I have a new hero!

[HFishbine]

Theresa Stewart

(and I'm straight)

[DarkPhenyx]

1. What does being straight...

...have to do with anything?

[HFishbine]

2. This

I have no personal stake in her brilliant efforts.

[DarkPhenyx]

3. So?

It sounds like saying "My personal hero is Larry Byrd. And I'm gay." or "I agree with Phenyx and I'm not even an asshole."

Until we quit prefacing every comment about a minority figure with something highlighting that they are indeed a minority we will never move past the "driving need" to justify our opinions inspite of their minority status.

[HFishbine]

5. Not really

It's more like someone who doesn't live in Nevada supporting opposition to Yucca Mountain.

[DarkPhenyx]

7. But your sexual orientation...

...would have nothing to do with that support. Like I said. It make no sense what so ever. Unless one makes a point of going through life and specifically choosing "hero's" who are vastly different, and ignoring those that are similar. IMHO you have different issues if that is the case.

[HFishbine]

8. It's an analogy

Location in the Yucca Mountain example and sexual oreintation being similar in that they create a presonal stake for some. My point being, quite simply, that I have no personal stake in the matter, yet admire the hell out of Stewart.

[DarkPhenyx]

10. Which should be irrelavant to the subject.

So you have no "personal stake" in it. Big deal. The effort made in demonstrating your lack of "personal stake" would be better used to explain why you admire them. Why even make their sexual orientation, or yours, an issue? It isn't important. Not even remorely relevant even.

[HFishbine]

13. "Why even make their sexual orientation... an issue?

I didn't. You did.

[DarkPhenyx]

17. Actually did.

"and I'm straight." That single statement made sexual orientation an issue in this thread.

[HFishbine]

18. Read for comprehension

You accused me of making "their" sexual orientation an issue. I clearly did not. I mentioned MY sexual orientation.

[DarkPhenyx]

21. Which by default...

...makes theirs an issue as well. Can't have one w/o the other. If theirs wasn't an issue yours could not be either. QED.

[HFishbine]

23. Hellooooo?

"Their" sexuality is an issue only in so far as it is related to the case before the court. Mine is an issue in as much as I do not have a personal stake in the case, therefore the opinon I have of Stewarts job is as a uninvolved observer -- one who does not have a vested interest in praising her. Get it?

[DarkPhenyx]

26. Of course you don't.

You aren't involved in the case. I thought that would have been pretty self evident even w/o your exclamation concerning your sexuality. I still have to wonder who cares? Who cares that you are straight, or that she isn't. Neither of those facts has any bearing, or should have if we aren't a biased group, on the issue which is that you were impressed by here speech.

[HFishbine]

28. "Who cares that you are straight, or that she isn't."

Apparently, only you.

[DarkPhenyx]

33. I'm not the one...

...who made an issue of it. That would be you. I am the one who pointed this out to you and explained why it shouldn't be.

[Capn Sunshine]

43. I agree with Phenyx

and I'm not even an asshole

[DarkPhenyx]

53. *chuckle*

But, damnit, what difference does it make if you aren't an asshole? Why should that even be a factor? :)

[9215]

59. Give a fucking rest!!

Jesus Christ! A person can't even be playful without some PC police sniping his ass.

[DarkPhenyx]

61. no, no. See...

...the PC police would have most likely let this slide. Sad, but true.

[Nlighten1]

4. Another mystery thread.

Care to explain WHY she is your hero?

[Jeff in Cincinnati]

6. Let's back up one step

...WHO is Theresa Stewart?

[HFishbine]

9. Who is Theresa Stewart?!?!?!

I never heard of her until yesterday either. Then I saw her on C-Span arguing on behalf of the mayor of San Fransisco in the gay marriage issue before the California Supreme Court.

She has a mind like a trap and over and over again made clear and compelling arguments. She knows the law inside and out and is an excellent speaker. Quite simply, I was blown away by her abilities. "Outstanding" does not do her justice.

See for yourself: rtsp://video.c-span.org/15days/e052504_marriage.rm

[DarkPhenyx]

11. And based on this one exposure to her personality...

...she has earned your undying admiration? Curious.

[HFishbine]

12. No

Based on an exceptional display of professional excellence; I know nothing of her personality.

[DarkPhenyx]

16. But still only one experience.

OK. Guess that's not unusual.

[HFishbine]

19. Maybe you should watch the video

at the link posted above.

[DarkPhenyx]

20. As it is irrelavant to the point I am making...

...I really don't need to watch it. I'm sure she comes across quite well and makes a very good impression. My ex-wife made a good impression too. Surprisingly she was also suffering from three mental disorders which I did not know about until we were already married.

[HFishbine]

22. That's disingenuous

You question that I should have a strong positive impression of somebody based on a single observation, and yet you determine the event on which my opinion was formed to be irrelevant. That's disingenuous. Rather than watch for yourself and see if you might be equally impressed, you would rather continue with your innuendo.

[DarkPhenyx]

24. It is irrelevant because...

...I am questionion the wisdom of such a strong reaction being based on such a limited exposure. Particualrly when the speaker is apparently very charismatic. History is full of charismatic despots you know. Now...I am not saying she is a despot, however you really have no way of knowing that she isn't either.

[HFishbine]

29. I

I applauded her for exceptional professional competence before the California Supreme Court. You could watch the video for yourself and then evaluate my wisdom, or you can refuse and continue to snipe from a position of uninformed ignorance.

[DarkPhenyx]

34. I win.

Since you have had to resort to personal attacks, at least twice now, it becomes official. I win! Thank you for conceeding that point.

[HFishbine]

36. Hey! Congratulations!

Whatever you say, Buckaroo.

[DarkPhenyx]

40. Everyone need see Buckaroo. n/t

[SemperEadem]

48. what exactly is your point in this discussion?

[RetroLounge]

14. Well your posts in this thread certainly have earned you something

I'll let you guess what that might be...

RL

[DarkPhenyx]

15. Respect?

Honor? Accolades beyond mortal ken?

[9215]

62. Now you've changed the reasons for your criticism.

Fishbine was playing with the topic and you are now trying to call him irresponsible with his "undying admiration". Pathetic shitslinging heterophobia.

[DarkPhenyx]

67. Oh how horribly wrong you can be.

It's kinda cute in a way.

Care to explain your statement. Providing supporting documentation of course.

[noiretextatique]

25. HFisbine...I support your choice of a hero

based on whatever criteria you used to determine her status, from your p.o.v., and it doesn't bother me that your are straight (or that you mentioned you are) :hi:

[DarkPhenyx]

27. hardly heroic.

Impressive and charismatic prehaps. Not heroic.

[HFishbine]

30. And you base this on what?

Anything other than your imagination?

[DarkPhenyx]

32. Nice cutting remark.

Not truly impressive, but you did sneak it in there. 5.0.

Now, to answer your question, this would be a good place to start.

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=heroic

I tend to place a pretty high standard on the words "hero" and "heroic". There are a lot of people who earned those terms, unequivocally ,met the standards, who deserve to have them defended.

[hughee99]

35. Out of curiosity

who, if anyone, do you consider to be a hero?

[DarkPhenyx]

41. Pretty much nay Firefighter or Police Officer.

And I really do not like cops.

[hughee99]

47. Not that I disagree with you on this,

because I do consider them heroes, but do most firefighters and police officers fit the definition? And if they do fit the definition, would most soldiers also fall into this category?

[DarkPhenyx]

52. Most firefighters yes.

Probably not most cops. Individual service records would have to be looked at. For the record I include EMT's and particularly the volunteer corps in with firefighters.

Soldiers are going to be another mixed bag and individiaul records would ahve to be looked at.

[tkmorris]

37. And there lies the problem

You expect others to attach the same significance to words that you do, and when they don't you assume they are wrong. A bit overly impressed with yourself don't you think?

Some people feel the need to tear others down in order to make themselves look superior. The hallmark of such people is the utter pointlessness of their attacks. Their little attacks do not make the world a better place in any fashion whatsoever, they are motivated by love of self and a need for approval.

[DarkPhenyx]

44. It's impossible to be overly impressed with me.

It happens when you are this damn good. :)

[SemperEadem]

49. or need for attention

[HFishbine]

38. Read for Comprehension, Part II

I did not say that Stewart was "heroic", I said she was my new "hero." If you had looked up the word I actually used, instead of putting words in my mouth, you would have found this perfectly appropriate definition of "hero":

A person noted for special achievement in a particular field

And I'll repeat, unless and until you watch the video, you are in no position to evaluate my judgement.

[DarkPhenyx]

45. Heros are by definition heroic.

that is kinda the point.

Of course you feel that way though. It allows you to avoid the topic. Oh well. I had high hopes. Most unfortunate, and horribly disappointing.

it is worth pointing out that your new "hero" even fails by your own definition.

[ibegurpard]

42. Whatever

Who cares. You are choosing to be argumentative about semantics and it's just obnoxious.

[HFishbine]

31. Donkey Shine

Thanks. I appreciate that.

[slutticus]

39. Jeez....

Can't anyone say that they admire someone without getting jumped all over? Fucking A!



And I'm not gay.......or am I?

[redqueen]

46. I think somebody needs a nap.

And my sexuality has nothing to do with it. :)

[noiretextatique]

50. or a valium, perhaps? eom

[lastliberalintexas]

51. Or a life maybe?

:-)

[DarkPhenyx]

54. Yeah, a nap.

For those folks who can do no more than try and make snarky comments since they have nothing to add to the discsuuion. Not a bad idea at all. Thanks!

[noiretextatique]

56. you just described yourself in this thread

what business is it of yours if the poster thinks this woman is a hero? who are you to tell the poster what is and is not heroic, and who qualifies to be HIS/HER hero?
nothing to add to the discussion...that's rich!

[DarkPhenyx]

57. Who are they to decide the person is heroic?

It's pretty simple really. "Heroism", "Hero", and "Heroic" all have meaning. This person didn't reach that level.

[noiretextatique]

58. s/he can decide whatever s/he wants to decide

who in the hell made you the arbiter of what is and is not heroic...to someone else? don't you get it yet?!?!

[DarkPhenyx]

60. Somehow I don't think...

...giving a good speech come close to even the most liberal definition of a herroic act. Not in and of itself. If she ever does it under fire or in occupied territory I might change my mind.

[noiretextatique]

63. uh...that's your OPINION

obviously, the poster doesn't agree with you. tell me: is that ALLOWED in your world?

[DarkPhenyx]

64. Of course it isn't allowed.

Everyone must agree with me or they will be shot. :roll:

It isn't my fault that, in this case, the original poster is wrong. Laudable as his admiration of the speaker is, and as moving and powerful as the speech itself is, it simply dosen't pass muster.

It really isn't a hard concept, is it? That there are standards to be met, and that words actually do mean something?

[noiretextatique]

65. i see, the standards are only set by you...is it possible

for someone, say this poster, to have a different set of standards, than say...YOU? entertain the possibility, for a moment, that someone, say me, may consider someone, say my grandmother, a hero...even though she might not meet your standard for what you think is and isn't a hero or what is and isn't heroic. is it possible for her to be MY hero?
if so...might i suggest that it is also possible for this poster to consider someone, say the woman in question, a hero also.
if that's ok with you, of course :eyes:

[DarkPhenyx]

66. Role model prehaps.

Personal inspiration. As I said before, however, words have definitions. Twisting words and giving them meaning you want them to have is one of the big problems in politics today.

Of course it is possible for your Grandmotehr to be a hero. W/o any more input on why you would consider her that it isn't possible to render judgement however.

[noiretextatique]

69. good grief

you really don't get it...sad.

[DarkPhenyx]

70. Get what?

There hasn't been anything to get that I have seen.

[noiretextatique]

73. i see you are continuing to make a complete fool of yourself

by insisting that you are the arbiter of who is a hero, and what is heroic. it's quite amazing that you don't get that yet.

[DarkPhenyx]

75. So define hero.

Look it up in the dictionary please. That should be amusing.

Actually I'll save you the effort.

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=hero

[HFishbine]

77. Now you're arguing against yourself

A person noted for special achievement in a particular field

You refute that?

[DarkPhenyx]

79. Nope...

...her achievement is hardly special though. Defiantely not up to par with the "Heroic Doctors" example given.

[noiretextatique]

82. unless you are a mind-reader

how do you know that this woman, or my grandmother doesn't fit the dictionary meaning of HERO...from OUR perspectives? again...is that allowed in your world? and of course you know that words have meaning that are not in "the dictionary," don't you?
there are many examples of the colloquial use of words that do not show up in any dictionary, since language in a living thing and is always evolving. as a poet...i create new words (and new meanings for words) all the time.
but in any case...what harm has this poster done in stating the woman is his/her hero? NONE.

on the other hand, you have badgered this person for two days now...about absolutely nothing. give it a rest, already.

[DarkPhenyx]

85. Mmmmmmmm, no.

I have decided that it isn't allowed in my world. *nodding* yeah, that sounds right.

Colloquial use of a word is not always the correct use of a word. Funny that.

I'm surprised that if you are a poet you don't have more respect for the language you work in. Curious.

[HFishbine]

72. Such strong opinions with so little information

It wasn't a speech. But you refuse to watch the video, so how would you know? You're obviously content to operate on assumptions.

[DarkPhenyx]

74. So what was it?

You really never did explain why she's your "hero".

[HFishbine]

76. And yet

You considered yourself informed enough to adamantly insist she wasn't worthy. Brilliant, I say! Abso-fucking-lutely brilliant!

[DarkPhenyx]

78. All she did was appear in court and argue a case.

Thus, she gave a speech in front of the judge. So what? She did a good job. Brava, she is a lawyer after all, that is her job. Yes, I do know what she did. I am familier with current events after all. My point is that it is hardly a heroic act. Billions of people go to work and do a great job every day. They are not heroic either. The soldier at AG did a fantastic job of softening up the prisoners for interrogation. Not heros.

[HFishbine]

80. Okee Dokee

I cannot continue a discussion with someone who insists on remaining blindly ignorant to the facts at hand. Nice chatting with you though. Let's do it again -- after you graduate from high school.

[DarkPhenyx]

81. Ah yes...

...the parting personal insult. How quaint. It is unfortunate that you simply couldn't say "yes, hero might be too strong a word. She was definately imporessive though, and her performance was admirable." It would ahve been far easier than trying to defend as heroic actions which clearly are not. Try again next time though. Defeat won't always dog your trail.

[Nlighten1]

55. LOL!

Indeed...someone needs a glass of warm milk, a tuck-tuck and a nappy.

[DarkPhenyx]

68. Mmmmmmmmmmm, again nothing being said.

Just childish giggling and foolishness. Curious and sad at the same time. Oh well.

[ibegurpard]

71. Really people

can we all please put this person on ignore? No, not you HFishbine.

edited to remove a, in my opinion justified, personal attack.

[RandomKoolzip]

84. Freepers must be reading this thread and laughing their asses off....

And anyone who isn't Dark Phenyx, too.


Dude, relax.

[indigobusiness]

83. who?

http://www.impeachbush04.org/