Apologies . .

Subject: Apologies . .
From: GeorgeH
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 07:36 AM

If I've ignored something significant of yours, or dropped out of an argument/discussion with you. Time is pressing at the moment (unlikely to improve, too!) so I'm only managing to dip into Mudcat. If you feel there's a reply of yours that I really ought to acknowledge then please feel free to point me at it via a "personal message" or an email [george dot hawes at san dot com].

And while on the apologies kick - equally, I'm sorry if I've offended anyone at any point. It seems to me that Mudcat is a set of arguments/discussions between friends, and while I'm inclined to be forthright in how I set out my opinions (sorry, I don't see the point in hedging views with an excess of pretty decorations, or - most of the time - merely hinting at what I want to say). Even if I accuse you of talking nonsense that's an attack on what you've said, not on you yourself. And I'm all too aware I've spouted my own share of nonsense in my time!

Regards and - in case I forget - seasons greetings to all those who welcome being greeted seasonally at this time of year!

With love and respect,

George

Subject: RE: Apologies . .
From: Neil Lowe
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 07:50 AM

.....no one should ever have to apologize for being a straight shooter, George. At times It's good to know exactly where one stands.

Season's Greetings, Neil

Subject: RE: Apologies . .
From: Micca
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 08:00 AM

even if it IS in the fertilizer up to ones ears!!
all the Best George, and Yule and the new Year

Subject: RE: Apologies . .
From: Mbo
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 08:03 AM

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to GeorgeH, my ol' nemesis, may many more heated arguments among friends come in the new year!

--Cheers, Mbo

Subject: RE: Apologies . .
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 09:00 AM

Merry Christmas George.
Santa asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I said "Some of George's courage. To be more open & honest with my opinion as George seems to be with his."

Little Neo

Subject: RE: Apologies . .
From: Big Mick
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 09:27 AM

Hey George..........I am probably the original Irish Republican/Nationalist, or at least one of the most vocal here on the 'Cat. I have always found your posts to be to the point, and substantiated by the facts as you see them. No slogans, no rhetoric.......just straight up arguments based on solid information. While I may disagree with your interpretation of those facts a good deal of the time, I find you to be an example of what is best about our little global cyber village. And your admiration of Ireland and things Irish comes through very clearly. Hard to dislike or be offended by a man like than. In fact, I admire you...............Even if you are wrong a good deal of the time.........LOL. Stay exactly as you are, my friend. We are all better for having you here. Happy Christmas to you and yours.

Big Mick

Subject: RE: Apologies . .
From: Áine
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 09:53 AM

Dear George,

I agree with all of the above folks. Your opinions are welcome and always interesting, even when not agreed with. Good grief, if everyone always agreed about everything, wouldn't we all be bored to tears?

Have a very safe and happy holiday, and come back and bug us real soon!

-- Áine

Subject: RE: Apologies . .
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 12:10 PM

Hmmmm, since this thread says nothing about future apologies, maybe I'll just sneak in and apologise for any troubling things I may say in 2000.(don't worry, there'll be specific ones when needed as well)
But Jeez, I hope nobody really feels the need to apologise about being honest.
Anyway I'll probably offend those who love to take offence at the drop of an adverb. I mean well. I'm sorry. Happy holidays. And I'll try not to be a whiney titty baby
Rick

Subject: RE: Apologies . .
From: paddymac
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 12:29 PM

Responsive seasonal felicitations to you, George. It's far more fun, and productive, to duel with words than sabers. I love to disagree with you, and always find myself a bit perplexed when I find us in agreement. Please do continue to pop in when you can. We will miss your ascerbic and thought provoking commentary.

Subject: RE: Apologies . .
From: Art Thieme
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 12:40 PM

George, I don't remember you! Have we talked before? On what topics? Why do you think you've been offensive? As Vince Lombardi used to say (George Halas too), Games are won by defense !!

Art

Subject: RE: Apologies . .
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 01:24 PM

Oh all the money that e'er I had
I spent it in good company
And all the harm that ever I had
And all I've said for want of wit
To mem'ry now I can't recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all.

But I hope we aren't going to lose you George. Anybody who got offended by anything I've seen you write doesn't belong in here. Disagreeing with it, even getting annoyed that's another mattter.

Happy Christmas anyway. And I apologise to George, and everyone else for anything I've said that should have been said better. And for my spelling at times, and my misuse of the blue clicky thing, which always seems to keep going wrong with me.

Subject: ADD: A Pilgrim's Way (Kipling)
From: Jeri
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 02:02 PM

There is a song Cockersdale sing. (Magnificently) The words are by Rudyard Kipling, tune by Peter Bellamy. I got the words from Poet's Corner

A Pilgrim's Way

I DO not look for holy saints to guide me on my way,

Or male and female devilkins to lead my feet astray.

If these are added, I rejoice---if not, I shall not mind,

So long as I have leave and choice to meet my fellow-kind.

For as we come and as we go (and deadly-soon go we!)

The people, Lord, Thy people, are good enough for me!

Thus I will honour pious men whose virtue shines so bright

(Though none are more amazed than I when I by chance do right),

And I will pity foolish men for woe their sins have bred

(Though ninety-nine per cent. of mine I brought on my own head).

And, Amorite or Eremite, or General Averagee,

The people, Lord, Thy people, are good enough for me!

And when they bore me overmuch, I will not shake mine ears,

Recalling many thousand such whom I have bored to tears.

And when they labour to impress, I will not doubt nor scoff;

Since I myself have done no less and---sometimes pulled it off.

Yea, as we are and we are not, and we pretend to be,

The people, Lord, Thy people, are good enough for me!

And when they work me random wrong, as oftentimes hath been,

I will not cherish hate too long (my hands are none too clean).

And when they do me random good I will not feign surprise.

No more than those whom I have cheered with wayside charities.

But, as we give and as we take---whate'er our takings be---

The people, Lord, Thy people, are good enough for me!

But when I meet with frantic folk who sinfully declare

There is no pardon for their sin, the same I will not spare

Till I have proved that Heaven and Hell which in our hearts we have

Show nothing irredeemable on either side of the grave.

For as we live and as we die---if utter Death there be---

The people, Lord, Thy people, are good enough for me!

Deliver me from every pride---the Middle, High, and Low---

That bars me from a brother's side, whatever pride he show.

And purge me from all heresies of thought and speech and pen

That bid me judge him otherwise than I am judged. Amen!

That I may sing of Crowd or King or road-borne company,

That I may labour in my day, vocation and degree,

To prove the same in deed and name, and hold unshakenly

(Where'er I go, whate'er I know, whoe'er my neighbor be)

This single faith in Life and Death and to Eternity:

``The people, Lord, Thy people, are good enough for me!''

Rudyard Kipling

Subject: RE: Apologies . .
From: GeorgeH
Date: 14 Dec 99 - 06:29 AM

Folks, you are too kind . . I am much moved. Yes, I'll keep coming back; just wish I could do things justice.

How's progress on the 48-hour day?

G.

Subject: RE: Apologies . .
From: Wurkman
Date: 14 Dec 99 - 09:48 AM

for Mcgrath of Harlow. The Parting Glass is one of the finest songs ever. But I don't have all the words. If you do, could you pass them on if you have time? I'd be really pleased to have the full text.

Subject: RE: Apologies . .
From: Áine
Date: 14 Dec 99 - 10:25 AM

Dear Wurkman,

Here's a link to one of the many sites with the lyrics for The Parting Glass.

-- Áine

Subject: RE: Apologies . .
From: Áine
Date: 14 Dec 99 - 10:28 AM

And Here's another one. (different version)

Subject: RE: Apologies . .
From: Wurkman
Date: 14 Dec 99 - 12:26 PM

Aine ‹ you're a star. Thanks. Wurkman

Subject: RE: Apologies . .
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 14 Dec 99 - 12:45 PM

Truly said.

But I've got a theory (I've airedit in a thread begore) that this is actually a pre-hanging song. I reckon it's some felon having a drink with his friends the night before he gets strung up.

Lends whole different touch to the words ""Since it falls unto my lot that I should rise and you should not." Gallows humour.

Subject: RE: Apologies . .
From: Wurkman
Date: 15 Dec 99 - 12:16 PM

That's a good theory McG. If I get to perform the song, I will preface it with your suggestion and see what comes back.

Subject: RE: Apologies . .
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 15 Dec 99 - 04:23 PM

Jeri, great post of the Kipling poem. It works so well for Mudcat--and for life.

--seed

Subject: RE: Apologies . .
From: Davey
Date: 15 Dec 99 - 04:28 PM

Just looked over some of your posts, George, and you've not a thing to apologize for. This place thrives on spirited and sometimes controversial discussion, and as long as anyone's posts don't become personal and attacking then I'm all for it.

So have a wonderful season, whatever it is you're celebrating, and the same to all you other wonderful Mudcatters out there.

Davey... (:>)