I did not anticipate that the Alaskan topic would get into such a political rant and excuse for voicing anti-whatever attacks. It seems every war is built on the mistakes of the previous war. It is too much to hope that politicians would learn from those mistakes, but I would think that analysts of previous wars would be less inclined to think irrationally.
It was not your faught the thread went off course. I thougt it was a very good what if that took a bad turn along the way.
I appreciate the sentiment Seadog, but an apology is certainly not required. You started a thread which was quite interesting, and others drove the way of stupidity. They were duly sanctioned by the OKF. In the future, I will be a lot less patient with bickering. So many other boards fall victim to this type of garbage, I certainly won't let it happen here. You'd think with all this recent talk of the PanzerPenguin people would use a lot more of their brains before they post.
I would like to underline the fact here that this site is healthy, not only because most members care not to offend other members but also because of the united straight line of our administrators. Although I did not participate in the closed threads because, I was offended by some of things I read, I soon found out that many members on this site are fine people. I am glad to realise this site is based on a community with mostly tolerant people. I would particulary like to thank Peppy, Martin and Otto for their fair, but strict and diplomatical reactions, Za Rodini for his sense of Humor that no one can beat, Stefan for his straight franc and fair posts and many others. Sorry, if I forgot to name some of my other friends (may I call you so?) because there are to many of them. As a conclusion. I will continue my modest contributions to this forum.
The pity is that just as the events following WWI, created WWII, so did events from WWII created our lives today. There were many ways that our nations have made sensible decisions which came back to haunt us in the future. Several good points were made, some in bad manner. The effect on indigenous tribes and whether or not a Jewish homeworld that did not include Jeruselum would be supported, were two interesting points. Such is life.
While I doubt it is necessary, I'll add that my only entry on this thread was meant as much tougne in cheek as anything. It was not in any way racist. Yes, it was harsh on Arab culture, but then, in my opinion, rightly so. I probably should just start totally avoiding these topics to keep the sh*t strorms to a minimum. It is too bad that too many want to avoid legitimate debate by using what are essentially juvenille and pedantic tactics to avoid any degree of real rebuttal or what they perceive as opposed positions.
And we are truly glad to have you Skipper67 :S! I think we have a great Forum because we have a great number of solid members, and an occasional freaky member or two, who we deal with astutely I think. In my opinion, these types of outbreaks are just that; outbreaks rather than the norm. Which is a very good thing. Peppy >>> is proud to be a member
My conscience and my conviction is my judge first and foremost, thus I feel I have nothing to apologize for. It seems my traditional right-wing views are appreciated by few on this forum. So be it. I do promise, however, that my future posts will not get off the beaten path and into my own personal dogmas to the point of creating slugging match arguments. That is all I have to say.
As it appears I have been stigmatized by a few of my recent posts, so I would like to clear up a few things. Firstly, although my personal beliefs regarding homosexuality and illicit drug use in view of my Christian faith has not changed, I would like to say that my statement to Peppy was unecessarily brunt and I should not have made the comment. Secondly, with regard to Za Rodinu I made no personal attack on him. My response was clearly meant to show my disdain for having been put on the same level with the Bakers. To insinuate that, while not even knowing me, I could be this type of Christian was offensive to me. Furthermore, my posts regarding American Indians reached a point of outright aggression with Amrit and these petty entries should never have made their way onto the forum. Additionally, my post aimed at discrediting French policy was out of place here as well. Finally, as I have found this forum to be an invaluable source for information which has helped me throughout my acedemic career it is not in my interest to alienate myself from the help and input of other more authoritative members. Thus, it is my hope that you all, having sensed a degree of humility from me, will no longer shun me from debates and information requests. Thank you.
Wilconqr, it takes a strong man to admit his mistakes and even a stronger man to have an open mind! It's ok that some of the discussions get so intense, it just means that our members are passionate about history. I always enjoy reading comments that are from another viewpoint and appreciate it when they are open to others'.
Goshdang it, I miss out on everything by being gone just a few days. Ahhhh, you people with computers have all the fun! ;-))
Wilconqr, I appreciate what you just said. You love your country (which I love too by the way), just as I love mine. Your convictions are your own and your latest post deserves respect. Whether people have different opinions or not, is another issue. To the "Country of the Free" from the "Country of the Rights of Men".
Trouble said it all. I have put my foot in my mouth more than once, admitted the sin and moved on. We are family here so don't worry about it. You still have my respect as I respect everyone here. Cheers.
I'm glad so many people came forward and showed that they prefer a civil website to a surly one. Thanks to everyone for the words of support and thanks especially to wilconqr for having the stones to make things right, and do it publicly. I guess I'm not the only one who feels this way --->