Food for thought.

Firstly I'd like to thank the long standing membership of APFFN for just being as cool as they are. We are a diverse bunch of folk here ranging in age from 10 to ... well Stratters claims he only 39, but still witnessed the Lincoln assassination, so.. you do the math. Somehow through the differing political ideologies, ages, national origins and genders, we manage to form a unique and wonderful community that I am proud to be a part of.

Lately we have had a few visitors to our little corner of the WWW. Under the guise of "merry pranksters" they have managed to ruffle a few feathers and piss a few folks off. Well guys.. if we get pissed and stoop to their level , they win. Pure and simple, they achieve their goal of upsetting the balance. I have no intention of "launching a retaliation" or revenge. I urge you to show some restraint and let them pass, like shadows into the night.

I'd like to thank a couple of you guys who demanded an apology from them for me. I appreciate your kind thoughts, but I do not need nor would I accept an apology from them. Were I to accept an apology from them, it would only serve to confirm that I actually cared what they thought, which I don't.

I read an interesting article a few months back regarding "internet personas", the alter egos many people take on whilst slinking through the back alleys of the internet. Although most individulas think that "I'm not really that mean" or "I'd never say that in real life" or "It's just the internet", the basis for all thought and personality stems from your core personality. One may have the good jugement to censor oneself in public or act in a dignified manner, but once unrestrained under the cloak of anonimity, one's true personality comes through.

These "merry pranksters" have exposed themselves for what they are. Each time they post another flaming post or insult another member of our community, they only reinforce that view. I can only assume that their "real life" must be devoid of any joy or happiness for that much rancor to exist in a person. It cant do much for ones self esteem to have to compete for a job with a 65+ year old retiree greeting customers walking in the door at the local Wal-Mart.

I pity them.

Be of good spirits my brethren. Be as the boulder in the stream and allow the turbulent river to flow around you.

Go in peace.

Dave

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I have always been here.
I have always looked out from behind these eyes.