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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Dinah on April 21, 2011, at 10:45:29
In reply to Re: I wish I was left handed, posted by floatingbridge on April 21, 2011, at 1:52:37
I have no particular feelings about Donald Trump. If I ever feel he is a viable candidate for the presidency I might pay more attention to him.
But, in general, I don't make remarks about entire countries or citizens of countries on an internet bulletin board, particularly one not devoted to that sort of discussion, and one where citizens of that country are likely to be posting.
I guess I just figure that this is a mental health bulletin board. I find myself liking and enjoying people of all sorts of political persuasions. But I find it easier to like and enjoy people if we stay off topics that I might be offended by, or if those topics are discussed, if they are discussed with a fair amount of respect and recognition that others, others who might well be otherwise liked, might feel differently.
I do tend to be offended by statements about the U.S. or Americans. Well, I'm one of them you know. And we're hardly a monolith. And while I consider myself a moderate politically, and vote for members of either party with equal reluctance, I also tend to find myself having negative feelings toward vehement anti Republican party statements. Republicans aren't a monolith either. Those moderates of both parties tend to think in terms of issues, not of parties.
I just don't want to have negative feelings towards anyone on this board - particularly due to something that has nothing to do with the purpose of this board. It seems such a waste.
I like you very much, and I'm invested in maintaining those positive feelings.
And thank you for taking my comment in the spirit it was intended. I of course believe it can be used in situations other than potential gaucherie, so please don't think I was implying that.
Posted by floatingbridge on April 21, 2011, at 11:23:09
In reply to Re: I wish I was left handed » floatingbridge, posted by Dinah on April 21, 2011, at 10:45:29
Dinah,
Thank you very much for your respect and for your friendship.
I see now that my rant, which it was, could be read as anti-republican. I didn't realize that, so thanks for allowing me the chance to clarify. (They are all Republicans, aren't they.) I was speaking to the individual candidates. Note that I skipped Bush senior. I did not knock his competency to hold office, though I certainly didn't care for his policies. He was a superior president to my mind than his son.
Regarding the despair and outrage I do feel about the direction the US is going, I
feel that for various reasons we are in
trouble. Obama is disappointing me. I happily voted for him. I jumped to my feet and cheered when he was awarded though Nobel. Debatable as it may be, I think the conflicts our nation ingages in are not honorable in intent. The waste of lives and resources are immense. I did say this was a problem of intent and not at all one of the men and women serving.I think I explained the history of my fear
and dread reaction to Trump +president. I do not believe he is competent or broad-minded enough to handle the work. I also hold the same belief in regards to Palin. They have not, to my ear demonstrated the ability to engage in any rational discourse, the way, say, you
have.Is the Tea Party officially Republican? Well, it was not my intent to give Republicans a black eye. Gray Davis, the governor ousted by an unprecedented, underwritten campaign by Schwarzenegger may have been Republican.
The silence that fell across academia after Sept 11 was real. People lost tenure. That is less so opinion.
And that a large portion of the US population is swayed by celebrity is my opinion based on my experience.
I did write as if my exasperation and despair should be evident and excepted. That this country is monolithic was never intended, nor do I think that in the least. In fact, this country is so huge and diverse, that I feel coherence is becoming a problem. That's just another opinion.
I hope this helps. So no more politics on the social board?
Thanks Dinah, for speaking up.
Warmly,
fb
Posted by sigismund on April 21, 2011, at 13:14:59
In reply to Re: I wish I was left handed, posted by floatingbridge on April 21, 2011, at 1:52:37
See, now I've alarmed you. You were better of not Googling him. Within limits I enjoy outraging myself. It's my default position. That's what you do when you read the papers or read history. Now Chris Hedges: I keep an eye out for him. America is such a big place. I have always really enjoyed American music, especially Blues and Alternative Country. I turned on the radio yesterday and there was Eric Bib talking from Sydney and playing his music. He will be at the festival near here. He was a delight. I thought it's not so bad, there are civilised people left. It's so hard to keep a sense of proportion in this world, mainly because people are worried.
Posted by sigismund on April 21, 2011, at 17:25:04
In reply to Re: I wish I was left handed, posted by Dinah on April 21, 2011, at 8:54:43
I cut my Valium dose in half.
I'm like a bear with a sore head.
Forgive me.
Posted by floatingbridge on April 21, 2011, at 18:10:37
In reply to Re: I wish I was left handed » Dinah, posted by sigismund on April 21, 2011, at 17:25:04
sigi, it's o.k. I can poke my head up every so often. I've recovered. I need to apply the 12:00am rule: nothing leaves my keyboard after midnight :-)
Sorry you're feeling the effects of halving your dose.
I haven't gone on a wild Google spree.
Nor have I signed up to audition for a reality show.
Take care.
Posted by Phillipa on April 21, 2011, at 19:03:05
In reply to Re: I wish I was left handed » sigismund, posted by floatingbridge on April 21, 2011, at 18:10:37
FB I was once told not to watch news on TV and don't to this day. I'm dumb as an idiot when politics involved. Love Phillipa
Posted by sleepygirl2 on April 21, 2011, at 22:07:32
In reply to I wish I was left handed, posted by sleepygirl2 on April 19, 2011, at 17:08:34
I didn't mean politics ;-)
I would like to be ambidextrous :-)
Posted by floatingbridge on April 21, 2011, at 23:10:59
In reply to When I mentioned the 'left'......, posted by sleepygirl2 on April 21, 2011, at 22:07:32
Like I said, you're silly--and clever, too.
:-)
fb
(Who didn't realize I was such a 'lefty'.)
Any crafting these days?
Posted by Dinah on April 22, 2011, at 7:13:53
In reply to Re: I wish I was left handed » Dinah, posted by sigismund on April 21, 2011, at 17:25:04
Of course, Sigi.
It took me forever to taper from Klonopin. I kept taking that last quarter mg for years. Are you able to sleep?
Posted by Dinah on April 22, 2011, at 7:27:39
In reply to Re: I wish I was left handed » Dinah, posted by floatingbridge on April 21, 2011, at 11:23:09
I'm not an expert on the Tea Party. I'm sure my mother knows all the particulars, but I refuse to talk politics with her. I think that in some areas Tea Party candidates ran against traditional Republicans, while in others they run within the Republican party. I doubt that they have a big presence in the Democratic party.
All I know about Donald Trump is that he seems to like attention and publicity more than the average multi-millionaire. (Or is it billionaire? Whatever.) The Apprentice, and some sitcom appearances. I imagine he's getting plenty of attention with the sort of statement he's making.
No politics, or at least careful and respectful politics (which is easier said than done, perhaps), sounds like a good way to maintain positive feelings among a diverse group of people.
Posted by floatingbridge on April 22, 2011, at 10:58:39
In reply to Re: I wish I was left handed » floatingbridge, posted by Dinah on April 22, 2011, at 7:27:39
Btw, Dinah. I don't think I used the 's' word in my post to you.
I am really sorry to have caused you or any other poster here offense. Thanks for checking in with me.
Posted by Dinah on April 22, 2011, at 11:47:31
In reply to Re: I wish I was left handed » Dinah, posted by floatingbridge on April 22, 2011, at 10:58:39
's' word?
And I'm sorry if my post caused you offense.
Posted by floatingbridge on April 22, 2011, at 11:58:40
In reply to Re: I wish I was left handed, posted by Dinah on April 22, 2011, at 11:47:31
You know, s.o.r.r.y.
Sometimes it is the best thing to say. And to receive.
I wasn't offended. I felt more like someone was gently putting their hand on my arm at a cocktail party, like, o.k. that's enough.
I really didn't intend to Republican-bash. Mostly because I don't believe in it myself. That doesn't touch upon what seem to me more important issues.
Despite the hot potato game played around the gulf spill, that event was not caused by one party or another.
But I really do come to social for social. Thanks for caring, Dinah :-)
Posted by sigismund on April 22, 2011, at 14:56:19
In reply to Re: I wish I was left handed » sigismund, posted by Dinah on April 22, 2011, at 7:13:53
I took a little Valium and went out.
Guess who I saw?
The Blind Boys of Alabama!
They had 5000 people in the palms of their hands.
I had never thought I liked gospel much.
They were musically amazing, but it really came from their generosity and humility.
As good as Leonard Cohen. Good like that. Rapturous.
Posted by sigismund on April 22, 2011, at 15:03:39
In reply to Re: I wish I was left handed » Dinah, posted by sigismund on April 22, 2011, at 14:56:19
Well,that big man on the left is still alive.
He was something else.
Everyone seems to be dying these days.
I don't know if they are all blind. Some of them were, and one of them who was went walking through the audience, helped by someone, and touched hands with many many people.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Blind_Boys_of_Alabama
Posted by sigismund on April 22, 2011, at 15:12:57
In reply to Re: I wish I was left handed, posted by floatingbridge on April 22, 2011, at 11:58:40
Oh I started it anyway.
I'm always babbling on about politics.
Posted by sleepygirl2 on April 22, 2011, at 17:51:19
In reply to Re: When I mentioned the 'left'...... » sleepygirl2, posted by floatingbridge on April 21, 2011, at 23:10:59
Today I was sleeping, more than I should, but it felt good at the time. It's the nightly seroquel in part, and being finally off from work. Still, I should've gone outside.
I've been drawing a little, no crafting.
Posted by sigismund on April 22, 2011, at 19:00:31
In reply to Re: I wish I was left handed » sigismund, posted by floatingbridge on April 21, 2011, at 18:10:37
>Nor have I signed up to audition for a reality show.
I've seen so few of them. I did watch the first lot of Big Brother because I wanted to see how people developed likes and dislikes, and that was enough for me and didn't show me what I was interested in.
I went with a friend and our kids to the amusement park where the special house was in which it was filmed.
He greatly amused me by saying, as we walked out of that house, 'we all deserve to die'.
Posted by sigismund on April 23, 2011, at 22:08:34
In reply to Re: I wish I was left handed, posted by floatingbridge on April 22, 2011, at 11:58:40
On the subject of how I deal with whatever it is I had this conversation with my wife.
Why is the door shut?
Because I want to be on this side of the shut door away from random people who do stuff.
Am I a random person?
You are at large in the house.
So, anyway, after some more Valium (and you do need some) I saw Mavis Staples. That Gospel Civil Rights thing. She gave so much of herself, she was almost in tears, as was half the audience. I am resistant to participation, especially to suit the performer, but this was different. She was so very good, there were so many resonances and it was about something really important.
Posted by floatingbridge on April 23, 2011, at 22:58:13
In reply to Re: I wish I was left handed, posted by sigismund on April 23, 2011, at 22:08:34
sigi, before I even deal with any of the content of your past few posts, like following the link to blind Alabama boys--i haven't had time, I want to say that you are one of the very few people who can post something that causes me to truly laugh out loud. Even if it is a short chortle, like just now. You are very, very dear, who ever you are out there in the wilds of Australia.
Thank you.
I am hoping you are doing alright tonight. (Today? It's night here.)
Posted by sigismund on April 23, 2011, at 23:57:44
In reply to Re: I wish I was left handed » sigismund, posted by floatingbridge on April 23, 2011, at 22:58:13
I thought you would understand the horrors of tapering.
Posted by sigismund on April 23, 2011, at 23:59:24
In reply to Re: I wish I was left handed » sigismund, posted by floatingbridge on April 23, 2011, at 22:58:13
And thank you, of course, thank you.
Posted by Phillipa on April 24, 2011, at 0:24:09
In reply to Re: I wish I was left handed » floatingbridge, posted by sigismund on April 23, 2011, at 23:59:24
If not too intrusive which country are you currently in as your travel about with your teachings. PJ
Posted by floatingbridge on April 24, 2011, at 0:28:48
In reply to Re: I wish I was left handed » floatingbridge, posted by sigismund on April 23, 2011, at 23:57:44
> I thought you would understand the horrors of tapering.
Are you still at half dose? That seems so steep, but yes, I can cut xanax by half the first go-round. It's more difficult, the following decreases.
Are you tapering to regain effectiveness?
But you get out. That is lovely.
I think your wife must be very interesting
in her own right. Just saying because it occurred to me as I imagined her on the other side of the door.
Posted by sigismund on April 24, 2011, at 8:01:03
In reply to Re: I wish I was left handed » sigismund, posted by Phillipa on April 24, 2011, at 0:24:09
I'm in Australia, PJ. There is a music festival here with many musicians from the US, but from other places as well.
Speaking of blind blacks, I saw Gurrumul, a full blooded (I think) Aborigine from Elco Island, Arnhem Land,right at the centre of the north of Australia on the sea. He was born blind and his eyes looked white to me from the distance. He sings sweet very sad songs, rather like some island music. When he finished playing it would appear as if he was looking around somewhat impatiently. He must have been listening and turning his head. And while he did this his right leg would vibrate. He didn't say much and I wondered if he had been persuaded to leave his native land with difficulty. Some Aborigines become heartsick in this world of ours. I looked at the features of his face, so different from ours, and thought of the vile racism I grew up with ('the most primitive race in the world') and the daylight robbery that led to it (almost an entire continent). Too sad for me.
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