Don't worry, if you just scroll to the bottom, you can avoid all the boring bits than many may not be interested in, and get to the punchline.
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Oh, and any fellow Saintsationalists alluded to in the post, it's not to imply any blame specificly on you guys. So if my wording is clumsy, and unintentional offense is given, then my sincere apologies. (Except to Pluggs... I apologize to you for having not mentioned you. Actually, skip that, I've edited..., and you're in.
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(I see a segue...-- wrote:I understand you are a believer Dave. None of my business what you have faith in. I have no right to push my views on to you. And I am sure you would show me the same courtesy.
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
I try to --. I don't think you'll find a single evangelical posting from me. I try to post on the GF (where it's relevant) from two basic perspectives...
Social justice, or at least as I interpret social justice.
![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
But also, when I feel that someone is being a bit harsh on the whole concept of holding religious beliefs, I try to post an alternative perspective... not to evangelise, but to try and show that holding a religious faith, whether ultimately that faith turns out to be justified or not, is not actually totally illogical.
As I've posted before, I don't care about one's beliefs on religion or politics. (I certainly don't see atheism as an enemy.) I care how those beliefs actually play out re social justice actions.
Hence, I would consider that our social justice beliefs are pretty damn similar most of the time, and I agree with where you are coming from nearly all the time in that sphere. (Though again, maybe that should concern you --
![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
That said --, despite provocations (real or perceived), I'm constantly wishing that you wouldn't undermine your strong arguments by 'using vinegar rather than honey' to catch flies. Oh, you aren't alone either... Mr -------------... I love most of your work, but again, honey is better than vinegar.
And believe me, as a long time hothead who has taken way-yay too long to see the light on that, and is still taking way-yay too long to put that realization into consistent practice..., my observation above may well have an element of the hypocrite to it, but sadly and embarrassingly, I'm also well 'qualified' to make said observation.
![Idea :idea:](./images/smilies/icon_idea.gif)
![Embarassed :oops:](./images/smilies/icon_redface.gif)
Now if I haven't already lost you and totally pissed you off... I'll try a bit harder...
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And for the above reasons I personally have nothing against some of the, uhmmm, more 'controversial' posters on here who also draw a bit of fire from time to time. And yes, one in particular regularly 'surprises' me for better and worse with some of his '-------ing' observations.
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So with the above in mind,
I really wish that we could all just draw a line in the sand on this forum,
wipe the slate clean of all the feudings and bitterness,
start respectfully debating the idea... not the poster,
(though I hope ------ keeps calling --------- a nuffty, coz I find that funny.
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and get back to having a forum where we remember that we are all actually not Skunk's supporters...
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Come on everyone, we can do it.
Go (our) Saintas!
![Image](http://resources0.news.com.au/images/2010/09/27/1225929/936696-st-kilda-fans.jpg)