Name:   MAJ USA RET - Subject:   even the dull and the ignorant have their story Date:   8/25/2019 2:36:05 PM

Firstly, I usually do not log in when I want to see what’s being discussed on the LMF.

Secondly, if the name calling and personal degradation are at all shrill, I surely do not log on and comment. If I can’t make my point without disparaging other writers, then I doubt my observation/commentary has any validity or reliability.

If you jump into a food fight armed only with logic and reason, you will soon find yourself covered in mashed potatoes.

I would never post anything that I would not say publically… or in a face-to-face debate. If I desire you to convince me enough to change my mind, I need to show you some respect… and I must earn yours.

If your premise is unsupportable by your presentation… then it is incumbent upon me to listen respectfully… and then move on quietly… without impugning your integrity. I was once a private (E-1). My premise is: If you don’t know how to talk to a private, then you are not qualified to talk to a general.

“…As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

“Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,

“even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

“Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.

“If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter,

“for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself…”

-- Desiderata; Max Ehrmann

If I am wrong, I desire to be corrected… but, not by someone who is convinced I am wrong merely because it’s their opinion. I prefer to be educated by scientists, engineers, and historians… and farmers and crusty old people... NOT by journalists and politicians.

- LMF Curmudgeon