Hi to my Forum Friends,
Looking at the Politics Forum today, I see 14 discussions begun by JJPAUL -- and in every one that I peaked inside -- it is just a link to an article; with nothing added by our Friend JJ. This made me wonder about our Friend, and I will assume JJ to be a male just for the sake of this discussion -- what are his motives?
He must spend his whole day surfing the internet, looking for controversial articles which he can then post under his name. But, I will have to admit, the question on my mind is, "Why?" What is he trying to accomplish? Is he just wanting to start an argument -- and assumes that if he post enough controversial links -- someone will argue with him?
In trying to imagine JJ's motivation, my mind came up with the image of the school yard bully, walking around, daring someone to disagree with him.
And, it brought to mind a very brief moment in my life. I was on the Sheffield High varsity basketball team, and one afternoon at practice I got into an argument with a team mate. We decided to take it outside after practice. Well, to make a long story short; I got the best of him -- and it made my head swell. "Boy, am I tough? Don't disagree with me or else!" Yes, I became the image of the school yard bully.
The next day, I was unbearable. Anyone who disagreed with me -- I would challenge to meet me after school to duke it out. I even started scheduling them: Today is Bobby; tomorrow I have Dennis, etc. Boy, I was in need of a manager just to keep track of my scheduled fights.
However, luckily for me, that first afternoon Bobby kicked my butt -- and brought me back down to earth. Then I had the task of going to those other scheduled opponents and apologizing; more head-leveling that was much needed.
At my Class of '55 40th Reunion dance, a group of us were standing in the hallway, getting a breath of fresh air, and talking. One of my friends, Ralph from the Class of '56, jokingly brought up my round-one knock down by Bobby -- and I told them all, "That was the best thing that could have happened to me. Bobby knocked some sense into my head."
Anyway, JJPAUL lately has been reminding me of Bill Gray's brief career as the school yard bully. And, personally, I would rather see him post a few paragraphs of his own thoughts -- rather than throwing 14 URL links like they were rocks aimed at our heads.
To me, the Forum is a place to exchange ideas, our own ideas -- not just copy/paste or post a string of URL links. It is a place where we can share our views, and then agree or disagree -- but still remain Friends. Many good things come from honest sharing and exchanging of ideas. So, JJ, share you ideas and thoughts with us -- don't throw "URL link rocks" at us.
Just my thoughts. What are yours?
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill
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