Endure the flames

[Howard4567@aol.com]

In a message dated 4/10/01 6:01:51 PM Eastern Daylight Time, woa@stormnet.com 
writes:

> I remember when you were the brunt of some pretty mean remarks. I wonder
> if we went back to that period of time if you would welcome those
> "toughening remarks"--- you can always go to boot camp in the marine
> corp if you miss it ;-) 

Actually, boot camp in the Air Force was quite easy.  I was very disappointed 
when I went through it.  They never taught me how to kill someone with my 
bare hands which was quite a let down.  And I only got to fire a gun once.

Those "tough remarks" sent my way never bother me Bette; well, maybe, one or 
two of them did.  But, hey, even if some of them did surprise or upset me, 
it's the price I'm willing to pay for free speech.  If I speak my mind (what 
little of it is left) openly an angry rebuttal or two (or three or four) just 
might be the fee I have to pay for my words or actions.  To me, that's the 
price of freedom.  Not everyone is going to agree with you.  Sometimes I 
think my gift is getting everyone to disagree with my point of view.  Call me 
"stupid" (I know you wouldn't do this) if it makes you feel better; you 
wouldn't be the first.  That is your right; just be ready for a rebuttal.

A lot of those marines, soldiers, sailors, and even airmen, died for this 
right.  It's what I enjoy about this country, the Internet, and ridecamp.  I 
think it's why it's our first amendment, not our second or third.  It's the 
most important and makes us all free.  You don't really want to censor 
anyone, do you?  And just how would we do that?  Would we take a vote?   

Most of us take the responsibility for horse ownership quite seriously.  I 
know you do.  And if that person gets caught up in the moment, loses control 
of what they say sometimes because they feel so strongly about the subject, 
so what?  It's how they feel, what they think.  And they have the need and 
the nerve to let it out.  Let them, please.  It doesn't really hurt all that 
much.  And even if it does, after you recover from the pain, you will be 
stronger in the end.

cya,
Howard 

cya,
Howard