[meteorite-list] Matters Arising

[Thomas Webb]

Elizabeth,
Thank you for your defense of us who live in Southern USA.  I still feel a little touchy about a discussion that occurred on the list several years ago, soon after I joined, in which those of us who live in Southern USA were made fun of, and to compound it, one of those who made the most disparaging remarks works for a governmental agency and is being paid with our tax dollars!
The terms "hicks" and "rednecks" do not neccessarily equate with "unintelligent".  Some of the best thinkers I know of have been, at times,  referred to in this manner by some people from our northern states.  I'm sure constitutional attorney Sam Ervin who referred to himself as "just a country lawyer" is one of them (he lived in a town about 30 miles from me).  I think it's unfortunate that Peter used these terms to express his displeasure with the gun photos while I defend his right to show displeasure.  I live in an area of NC largely settled by Scottish Highlanders and where we have the best Highland Games in the country.  I would invite Peter and all of you to come this year, the second week in July.  I think the photos were all in fun but in retrospect those involved probably wish they had kept them private.
I will mention another term, "meteorite", just to keep this legal for the list :>).
My best,
Thomas


--- On Wed, 2/3/10, Elizabeth Warner <warnerem at astro.umd.edu> wrote:

> From: Elizabeth Warner <warnerem at astro.umd.edu>
> Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Matters Arising
> To: Meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com
> Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2010, 12:44 PM
> Hey Ya'll!
> 
> I don't know the individuals involved on either side of
> this discussion. But not all gun owners are irresponsible.
> As I'm sure not all Scots are arrogant drunkards. (See
> stereotyping can go both ways!)
> 
> And while I was not pleased to see the photos showing the
> irresponsible handling of the guns (sure, take your pics,
> keep them private, but to show them publicly??), I do
> believe in the right to bear arms!
> 
> However, I was even more taken aback by Peter's statement
> "never thought I would see the day when I would be sharing
> correspondence with "hicks" and "rednecks"!"
> 
> And what is wrong with a 'hick' or 'redneck'??
> 
> As an exchange student in Germany 20 years ago, I was
> explaining to one of my German friends what a redneck was (I
> am from the American south... South Carolina!)... And I
> started to describe it in somewhat derogatory terms....
> until her father walked in and past and I saw he had one of
> the reddest necks I've ever seen and he was a hardworking
> farmer... I managed to correct myself before I insulted
> him.
> 
> I have found that many 'hicks' and 'rednecks' are in fact
> well educated and more tolerant than Peter shows himself to
> be!
> 
> Clear Skies!
> Elizabeth
> warnerem at astro.umd.edu
> 301-405-6555
> 
> A true 'GRITS'... Gal Raised in the South!
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Galactic Stone & Ironworks wrote:
> > Hi Bernd and List,
> > 
> > I can vouch that Peter is an asset to the List and I
> would hate to see
> > him leave because some of us Americans can't keep our
> childish
> > impulses under control.
> > 
> > I currently own one gun and have owned several,
> including assault
> > weapons.  I support the right to private
> ownership of firearms.  But,
> > I also believe that all firearms should be treated
> with respect and
> > they have a proper place.  My current firearm has
> not left it's lock
> > box in over a year - and the last time it was removed
> was for a
> > cleaning.  I would be a happy man if my gun is
> never discharged or
> > brandished.
> > 
> > Again, assuming the pistol that started all of this is
> real, juvenile
> > tomfoolery with guns is not only irresponsible, but
> it's also
> > off-topic for this list.
> > 
> > Unfortunately, I will catch some flak from my fellow
> Americans for
> > stating this in public, but we are an arrogant bunch
> and we think our
> > way is always the right way.  As a whole, we have
> little consideration
> > for the cultures or beliefs of others.
> > 
> > To be sure, there are a few right-leaning List members
> who think that
> > Peter just needs to drink a Coca Cola, smoke a
> Marlboro cigarette,
> > drink a Starbucks coffee, and watch a mindless
> Hollywood 3-D movie.
> > And then Peter will realize the errors of his
> ways.  If not, we will
> > declare him a terrorist and bomb Scotland. 
> Problem solved.
> > 
> > ;)
> > 
> > Best regards,
> > 
> > MikeG
> > 
> > 
> ______________________________________________
> Visit the Archives at http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html
> Meteorite-list mailing list
> Meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com
> http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
>