Due to a Lupus flare and finding it can be rather stressful, I've refrained from entering Meta since posting here. I do, however, wish to express my gratitude for your insightful perception of the issues being discussed. My post to Geek Tragedy was based on what I see as his dedication to his beliefs. His perspective is his own as is his decision in who he chooses to defend. It was not my intention to choose sides. Frankly, I find it discouraging that posters can't voice their opinions without finding it necessary to take sides in such a contentious fashion. My comment to GT concerning reflection was based on the behavior of those who can't seem to express their views without stooping to nasty personal attacks with no small amount of glee and snide comments. I tend to question a person's motives when applying such tactics. I've recently joined a coalition that was formed to combat bullying and many of those same tactics are in evidence in most instances of bullying. I guess that's why I find it so distasteful. For that reason, I tend to skip the comments made by certain posters when addressing certain other posters. I hope I'm making sense and thank you for your patience.

I think you should be commended for your tireless support of the women at DU who some seem to have no qualms about attacking, in the nastiest fashion, while at the same time berating them for their behavior. Strange how we can't often see in ourselves what we so blithely claim to clearly see in others.

Thank You

I see so often on DU, people bemoaning the fact that Christians are terrible people because they are hypocrites. Therefore, it seems a tad hypocritical of those same people to condemn you for actually living your Christian beliefs. In my lifetime, I've met many people inside and outside religious communities who are hypocrites and others who try their best to live by their Christian beliefs. I have a strong distrust of organized religious institutions and absolutely no respect or kind feelings toward the Pope but I do respect you for your Christian attitude and am a little disappointed that others can't do the same. I think you serve as an excellent example of a person who lives and practices his Christian convictions on a daily basis. In my opinion, you owe no one an apology for who you are.

it was for you. Because I haven't been a long time member at DU and have not interacted with many members, I wasn't certain that any contribution I might make would be of any significance. I've decided to take the chance because I can't seem to stop thinking about what led to you being so disallusioned and hurt that you are considering leaving DU.

I tend to analyze situations and conversations in order to better understand people and their motivations. In this situation, I believe that in attempting to explain certain truths to someone, you and many others were simply not able to break through the brick wall that has been erected to protect that persons perceived right to express himself in any manner he wishes. It's very difficult to reason with someone who will not allow even a crack in such a solid wall of obstinancy.

I would be so very sad to see you leave DU. There are DU members whose posts have been especially enlightening for me or touched my heart in some way. You were one of the first DU members that I placed in what I consider my DU treasure trove.

If my opinion is of any value, please don't allow the light you have been able to shine on so many important issues to be driven from DU.

Thank you for being who you are.

I'm reminded of my younger years and traveling in the car with my brothers. If they were seated beside one another, the most important thing in the world seemed to be whose arm was on top. The perception of winning seemed to be the all important objective. I refuse to be drawn into an escalating battle now as I did then. It will usually end badly and with neither person being the winner.

Since I'm a newbie and haven't been a prolific poster, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a heart. On second thought, I shouldn't have been because there are so many kind and caring DU members.

If the person who gifted me with the heart is reading here, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I didn't even realize how much the kind gesture would mean to me. Your thoughtfulness brought tears of happiness to my eyes.

Thanks to the republican corporate mentality of Governor Herbert and the likes of Mike Lee and Orrin Hatch, Utah is to have the dubious distinction of becoming the first state to allow tar sands mining. The Utah Division of Oil and Gas Mining has given the go ahead to Alberta based U.S. Oil Sands to begin the first stage of its mine in eastern Utah. This general area is already covered with shale mines.

We can only hope that the environmental advocacy group, Living Rivers, is successful in the court of appeals. It's a long shot but I fully support the cause.

Thanks for the info.