I would like to post an extremely sincere apology.

[MiddleFingerMom]

.
Some are going to be deeply displeased by this, but I've been reinstated.
.
I didn't come here to confront, argue, or make ANY kind of point -- and
I won't engage in anything beyond this:
.
.
.
I am sorry... deeply and sincerely sorry for any pain, concern. anger, fear,
terrible memories that I may have caused with my post that included the
picture of the two hypermuscular gay men.
.
Those effects were NOT what I was attempting to convey -- it was intended
to be supportive of the LGBT community and derisive of homophobes... but
I can see now that it was poorly presented (see Jonathan Swift's "A Modest
Proposal" -- something STILL seen by some as a serious and disgusting attack
on THE IRISH!!!
http://art-bin.com/art/omodest.html
.
The only real defense I can offer is my post in GD from approximately one
week BEFORE that incident -- I hope it shows what is truly in my heart...
an abhorrence for anything homophobic:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1768982
.
.
Again, unintended effects though they may have been. I am deeply sorry for
those effects. Inflicting pain and suffering is NOT what is in my heart.
.
.
MiddleFingerMom

[QC]

1. Welcome back!

For what it's worth, I got the joke.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. Welcome back!

We missed you in the Lounge.

[gateley]

3. I've had threads locked because DUers misinterpreted my intent

and complained loudly!

That's part of the problem of communicating via the tubes -- nuance? What nuance?

Glad you're back! :hi:

[hlthe2b]

4. Ahh, heck... I never saw it, but just glad you are back!

;)

[mitchtv]

5. I missed it , Oh well

I have a thick skin and a sense of humor, I'm sure I would forgive an attempt at humor. apology unneeded here.

[Booster]

6. I missed it, but apology accepted. Anybody who goes by

MiddleFingerMom is ok in my book.

[DURHAM D]

11. Even when its a male? nt

[Booster]

15. Especially if it's a male. lol

[DURHAM D]

16. Not me.

whatever

[rrneck]

7. Welcome back.

I never saw the post and I can't speak for those who were offended by it, but I've seen a whole lot of your stuff and you always seemed like a stand up guy to me. Skinner runs a good soap box here and you're a valueable asset in that effort.

Now get out there and find us some funny pictures!

[stillrockin]

8. Didn't see it, but glad you're here!

[tblue]

9. Awww...

You are brave and good. :hug: Nothing is beyond forgiveness in my book after an apology like that.

[madrchsod]

10. welcome back...

many years ago i was given a time out for posting nasties in the i/p forum. :hi:

[dixiegrrrrl]

12. As a PFLAG member, I appreciate the public clarification of your apology.

My out and proud family members tell me they saw nothing wrong with the post, btw, nor did I.

Welcome home, what a strange trip, eh?
:hi:

[Name removed]

13. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Lucian]

14. Well I saw what you posted.

And I found it to be ugly and insensitive. The thing about discussion forums is that we can only go by what is typed. There's no nuance, so it's hard to say when someone is joking around or not. It really would've helped if you would've included an asterisk or something to indicate it was a joke or that you wanted a thoughtful discussion. Or maybe not posting it all together. Sometimes it helps to look over a post before hitting the "post message" button.

But I'm not as big of an asshole as I make myself out to be. All is forgiven, but please do be sensitive to the feelings of others in the future. Welcome back, MFM. Hopefully your recovery is going well!

:hi:

[pacalo]

23. As one of those who were the most deeply hurt, you've proven to be a BIG person

with a BIG heart.

I deeply respect you for your generosity in accepting MFM's heartfelt apology, Lucian.

:hug:

[dsc]

17. I honestly have no idea what you are talking about

but your apology sounds sincere. The only thing that made me upset over unbannings was when everyone but gay posters seemed to be able to get them. If evenly applied I have no problem with them.

[auntAgonist]

18. dsc I agree. Many of my friends were banned and never

allowed back.

Equal rights in everything!

We lost a LOT of good contributors in the "gay banning" ... very sad really.

I'm so glad I have FB and can converse with them there.

:hi:

[yardwork]

31. I agree. I missed this whole thing, but ATA is full of people thanking the Admins for their mercy.

How about some mercy for our fallen comrades?

[auntAgonist]

32. sadly. Don't hold your breath. The purge took many good

people out of here.

I'm constantly amazed at what I see happening here.

:hi:

aA
kesha

[solara]

19. Woops wrong forum

self deleted

[motely36]

20. MFM...I'm not sure you truly realize the hurt that you caused

to some of my good friends.

How is what you posted different from posting a picture of a female body builder and telling people to hurl anti-women epitaphs or a black couple and telling people to hurl racist insults at them.

I think most people would be offended by it.

The fact that you chose a picture of a minority group and told people to attack them is irresponsible regardless of how well they can 'protect' themselves.

There have been several posts recently about how the psychological pain of homophobia can be much worse than any physical damage.

Unfortunately, many of my DU friends were banned for far lessor crimes and were not allowed a second chance. You should be thankful that you got a second chance and use it wisely.

[Shining Jack]

22. +1

[Book Lover]

25. +1 (nm)

[Name removed]

28. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Violet_Crumble]

33. +1

I really hope he takes this second chance to reflect on how self-absorption can sometimes result in being blinded when it comes to things that are insensitive and hurtful to others...

[CreekDog]

35. Yup

including some people here who posted a number.

[emilyg]

21. Welcome back.

[mucifer]

24. Welcome back. Might I suggest spending a few extra moments thinking

before posting. I have caught myself and stopped myself from posting things that could hurt people's feelings. It really works. Just a few extra seconds thinking about how people could interpret things and whether it is worth it to be sarcastic.

[LynneSin]

26. I think that is good advice for every DUer including myself

we've all made mistakes, even me. And my misunderstood comment ended up in a USAToday column.

Fortunately the admins forgave me for that one.

[Supply Side Jesus]

27. Welcome back MFM

I knew what your intent was with your post and I understood why many were offended.

I am glad the powers who be gave you the opportunity to apologize and set the record straight.

We all make mistakes in life. But tombstoned members learn no lessons.

Welcome back and best wishes in your continued recovery.

[Bake]

29. Welcome back, MFM!!

Nice post. And those who misunderstood you in the first place, well, they just don't know you.

Check your PMs. Glad you're back.

:hi: :bounce: :hi:

Bake

[qb]

30. Welcome back!

I, too missed the entire incident, but I read enough to understand what happened.
I thank you for your good intentions, supportive messages, and accept your apology.
:hug:

[Zorra]

34. Hey, MFM, no problem. Sometimes we don't see the whole picture.

Done it more than a few times myself.

Whoops.
:hug: