[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

> > 

> > 

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