Ashamed

**Azevedo** · 30th August 07, 03:00 PM

Originally Posted by Freedomlover

Different people have different opinions, but I have no right to tell anyone else what they may or may not express.

I agree with that. However, I fell very uncomfortable reading threads commenting acts of violence...

Raptor · 30th August 07, 03:04 PM

I have opted to stay out the convos for the same reason. I have responded to that situation in a number of different ways, each depending on the way it happened. Each occasion has been unique, so there can really be no one response. I'm not ashamed that people wish to state their own opinions (it'd be a boring forum if we all answered identically) but neither do I feel the need to add a comment purely for the sake of doing so.

**Monkey@Arms** · 30th August 07, 03:14 PM

Well, I think this is an interesting discussion in and of itself. At times I have chaffed under the restraints on this forum, and at other times have raised members hackles for suggesting certain lines of repeated discussion were, shall we say, unhelpful. As a result I guess I too just opt out of the conversation on occasion.

Best regards,

Jake

**ccga3359** · 30th August 07, 03:17 PM

No I am not ashamed of being a member of this forum. If I were then quite simply I'd no longer be a member. It may not make a difference but then again it highly doubtful that I could change the mind of someone diametrically opposed. I disagree with violence regarding kilt checks but chose not to comment to this as others did, quite frankly I didn't follow the thead until this post. Opinions are always going to be different. I'll keep posting if it continues a discussion but I'll not be drawn into an argument on these pages.

Curious Archangel, I only saw the one thread regarding violence what were the other two you refer to? Please assume that I am blind or ignorant.

**PiobBear** · 30th August 07, 03:21 PM

There seems to be a few members advocating very violent reaction to a woman "kilt-lifting". They are not discussing any greater intrusion than that but, in their responses, they seem to accept that particular woman deserves a slap, broken nose, unconsciousness, or worse.

I can't accept that reasoning.

Quite so. Only an inveterate coward could make such a statement.

One in three women in America will be a victim of physical and/or sexual abuse during their lifetime. One of them is my wife. There's absolutely no excuse for such behavior, and I'll happily make that clear in unambiguous language to any man. Their breathless hand-wringing over "what-if" hypotheticals, claiming "abuse" and "sexual assault" (it's just a kilt lift, for crying out loud!) are not only ridiculously silly, but trivialize the issue.

If they're that insecure, they should bloody well stick to wearing pants.

**Alaskan Kilted Guy** · 30th August 07, 03:25 PM

I am not ashamed. I enjoy having the ability to share my feelings and thoughts, and also read the thoughts and feelings of other kilted folks. I would never condone violent behavior except in defense of life or limb, but I do understand that everyone has emotional responses, and sometimes need to vent. I think having a place to vent can be good to cope with frustration. Anywho....

**sputnik** · 30th August 07, 03:44 PM

this whole discussion reminds me of the beliefs statement of the church i attend. if i may quote. . .

"In essential beliefs we have unity, in non-essentials we have liberty, and in all our beliefs we show charity."

An essential belief here at xmarks would be brotherhood.

**ozone** · 30th August 07, 03:46 PM

Archangel...I agree with your posting. I saw the kilt lifting discussions and they made me sick to my stomach. I wanted to post "it's a bloody kilt, you WILL get asked the question and you WILL get your kilt lifted occasionally; GET OVER IT!"

I remember, growing up in San Francisco, seeing men holding other men's hands, people with mohawks that stood 2 feet above their heads and other things that might startle some folks. I further remember people around me making comments or trying to touch (the mohawks). The people who were the objects of comments and/or touching often dealt with the experience with aplomb and dignity.

If you are going to be different, you will get noticed and you are going to have to deal with the consequences. Best to be civilized in your response than to be a wanker about it.