Cobwebs Of The Mind

Sunday, March 11, 2007

The Day Hitler Became A "Funky Dude"

I want to thank those who sent in either comments or email in regard to this really serious breach of moral ethics that took place on Absolute Write. I have received to date over 93 emails from over 60 individuals, some members of Absolute Write, others simply casual or first time readers of Cobwebs Of The Mind. All have expressed anywhere from shock to moral repugnance at what has been excused on a recognized "writer's" forum as something not to be embarrassed about (to say the least).

The following post has honestly been a few days in preparation. It is not only to show, as they say, "black on white" just what has been posted, but it is to show the utter hypocrisy and degradation of the very same people, owners, administrators, moderators and members who have been so vociferous in their defense of the swastika. They use words to try and intimidate as made crystal clear in foul-mouth land and in Absolute Write.

But first why? Why continue? The reason is simple. If this was just a show of idiotic moral depravity than we have made our point. But it is more than that. This has become a circus of hypocrisy and arrogance. It is not that the swastika and other symbols of hate are approved of - it is not the lines about Hitler that are approved of and other sick lines and cute posts - it is ONLY the lines about Hitler that are left. It is only those who post about such things who are defended.

This points to something more than stupidity. It shows insidious hate. It shows moral and ethical bankruptcy. It is sick, cursed and disgusting - and it damn well needs to be pointed out and everything must be done to stop it. This is not something to let lie and hope it goes away. Lots and lots and lots of people did that with the Nazis and I do not think we have to reiterate where that philosophy took them.

If you have not yet read the other posts describing in detail just what this is all about may I suggest you read in order as follows:

There are some things that amaze; there are others that shock; there are even others that horrify. Then there is just plain down and stupid. Ordinarily "stupid" should be passed over. Stupid, crass, foolish, hate-riddled people should either be ignored or locked up or just plain tossed on their ear and rear.

That is when hate is not "house-policy". But when it becomes "house-policy" then the only thing left to do is either move away and let the neighborhood go to the dogs and let all that dog-poo pile up - or take back the neighborhood.

Some of us prefer to walk away. Why deal with it? Who needs it? Sick is sick is sick. After all we have seen and heard, from bladder-weak megalomaniacs, to self-proclaimed language lovers who spew forth foul, vindictive idiocies, to sycophants who produce brothers, sisters and cats all who seem to either "embrace" becoming Jewish or becoming "gophers" - take your pick - it is a circus of hate.

So today we are going to make a slide show for all those wonderful hate-riddled hypocrites over at Absolute Write of their words and a few pictures.

The amazing thing about people who call others names while proclaiming their own self-worth is that they manage to point the finger at their own ignorance. Let us for a moment take a look at this cast of misfits that runs, administrates and moderates Absolute Write along with their very own fan club. Let us look at this cast and then look at their very own words for a few minutes. Let us take the time to read, think, judge and then either laugh or cry at just how ludicrous they sound while wearing the "King's Clothes".

You guys know the old saying - "Out of the mouths of Babes..."

We have a linguist who seems to seriously get off in some odd fetish-laden way by cursing and displays orgiastic anger when she is challenged; a woman who calling those who find her desire to purify the swastika a fairly disgusting and idiotic goal labeling all those who disagree with her - "uneducated"; a self-proclaimed writer, buying legitimacy by becoming an owner of a writer's forum board where hypocrisy and double-standards are the game of the day and she is the worst of the offenders; and a whole bunch of well - frothing dogs - who live for the attention; a child who is not really a child - suddenly become a Buddhist while writing pornography and linking to pages with the word "Swastika" emblazoned throughout. He brings with him yet another child who lives on Internet chat rooms, and seems to be completely bereft of friends her own age except for virtual people and a totally witless mentality where without even beginning to understand that nature of stupid deed, calls for the "taking back and purification of the swastika". (Bet you she has a pet dog and half a cat that sooner or later we will hear embraced Judaism somewhere along the line.)

This is some of our cast of people. Of course we could go on and on - the actors are all second and third rate. The only one of merit, if you call what he writes with merit, seems to think that hiding from swastikas will just make the problem go away. Kind of an "Ostrich mentality". He is a conundrum of sorts, I admit it. The only excuse is that if you take away his "professor chair" at Absolute Write, well no one else is going to offer him one or pay attention to him. So one might say he needs to protect his turf. While this is legitimate for him, it becomes loathsome when we are told that by "putting an offensive signature on ignore" and allowing it to stay so that others can see it - solves the problem. Indeed this is ignorance at its best or worst. Here is what this great author had to say: (As usual picture of post included then the quote in case you cannot read it.)

If someone's sig really offends you, the Ignore button is at your command.

Here's how to use it:

Click on the person's name (on the left of the post). The first choice on the drop-down menu will be "View Public Profile." Select that.

You'll see a dark-blue line with the words "Add Name To Your Buddy List" and "Add Name To Your Ignore List." Click on "Add Name To Your Ignore List."

You will never be troubled by that offensive sig again.

No, you won't be troubled by that offensive signature. But, scratching my head in a bit of disbelief here... Why don't the moderators do that when they find something not to their liking as well? I mean it is easy to make hate go away. Just put it on ignore! Hey, why didn't we think of this 5000 years ago. Ignore the problem and it will go away! By golly wiz! Woohoo! Now I know why so many people in Absolute Write gravitate to asking questions of this genius. With such clarity of thought, such incredible erudition and intelligence - we have solved the problem. Ignore the hate mongers. They will disappear. Magic!

I mean just a couple of days ago, didn't the Forum Board owner get so mad in a discussion that this is what she said: (I am only quoting the end here, because she said some fairly personal things which have nothing to do with our discussion. And btw.. Bird is a piece of human garbage which we discussed in a previous thread, known as BOP. And he should have gotten banned for what he said. But then again he should have been banned for the lies he told about Jews before as well. Ah well...) First of course the actual picture of the post lest you think I am kidding. Click to see it really well with all the wonderful words and such.

Quoted below is the last paragraph of this post:

I'm closing this thread. I don't want to see one more goddamned word about this from anyone. You want censorship, Bird? THIS is how censorship works

Why didn't Mac just put Bird on ignore? Problem solved! No need to get upset! All done!

And so we shall deal with this cast today, in the only way the can be dealt with. They want a grade B soap opera - then by golly gee - we are going to give them a grade B soap opera. You have to appreciate true ignorant people when you meet them - you really have to appreciate them.

Here is what happens when you ignore people. They put comments up - then are forced to retract blaming it on their great sarcastic funny bone. You guys remember this one from our previous posts, don't you?

And those nasty comments about Hitler should stop too. He's a fellow writer, and yet people keep making personal attacks against him.

And of course how could you not remember our intelligent, witty, sarcastic laden friend Louqax don't you? We discussed him a couple of posts ago in "Who Let The Dogs Out?"He was the one who said the following:

You can click on that picture to get true real up front and close view of his great statement which is:

"Hitler had the right idea, he was just an underachiever."

Well then you thought - you had seen it all didn't you? I mean it was written, posted and left there. So you really thought - hell now I have seen it all. Well, think again.

Out of the Internet World comes another genius - member of the "I want to be recognized for the great, intelligent writer that I am" crowd. All of 25 years old, and already making a name for herself. I just cannot wait to meet the agent that signs this "writer" up.

Just in case you cannot read this message of intelligence and wit, let us lay it out for you. (You can also click on the picture of the post to get it up front and close!)

"I respect Hitler too. He's a funky dude"

Now in the best case scenario the poster of this piece of Einsteinian wit will come back and say since there is a smiley next to that line - that shows it was meant in humor and sarcasm. So before this idiotic statement is made - let us see who she is calling a "funky" dude. Someone who was responsible for the world being enveloped in war and the mass murder of millions. Hmm... This is someone you call a "funky" dude in joking? This is something you joke about?

This is coming on a board where people are supposed to show a modicum of intelligence?

Let us assume for the moment that we are dealing with a below average intellect here (fair assumption I would think). Then why the hell is this post left up? Why was it not immediately deleted? Oh that's right! Respect for the fellow writer. I forgot that rule. How dumb of me!

So first we have one named Mac, who comments:

And those nasty comments about Hitler should stop too. He's a fellow writer, and yet people keep making personal attacks against him

Then we have Loquax who puts in his smart comment about Hitler being an underachiever, then we have TrulyAnna, another great genius calling Hitler a "funky dude".

Does anyone see a pattern here? Does anyone see the picture these great writers are painting for us? Are those who travel the Internet Byways into Absolute Write, so morally deficient, corrupt and weak that they do not see the problem here?

Oh but we are still not done, and I do admit I almost skipped over this following comment made by this piece of human garbage. Until .. well until... you will see. First the picture (so you can click on it to get real close and personal and sick) then the quote spelled out all pretty for all of us to see.

Just to print this out for those with bad eyes.

"Nazi Germany had some benefits also. just like under any dictatorship, there was a rule of law and trains ran on time. not to mention many folks believe its grievances were legitimate and right.

But when someone flies a Nazi flag, other people can only think about the concentration camps."

Now to be honest, this anonymous twit is full of comments which are about as intelligent as the one above. Long ago I realized this is just a piece of human garbage. When I was emailed this comment by no less than 4 people in 4 different emails, I was tempted to let it go. Yes he writes in present tense. And yes the comment about "only think about the concentration camps" is very unnerving when thought about in a cold logical manner.

And I got to thinking. Out of all the statements to make - out of all the things to say nice about a dictatorship, (huh? that is such a stupid statement isn't it?) - out of all the analogies to make - you make one about the Nazis and Trains????

Forget the rest of this comment for a moment. Forget the fact that someone saying this should be ostracized so fast he would not know which way was up. Forget the fact that the rest of the comment is horrendous and hate-filled and sick. Forget it all.

Trains?????? Nazis?????????? Any child knows that the trains which this idiot praises - were the way the Jews were transported to the death camps. Any child knows that when you equate Nazis with trains you are doing so for ONLY ONE PURPOSE. This is what is good about the Nazis? The trains ran on time? More Jews to kill? Easier to clean the Jewish vermin from the streets? Faster way to make soap?

THIS IS HOW ONE MAKES A POINT. TRAINS AND NAZI GERMANY???????

And so it goes on and on. But wait! Could there be more? You better believe it!

You do remember our favorite Linguist, don't you? The one who input her great intelligence into her post over at foul-mouth land? Her great words and all. The one who wrote a beautifully worded answer in her blog as follows:

Subject: Fuck off
You self-righteous piece of shit.

I know plenty of Jews who KNOW what the Buddhist symbol means and appreciate it. To pull this holocaust crap is scummy, in my opinion.

Yep this is what a linguist does. Don't that just blow the wind out of your sails?

BUT..wait! There is so much more. You remember the whole wonderful statement made by all these people that it is time to reclaim the Swastika. Time to forget its evil. Time to forgive and forget, and return its symbolization to something warm and sunny and so full of love.

Try this one on for size written by our very same Linguist AFTER she thought she was finished with the "scummy holocaust crap".

Now the discussion here was about gay lifestyle and all that. But let us see what Lisa the Linguist (LL) has to say about the use of words. Here is a picture of the post (just in case you do not believe me. You can click on it to see the original much clearer.)

Cobwebs Of The Mind - Absolute Write Hypcrisy

Let me quote this incredible piece of hypocrisy in full - just to make sure you get the idea and understand how truly hate-riddled this woman and her friends are.

There's a thing people of various groups, subcultures, religions, ethnic and racial groups do, of trying to "reclaim" words, or taking a word with negative hurtful power and removing the power of the word to hurt by using it voluntarily themselves. "A reclaimed word is a word that was formerly used solely as a slur but that has been semantically overturned by members of the maligned group, who use it as a term of defiant pride" (American Heritage Dictionary; see queer).

I understand this practice intellectually, but . . . I still flinch when I hear a someone I love use the word kike or fag or dyke to refer to themselves. I can't help it. It isn't conscious; it's a gut reaction, and emotional.

There's also a similar but very very tricky linguistic phenomenon where a non-member of the group or subculture can use the terms in some circumstances with specific members of the subculture and it isn't a problem.

That's high risk behavior. You'd best be very very sure of the person you use the loaded terms with. In many cases non-members are absolutely not sanctioned to use the loaded terms.

Part of my personal problem with "reclaimed" words -- and this is very very much a personal issue and about me -- is that I can't actually find any instance where such a word, a hurtful word, has been successfully reclaimed and has no power to hurt.

At the same time, I very much don't believe in not using words, in saying "the f-bomb" for fag. I'd rather say: This is a word with a troubled past and which has a wide range of loaded and potentially hurtful and inflammatory meanings" than by coy about it.

I've had two gay male friends tell me they specifically prefer to be called fag. can't, really, do it without flinching. I just can't. It's what they want, so I try, but I flinch. I can't disassociate the word from the pain that I know it's caused in the past.

I also struggle with the now pretty much standard word queer; queer has been mostly reclaimed in academic studies; you will find people working in Queer Studies and who in terms of literature specialize in Queer Theory, for instance.

Etymologically, to me, queer still means twisted, awry, bent.

I hate to think of people applying that meaning to themselves. I also hate the term straight for a heterosexual, since it implies things that are equally potentially damaging and hurtful.

I suspect that my emotional reactions are because, well, I'm a text geek, but they're still there. I still flinch.

Does this need any deep analogy or explaining? I would hope not. This woman states unequivocally that she knows that terms cannot be "reclaimed" because they still have hurtful meanings. They cannot be purified. She flinches at the term "queer". But she is willing to reclaim the SWASTIKA! She thinks this does NOT give pain?

Are you readers getting the picture? Do you need a map? Do you see the hate oozing through?

Oh but there is more!

You remember the commentor here, Jean Marie, who called us all uneducated for not realizing that the Swastika was originally a symbol of beauty? Remember her? We are uneducated. Well here is what she has to say AFTER calling us uneducated for not reclaiming the Swastika. Medievalist is LL - Lisa The Linguist!

Medievalist, I have to agree w/ you on the usage of the word "queer." I flinch, too. And it's because of the history of the word. I remember years ago, when it was derogatory;now it isn't.

I see Mac use it, and still flinch. I'm trying to wrap my mind around the reclamation thing. Maybe, I'll be able to...eventually.

Oh it is all right to reclaim a swastika but hard to use the word "queer"?

Tell me folks what am I missing here?

We must add the following. Simply because it kind of is one of those proverbial nails in the coffin. It is amazing.

Remember above that I quoted from a discussion that was then closed by the board owner because she did not like what was said (and she shouldn't have put it up with it either actually.) Remember she told "Bird" aka "Bird of Prey" aka "BOP" as follows:

I'm closing this thread. I don't want to see one more goddamned word about this from anyone. You want censorship, Bird? THIS is how censorship works.

Well here is what happened to Bird of Prey afterwards. Posted by LL, our cunning linguist, who is a super administrator on the Absolute Write Forum board.

I've given Bird of Prey a three day ban. I wanted to make it permanent, but MacAllister didn't. Bird of Prey has been given a fair amount of leeway, but has indulged in personal attacks to an extent that really can't be excused. Bird of Prey is right to be upset, and seriously concerned about violence against women, but needs to realize that insulting and attacking members, targeting female members, isn't going to solve a problem that women everywhere deal with on a daily basis, and have done for thousands of years. We do need to change behavior; but that includes the way we treat other people all the time everywhere. Including here.

Now don't that just blow you away? Bird of Prey is banned for three days and almost forever for making derogatory comments about women and violence. Well, this set them off. And as it should be - this anonymous piece of human garbage should have been banned from even using a computer the day after he made his appearance.

But folks. WAIT! Do not think for a moment that Loquax, Bravo, Mac #2, or TrulyAnna, let alone our Buddhist who links to Swastika emblazoned pages, got banned even for a second for their Hitler comments. OH NO! God Forbid. That people is freedom of speech!

You just got to love hypocrisy. You really got to love it! Someone should be taking their own advice.

I could go on and on. But for now we will let the above sink in. Since Absolute Write does ask for money from members, does run auctions for its coffers and does accept donations it is somewhat of a commercial enterprise. Customers, which in this case are members are kind of important. So this is my parting comment to those who partake in the running of this hate filled, morally decrepit universe.

Posts In This Series:

Posted On: Cobwebs Of The Mind

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Tiny Slivers from a Silver Horn - New Short Story

I

Among the great legends of creation, it is oft forgotten that all the heavenly bodies came into existence with the command of He who nurtures the universe. Since the dawn of creation, every night at precisely midnight, when darkness threatens to engulf the earth and devour it back into nothingness, it has been the tradition of the stars hanging in the sky to offer praise to He who created them. In this way the stars serve to remind the darkness surrounding them that it, too, has a creator. And thus, hearing the song of the luminaries, He who rules the darkness keeps it in check, balanced, and within bounds.

Intertwined and inseparable from the song of the stars is a tale which has been lost to the wisdom of man pertaining to the Unicorns. This majestic creation, from the beginning of time followed by all generations proceeding from its loins, was charged with the responsibility of awakening the stars in the heavens from their slumber. And if the Unicorn could not accomplish its task for whatever reason, and the stars failed to be awakened to sing their praise of He who rules good and evil, the darkness upon the earth would begin to spread insipidly. The light which brought all which is good to creation would slowly be extinguished. Thus the balance of nature and perhaps the fate of the world was determined and rested upon the horn of one Unicorn in each generation.

As all such tales originate, this tale too finds its roots in the dawn of mankind, a time when legends were truth and truth became legend, a time which would, over the years, become clouded in much mystique and confusion, a time when the world was a garden, and paradise lay beneath the feet of those who called it their abode, a time when human meshed with the divine, and the divine nurtured the human…a time when evil laid long-range plans for dominion, while good joined in the battle allowing for balance.

Into this time, we will allow our minds to enter, for it is here our tale, the Legend of the Unicorn, begins and yet never ends.

So begins the short story, "Tiny Slivers from a Silver Horn" published in March, at The Deepening. "Tiny Slivers from a Silver Horn" is in truth a conglomeration of imagination, ancient legends and a long-lost Hassidic story. It is the 11th short story of mine published over the past 15 months.

The Unicorn, like the Phoenix, is a legendary animal that appears in many of the legends of the formative religions of the world. They represent different things in different eras. The Unicorn certainly has captured the imagination of artists, legend-tellers, and writers for thousands of years. It seems to always represent kindness and compassion and at times wisdom. Judaism itself is not bereft of such legends though the Phoenix (which will appear in other stories of mine) is certainly the most central "legendary" animal to appear within Jewish legend and Kabalah.

"Tiny Slivers from a Silver Horn" is a story of choices and one that was written in a frenzy of an idea, as I am sure many stories and novels are. The original impetus came when I happen to come across an old Hasidic legend while doing research for my novel, "The Sabbath Candles of Kotzk". I was immediately shaken by the original story and its implications in Hasidic lore. And thus "Tiny Slivers from a Silver Horn" was born.

The editors had this to say about "Tiny Slivers from a Silver Horn".

This one will bring tears, hope, and quiet joy forever.

A kind, understanding heart is required here.

Listen always, without ever abandoning hope, for the blast upon the horn of the Unicorn.

It's message will always be true.

Posted On: Cobwebs Of The Mind

Monday, March 05, 2007

Who Let The Dogs Out?

When I first posted the original article on the depravity of someone putting a swastika on their symbol in, Depravity, Disgust and Stupidity - Passing Ignorance Around Like A Venereal Disease, we were met with the argument that this is a symbol of love and peace. The curses and lies started flying over in foul-mouth land and so in order to make it clear that this was not something that would intimidate and to make the point clear Never Again followed.

By that time more and more people were showing disgust and shock at exactly what was being written and printed in Absolute Write under the guise of "free speech" and "religious tolerance". By that time the point was made as clear as most thought it could be made. Except for those of us who knew that the appearance of a swastika, no matter in what form, no matter under what guise or excuse, was symptom of a deep rot.

Patience was called for. Not a great deal mind you, but patience. Hate never fails to rear its ugly face.

Indeed, knowing that the current owner of Absolute Write and her jolly stooges hid constantly behind a veneer of "open-mindedness" made waiting in patience that much easier. The surface was scratched and all that was needed was to wait just a bit longer for the ugly rot to come out.

The dogs had awoken. They were starving for flesh. And once awakened their baying in the moonlight became a clarion call.

And so the next post - Doctrine Of The Lie - to just set the record straight as it were. And the stage was being set.

We were dealing with a "teen" who is not a teen, who is a Buddhist Pornographic Author (anyone find something funny with being a Buddhist and writing Erotica or Pornography?) who felt the inner compulsion to place a swastika with a link to a page whose heading is emblazoned with the word "Swastika". Then we deal with a woman who is a linguist who seems to know more curse words than a NY City taxi driver and cannot handle those who are in conflict with her world view. Along those lines we find a few really interesting and intelligent quotations from those who want to make a point. All this in the name of a symbol of peace and love.

Patience was called for. Not a great deal mind you, but patience, nonetheless. Hate never fails to rear its ugly face.

As if the appearance of a swastika on this board of Absolute Write were not enough, as if the pathetic attempt to hide it behind some other symbol was not so transparent - we were then met with another yet compelling argument. We were told that the time has come to purify the Swastika. That was enough to scare the living shit out of any normal human being. And thus many people wrote me telling me to just forget the ignorants. Ahh, but the lessons of life I have learned well. It was clear that sooner or later we would get to the crux of this matter. To the utter depravity that was clear from the beginning.

Patience was called for. Not a great deal mind you, but patience, nonetheless. Hate never fails to rear its ugly face.

The dogs were frothing at the mouth. "Soon", I told myself, "real soon they will not be able to hide their intentions much longer".

Then came the post, The Banality Of Evil. And out of the mouth of babes (or frothing dogs) came the defender. She posted comments. Telling us how uneducated we were, and how since she is mixture of every race, religion and creed under the sun, she knows it all. It effects her, because, we had the audacity to say something not nice about her friend. Oh my! Such audacity. And what a shame that the Swastika was adopted by Nazi Germany because it simply is a wonderful symbol and really should mean love, peace and goodwill to all men. Well not much of a surprise there. Except for the "uneducated" part. I mean hell, if you want to call Jews and those who are not Jews but who understand the depravity of such things bad names - the just say it. Say it with gusto.

"Those damn Jews and those screwed up Jew Lovers. May they all rot in hell".

And yet enough was enough. Why continue? Why drive home a point that was made again and again? Why point out, step by step, what the real nature of this whole incident was?

Patience was called for. Not a great deal mind you, but patience, nonetheless. Hate never fails to rear its ugly face.

And so the last post. On The Bastardization Of Language. Making it clear for all those who can read and from the uneducated, just how much rot existed in Absolute Write. Just how far a few people had gone in their own sick, darkened minds. Making it clear, that games of words do not intimidate and they are simply smoke screens for the real thing.

Actually it took less time than expected. It had begun a couple of days ago, and I was made aware of it. But I knew it would just take a few more moments in time for the dogs to be freed. I knew it was just simply put - a matter of time. The only question was, is and will be, is Who Let The Dogs Out?

And to that question we will now try and discover the answer.

Let us begin with this wondrous comment posted in order to make fun of a woman, who stated clearly in Absolute Write as follows: (all taken from a thread which you are welcome to go look at - http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56692. Unfortunately you must sign up to do so.)

Forum Rule: Respect Your Fellow Writer
Correct?

An action taken without bad intentions can be viewed as a mistake. Becoming aware that your action was tasteless and not taking steps to correct it ... it's a disrespectful offense.

For goodness sake, if you've been made aware that your signature is offensive to a fellow writer, please change it.

Respect ... it is a forum rule, correct?

Seems like a normal, sane request actually. But then again....
So of course this request was met with a statement on philosophy by the "board owner" one calling herself Mac. (Jean's friend if you are following the thread closely for all parts of this hate-filled depraved soap opera.)

Well, no. Respecting your fellow writer means no personal attacks. No name-calling. No intentional cruelty or baiting. Having respect doesn't mean you're at the mercy of anyone who wants to kick sand on your shoes just because they believe or think a different way than you do. What you absolutely cannot do is impose your own sensibilities on your fellow members.

I'm pretty sure that we'll all be offended at one time or another by things that are said or seen here.

But I'll guarantee you right now that I'm not going to censor someone or ask people to censor themselves for having religious, political, or moral beliefs different than mine or yours. We have a really amazingly diverse membership. That's important, valuable, and a priceless opportunity to learn about experiences outside of our own.

In other words placing a swastika on the signature is not "intentional cruelty or baiting". And by asking to remove it this is within the parameter of: "What you absolutely cannot do is impose your own sensibilities on your fellow members."

No problem. Supposedly this is a privately owned board. (Not exactly true because Absolute Write asks for "donations" towards memberships and also has some running auctions for Mac and her crew to further propagate their hate and depravity. But hell, people are taken in by much more sophisticated operations than this one. But we will get to this one as well...don't you fret your little heads!)

No Problem. Such is the view of the power that is. Depraved and Sick. Of course it is. But nevertheless - her opinion.

Oops! Oops Again! Let us back up for a second. Let us review just one line:

"No intentional cruelty or baiting."

Cool Beans, Jelly Beans. Wow - let us see how that works in reality shall we?

Now the original poster asking for respect, is a woman who runs a blog and her entire life dedicated to women in the prevention of Breast Cancer. So one would think that at least in such a case, others would at least give respect where respect is due. So let us see how much respect she got, and just what was posted. (By the way, Mac seems to be a fairly interesting name in these threads.)

Yeah - there are some people with the word B-R-E-A-S-T in their signature.

They should change it.

And those nasty comments about Hitler should stop too. He's a fellow writer, and yet people keep making personal attacks against him.

Mac

Oops! Right after the owner of the board, Mac #1 posts her statement of "No intentional cruelty or baiting" not more than 7-8 posts following the above ditty appears.

Now let us see who really let the dogs out?

So the thread was locked. Why? Well someone, namely the previous owner of Absolute Write, had the sensitivity to know that Mac #2 was insulting a woman who should not be insulted. Never mind the Hitler statement - that is water under the bridge. But the post was left in all its shining glory. For anyone to read. Left out there.

And so someone complained about locking the thread and the answer was swift. Amazing how the swift answers come when the stooges feel they are being challenged in their very "balanced" world view.

Scott, I'm sorry you've apparently interpreted having a thread locked for escalating incivility between participants as an impingement on your free speech.

In fact, this is a privately owned board, but with a very large community--and I don't think anyone ever owns a community. However, I do feel a responsibility to keep things running fairly smoothly and civilly. It's served AW pretty well so far to try and head off arguments that seem largely unnecessary, and inclined to escalate.

You got to love hypocrisy - you really got to love it!

So I must have gotten like 20 emails if not more. "Did you see this?" With print screens and copies of the thread. And questions asking, "Why don't you react to this?"

I did not react because I knew a secret.

Patience was called for. Not a great deal mind you, but patience, nonetheless. Hate never fails to rear its ugly face.

I had no doubt that this was not the end of it. I had no doubt, EVER, that this was not about a symbol of love and purity, it was not about intellectual honesty, it was not about any of those lofty statements used to hide pure, unbridled, depraved, sick hatred. It just needed an ounce more of - you got it - patience!

And so that above statement was picked up by quite a few people. People who had enough courage to finally say - this is sick. I am out of here. This place has gone to the dogs. Who let the dogs out? is no longer important. But they are out, the owner has made herself clear, she sends her stooges to curse, vilify and lie, and enough is enough.

But it was also picked up on other blogs and made public. It appeared really swiftly. I stayed silent on it because I knew the real fun would start a bit later.

So once picked up - once it became a matter of public record outside of Absolute Write, well something had to be done. And real fast. Save face. Even dogs, frothing rabid dogs full of self-loathing and hate, need to keep up appearances.

And so another thread was opened aptly called "Clarifying my views ..."

Just to clarify something.

I have an earlier post which included a line about "And those nasty comments about Hitler should stop too. He's a fellow writer, and yet people keep making personal attacks against him."

Just for the record - that post had a certain level of sarcasm.

I though it was fairly clear, but have been informed via PM that several people though that the post was utterly serious, and so that not only do people believe I'm a Hitler supporter, apparently there is also a belief I have a serious objection to people who had the word 'breast' in their signatures.

Clearly, the Hitler comment was sarcastic, and the 'breast' comment was meant as a deliberately absurd example - so it indicated that getting offended over a single word with multiple meanings is, well, absurd.

Unfortunately I can't go back and edit that post now to clarify (perhaps because the thread is locked) but I would if I could.

I'm not sure how I can make sarcasm or exaggeration in my writing clearer, without waving a flag or using a smiley. So I can be avoid offending people, I'll avoid sarcasm and exaggeration for a while until I can recalibrate for the audience.

I wish you all well,

Mac
(PS: Just to be clear - I'm not using sarcasm now)

And so the needed apology. Mac #2 got the Private Message and of course recanted. His defense. This is sarcasm. Of course it is. No problem. Because you have a computer and you know how to type and can use a spell checker - you are allowed anywhere and anytime in any place to be sarcastic. Shows education, class and wit. Actually a great sense of humor. Writing that will launch a best-seller. And these are people who actually call themselves writers! Imagine that.

But for the moment let us not be to harsh on this poor sarcasm gone all wrong. Let us not be cruel to the next comedian of the Internet circle. Let us not give him too bad a review. After all, between Gibson and the persona of Kramer - we have actually had all the sarcasm and jokes we can stomach. So why not point innocent fun at Hitler? So what if he is looked upon as the quintessence of evil - unless of course, we are trying to "purify" his reputation as well.

So let us go on in this same thread shall we. With a bit of introduction. One thing about anti-Semites and people who just hate. People who hate blacks, whites, Jews, Chinese - you name it. They love to remain anonymous. Anonymity allows them "plausible deniability".

Among the illustrious writers and authors that spend their time on Absolute Write, protecting hate filled minds and literature, are quite a few anonymous dingbat names. These intelligentsia have spread their frothing hate-filled words wherever they go. So the following comments come as no surprise to me. So let us see how far we can take the original post by the owner of this illustrious forum. For the sake of memory let us repeat her quote below:

No intentional cruelty or baiting. Having respect doesn't mean you're at the mercy of anyone who wants to kick sand on your shoes just because they believe or think a different way than you do. What you absolutely cannot do is impose your own sensibilities on your fellow members.

No problem. But I think we have a bit of an Oops!

Following this recanting by Mac #2 comes the following by Anon #1 who goes by the name of Bird Of Prey:

My sympathies. We've lost a few contributors here due to - what can I say - a complete lack of understanding with regard to their sarcasm or wit or subtext or flat out twisted humor. And I'm sorry for it. Thus, I'm glad you clarified what probably was obvious to anybody with a half a brain.

Yeah. That is really sad. Loosing contributors due to the fact that they are just not smart enough to accept wit, sarcasm and humor. Lots of people walk around with half a brain. It is sad I admit. We just were not gifted with the talents that this person was given. I mean after all, what is NOT funny about Hitler jokes? How could anyone think someone who previously on the board has defended Holocaust Denial, the Iranian Government's right to blow Israel into the sea, and no less and no more put forward a proposal that all Israeli's should move to the US, give Israel to the Arabs and he would protect us - how could we not see this is NOT funny? Shame on us. Nazis, Hitler, concentration camps, death, murder are all really funny! I wish I was born with more than half a brain so I could join this illustrious group!

Oh let us not forget one thing from this anonymous voice of hate filled depravity. Let us not forget that he asks continuously and constantly for pity because - now get this - because his house was undervalued when he wanted to sell it. Now there is tragedy for you. We are witless. He is the epitome of intelligence. Children out there. Emulate this person - for indeed he is what everyone wants to grow up to be. An empty shell, full of hate, depravity and sick worm-filled thoughts, with no life besides what what the Internet offers him and his fellow comrades. Grow up to be just like him!

And so Mac #2 pipes up. Let us read his words:

I'm not sure about that.

There are a lot of idiots saying odd things on the web ... so if I read a post on a random website and see something idiotic and odd .. it is a reasonable assumption that the person who wrote it is an idiot.

For a casual reader (who isn't going to delve into past posting history, etc) it is an understandable mistake.

I mean you truly are not an idiot? You are not a fool? You are for real? Intelligent, smart, wise and kind? Oh wow. Revelation! And I think all those "casual readers" should be tarred and feathered for being - well for being so "casual"! How could they not get your incredible wit?

Oh and remember the one who told us how much it effected her that we dare take umbrage at the presentation of a Swastika? Remember Jean? The one who called us "uneducated"? Well here is an educated quote from the master of education:

Unfortunately, poopie heads roam the 'net, Mac. Bart started the poopie thing, his fault...BART!!!

Oh Bart! How can we forget him? Want a link folks? A link for the purification of the Swastika? Well here you go - linked to the Swastika on his signature. Click here for all you wanted to know about the Swastika and then some!

But...but...but... This teen is educated. After all here is a Buddhist who believes in love, purity and all that. Pet the head. Just a puppy mind you, but soon he will become a frothing dog. Just give him time and a few more chances to be the center of attention - and voila we will have yet another rabid frothing dog.

Think we are done? Oh not by a long shot. Here is another anonymous part of the intelligentsia, calls himself Bravo, (why? who cares? honestly who really cares?) - a child in a third grade University, with nothing else on his mind but loathing, here is what he has to say as his "gifted" addition to these comments:

do not edit.

we're at a writer's site.

if aspiring writers cant see the sarcasm in your statement that's their problem.

and no, you do not need to use smilies.

Of course it is a problem. Hell, why should we not recognize the sarcastic genius of these illustrious world renowned writers? My, Oh My! How could we not recognize it? After all it is so clear. So incredibly funny and full of wit that Letterman is knocking down their door. The agents are just dying for their signatures on the contract. Woohoo! World renowned writers.

Yep one thing he got so right. This group will forever be aspiring writers. Except of course where one of them, proudly, puts a link to his self-published gobbledygook, published no less by Absolute Write's denizen of the deep - Publish America. This is his claim to fame. But like his book this person is another non-entity lost in a sea of frothing rabid dogs.

Who the hell let these dogs out?

BUT WAIT! Let us just go a bit further down in this thread. It is here where our patience pays off. It is here where the "final solution" becomes clear. It is here where we can finally say, well guess what? Oops!

One by the name of Loquax. Another anonymous name hiding behind some made up persona.

Now let us see just what he has to say:

Hitler had the right idea, he was just an underachiever.

Now there ya go. You see I told you patience pays off. (If you want to see up big and real just click on the above picture.) It was clear from the very first. And do you think any of the above intelligentsia said anything? Did they rise up in arms? Did they find this revolting? Insulting? Mildly disturbing? Who knows? Who cares anymore?

Who Let The Dogs Out?

This from a privately owned forum, for writers, no less, which is open to anyone, which begs for donations, runs auctions to supplement the income, which is run by a nondescript person who couldn't write her way out of a parking ticket. The only claim to fame this woman seems to have is a faulty urinary tract and a weak bladder. Her favorite witty line is:

"You do not want to get into a pissing match with me."

Writers Everywhere Unite In Celebration Of These Lucid Descriptive Powers!

But remember. We are the uneducated. We are the trouble makers. We are the problem. Because - "No intentional cruelty or baiting." is allowed.

I wonder. Just how much at least 18 million people would think of that statement. Renee. Do you think Hitler was an underachiever? Do you find any humor in the statement? Wit? Sarcasm to laugh at? Is it funny?

Well let us just center, bold, italicize and make this remark large. Just to make sure your eyes are not playing tricks on you. Remember get your funny bone ready. Because this is going to be shaken off as yet another piece of wit, sarcasm and humor.

"Hitler had the right idea, he was just an underachiever."

By golly gee - You just have to wonder!

Don't worry folks. They will sooner or later send Loquax, the poster of this piece of wit, a message and say to him - please apologize. We know you are smart and wise and witty. But some people, half-wits, with no brains, may see that statement as a bit off color. So please just start another thread where you can apologize. Then we can forget this whole silly issue.

So I ask you. It started off with a swastika. It went to calling vile names by those who did not like to hear from the other side that thought this was in good taste. It then went to lies. It then went to further lies. It then went to a call to purify the swastika. And of course, we are the "uneducated". Why? Because this above group of people is so respectable that even Disney would hire them for entertainment. Then it went to something that we should have taken as the essence of all wit. But of course. Then finally to the "Hitler was an underachiever" line.

Who the hell let these dogs out? Who the hell wants them?

This dear people is the true face of Absolute Write.

And I ask you. Are these truly the kind of people you want to be associated with? Is this where your name should be up in lights? Are these honestly people you want your name associated with?

This dear people is the true face of Absolute Write. Nothing more. Nothing less.

You see I told you.

All you need is a bit of patience.

And no need to wonder anymore who let the dogs out.

Posts In This Series:

Posted On: Cobwebs Of The Mind

Sunday, March 04, 2007

On The Bastardization Of Language

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Thursday, March 01, 2007

The Banality Of Evil

I had hoped that after the posting of Depravity, Disgust and Stupidity - Passing Ignorance Around Like A Venereal Disease, followed by Never Again and that followed by Doctrine Of The Lie perhaps we could move on to normative posts. I find this is impossible.

Additionally, one comment which moved me supremely for many reasons was published today in the comments, but if you read the whole post you will see it here today as well on the blog.

It is the evil seeds that are left behind that are so dangerous. It is the insidious remarks and the inability to understand the banal nature of evil that is so dangerous. It is the absolutely horrendous display of shocking insensitivity coupled with the need to tell lie following lie; with the need to produce some type of legitimacy to hide behind hatred and derision - these are the seeds of evil. They reproduce. They dig deep and turn the heart and soul black.

I can only wonder in disbelief at people who curse, scream, yell and curse again - calling people ignorant and stupid and vile - because for some reason normative people refuse to accept the banality of evil seeping from a very small group of sycophants who cannot see their own inner ugliness due to their misplaced pride.

I can only wonder in shock why someone would call attention to their last name and/or family members and think this is good enough and important enough to allow acceptance of their view in life and their attitude. Why would we care what family you married or were born into? Why would we care who you are or your brother-in-law is? And why do find yourself so incredibly important when there is nothing left to you or all that you think but name-calling and horrendous hate?

I have seen deliberate lies; deliberate misconstruing of statements; and time after time lie is compounded by lie - all from the same group of people calling as their witness one supposed "teen" and using no less and no more than two starved-for-attention children to prove their cause. It is no longer innocent. It is no longer just "ego" talking. It is insidious seeds of little black evil which creeps from the heart of some people.

Why though, after the points were made, and I think they were, why should I keep on making sure that every little detail is out there? As many commentators said, "there is no need or reason to defend yourself."

I am not defending myself. I need no defense in front of anyone who would allow such things to take place. I am making sure that someone speaks up against this warping of the truth. I am making sure that there is no silence which can be read as an equivalent to agreement. I am damn sure not going to let some self-announced bullies who have nothing to do with themselves but announce their own self-importance, and allow children to become their witness, to utter lie following lie without making sure it is known and understood.

I too have followed some of the links. I too have looked at this "poor teen's" blog. For as quoted in the post, Never Again, the person who used this symbol, the poor attention-starved child - "Teddy refers to a member, one of our teens". Thus I assumed he is/was truly a "teen". I went to his blog. It is incredibly easy to find. I am a bit confused now. This attention craver who is so full of love for mankind has been called a "teen". Yet from his very own blog, he links to a story he wrote, which is up on a blog devoted to erotica. (If you click here you will see a picture of the post page - just in case magically the blog post or entire blog is deleted!) Following that link one sees clearly that on the blog there is a clear message that those under 18 should skedaddle away. Go Away. It is even protected by an Adults against Pornography for Children label. So now I have to ask in public. Is this a "teen" we are dealing with, who is just craving for attention and found a cabal to stick up for him by calling everyone names - and if so what is a story signed by this teen doing on an erotic blog (with pictures and all the rest) that clearly states "No One Under 18 Is Allowed"? Or is this an adult and if so why are you posing him as a teen? What is the message here? What is truth? What is lie? Who is using whom here? And for what purpose?

How many lies have been told to further a notion of right? When you are right you need not lie; when you are correct the truth stands for you. The moment you lie, the moment you tell something totally untrue - it places your entire argument in question. And the lies here. One after the other. Spewing forth. As I said it is done with practice and forethought. It is the "Doctrine of the Lie".

Then of course come the threats. One threat was made about the owner of the blog recording IP addresses. We quake in our boots. Oh my! Oh Golly Gee! She records IP addresses. Would you look at that! This is a threat? If you have nothing to worry about then this is not a threat.

So, I say - on that blog - Go ahead publish the IP table. I want to see that IP table and I want to see my IP number show up next to an anonymous comment. I really want to see it. Go ahead. And suddenly it is impossible to publish the IP table. Glitch in the system. Surprise! Surprise! If you are going to threaten make sure at least you have something to threaten with.

And these my dear people, are the defenders of a symbol of peace and love and harmony. They curse, vilify, attack, and lie - anything and everything to further a supposed cause. They even use children, by their own admission, to continue to keep that cause going. For be well aware that two people who have posted generously in foul-mouth land are children, at least according to what they say. But then again who knows anymore?

The only word that can describe it is - sick.

I must call the attention of the readers to two very different comments left at Cobwebs Of The Mind by two very different people. One I know "virtually" and the other, Renee whose comment is the first below I have never met, do not know who she is, do not know which friend of hers told her to look at the blog - nothing about her except her name is Renee. Below is the comment she left in lieu of the last three posts, (it is also posted in the comments section.)

Perhaps we are all ignorant and vile and all the other names we are called. Perhaps we just refuse to let the past go. Perhaps we are just morally inept for not forgiving and forgetting.

Or maybe, just maybe, perhaps, the whole thread in foul-mouth land is just indicative of what happens when we do stay silent. When the banality of evil is allowed to flourish without someone saying - this is just not right.

I received a call from a friend asking if she could impose upon me for my opinion on something that would most likely upset me.

I know this gal very well and felt it must be important if she felt the need to ask me.

I have read all that is posted here and on the site you linked to.

I could not react right away. I took a day and thought about it. I am now ready to share with you my thoughts.

My name is Renee.

When I was 3 years old, my family which consisted of mother, father, three brothers ages 7 , 10, and 14 a baby sister and myself, were captured by the Nazis.

I remember the day as if it were yesterday. You see, that was the last time I saw my family.

I was the only one to make it out.

I will spare you the details.
The question posed is of a symbol.

On the site called Live Journal, which you link, there is a picture of the symbol in question. Upon seeing it, the first thing that comes to mind is the swastika. I notice that those who are not familiar with the details automatically see it as a swastika. In the end that is what matters.

I am forced each day to look at a symbol. Not by choice mind you, it is a symbol etched into my skin as a daily reminder of all the horror and evil endured by millions.

I took the time to read everything on this posting as well as all the comments on Live Journal so that I could with a clear conscience responds.

In your attempt to explain that it is a sign of peace you show much hatred in your response which leads me to believe the intention of the display was to cause suffering. If you had firmly believed in what you were saying to the people questioning the use, you would not have to do so in a manner of belittling those who posed serious question.

I dislike the way you went about it. You showed ignorance in your attack. Hate breeds evil. Evil is dangerous.

I saw things said such as bashing a religion. That was not done in any of the comments made by those questioning the use of this symbol.

I do not know any of you. I am not affiliated with either side of this debate. I am a survivor.

Upon looking at the link to the person who used this symbol, I note a topic called Testing, Testing.

Here the person asks “What do you see?”

I see a person hiding behind his intentions. If he wanted to show his pride in his faith, this would not be the way in which to do it.

One of the people on Live Journal offered to list names, numbers and grave sites of some of the lives lost at the hands of the Nazis.

This was in poor taste. You see, I can lead you to those as well. It has nothing to do with the original offense.

At no time did anyone question your morals,your history or your knowledge. Yet you felt it your duty to call those in disagreement with you ignorant. By hurling insults and curses at people you make it clear that you do not understand the severity of all that is said.

When people make light of something such as this, they allow the opportunity for hate to continue.

You wouldn’t dare call me ignorant
I am much to close to this.

You can go on telling yourselves that it is a harmless symbol. I call it denial.

You’re not alone. There are many who deny this ever took place. You have that privilege. I close my eyes at night and can still hear the screaming,and I can still smell the burning of flesh.

I dare you to call me ignorant!

Now to my friend. You asked me for my opinion. Here you have it.
If we do nothing, we allow it to continue. I refuse to turn away.

Never Again!

And to the host of this site.
Yasher koach

Renee

The second comment was left by a "virtual" friend, Zentao. He runs The Deepening. And you can see from his name that there is an affinity of Zen and Taoism in this person. It is why I wrote him and asked him about the use of the symbol - inverted, upside down and all the rest. He is usually short on words but this time he was very, very clear. And the comment he made, I just realized is in full up The Deepening Blog. Either read in the comments section to Depravity, Disgust and Stupidity - Passing Ignorance Around Like A Venereal Disease - or better yet go here to The Deepening Blog and read it. Perhaps it will help to understand just how people see this.

Truly, I thank all those who left comments. And I thank you more so, because each one of you left your names on the comments. It is something to be proud of knowing that in this world, despite all differences, there is still much good and courage and honesty out there.

The holiday of Purim in two days will be celebrated by Jews around the world. The typical greeting of this holiday, after we read the story of the Book of Esther in the Old Testament, is as follows (taken from a verse at the end of the book):

"And the Jews [of that day] had great light, happiness, joy and honor. May it be so in our day as well."

And this I wish to all of you - no matter what race, religion, creed or symbol you follow, were born in to or believe in. May we all have days of great light, happiness, joy and honor - and may the darkness of evil and all its hated symbols be finally and completely obliterated from our world and from all hearts.

Posts In This Series:

Posted On: Cobwebs Of The Mind