posted July 15, 2005 07:52 PM         

It is very difficult not to jump to the defense of those who are being treated with such cruelty, but I have always maintained my distance from these issues in the past.

These are public forums, so I can't simply ingore threads that are blatantly offensive... it's not as though they come with warning labels. When I stumble across posts like the ones in question I automatically feel angry, and that is not why I come here.

I'm all for freedom of speech, but let's not degrade ourselves or others by resorting to such immature behavior.

posted July 15, 2005 10:45 PM         

I've resolved to ignore his/her posts in other forums. Here, I can close the topic or something to put a stop to it. I've really only seen this vulgar behavior in Astrology.

posted July 16, 2005 04:57 AM         

No Lovely, you didnt upset me girl, not at all, you just defended yourself - good for you. It seems sad that the nicest people are sometimes on the receiving end of others' anger - no matter hey, karma will always sort that one out.

I hope you are okay Pidau, I cringed when I saw what was written about you - I hate cruelty, the person dishing it is in pain, but that aint your or my problem is it now?

Thanks Pixie for your gentle strength, it isnt an easy thing to confront a problematic situation, but hopefully it wont happen again. I still happen to think there must be a way around preventing this happening ............mmmmm............where is that cauldron of mine (ha ha)

Anyway girls (where are the lads in this one), lets hope things even out and that we continue to love, learn and support each other.

Blessing to all

Love

posted July 16, 2005 06:21 AM         

I am honestly struck by the difference between the boys fighting and the girls. When the ladies fight it's personal and it's as if it's to the death. When Jwhop and I fight we casually observe each other in other threads, but we leave each other alone. For the guys it's as if it's only personal in the context of the quarrel (I'm not even certain it's all that personal). Outside of it we leave well enough alone. I'm even quite certain we've both noticed our affection for the same people.

The other thing I've noticed is that I, myself, have started what could've been the most devisive thread here. It was called, "What sign are you most biased against?" That's probably as controversial a topic title as there is, and that thread saw no such drama. There were little bits of animosity, but no wars, no crisis. I draw some conclusions from that, but you guys can find your own I'm sure.

I think gang lines were drawn at the start of that thread. Starting a thread off by questioning whether or not the thread should be started is asking for trouble. Then people took sides (on the appropriateness of the thread), and the skirmish began. We all celebrate each other all the time, so I don't see the point of the thread. Why not just make some kind of beautiful gesture toward your favorite knowflake in a thread, or start a fan thread for someone you feel affection for? Picking favorites is like picking sides. Would you pick a favorite friend in the presense of other friends? Would you pick a favorite child of your own? I don't know if it's a habitual thing or a pattern of personality with the author, but it seems to me that drama was being sought. She DID, however, say early on that people could just drop it if they thought it was inappropriate. Instead people decided to keep the thread alive. That was a little silly. It still is.

posted July 16, 2005 09:06 AM         

You are very similar to my husband AG, calm, fair and see things from both sides, so I decided to ask his wise opinion on the matter. He said "if they cant behave, they shouldnt be allowed to contribute" - he is the one who suggested I report the matter to the moderators! You see I had this feeling that there were people coming in and wanting to get advice, comfort etc, but seeing this mayhem, they had a change of heart and so decided to hold back.

I am glad you came in with a comment, like I said "where are the lads" - we need you in times of trouble, honestly to calm, the waters. I tell you man I am coming back as a male next time - I will play lead guitar, sing in a rock band and shall have gorgeous women falling at my feet.........but please ladies, no bad language LOL xx

posted July 16, 2005 10:13 AM         

And Pixie always makes everything better...spreading her pixie dust on us all. We're blessed to have you, Pixie.

I'm not fond of the name-calling, but generally, I choose not to react to it. It's not nice, and we want this to be a haven, but it's also a microcosm of life. Some people choose to live in gated communities, but I'd rather not. I'm not a fan of mob mentality, either: conform, be like us, or one of us has to leave! That just turns us into elitist bullies.

Everyone thinks he or she has a right to take away the rights of someone else. Often we think it's for good reasons.

Look at it this way: As co-creators of our Universe, why did we create people like TP, and situations like this? Why did we bring this to ourselves, and what is in this situation for us to learn?

Because, my friends, if everything happens for a reason, and those reasons are for us to learn and grow, then that means everything happens for a reason. And sometimes the things we perceive to be 'bad,' are the most important of all.

We can choose to be judgemental and throw stones...or we can choose to be the beautiful, accepting beings of light and love we know we are.

We are One, but we're not the same.

Have a lovely weekend, all.

posted July 16, 2005 10:24 AM         

How are you doing?

Love your sentiment - oh if only we could all follow your beliefs, regretfully I am not there yet, but looking forward to the day I am, maybe in another 20 years or so!!!!!

I embrace what you say but I also feel strongly that we can choose to stay away from negative influences too, well for me anyway, there is no room for abuse, whether it be to others or myself. Maybe its a good thing that others arent as intolerant as me, or we'd have no posters left LOL! Joking aside, I do still stand by what I say, and if it were to continue, I would be outta here. Above all, it is not an incentive to be open and forthcoming with negative influences, one has to feel safe in order to grow, I feel, but then again, I could be talking a load of old bull!!!

Thanks Trillian,will think about what you say - are you Aries by the way, I cant remember. Enjoy the weekend girl

Love

posted July 16, 2005 01:40 PM         

My astrology teacher used to say, if you meet someone with negative energy whom you don't like, figuratively pat that person on the head and move on; don't accrue any extra karma!

Personally, I fervently hope you don't leave. I like reading your thoughts and comments here.