Jim Stillman
Nevar
This is, most likely, “Good-Bye”
November 3rd 2007 16:06
I have been submitting articles to Orble since last July and have written a total of 64 posts, not including this one. My submissions have been both general and frivolous and political, the latter from a frankly liberal/progressive/libertari an viewpoint.
Over the past months, I have come into conflict with a woman who has opinions that differ from mine and who has attacked me sufficiently and continuously enough for me to either declare victory and quit the battlefield or declare defeat and still leave!
I have met some very interesting people during this adventure, some of whom have beliefs and value systems totally different from mine. Notwithstanding our differences, we have been able to engage in written conversation.
Not so with this lady. I probably should ignore her and go on or just leave without explanation, but feel those “friends” I have acquired deserve something more.
Last October, I posted a criticism of Ann Coulter, pointing out that she has, in the past, suggested Senator John Edwards was homosexual, said that Senator Edwards should be assassinated, and the surviving spouses of those killed on September 11, 2001, were enjoying not being required to pick up the socks of a dead husband! Ms Coulter then proclaimed that Heaven was like New York during the Republican convention, except for the presence of Jews who required conversion to Christianity to be “perfected”.
I suggested that the reference to Jewish conversion was a very sensitive issue among most Jews. I quoted the District of Columbia’s Archbishop:
Indeed, the Catholic Church adopted that sensitivity in 1965.
Please note that nowhere in my post or subsequently was there any mention of or reference to the State of Israel, Arab-Jewish relations or anything other than Ms Coulter’s mouthing off.
I, foolishly, asked the other Orble contributor for her opinion on Ann Coulter, feeling that even she would find the comments troubling. If anyone is interested in her replies, they are posted under my article. Somehow the discussion was turned into support for Israel and the condemnation of several writers.
Then the conversation turned ugly:
In a message from my antagonist, she finally took the conversation away from Ann Coulter and focused on my inadequacies:
So, Jim, I fell for your line of garbage and told you what I thought about your silly, uninformed blog on Ann Coulter. Instead of saying anything substantive in response to my comments, all you could do was defend a moron and a Muslim. Your parents must be very ashamed to have raised a Jewish son who doesn't care at all about Israel. If they're still alive, I'm sure they won't approve of your foolishness. If they're dead, it's probably a good thing they didn't have to see what an anti-Semitic jerk you have become.
I find this type of blathering all too accepted on this, and other, sites. I am over 70 and have, if God is kind, perhaps another 10 or 15 years ahead of me. I’d rather spend my time playing with grandchildren.
I’d like to have comments from my “friends”.
Over the past months, I have come into conflict with a woman who has opinions that differ from mine and who has attacked me sufficiently and continuously enough for me to either declare victory and quit the battlefield or declare defeat and still leave!
I have met some very interesting people during this adventure, some of whom have beliefs and value systems totally different from mine. Notwithstanding our differences, we have been able to engage in written conversation.
Last October, I posted a criticism of Ann Coulter, pointing out that she has, in the past, suggested Senator John Edwards was homosexual, said that Senator Edwards should be assassinated, and the surviving spouses of those killed on September 11, 2001, were enjoying not being required to pick up the socks of a dead husband! Ms Coulter then proclaimed that Heaven was like New York during the Republican convention, except for the presence of Jews who required conversion to Christianity to be “perfected”.
I suggested that the reference to Jewish conversion was a very sensitive issue among most Jews. I quoted the District of Columbia’s Archbishop:
“The word 'conversion' awakens in the hearts of Jews memories of persecutions, sufferings, and the forced denials of all truths that a Jew loves with sincerity and good faith. So a Jew, when he hears that Catholics are seeking to further his ‘conversion,’ thinks of the reintroduction of that type of proselytism that for centuries assaulted his rights and personal dignity.”
Please note that nowhere in my post or subsequently was there any mention of or reference to the State of Israel, Arab-Jewish relations or anything other than Ms Coulter’s mouthing off.
I, foolishly, asked the other Orble contributor for her opinion on Ann Coulter, feeling that even she would find the comments troubling. If anyone is interested in her replies, they are posted under my article. Somehow the discussion was turned into support for Israel and the condemnation of several writers.
Then the conversation turned ugly:
It makes me wonder if you really have Hebrew blood, Jim... You accept the garbage of Carter and some other extremist libs, cozy up with the very ones who support all things Islamic (the destruction of Israel being their favorite selection on the death menu), and complain when Ann Coulter suggests that the Jews should be converted.
In a message from my antagonist, she finally took the conversation away from Ann Coulter and focused on my inadequacies:
So, Jim, I fell for your line of garbage and told you what I thought about your silly, uninformed blog on Ann Coulter. Instead of saying anything substantive in response to my comments, all you could do was defend a moron and a Muslim. Your parents must be very ashamed to have raised a Jewish son who doesn't care at all about Israel. If they're still alive, I'm sure they won't approve of your foolishness. If they're dead, it's probably a good thing they didn't have to see what an anti-Semitic jerk you have become.
I find this type of blathering all too accepted on this, and other, sites. I am over 70 and have, if God is kind, perhaps another 10 or 15 years ahead of me. I’d rather spend my time playing with grandchildren.
I’d like to have comments from my “friends”.
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Comment by Jeff Musall
Jim, I regard you as a sane voice, and more than that, (even though we haven't met) as a friend. Whatever ever you do with your time, I wish you well.
As for your debates and postings, you are a person of honor and character. You represent what the American right is most afraid of, the thinking mind with a conscience.
Again, my friend, I wish you well....and keep in touch!
Comment by Ahmed
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
How could you defend a Muslim! Curse you! /sarcasm
THough I'm wondering who she's referring to by 'moron', certainly not me (I'm the dastardly Muslim
Now Jim, I sincerely hope you don't leave, it's fun reading your opinions on matters. I definitely respect you for your ability to control yourself in the face of absoloute and utter ignorance and whether I agree with you or not has nothing to do with that.
You know, it's like they say, evil prevails when good men fail to act. I'm not saying she's evil, but certainly her voice will sound louder if you silence yourself.
Sure you may even feel bullied by her, but you have to remember this is the internet. Wouldyour opinion of her change if she were a neo-nazi? Would you take her views less personally? You have to understand her views mean very little, if for anything for the fact she does not take other peoples views into account and dismisses them as 'unpatriotic', 'silly', 'ridiculous' and a bunch of other things.
There is no substance in what she says, her opinions are strong but have no base so she needs to resort to ad hominem attacks to justify her views. You might have misinterpreted that as if she had a valid opinion however as it stands she borders on the comically deluded.
So you have to understand that she simply does not want to engage in conversation, she continuously tries to avoid it and when you force her to actually try and discuss something you suddenly are accused of lying about your heritage, being unpatriotic and defending a Muslim and a moron. What does she mean by any of those? Is there any substance in her accusations or are they as empty as they sound?
The truth is she's spent so much of her life around people who agree with her that now she doesn't know how to handle differing viewpoints. All that means is that anyone who tries to talk to her who does not agree with her 100% is going to fall into a lot of stress.
Theres no use pointing out the obvious flaws in what she says. She probably even recognizes the hollowness of her arguments but in her mind it's justified because she has a deeper agenda at hand (something along the lines of converting everyone to Chrsitianity). She certainly indicates that she wants America to 'go back to its roots' and follow the bible. She agrees that 'jews need perfecting', advocates hanging the ten commandments in government institutions, thinks all Muslims harbor a deep resentment of America and last, but certainly not least, is convinced liberals are unpatriotic traitors.
Just ignore her, live and let live. We can have intelligent conversation, we can disagree, we can learn about each others views because we want to. On the other hand, she's not having any of that and it's more than clear as Mr. Freud finds his way into her tongue and she claims Jews are inferior or implies that defending Muslims/Atheists/Liberals is a bad thing to do (not that you actually defended any of those, she based her accusations from the fact Jeff, Brenton and myself actually comment here).
So yeah, live and let live, but most importantly, keep on blogging (god that was a long post, I don't expect you to read all of it either, no obligation
Comment by Ahmed
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
I can understand how an old man may only wish to enjoy the years he has left with his children and grand children around him. So avoiding such people as Bradish is probably a good idea since she brings nothing but hate into a conversation.
Perhaps my opinion in the previous comment is just shortsited to that of a 19 year old ready to take on life and all its challenges which obviously does not parralel with that of a man in the twilight of his life trying to enjoy whats left of his time on earth.
The difference between you and me (as far as I can tell) is that you've seen it all and done it all, so in a way you are not in no mood to deal with the stress of someone like Bradish. You're not here to argue with people who call you an anti-semite because you believe Ann Coulter claiming jews 'need perfecting' is something offensive to Jews. Just reading that and you understand what you're dealing with in Bradish is something else entirely. She is difficul to deal with because she accuses everyone of what she is afraid of becoming and what she has already become. For her a discussion isn't about the discussion itself, it's about her and nothing but.
For her, this isn't about conversation, that doesn't provide her with a point of joy. She doesn't partake in a debate or have conversation for the sake of broadening her horizons while you do, and because of that you suffer when you try to have a conversation with her. You believe there is some sort of substance under that mess of opinions yet everytime you get close to it all you find is a slobby mess of hate.
It is clear that you cannot avoid confronting with that woman, and thats human nature. Even I can't avoid it and occassionally I try to have a decent conversation with her only to be villified as some sort of nazi or gay butt kisser or whatever else.
I can take that stress and I welcome it, it's more of a new experience for me as I start out in life. But for you, well you're in the twilight of your life and you've probably already experienced this sort of bitter hate (or at least some variation of it).
If you really truly want to leave to avoid any encounter with this woman you've had the misfortune to meet then I fully understand. It's been nice knowing you and seeing your opinions. It's great to know that not all people grow old to be bitter and hateful. You can at least take comfort from the fact you've aged gracefully and are not full of hate and bickering. You may very well have become like Bradish has but thankfully you have managed to keep your eyes and mind open and your reward is a more joyous life.
Enjoy what time you have left in this world, away from Orble or not. If you do decide to leave then I would just like to let you know that it has been nice knowing you
Comment by The Day The World Exploded
The Day The World Exploded
Entertainment Extravaganza
"Discount Lobotomy" : An Epic
The Church
Let there be an end to this blasphemy. You must not abandon your fight my friend.
Bring this treacherous naive individual before me and I shall smite her down with my Hammer of Thor. I have no tolerance for this kind of attack.
Here are some kinds of attacks I have tolerance for:
1. Snack Attacks.
2. Shaq Attacks.
3. Zombie Attacks.
4. Rambo Attacks.
5. Bum Rushes.
6. Sneak Attacks.
7. Hot Pocket Grab Bag Attacks.
But I definitely have a zero tolerance policy punishable by Hammer of Thor for:
1. "I'm a better Jew than you because I believe in something that you don't."
That kind of attack is utter bullocks and whoever said it is a small cowardly person who's ideals are as flimsy as a paper bag being stomped into the ground by myself riding a thousand pound Gorilla who has a giant golden horn on his head.
End of story.
Comment by Jim Stillman
Political Certainty
Comment by Damo
I personally think that any attack upon you was motivated by absolute fear.
You said things that made your opponent afraid because she had no answers (even for herself).
So ad hominem was the only recourse, but indoing so revieled the true nature of her agenda. Bigotry and Hate.
You are correct in questioning Ann Coulters so called Catholic credentials. Just as Himlers Catholic credentials were question when he was studying to to be a priest. He wa expelled from the seminary because his master race views were incompatible with the course agenda. Himler later followed his agenda and became the head of the SS.
The question for you is basically what do you want to do?
As for me I am not so worried about individual ratbags on a blog site as I can always go to stormfront.org and read the same views.
Also having read the comments that you quote they do appear to be baseless and intended to damage you reputation in a discriminatory manner. In Australia this sort of comments has ended up in the anti-discrimination courts. You may wish to alert Orble admin. Other posts have been pulled for similar reasons- (I remember the nazi who came to orble)
Anyway it is entirely upto you as it is your life and you know how to live it.
Comment by Rick B. in Georgia
Please keep up the good work. I have heard that ignorance is bliss, so maybe some folks just have to stay ignorant to be happy.
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I hope you keep writing too. I know I don't comment much but do often read your posts, and have found you to be a very decent person, who is gracious of support, interested in positive discussion, and patient beyond most people's tolerance of ignorant and nasty fools.
Should you leave, it was a pleasure to read your work, you have maintained your dignity and honour, have been nothing but open and honest, and a genuine gentleman.
Michaelie
Comment by Anonymous
I don not comment. Actually, this is the first comment ive made on orble at all. People like this lady in question are just plain nasty, nasty, nasty, she has no born right to attack your loved parents and is probably just aggressive towards you because she is trying to still overcome her own battles of being an unwanted child. You rock on Jim, you make rationale sense and she is just a trouble maker. If she was your neighbor she wouldnt say that stuff. You and us being a stranger to people like this makes it all so easy to remove themselves and be nasty and know they can get away with it. I think she should be deleted for such nasty personal attack.
Comment by tlcorbin-raginravensview
Comment by Luke
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior
Comment by Bullamakanka
Hughie's Ziff
Go for it.
Comment by Mountain Fog
We have not really 'conversed', as far as I remember, not because I avoided you, but, because my pooter is so bloody slow, I have barely enough time to do whatever it is I manage to do here. I shall endeavour to frequent your blog more often however!
Anyhoo..please do not let these ignoramuses, these neck toasted morons, these puerile phobic closeted fascists, get away with it!!
Your voice, albeit it is in the singular, is very important!
If people do not take it to the extremist right wing types, they think everyone agrees with them!!!
They think this because they have NEVER entertained what it is like to be on the receiving end of the bigotry they espouse....and sadly, most of them would not understand what they say is bigoted at all...
No...you must push on and maybe take a deep breath, and remember, these kind of people have a very warped distorted and emotionally sick view of the world. So, instead of feeling hated or despised by them, think of them as mental patients needing psychiatric care!!
I LOVE handing out a bit of 'therapy' to some of these slack jawed morons every now and again! But, not too often, I don't want to give them votes!!!
cheers old matey, and cheer up too..you are not alone here!!!
fog
Comment by Brenton
Dr Spin
Tales From The Other Side
Blip Blog
Gadget Museum
Personally a bit of time away from blogging clears the minds i think.
What is personal is only what one takes personally.
I have appreciated yuour writing.
Comment by Brenton
Dr Spin
Tales From The Other Side
Blip Blog
Gadget Museum
Personally a bit of time away from blogging clears the minds i think.
What is personal is only what one takes personally.
I have appreciated yuour writing.
Comment by Louie
Climate Red
randomthoughts
Phil's Wellness Tips
cheers
Louie
Comment by Jim Stillman
Political Certainty
While I do not enjoy making personal attacks on a fellow-contributor of Orble, I cannot help resenting the mean and petty remarks against me. I did nothing to earn her displeasure, surely political disagreement does not explain her bitterness.
One problem may be that SL is incapable of expressing thoughts without her cute comments but for whatever reason, I will cope by ignoring her completely.
Comment by Damo
It works for me.
Glad you'll stay
Comment by RV
rv
Stay and you will see that she is the only one out of the million/s (?) of writers in orble that has that kind of attitude.
Comment by Paul Angelo
Comment by Paul Angelo
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by D. Armenta
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
To throw my $.02, I'm surprised you put any credence in anything S.L. Bradish writes. Doesn't take reading more than one or two posts of hers to figure out that she's one of those whackjobs whose fondest dream is living in a compound somewhere in the wilds of Montana with like-minded types.
She offers no references for her statements of "fact"; she launches into personal attacks when anyone brings up a valid point of contention, and she couldn't debate her way out of a wet paper bag with a machete in her hand.
Why would you place any value in anything she writes?
I told her once she reminded me of Joe McCarthy. For once in her life she had nothing to come back with...
Comment by Ahmed
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
Joe McCarthy is her idol (I dunno who th ehell this joe dude is but I figure he's as crazy as she is
Comment by D. Armenta
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
Comment by Ahmed
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
Really Long Link
Comment by S.L. Bradish
As for my having nothing to say when being accused of being like Joe McCarthy, that's not true. I consider it a compliment. He was right (as is being proved by Russian documents).
To other liberals, you probably do sound reasonable. But so many of your views are over the edge (on the left) and hanging by their fingertips, it's amazing. I've also noticed that you jump at every opportunity to be offended by something I say (like the Kennedy post yesterday). If you don't like what I write, don't read it. Pretty simple, don't ya think? I wouldn't be here (on your blog) if someone else hadn't insisted that I read it and defend myself.
Comment by Jim Stillman
Political Certainty