Thoughts and Apologies

This is my first political season being an ATS member. I joined because I wanted to shed a little (a lot) of ignorance, chat with like minded people, debate and be challenged. All of my aspirations have been met in this short time and I really enjoy it here.

I wanted to take a second to openly say that I don't hate or even dislike anyone here. I know none of you in depth enough to make that distinction. However heated or crass an argument may get it's simply a disagreement. I feel most of you are here on ATS for the same reasons I am and everyone has to walk their own road.

Upon that I would like to state an apology to anyone who've I've slighted during my time here. This community is by and large a great place to be. It is a wealth of information and some entertainment.

Despite political or ideological differences your right to speak freely is paramount. You may not like the outcome but you surely get your right to say it!

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me

~Pastor Martin Niemoller

I've never seen you as being anything but sane. I pretty much joined up for the same reasons, and think if people can't take it, get out of the kitchen when it comes to debating. I kind of find the format on this board hard to converse with, as it's all in little bits. It's not life. It just works wrong you know?

People change opinions and it's to much of a grabby situation unlike real life. So if people are holding a grudge it's with an online persona, which I find ridiculous beyond just one night. It's too much #. So I wouldn't worry if I were you.



Cheers..

Nicely said Jin! I think you're a great guy!

a reply to: JinMI

A well composed thread!

When people refuse to learn from History, They are Doomed to Repeat it!

One must also consider what Mark Twain famously said on the matter:
"History doesn't repeat itself, but it does rhyme." = Same Sh*t Different Decade.

a reply to: JinMI

Apologies not accepted. We're officially beefin'. (Just joking. )

I think the trick is not to take things too personal here.

a reply to: JinMI

No way, you are always kind. I've never seen you insult anyone. And i lurk a lot anymore. Hopefully after the elections, I'll pop up more. I'm not very political, and op to stay out of it.

🤗🍻

Here's a billboard that has nothing to do with here... but i like it.😊

a reply to: enlightenedservant

I'm still trying to construct a rebuttal! Our last exchange was one of those sit back and think moments.

a reply to: breakingbs

While I agree, some people want to be heard and some more than others need to hear why they are wrong. Some go overboard in their assumptions or try to make it personal.

I'm not worried. Just trying to keep a semblance of peace, these elections will be over soon!!

originally posted by: Night Star
Nicely said Jin! I think you're a great guy!

Oh I know it!!

Thankya Leaper, your kindness is inspirational!

a reply to: Encryptor

Good point Cryptkeepr, I mean Encryptor.

a reply to: Bigburgh

I try my best to not insult anyone or lump anyone into a box. I've been seeing you lurk!!

a reply to: JinMI

Shhhhhhhhh...

a reply to: JinMI

Here's my deal though. Can we ever know? I for instance, tussle, with sort of a means to an end. And maybe to win friends and influence opinions in the process. But it's less about opinions and more to see where it will lead. That is interesting to me. Nothing doing? Well what goes through my head is more like well that was fun, not. I switch off, and go back to being who I am. It's like I forget. I feel a bit down because my energy has been wasted, but that's about it. I don't want to be "heard" but I do want to be comprehended for the short duration.

So how would anyone know that I completely switch off because there's no action, and it's not really about being deeply validated or understood or being noticed?

Well I could say it about 100 times but that'd be about it.


That's why I said it's a persona. We could agree yes people make things personal, or people could think I make things "personal" but ultimately none of us knows who any of us are..

a reply to: Bigburgh


You shhhhhhh...

Very nicely said, just stick around after all the election stuff blows over. Many of the people who you see daily on the threads just disappear and everyone else pokes their heads out to make sure the coast is clear

a reply to: breakingbs

😊

a reply to: breakingbs

I carry some thoughts with me after a debate/argument/discussion. Some I leave to put some more thought into or to find more facts/sources.

So on a selfish level it's very much about what you'd like to expose yourself and what information you want to take in and disseminate.

a reply to: Watcher777

I've noticed. I lurked for a few years before I joined in. I have noticed the ebb and flow of long time members.

originally posted by: JinMI
a reply to: enlightenedservant

I'm still trying to construct a rebuttal! Our last exchange was one of those sit back and think moments.

No worries.

Most times, I leave my thoughts and emotions in the thread. There have been maybe 5 or 6 times where I've legitimately gotten angry on ATS, but a short break from always helps me reset.

In real life, I try to remember that it's okay for friends to disagree and that it's okay to acknowledge an "opponent" is correct on something. Doing that stops me from holding grudges, though that's something I'm still working on.