I'll tell you a story Mr. Zero, and it will be my last comment in this forum.
Back in the early '40s there was a young man who was starting to make a name for himself as a minor league pitcher on a farm team for the Boston Red Sox. His career was interrupted by WWII, and when he came home from Europe enough of his edge was gone to keep him from making the major leagues. He went to work for a cousin installing duct work under houses and took care of his parents until they passed away. He was a soft spoken man, never given to boasting. He always treated others with the utmost courtesy and respect. He was kind to animals and children, was always polite and considerate to strangers, and treated views other than his own with a fine sense of justice. At the age of 54 he married a woman with three children and always treated them as if they were his own. One day after several years of marriage, his wife was going through an old bureau and found a letter of commendation to him signed by General Eisenhower for bravery above and beyond the call of duty. When she asked about it, and why he'd never mentioned it, his comment was, "It was war time, and it was just something which needed to be done.".
I have the honor of being one of those three children. In the 33 years I've known this man, he has earned my unconditional regard, not through claims to fame he could make to past deeds, but as a result of his living each and every day as a person worthy of respect. I don't consider myself to be his equal, but a great deal of what I know about honor I learned from him.
You Mr. Zero, by your conduct, have not earned my respect. I refuse to participate in an open forum under threats or conditions imposed by persons such as yourself, whom I do not hold in high regard. If you have served our country in the past, as you claim, that is certainly something you may take pride in. If you wish to earn the respect of your fellows today, I would suggest you review your conduct and ask yourself if you are worthy of respect. |
