I cannot claim to be one of the original members of the board. But AuburnFootball and any of you who can should be proud of what it has become. It may not be what you envisioned but I thank you, as I know others do.
I try not to talk politics and religion with my real world friends. I use you guys for that. Life is a lot simpler and I keep a lot more friends that way. I
have enough drama and chaos managing my life and the discontent of a dozen health care workers.
I may actually meet some of you guys/gals someday and that would be great but I didn't join the board to make new friends.
I know it's hard to believe but my views are not mainstream in south Alabama...I provide service to the public sector. It would not be conducive to my
personal and financial well being to run around spouting my liberal opinions in this little place. Every now and then something has slipped out and usually
there are consequences. So I mostly bite my tongue
As you can see, the cage is an outlet for me....a coping mechanism of a sort.
If that is a misuse of the board....and the Cage specifically, I offer my apologies....but I will not promise a change I can't keep.
As the country has become more polarized, the board has reflected this divide. A posted opinion on a controversial topic usually elicits a rebuttal. The level of interest in a topic can be gauged by the number of hits and responses. With the cursor preview, there is usually no need to even enter threads that are of no personal interest.
The political season is over. I imagine the number of threads concerning such will diminish somewhat now. Seems they already have. But these are trying times we face. Important, historic events are occurring in our country and the interest level is high. Addressing current issues, while not always creating a jovial atmosphere, should not be a problem. I know it's not for me. My skin is a little thicker than that.None of us are professional journalists. One must remember that nuance and sarcasm are easily lost and intention easily misunderstood with simply the
written word. Look at how we interpret the second amendment differently....and I daresay, in the art of writing of clear, concise prose....none of us come
close to expertise the framers possessed.
Disagreement is expected....misunderstanding, a given.
If someone disagrees and attacks my opinion, that is their right...and actually the reason I posted my opinion in the first place....to see how others felt. It's not a reason for me to get upset. It shouldn't guarantee my vicious reply. I put it out there for a reason.
If someone attacks me personally, because of my opinion....that shows their extreme lack of intelligence.
Given, personal attacks and name calling may be harder to ignore but they don't know me and I don't know them. They've never met me in person. What
they say about me or call me is trivial. Please don't mistake me for someone who gives a sh!t.
Now, if I knew you and you called me an ignorant ba$tard on the board, the next time we met we would have a slight situation to deal with.
While some opinions stated here are truly difficult for me to believe....some that are the polar opposite of my thinking.... I don't get really angry at
computer personalities on a message board.....exasperated yes, frustrated yes, but not mad. Not saying I haven't posted in anger...I have...but I can't
truly loose my temper if I don't know you and can't see your face.
Once the occasional new chronic poster is realized, (there are many who try.......and die) they are usually greeted warmly and allowed passage. Their ideas and opinions can be freely expressed....but rest assured, they best be able to back it up....cause someone here will call them on it....there ain't no free rides in the cage.
You wanna post your views and opinions unopposed?
No prob...but it ain't gonna happen here. Just go to one of the pathetic boards where every little robot thinks and acts the same.
The diversity of our great country is exemplified on this little board.
Pathetic?
Hell no.....I think this place is phuckin great!!!
Bradley. Great post. I read the Cage frequently, but I don't get too involved. I like seeing the different views. I actually have someone at work and
she knows I am pretty conservative, but I can't even have a work related conversation with her without her bringing up politics. She even said she wanted
all Republicans to die...a little too far IMO.
