After initiating a very sensitive thread, I noticed a marked change in the ambiance of the forum. The postings seemed a little more guarded or reserved, and it was as if a certain amount of tension between some members had been introduced. Maybe it was purely coincidental, but if in fact I am partly responsible for a nasty and unjustified turn toward what some perceive as disrepect, intolerance, or disregard for another's feelings, thoughts, or beliefs as exhibited on this forum, then I am truly sorry and I make a public apology to all who were unfairly affected or offended by the content of that thread. Rest assured that was not my intent. My personal feeling is that it would be delusional of me to think that anything I throw out here in the way of a comment or post has any significance or relevance to anyone but me, and I would be surprised, for various reasons, if the opposite were true.

I have mixed emotions about the outcome of that thread (to which I will not refer out of respect to the members of this forum who may have been offended or made nervous by the content). On the one hand I am not altogether remorseful for bringing to the fore an issue which obviously revived some very painful memories for some, for the denouement of that exchange stands as a testament to the strength of this virtual community and the commitment that its members have to dealing humanely with each other. That, in my opinion, was a very positive and reaffirming example of how people can conduct themselves when confronting potentially explosive and divisive topics.

On the other hand I regret that the subject of that thread made some people nervous and had the potential to instill feelings of disparity instead of togetherness. If friends parted from that thread as enemies, then I will consider that I have done fellow Mudcatters a great disservice.

Regardless, InOBU and Big Mick deserve thanks and appreciation for sharing their perspectives and well researched wealth of information to back up their viewpoints. Their posts were educational and informative. Blackcat2 and Don Meixner have my gratitude for understanding the original intent of the thread and saying so better than I could. LEJ, Peter T., and Rick Fielding, men whom I've come to admire and respect via this forum - thanks as always for posting (sometimes reluctantly) your eloquent and thoughtful viewpoints. Hasek - Given the express intent and purpose of this forum, it is an honor that you consider the thread to have inspired you to finish a creative musical endeavor. That may have been one of the better things spawned from the discussion. Paddymac deserves mention for taking precious time to post reference material for those who were interested in exploring further. And to all the rest who, for whatever reason, felt compelled to express their thoughts, thank you. Overall, I feel that it was a very enlightening experience, "in the best tradition of the 'Cat," as 'Spaw said.

Finally, to Steve Latimer - with whom I've never had the privilege to correspond directly, but from following his posts I surmise that in musical tastes we are kindred spirits: I regret it considerably if my musings on a controversial subject caused a resurrection of decidedly painful and bitter feelings. Please accept my apologies.

Sincerely,

Neil Lowe