Greg F - Here's how I read this - Will and I were ahving a vicious difference of opinion and without word one in your direction you said this:

"Oh yeah, Right. Poor, poor Snortin' Norton- proponent of the 'Vee know vere you live! You haff relatives in Germany?' school of thuggism. He might try coming across as less of a loud-mouthed schoolyard bully. Sixty years old going on thirteen.

Also, he could try explaining to the members of his family overseas that most folks who are against how the troops are being USED by BuShite Junta don't have any animosity towards the soldiers and sailors themselves and hope they all get back in one piece. Perpetuating the "anti-war = anti-troops" fantasy BS only serves to widen the divide."

Still no reply to you Mr. F but this:

Members of the Marines are incompletely educated about the history of the Corps. In addition to truly heroic efforts, it has been the perpetrator of some truly shameful actions as the shock troops of U.S. imperialism, historically invading foreign countries upon any pretext or whim of the U.S. Government or U.S economic interests. For example:

It would be a real service were they made aware of their entire history- the good AND the bad. They could still be the few and the brave, but possibly a bit less hubristicly proud. t might also provide them with some insight into why much of the world doesn't trust the U.S."

As if the Marines are responsible for our failed overseas policy.

Then this from yourself Mr. F (inresponse to a couple of others who suggested you might tone it down a bit):

"Must the sins of fathers be borne by their children?

Not at all. But the MEMORY of those sins should be kept alive.
Imparts a sense of perspective, cuts down the tendency toward self-righteousness and helps to keep future generations from actiing like complete jackasses." I don't think my children are jackasses. And still nothing towards you from me.

Then you made this comment: "I would observe that Norton's pride must be a frail and fragile thing of little substance indeed if it can be so easily undermined, as you maintain, by my posting of a few facts."

And I still have said nothing to you or about you.


Maybe I'm missing something here Greg F. Please let me know what it is. With one notable exception everyone on that thread and I made our peace. Tempers flare and we all, yes myself included, say things out of emotions without aforethought. So far in that thread it's been a one-sided deal. Just yourself.

And then - "And what precisely are Norton's ranting postings and personal attacks designed to do? I'm sure he appreciates you running to his defense. I rather assumed the rugged, two-fisted, cock-on-a-dunghill, foul-mouthed, thump-anyone-who-disagrees-with-me leatherneck he makes himself out to be would be able to take care of himself. Is this not the case?"

Still nothing towards you sir except a vaugue reference to you and Will as representative of the peaceful side.

Oh I get it!! It was when the Marines came over and raised cain! I see - it's not an apology that I owe you - it's one I owe the Mudcat. I still apologise to you for whatever it is that I did - it's vaugue due to no specific reference but the bitter language you used towards me with no provocation. And I do not intend to start it again.

I am apologising to you. Be well Greg F. And I'll do the public apology to the Cat -

Steve