BG: Feuds, Peace & Trolls

[Renee']

"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."         - Edmund Burke   I don't have much of a problem speaking up when I feel defensive and ...I must say I'm feeling edgy. This took me a *long* time to pray about, think about and word correctly.  Please...  bare with me or delete me if you must.  (it'll be over quicker than you think)   I'm defensive of friends, defensive of what is acceptable and not acceptable.  Defensive of Dr.Stanley and the CMB's email group and the good name of a *great culture.   I've been praying about what scourging is happening here.  I've never seen such combativeness on a list so quickly, but that shows me that the devil is fighting something that is good.   I just got off of the phone with my Dad, a Stanley first and a Retired Airforceman second and the quote above was my answer and will be my release.   I'm going to speak my "opinion" as an attempt to help restrain some problem  seekers.  This group is a blessing to each of us if used respectfully.    I  was brought up to be *strong* and not  cowardice.  To stand UP for those being wronged, not just selfishly myself.  I have immense respect for my fellow man, I have great respect for our servicemen, (especially the 'Nam vets who were not honored as they should have been/ should be for their service)  and I have greater respect for my country and my personal heritage. I come from a military family dating back generations and up to present day Iraq  and...... I am an American Mountain-rooted  Girl !! I am humbled by it and proud of it at the same time.   I am afraid our Bluegrass group is being trolled. Let me explain ....  please.   On-line, there are people with combative, debating personalities whom are referred to as "trolls".   Some come off nice... at times... with sarcastic ("passive-aggressive"/ "can't you take a joke??") personalities.  They maliciously claw, then claim it as a joke. Trolls get some unknown jolly from "flaming" people and toying with good e-mail groups.  Some "trolls" may do it for a good "blog" (a stale, arrogant diary) or radio program entertainment in small, bored stations.  Who knows why,  except our "big brother" (Federal Investigators) who have satellites for just these sorts.  Keeping them in check and making sure they are truly harmless cowards.   Don't mix trolls up with straight out mean-spirited people who are mad at the world. We already can see those clearly and usually hear them loudly.       I have a GOOD God-given instinct and I smell a troll.  At first, my long hair got knotted because I felt  personally attacked and disrespected.  Now I see that "flame" aimed toward a humble Coffee- Maker who helped sum up "Southern Hospitality" and honorable upbringings pretty doggone well a couple of days ago and who recently subtly defended 'Nams servicemen.  It was soft-spoken and heeding wisdom.  Thank you Harry.  You are a true gentleman.   I see someone instigating potential arguements in the name of "civil debates".  Oh Huh!!  My foot!   I took offense for our 'Nam Servicemen who may be on this list, who risked their lives and health to serve our country.  All in one bloated statement that merely started out with a simple 'folk singers' discussion.   He stepped over the chalk mark.   I am a Stanley and I'm asking that the Moniter and/or Moderator of Dr.Stanley's & the CMB's site *read over* the past posts   Please allow YOUR instinct to tell you what is right, and what is *wrong*.  What is acceptable and what is not.  And please.... make it clear.  This list is finally coming alive again and has a great deal to offer us who sit "in the lawnchairs, admiring (or playing) Bluegrass Music." together.  (real Mountain Music too)   I personally will NOT discuss politics with anyone because I want *Peace*.  There is enough feuding in the world and this subject always inflames barriers.  I also do not get personal kicks out of public feuding in cowardly (on-line) debates. It makes me sad and I'd druther not be. So please,  respect the ideals of many here who only want a *Fun, Knowledged, Peacable Bluegrass Friendship* group of people ... technologically sitting in a lawn chair together.      The first quote says my feelings, I can not sit idly by and watch good people be disrespected.  I can not watch Dr.Stanley's site be mamed by selfish errogance.   For HIS sake, please refrain and behave. Please.   In respect of HIM and ALL of us!!    I'm sorry this was long (again).  I want my words to come out right as not to offend the innocent. I am truly humbled and thank you for letting me say my peace.   Renee' Stanley-Scheffler     "Love seeketh not itself to please, Nor for itself hath any care. But for another gives its ease, And builds a Heaven in hell's despair."                             Sir Robert Browning