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Forum : Article Discussions : Lessons Learned, Lessons Forgotten

Tuesday
July 26, 2005

Lessons Learned, Lessons Forgotten by George W. Cordero

In the years that lie ahead of us, the topic of nuclear proliferation by Islamic theocracies will increasingly dominate the news. Voices from all sides of the political spectrum will lend their expert advice on the issue. The loudest voice that you will hear is the ever-present voice of appeasement and pacifism: the voice of the guilt-ridden and self-hating Western nations. (Read more...)
Discuss this Article (135 messages)

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 1:30pm

If you took this seriously you'd have to conclude that no one is ever to blame for bad manners or verbal cruelty because it's always the fault of the person on the receiving end.

How can one be accused of "verbal cruelty" on an internet forum?

Do you think bad manners or verbal cruelty should be eligible for prosecution in civil law suits? I can imagine it will become the next big fad in the US ;-)

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 1:44pm

"Do you think bad manners or verbal cruelty should be eligible for prosecution in civil law suits? I can imagine it will become the next big fad in the US ;-)"

Heh, maybe not prosecution...but it may earn someone an asskicking in some neighborhoods.

"Take what you want, and pay for it."

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 1:50pm

I'd be in trouble if it were.

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 2:15pm

Heh, maybe not prosecution...but it may earn someone an asskicking in some neighborhoods.

I see Joe, bad manners are best met with violence. How, um, civil of you ;-)

I'd be in trouble if it were.

Some pubs in England use to have a "swear box". Everytime you swore you would have to put a coin in the box.

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 2:25pm

Did I say I was doing the asskicking, Marcus? If I had a dime for every shiner I got from mouthing off...

No, Marcus, I do not approve of violence for being insulted. But it doesn't mean it doesn't happen, and it doesn't mean it isn't deserved from time to time.

As for the insulting person not being responsible for the damage done by insults, bull. I've read the Albert Ellis books, I've read the EST material, and I've heard sticks and stone may break my bones as well. And yes, the reciever of the insults can determine how those insults will be recieved. But let's not relieve the insulter of responsibility.

Else people here would have no right to defend Linz's poor feelings when an article is posted about him.

The people who like to claim that they are not responsible for another's response of their insults are looking for the sanction of the victim.
(Edited by Joe Maurone
on 8/03, 2:31pm)

(Edited by Joe Maurone
on 8/03, 2:43pm)

(Edited by Joe Maurone
on 8/03, 2:44pm)

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 2:36pm

Peter Reidy writes:("No one can make you feel bad without your consent.")
Isn't this quote an answer to the original sin? :)
CD

(Edited by Ciro D'Agostino on 8/03, 2:38pm)

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 2:54pm

I'm not sure what you're saying, but I think you're pointing out that no one can make you accept a belief without your active assent. That's true, but beliefs and feelings are quite different sorts of objects, and this is one of the differences between them.

Peter

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 3:01pm

You're right, Peter; otherwise, would Ayn Rand have smacked Nathaniel Branden quite so hard?

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 4:37pm

You're right, Peter; otherwise, would Ayn Rand have smacked Nathaniel Branden quite so hard?

Come on Joe. The smack was a metaphysical imperative. Do keep up! ;-)

I think being insulted obviously does depend on the words or actions of someone else - if and only if - that person mean't to insult you.

If the insult was made by someone unintentionally - once you realize that fact - you are responsible for it yourself.

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 4:55pm

Well, at least we agree on that.

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 6:58pm

Peter,

If you took this seriously you'd have to conclude that no one is ever to blame for bad manners or verbal cruelty because it's always the fault of the person on the receiving end.

Those who are verbally cruel or ill-mannered should be called on their behavior. But why would a rational person accept unearned guilt, by feeling 'hurt'?

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 10:01pm

"Else people here would have no right to defend Linz's poor feelings when an article is posted about him."

Actually, I've heard he and his NZ drinking friends all had a good laugh when it (and the many outraged posts) came through.

Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 10:08pm

Heh, I'd imagine he would.

Thursday, August 4, 2005 - 6:14am

Those who are verbally cruel or ill-mannered should be called on their behavior. But why would a rational person accept unearned guilt, by feeling 'hurt'?

That's correct Robert. There are two different issues being combined into one here.

One is the issue of who's fault is the insult?
(That I have already addressed above).

But the other is, what should the appropriate response be?

I agree, that to carry a chip on one's shoulder about it or feel bitter and hurt - does in fact stem from yourself.

No, that doesn't mean turn the other cheek when insulted, by all means chastise the other person when appropriate.

But also important is to let it pass and get over it!

Friday, October 5, 2012 - 7:45pm

Barbara Branden was deleted from the Member list, but can be found here via Google.
Friday, July 29, 2005, Barbara Branden wrote:

"I get the hint, Lindsay. I'm gone, of course.

Over the next few days, I shall copy some of my articles and posts, and then be on my way.

By the way, I never received Free Radical #66 -- but, as you suggest, I did badger you to join the ranks of the sober and the civilized. Because James K, Michael K, and Chris have been doing the same, I warned them that their time would come; it has come.

Barbara"

Post 15 was the pivot. Posts 20, 21, and 22, define the moment. Posts 44, 48, prefaced Post 88; and she was gone with her bow at 91.