Posted by mashogr8 on July 25, 2002, at 18:02:11
In reply to happiness » mashogr8, posted by beardedlady on July 23, 2002, at 17:52:30
> You are no more responsible for the happiness of others than they are responsible for yours. And who says happiness is everyone else's goal? Maybe we just want to be intelligent or no longer depressed or thoughtful or wild.
>beardy, Thank you for your response. I have been thinking it over for a few days because you gave me something more to think about. (Uh-0h I wish About were not a preposition; it feels so right to type and talk that way. In time, maybe it'll be all right and accepted as slightly wrong/slang even). Anyway, I think you had some good points. I know I am not responsible for making people happy. But I do believe that I could be responsible for making them unhappy. If we, as individuals, are not cognizant of other people, injustice could prevail. You are absolutely correct that what is wrong should and maybe even must be corrected.
I look at happiness as the opposite of depression and, wrongfully, assume that anyone else depressed wants blessed (using as a swear, not religiously) peace and happiness also. When all are happy, I feel I have done my job. If not, then there are rights to be addressed and corrected. Addressing the rights, or lack of, or favoritism, etc. is important. Bringing it to the attention of others is a duty willfully and appropriately taken upon oneself. The "harm" is reported. Discussions are held. Someone has the authority to make and uphold a decision. Individuals respond pro or con. More talk and persuasive statements for both sides; yet, the ruler rules. When a decision is rendered by the one in control, it can again be debated but at what cost? I see definite sadness, even feelings of betrayal. The issue to me is a decision has been made. (Just like our town meeting. $550K was arbitrarily cut from the school budget just to keep a cap on at 3.5% -- that amounts to about $50 a year to a homeowner of $175K home. The crippling effect of that cut sure doesn't make sense to me. If you can't afford the $50 ask for a variance. Maybe you will get it, that's good. Maybe you won't, then get a quorum and change the amount). I think that is what posters have done here. Points were heard and well-expresed but PB is not necessarily democratic and the vote went the other way. (By the way, for the most part, from what I have read, both sides are right). It's just that one side has the final say. I think I can never fully understand the feelings of all on this issue. I WILL defend your right to say what you think, but I worry for sanity of the posters because most seem so unhappy and betrayed. That's the part I want so ardently to change. I am powerless.
>In line with the goals of this board, I'd support you in your quest to be happy. But if my goal here isn't happiness, couldn't you support me by allowing me to correct what I see as injustices or just bad grammar?What I do feel is that continuing to discuss and trying to change the final decision is prolonging the hurt and redirecting energy that could be used in other ways (That I realize is not what 'you' might think). Your zeal, I feel, and that of others, is what makes you a survivor so far. Sometimes, recognition of the opportunity to present a side is just as important as having the decision be in your (general, not you in particular) 'favor'. I really do support your attempts to correct those things which are not or might not be correct or just. It's just that I ache and I do mean ache when so much discord and unhappiness is revealed. Can you feel my pain too?
Thoughts and words should definitely not be unspoken because it is painful to me. It's just that I don't see that the leader is going to agree with you. I wish I could be next to you to hug you and say you're right. You should be listned to and action should be taken in your favor. I want everyone to be happy. I just don't see that happening unless there are two blue moons in one month. I DO support you. I just wish everyone's needs were met.
Peace,
MAPS I actually enjoy grammatical challenges. Grammar definitely follows rules.
poster:mashogr8
thread:6370
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020725/msgs/6758.html