wonderful day today, topped off by a fun dinner at the remote kitchen with LB.
As I mentioned earlier, it started off with a lot of anxiety. Spent most of the day just wandering about in the beast, simply to get out of the trailer. After that, I stayed upstairs playing the Taylor DN3, then took a long nap. Be glad when these guys are finished.
But I must admit, it looks great. The colors SU picked out blend well together. Now comes the hard part, new furniture, pictures, etc. Her job, not mine.
Late afternoon, we went to CH’s for the renewing of the vows thing. Met their family and a couple of friends. LB also made it and we decided to head out to the remote.
Had a great time. T is nice and easy to get along with, I can see why LB likes her. Just a fun evening. Oh well, just wanted to note that for some reason. Going to have our weekly recap at 8 in the morning before church, it’s good that we are following through on that.
It was a really strange week for me on Lone Star Times. I’m not quite sure how, but I managed to turn a lot of people against me. It’s funny sometimes in life, everyone is okay with beating around the bush on some things. But when you bring them into focus, it really upsets folks. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad.
There were some comments made that made me think, think really hard. People are scared and I am at a place in life that I just plain don’t understand it and it shows in my reactions to certain things. I’ve noticed a racial undercurrent to the illegal issue that I cannot ignore but that upsets an awful lot of people.
I wonder if I’m mistaking racism for fear. What puzzles me is why people are afraid. That is what I don’t understand. How can an American citizen be afraid of people that come from garbage dumps to bust their tails for what is considered meager wages? I recall reading how the Nazis came into power and the arguments that I hear parallel those. I don’t understand why people buy into those arguments; they are completely foreign to me. Anyways, I need to keep meditating on that.
I would say to you that concern over people entering and working in the United States illegally is neither racism nor fear. If you managed to turn a lot of people at LST against you, perhaps it’s because you mistakenly attributed character qualities and motives to them that are, quite simply, erroneous.
When the Jesse Jacksons and Al Sharptons in our midst accuse you of racism and/or fear of black people in dealing with Katrina “victims”, does it make you want to engage them in meaningful dialogue? Or does it just plain piss you off, because you know that they can get public sympathy in this politically correct world by simply playing the race card?
You basically played the race card at LST in a somewhat less aggregious fashion than the Rev. Jesse or the Rev. Al play it. That’s how you managed to turn people against you. Stop assuming that you understand the motivations of people who don’t agree with you and you’ll likely see a vast improvement in the quality of dialogue that ensues.
I think that the results of that post, for the most part, prove the point. Most people have no inkling why they are against illegal immigration, they just are. The vitriol with which people responded was completely unwarranted unless, as one of the commenters said, they read the post from their own vantage point and didn’t like what they saw. Then they struck out at the messenger.
An objective observer, viewing the hate that people displayed in the comments section of that post (and several subsequent), would find it hard to come to a different conclusion.
It certainly cannot be xenophobia, as the only object of their displeasure are Mexicans. It cannot have been facts because no one posted any to dispute it. Free trade with Canada – no problem. Free trade with Mexico – hold up!
The “race card” is, in fact, sometimes warranted. Recall the post that I did on the young black males in Louisiana that were charged with attempted murder. Some people actually defended this nonsense. So no, I have no problem with someone “playing the race card” when it is warranted.
I clearly stated in the post that the “screaming hyenas” were in the media. Why do you think it is that so many took it as a slap to themselves?
Can you be against illegal immigration without being a racist? Certainly. There are some valid reasons to curb the influx of people. But none of those reasons were brought to the table.
The hype surrounding this issue is going to crush the conservative movement in the U.S. Unless and until we recognize the racist undertones and correct them we will be relegated to a small faction that will, perhaps, be able to sway an election here and there.
That isn’t good enough for me. I think people of all races and colors can understand conservative principles and my goal is to convince them of that. I’ll leave you with a quote from one of the many emails I received that were supportive of me. Surprised? For every comment on LST, there are a multitude of readers. LST is alive and well. Some people prefer not to be attacked for what they think.
Surprised that LST is alive and well? Not at all. Many blogs that use questionable tactics to make their points thrive. Just like you said, “for every comment on LST, there are a multitude of readers”. I was one of the multitude who read but did not comment. You ascribed motives to me for being anti-illegal immigration that do not exist. It’s just that simple. You would be well advised to consider what you wrote:
You said “I’m not quite sure how, but I managed to turn a lot of people against me” and I tried to explain to you how you did it. You’re welcome.
“Questionable tactics”? Alrighty then. Thanks and have a great day.
BigJolly,
I am struck by your faith and by your honesty. Yes you will lose friends, acquaintences, fellow bloggers but your words ring true, nothing good can come from sweeping statements made by many commentators in the open comments about hispanics who have been part of the Americana experience since the begginning.
I am taken aback by the veracity and depth of many’s unreasonable fears and insecurities.
Yet last night on the McNeil Leher newshour my oldest and I sit in silent prayer as they list the fallen in Iraq, this week most were hispanic
DELETED
Its terrible to curse on someone elses blog, BigJolly just stated his heartfelt opinion, Dude, whatever is angering you, internally, if I’ve done some transgression against you, don’t take it out on him.
My God is a loving God. When you look at some of the comments made recently on LST, the only conclusion you can walk away with is that they were blatantly hate-filled. I don’t want those type of people in MY conservative party. I don’t care if a single election is ever won again. If you are one of those people, take the hate somewhere else. You are not welcome.
btw, I like the new theme.
BigJ,
The first two comments that were left on this post under the name “fahrengehen” are from me, the commenter formerly known as “The Dude”. The third one with the F-bomb is not me. A simple check of the I.P. address associated with the comments in question will verify that for you. I have only ever commented on this blog from two locations, work and home. Do a whois inquiry and you can verify what I’m telling you is true.
I find it very curious that the last comment I left was on 9-19. Now suddenly, Eric comes on HeadShaker’s blog tonight (9-22) going on about me dropping the F-bomb here. I had no idea what he was talking about initially. Then I looked for myself.
I don’t know who left the comment with the F-bomb (but I have at least one suspect), but I do know it was not me. Say what you will about me. I’m foul-mouthed, opinionated to the point of being obnoxious at times, and even maybe somewhat of a hothead on occasion. But one thing I am not is a liar. Check for yourself and if you have any measure of honesty you’ll verify that what I’m telling you is true.
BTW,
This is the last comment I’ll leave on this blog, ever. You have my word on that. If any more appear here by someone posing as me then be aware that you have someone on your hands who is attempting to smear me in one of the most despicable ways possible.
I will stand with the real “fahrengehen” and say that if he says he did not do it then there is no way he would post the f bomb here.
.
Well said
Dude
You protest too loudly, your first two posts were infinitely more objectionable than the fake one.
Dude, I have no idea why you would say something like this. If I have any measure of honesty? Geez.
I deleted the comment.
David warned you there be days like this…..
So much for community volunterism…..
That he did. 🙂
Everyone is losing their mind!
It’s one thing making up a different identity, but posting under someone else’s name is a huge no-no.
There’s a limit to deception.
I agree with this:
But not this:
I was being sarcastic.
But it goes back to my first comment. People are acting crazier lately.
I guess an analogy would be telling a white lie with no intent to hurt someone vs. telling a lie to hurt someone. Both are wrong, but one is so much more wrong.
Anyway, I hadn’t been here in awhile. Nice job on the site.
You? Sarcastic? Say it ain’t so! 😉
There’s a lot of hurt being bandied about in this world.
Like I’ve said, I’m so misunderstood 🙂
Big Jolly,
A moderator is much like a group therapy facilitator, and every one in the group has a role. There are agitators, jokers, socialites, scapegoats, heroes, etc…
Some will consider you an authority figure and attempt to damage your credibility in the group. Some will use all manners of sneaky methods to manipulate you and others in the group. Some will feel you are not devoting enough attention to their views and opinions. Some would rather not be noticed at all or become angry and defensive when you do call them out.
It is your responsibility to determine when things are getting off track or some one is disrupting the goal of the group as a whole.
You would not have been chosen for the position if you were not capable. IMO, you’re doing fine.
I am finding this all very disturbing. There’s “innocent” sock-puppetry, there’s malicious sock-puppetry, there are more personal attacks, paranoia, divisiveness, discourtesy, bitterness, etc. going on in the political arena and on many many blogs and message boards. Even I am not immune.
What gives?
Some tell me I am taking this too seriously. For our nation’s sake, I hope they’re right.
Ever listen to Casting Crowns?
I always listened to a subset of their songs on the radio, but I’ve been listening to their CD’s lately (I’ve purchased 2 of them since their latest album came out) and think that they have a lot to say to the Church. For example:
forgot to close an italic tag – hope it doesn’t screw things up
Jim B, for a real blessing, watch their DVD. It is very moving. They are doing a wonderful work and doing it in the right way. Be sure and watch the “extras” on the DVD, it’s very revealing. This isn’t a band out to make money, this is a band out to make a difference.