Some thoughts for the Day!

1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me for
I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just leave me the heck
alone.

2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and a
leaky tire.

3. It's always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your
neighbor's newspaper, that's the time do it.

4. Sex is like air. It's not important unless you aren't getting any.

5. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be
promoted.

6. No one is listening until you fart.

7. Always remember you're unique. Just like everyone else.

8. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.

9. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car
payments.

10. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes.
That way,
when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

11. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.

12. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish,
and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.

13. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was
probably worth it.

14. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.

15. Some days you are the bug; some days you are the windshield.

16. Don't worry; it only seems kinky the first time.

17. Good judgment comes from bad experience, and a lot of that comes
from bad judgment.

18. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put
it back in your pocket.

19. A closed mouth gathers no foot.

20. Duct tape is like the Force. It has a light side and a dark side,
and it holds the universe together.

21. There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.

22. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are
moving.

23. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

24. Never miss a good chance to shut up.

25. We are born naked, wet, and hungry, and get slapped on our ass...
then things get worse.


The most wasted day of all is one in which we have not laughed.


--

(This post has been edited for profanity - nelsoc)

I did

A wee conundrum for Nelsoc - profanity or religious education?

"And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched . . ."
(Mark 9:43-48)

Oh, please!

Define a good word, and a bad word.

Words are just words: Stale hot air that is manipulated by the throat and mouth to give the impression that it is more meaningful than ordinary stale hot air.

According to the US Constitution (and common sense) there are only legal and illegal intentions which are reflected in the words of the speaker. [Paraphrasing here] Illegal words have as their intent to cause unjust and irreparable harm to other individuals; or, which directly attempt to subvert the security of this country.

It is only the intentions of the speaker which are relevant. Which is why, according to the law, if the speaker's clear intent is non-malicious humor (as in this case), even these normal rules do not apply.

But some people still believe that it is their right to tell other people what they can and can not say - in direct violation of the First Ammendment of the Bill of Rights.

So how do you manage to rationalize this logical "slight-of-hand"?

By attempting to frame in moral terms (good vs bad), what is clearly a non-moral issue (legal vs. illegal), you are trying to con(vince) the rest of us that somehow you have God in your pocket. What you are essentially saying is that your act of censorship is simply a reflection of God's wish.

I prefer to let God speak for himself.

Thank you for your well-reasoned and respectful response, stares.

Given your response, it is clear that you are not trying to convince anyone that "you have God in your pocket" (which is a metaphor for an individual who attempts to persuade using the "higher moral road position" nonsense). Again, my statements were directed towards the impersonal "you" of anyone who attempts to use this faulty "reasoning." I regret any misunderstandings.

For the most part, I decidedly agree with you. Like yourself, my objections are practical, not philosophical.

To restrict the right of free speech is always inherently dangerous, though at times, unavoidable. It should not be undertaken casually, but cautiously. It is not a right of the censor: It is the restriction of a right of the speaker. Most importantly, it's guiding pupose must always be kept firmly in mind: To promote open, pleasureable and purposeful communication between well-intentioned people. Some few people can handle this difficult and demanding task with grace and aplomb. Most can not.

This is where the forum practices, not rules, and I disagree. Situations will always arise that demand patience, flexibility and humor on the part of the forum administrators. All too often, instead of using these opportunities to open a legitimate dialogue for the purpose of improving the forum experience, members are treated condescendingly and dismissively. This attitude is the most dangerous and damaging consequence of "forum decorum" turned "censorship oppressorship."

There is no excuse for dismissive condescention on the part of the forum administrators. A quality, conspicuously absent in your own post, I hasten to add.

Not only do these attitudes degrade the experience for forum participants, they competely inhibit healthy change and growth.

For example, it has been my experience that there has been little effort made by the administrators of this forum to listen, consider and discuss what are constructive suggestions from clearly well-intentioned members. This input clearly states that the forum architecture, format, etc. are in need of improvement. Keep in mind that some of these members are very pro-active supporters of this forum and it's mission; people who, themselves, possess a great deal of experience in successfully moderating Internet forums. There simply is no good reason for not taking into consideration this valuable input to improve the forum.

I am certain that by now you understand my point. To loosten up and lighten up does not mean to abandon constructive and necessary guidelines. It only means: "Take off the boots and run your toes through the sand. Then jump on in. The water's fine."

As you so aptly pointed out, this is a World Community Grid. For the very same reasons that the rules must in some ways be excessively restrictive and limiting, they must also be applied with genuine flexibility and graciousness.

No matter what, it has been a sincere pleasure to have had the opportunity to discuss the issue with you, stares.