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Dear Dave,
what happened? What did I miss? Obviously something very deep and hurtful, which is a big surprise to me.
However, reading between the lines and what obviously I did miss, it would appear that someone somewhere went beyond the pale, and stirred the possum (as Australians would say).
Without knowing the reasons - your points were extremely well made and presented.
At the moment we live in a world full of hightened tensions and fears - more than at any time in my memory (and at 66 that goes back a fair way).
We are all capable of being unfeeling, and all-round pains in the arse - talk to my wife and she will tell you!
We are also capable of misreading the words and attitudes of others - and despite what we sometimes claim - we do NOT take kindly to criticism. That's what makes us human!
Interestingly, my cat Scruff couldn't give a toss if I disapprove of what he does - and that's what makes him a lovable cat. Funny how we can't relate like that with other humans?
It is no bad thing to be reminded of what we share - rather than what divides us.
Ah, through a bit of detective work, I think have just tracked down part at least of the the reason for all this - i.e.Georgio v. John?
So all the foregoing should not be read that we are not entitled to our opinions however - and that John had every right to moderate his own forum. The only problem is that it cuts himself off from other opinions that he obviously did not like. That was/is his choice. C'est la Vie!
Here in France I became very used to receiving hate e-mails from the US - always related to the Iraq War and the refusal of France to join in - even though I am English by birth. I mentioned elsewhere that my contribution was curtailed to a Netscape site because of this - (even death threats would you believe?) That's life (again - and pun intended).
I think in Europe we are more used to making mistakes and having to live with our own follies - after all we have been doing it for centuries!
For those who want to read of my own individual follies - then soon you can see it all in glorious black & white in my soon-to-be-published memoirs - 'Brothels, Beans and In-betweens - OR 50 years an Adman'!
Just to wrap this up - I think(?) I made an original aphorism many years ago when I noted that 'success is blinding - but mistakes are illuminating'. Maybe I read that somewhere else, but I still believe it to be mine. Let an oldie keep his illusions?
Time to go - I am rambling - and a glass of rather nice red wine is awaiting in the garden. Blessings be upon you mes enfants!
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