This will probably get me kicked off the list, but .....

[M. Barnett]

No: HPFGUIDX 23510

I've been musing over the "lets-all-be-nice-to-one-another-and-never-
say-anything-that-could-possibly-even-remotely-offend-someone-even-
the-littlest-tiniest-bit" thing.

Frankly, if this is a forum for GROWN UPS, why is it that so many 
people lack the ability to converse in a grown up fashion about 
things?

When I asked about HP and the Bible, I was asking for an adult 
discussion about whether or not people actually see the HP books as 
leading children, adults, anyone into "bad" things.  (I don't see 
Paganism as a bad thing, but that because I am a Pagan).  I was quite 
quickly and fiercely shot down because "we had this discussion before 
and it created a Holy War".

Well, here's the part that'll probably get me kicked off.  I am going 
to say what I think.  If someone is offended by something I say, then 
they are quite free to address me, by email, on the list, whatever.  
I would not intentionally slander anyone by saying something like 
(gods forgive me for even thinking these words) "hey you niggers, 
chinks, gooks, greaseballs, slimy brits, stupid yanks, your opinions 
don't count for sh*t inthe scheme of things so shut the hell up"**.  
And I'm pretty sure most people on here wouldn't do that either.  But 
if we can't say things like, "IMO, Harry is leading children down a 
path toward Satanism and evil deeds because he sneaks out of bed and 
VOldie actually is the devil and he acts like Hitler."  then what the 
hell is the point of free speech (granted this only applies to US 
folk)?  

I think it is very important to have healthy, sometimes heated 
discussions in our lives.  It keeps us thinking, it keeps us 
considering other possibilities.  I understand most people think 
perception is reality, and for the most part, it is.  But if you are 
offended by the slightest little reference to religion or to gays or 
to politics or by someone having a different opinion than you, then 
really, you need to open your mind a little and realize that there 
are so many different views on life and just because it isn't the 
same as your view, doesn't mean it is wrong, bad, unholy, whatever.

Ok, Yup, I'm ready for the emails from the moderators, from the list 
folk, from my list-elf, from whoever wants to yell at me for voicing 
my opinion and telling you what was on my mind.

Michelle :)

** I don't actually use these words ... I don't like these words ... 
I don't like it when other people use these words.  The point of 
using them was that no one is intentionally trying to hurt anyone, if 
someone gets hurt or is offended, I'm pretty sure no one meant to do 
it and they are quite sorry, but really, if you are going to be 
offended by everything .....

p.s.  I think I'm more a part of REST than LOON.  Gods bless the big 
picture :)

p.p.s.  Yeah, I know you all hate me now.  Well, maybe not hate, but 
you sure don't like me.  I'm ok with that, I still respect you all. :)