more wtf is wrong with people?

[onewhippedpuppy]

Agreed Les, life is too short for that sort of anger.

[Baz]

Meanwhile over on the DOG thread......

[Crowbob]

Originally Posted by oldE

Wow!
I think this is a perfectly good example of how things get escalated to Middle East proportions.
Crowbob, I'm sorry you took such offence at someone's remark,(even sorrier to read that vitriol) but I think you're either reading WAY too much into it or perhaps I'm missing some spill-over from another thread or forum.

Here's hoping things are better for you both.
Les

Thanks, Les.

Yes, there is spill-over. The spill-over has to do with gross generalizations in the name of so-called enlightenment. I believe it's about time good people began standing up for themselves against such things.

For example: racism. This nation is being torn apart along racial lines because the race-baiters have capitalized on history by claiming this is a racist nation. Even though this nation has done more to advance racial equality than any other nation in history, many of us must still bear the burden of some of our flawed history.

There is much more spill-over, including sexism, classism, and many other 'issues' so frequently muddied-up and perpetuated by selective, false, over-broad and seemingly (to some) innocuous accusations put forth in this thread-to which I am responding.

I believe the vitriol you sense in me has more to do with the unpleasant truths that lie beneath it. It is time to stop the escalation.

My apologies to you for your sorrow, good sir.

[nostatic]

While I didn't really intend for the thread to take this type of turn, it is interesting, as are some of the posts in the companion thread that I started as a counterpoint.

I don't think that humankind is a "failed experiment", and frankly I'm willing to bet that the amount of horrific human behavior is no greater than at any time in history. Rather the 24/7 news cycle and inter webs brings things to light that previously would have been un-noticed by many. In fact, I'd guess that it is probably better than before, though most parts of the planet continue to struggle just to make it through the day relative to 1st world problems.

Perception is reality. One can look at the horrific acts and take that as a sign that the world is terrible, or a wake up call to be steadfast in exposing and rooting out evil where we can. There is easily as much beauty as horror in the world - we choose which to focus on and which to color our perception of our lives. The stories posted are a reminder to me that there will always be bad people in the world. And part of our job is to push back against that part of (in)humanity. Small acts of courage change the world in bigger ways than we realize. Giving up and writing off society is an act of selfishness imho. Everyone has the power to change something for the better. Failure to do so is on that person, not "society" or "government" or "the other guy."

[450knotOffice]

I agree, humankind is NOT a "failed experiment". I have to admit that I did the big eye roll too when I read his over broad generalization of the human race. We, have MANY wonderful, thoughtful people on this earth, many more than the opposite, I believe.

[gordner]

I think Jerome was making a remark to the human condition not a personal attack at you Crowbob, sensitivity like that and people that look for offense everywhere are sure not part of the solution.