Some thoughts from an old mind...

[Guest]

I sure hope this doesn't come off as self-righteous since I do have that in me...yikes and sorry if it does....I am one of the most willing to "stir the pot" and I am posting this as much to myself as anyone...please accept it in that spirit....<br /><br />Because of recent forum excitement I thought I would do a personal re-dedication to this forum and to my forum family.<br /><br />I have known Bob longer than I have known any of the rest of you and have camped with him a number of times and consider him a dear friend. That said, Bob and I differ in our world views in some areas and political views are one of those areas. We are big boys though and we don't trash each other or think less of each other because we agree to disagree and just don't need to go there. <br /><br />Never once have I seen Bob bring those views up on here...and neither should I.<br /><br />That is true with several others on here that I have taken the time and effort to get to know and to love. In fact I have had some very enlightening and important discussions with them and we also agree to disagree where need be.&nbsp; <br /><br />It is big boy stuff...I am pretty immature in many areas but seek to grow and learn and yet keep my treasured idealism and an open heart. I believe that everyone in the world has a beautiful soul and deserves my effort to connect with that soul. Soul to soul as it were. <br /><br />I don't need to beat you with my idealism, nor do I need to accept your personality's bullshit if it is hurtful and disrespectful. That is just life and we actually all learned that in preschool.<br /><br />If I feel something political needs to be said and I very much do these days, I go to Facebook and say it. If I feel that I need to honor someone who was lost in any way, other than those who were members of this family of CheapRvers, I also need to go to Facebook, or my blog or some other venue to do it.<br /><br />I don't think it is appropriate to use my spiritual or religious beliefs as a sig line, unless we all do. I personally could care less if you are a Christian, Muslim, Buddhist or Jew, or any other religion any more than I care what your sexual practices or preferences are. Nor do you care about mine...<br /><br />I want to assist in keeping this forum a civil and safe place for ANY of us to come and relate to others in things pertinent to cheaprvliving.<br /><br />I pledge that from myself and hope you all will take a look at yourselves and do a little inventory of your dedication to the things Bob hoped to create here.<br /><br />In addition I want to extend my gratitude to the mods and their thankless but excellent job of herding cats.....<br /><br />Thanks for reading and I hope you will comment.<br /><br />AstroBri

 

[josephusminimus]

Hi bk2valve:&nbsp; Good post, seems to me.<br /><br />Fact is, what you, what I, what anyone here believes, or disbelieves on political, religious, sexual issues hasn't any bearing on what anyone else believes.&nbsp; Nobody changes an opinion because someone else believes it once the opinion's been adopted and internalized.<br /><br />I personally come to this forum to read the ideas, methods, experiences of people who have done, or are attempting to do what I'm attempting to do.&nbsp; Making the process incrementally easier for myself each time I encounter something I hadn't known before.<br /><br />But there's not a lot about human beings I admire, not much I'd care to emulate insofar as taking individual character traits demonstrated, not by words, but by behavior.&nbsp; If I were looking for new opinions about people or philosophy or the world to adopt, I wouldn't be looking here.<br /><br />I could rightfully be called a dysfunctional personality, and it's my preference to continuing being one.&nbsp; But if I wished to cease being a dysfunctional personality I wouldn't be searching around this forum for people who aren't whom I could learn from.<br /><br />It's a great forum, an excellent tool.&nbsp; Good place for civil discourse carrying its own weight without a lot of evangelical bells and whistles about issues unrelated to what it's here to accomplish and what it carries as a stated goal.

 

[twokniveskatie]

Hey Bri- excellent post, and thanks for sharing. I think we can all work on keeping the focus here on Bob's mission of providing a safe place to learn and share our experiences, as well as foster the sense of community that makes us strong.

The purpose of the off-topic section is not for debate or contention, but of sharing things that promote connections to each other. Certain topics historically do not do that. Fortunately there is a big wide Internet where we can find a place for those discussions, for those that want them.

You know, as a loving brother knows, how often I fall off my pony of self righteousness. I doubt I'll ever put him out to pasture completely, but I think I have shrunken him down from a mighty steed. I certainly hope so. It makes for less painful recovery when I am ( all too often!) wrong.

No matter what the topic, the "be kind" rule is first and foremost. If you can't say it with kindness and respect for our different beliefs, then don't say it. No name calling, ever.

I join you in your pledge, my friend. Thanks for this post.

 

[Guest]

Thanks Katie, appreciated...Just some thoughts...you mods should not have to bear the entire burden of trying to keep things flowing in a good direction although you do it well....<br />Love you sister,<br />Bri

 

[wildmountainhoney]

You have my vote for civility and most especially for kindness...<br /><br />The thought that comes to mind when I read this is:<br /><br />My life is kinda a mess right now (I'm trying to get it together), my thoughts are scattered and sometimes it seems like everywhere I turn it is a battleground... It's nice to have this place of warm people, good vibes and fresh ideas to go to.... Like a fresh spring when I'm super thirsty! <br /><br />Okay.. sorry if it sounds corny, but it's how I feel.

 

[sl1966]

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">Oh people call me Daffy</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">They think I am goony</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">Ah just because I'm happy is no sign I'm looney tooney</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">Oh when they say I'm nutsy</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">It sure gives me a pain</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">Please pass the ketchup I think it's going to rain</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">Oh you can't bounce a meatball</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">Though try with all your might</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">Ah turn on the radio I want to fly a kite</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;">Good evening friends!<br /><br /></span>

 

[twokniveskatie]

There is a sedative for that. I will track him down.

HERE, moddy, moddy, moddy.....

 

[Guest]

Yeppers, It can be treated....I will go around this way over here....you check that side....<br />Steve! hey Steve!...here's a meatball...c'mere....

 

[Journeyman]

Bri, Jack and Katie,<br /><br />I couldn't agree more with everything that has been said. <br /><br />One of the things that has kept me coming back to this site has been the fact that none of us got here because we thought like the rest of the world does. If we did we'd be living in sticks-n-bricks. We are unique and this makes us seek out those who are also unique. We are Individualists, everyone of us is different and we are Proud of it.<br /><br />This site has shown me the path that I need to take to fulfill My American Dream. One of the reasons I am seeking this lifestyle is that I can't stand people who find it self-aggrandizing to attempt to force others to their way of thinking. And the only time I don't like this site is when the bickering and insulting starts. When people start doing this they start sounding like the rest of the people out there who ridicule us for our choice in how to live our lives.<br /><br />I do not care what your political choices are, they are yours and you have as much a right to them as I do. I do not care what your ethnicity is, mine doesn't make me any more special than you are. As far as your sexual preferences go, they don't affect me so I Couldn't Care Less. And as to religion, this is America. Remember religious freedom? <br /><br />All that being said, if I wanted to fight with people about these things or listen to people deride me for disagreeing with them, I'd call my family. This site is not about politics, religion, race or sexual preferences. It is about living outside of societies norms, and how to do it, and to give and receive mental, emotional and knowledgable support to each other. These are the reasons that I am here.<br /><br />I also join you in your pledge, Thanks Bri.

 

[Journeyman]

WMH, ...a fresh spring.... I like that.<br /><br />Steve, you are just... So Coool.&nbsp;<br />and don't let them treat you. Ruuun!

 

[mockturtle]

<span id="post_message_1274950157">I don't need to beat you with my idealism, nor do I need to accept your personality's bullshit</span>

<br /><br /><em>My</em> idealism.&nbsp; <em>Your</em> bullshit.&nbsp; Hmm.&nbsp; Maybe just a <em>tad</em> self-righteous. ;-)

 

[Guest]

<span id="post_message_1274952412"><em>My</em> idealism.&nbsp; <em>Your</em> bullshit.&nbsp; Hmm.&nbsp; Maybe just a <em>tad</em> self-righteous. ;</span>

<br /><br />Thanks for sharing that MT.... not really adding to the&nbsp; conversation but hey, whose looking?.... LOL ...I don't mind being nailed, Mockturtle, and I&nbsp; admittedly all too often ride my horse of self-righteousness as Katie would say... , however, if you read the line as it is written...and in it's fullness...not taking it out of context as though you are trying to find a point to make to discount it.<br /><br />QUOTE]<span id="post_message_1274950157">I don't need to beat you with my idealism, nor do I need to accept your personality's bullshit if it is hurtful and disrespectful.</span>[/quote]<br /><br />Factoid:<br />I am told daily by certain non-idealist elements, in political discussion and in a way that is extremely dismissive....that idealism is bullshit....<br /><br />Clarifying statement:<br />I was trying to say that while I realize that you (not the personal you but the you in a general sense)&nbsp; are not interested in my idealism,...........big pause.......if you want to be hurtful and disrespectful, I will realize that it is from your personality...(different in my view from your soul or real self) and dismiss it as bullshit...claro?<br /><br />Bri

 

[gypsydreamer]

<br />edited

 

[wildmountainhoney]

Journeyman, <br /><br />If Ann wouldn't have quoted that thought from you, I would have! Right on!<br /><br />

 

[josephusminimus]

All that being said, if I wanted to fight with people about these things or listen to people deride me for disagreeing with them, I'd call my family.

<br /><br />Dennis:&nbsp; I'm blessed to have four cats to do that for me so's I don't need a family.

 

[mockturtle]

<span id="post_message_1274953606">I don't understand why people can't just live &amp; let live.</span>

<br /><br />Maybe it's because they find offense in anyone who doesn't think like they do.&nbsp;

 

[mockturtle]

That's interesting.&nbsp; Where do you live?&nbsp; I'm a Christian and, here in western WA, I have atheism shoved down my throat from every direction. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" />&nbsp; Even my 87-year old mother is a devout atheist.&nbsp; When we stay off the topics of politics and religion [something I was always taught to do, anyway!] we get along great.&nbsp; <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" />

 

[Guest]

<span id="post_message_1274953606"><br /><br />If everyone in the world shared this viewpoint, there would be a LOT less problems everywhere.<br />I don't understand why people can't just live &amp; let live.</span> <br />

<br /><br />Hi PH....good point and pretty much my original point...at least for here....I know that I am going to meet anyone who attends the RTR...I am going to sit down and have some f2f conversation and I want it to be civil and helpful....I want to be as clear and clean as I can in my motives and what I put out....will I get along with everyone...prolly not, but we prolly won't spend a lot of time together..haha. All of us on here who have stuck it out have seen how some peoples personalities just move them on.,.they aren't set up for getting along...no fault...it just doesn't work for them.<br /><br />I wonder if maybe folks who push a certain agenda are just not solid enough in their personal convictions that they need to be validated ....sometimes I feel that way.... I am fortunate enough to have a posse of&nbsp; men in my life who are on a similar enough path and I can bounce my ideas and beliefs off of and they can help me keep my feet on the ground...<br />Important grounding for me....<br />Bri

 

[josephusminimus]

<p>

For example, religion. &nbsp;I'm an Athiest, yet I have Christianity shoved down my throat from pretty much every direction I turn. &nbsp;My life has no bearing on their lives, they don't even know me. &nbsp;Why do they feel that they have the right to insist that everyone believes the same things they believe?

<br />Punkhippie:&nbsp; 'shoved down my throat's' probably too strong a term.&nbsp; Christians evangelize because it's part of their adopted belief system.&nbsp; Nowadays nobody's putting anyone in jail for not accepting it.&nbsp; Fact is, atheists can be fairly aggressive evangelizing what they believe, also.&nbsp; And Mormon's, for that matter, are working three shifts examining their family trees, baptizing the ones who weren't LDS into the religion because they believe they're doing&nbsp;a favor for them.&nbsp; Might be someone will baptize you to be a Mormon one of these days without you ever knowing it.<br /><br />But none of that is the reason people can't get along, I figures.&nbsp; Human history doesn't include many significant periods of human beings getting along with one another.<br /><br />More likely, seems to me, we don't get along with one another because we're submerged in a reality where everything has to&nbsp;feast on the carcass of something else just to stay alive.&nbsp; Even the plants.<br /><br /><br />Four Limericks on Life</p><p>He goes by the surname of Fauna<br />From the platypus to the iguana<br />He hunts and he stalks<br />And he ceaselessly talks<br />Of the death and the killing he want&rsquo;ta.</p><p>She goes by the surname of Flora.<br />She&rsquo;s plankton, she&rsquo;s trees, a plethora<br />But lives in a dread<br />Avoiding his tread<br />He&rsquo;s Sodom, he&rsquo;s death, he&rsquo;s Gomorrah!</p><p>He eats, he digests, he excretes her;<br />She&rsquo;s worried each time that he meets her.<br />It&rsquo;s not so dismaying <br />To find him decaying:<br />His syrup of nitrogen treats her.</p><p>Submerged in a hostile reality<br />Humanity flirts with finality.<br />He yearns to transcend<br />But his carnal self wins<br />And he spends all his life in banality.</p><p>From Poems of the New Old West<br />Copyright 2002, Jack Purcell<br />&nbsp;</p>

 

[Guest]

You are making me very glad I live where I do...no one tries to shove anything down my throat...<br /><br />There are some exceptions but it is&nbsp; only one brand of religion...the only one I know of that proselytizes and uses missionaries....... <br /><br />My belief system tells me that when I am healthy in my practice....I can invite anyone into my home and make tea for them...I look forward to that but it is off in the distance....a goal....<br /><br />I'd say don't even tell people what you believe or don't believe in regards to religious or spiritual practice...it really "ain't nobodies bidness but your own".<br /><br />I don't care or want to know...I don't stick signs all over my van so you know I am a Blah, blah, blah.....I am certain you don't care....<br /><br />My take is that when I am on my deathbed...and I have been there...it didn't take thanks to excellent docs and excellent science....but I found it was between me and whatever I believed, no one else is there with you as you take the last journey....if you are comfortable with your belief system and have you work here done, you can go peacefully...if not, all bets are off.<br /><br />Bri