like the poeple here too. Down to earht , nice, and varied. I have learned quite a bit since coming here - which s the whole purpose of contacting others and debating over this and that. I think it's great too.

[Karenluvs6]

if we all felt exactly the same way, there would be no point at all in expressing our views...ya know?
we would all be feeling and thinking the same thing all the time.
that wouldn't be fun.
a forum is all about 'different' opinions and disagreements.
NEVER apologize for the way you feel!! EVER!