 sj |
||
|
||
The Decency of the 'Cat
|
|
|
Subject: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Amos Date: 12 Feb 03 - 08:18 PM The Mudcat Community is populated most of all with people who are decent. In the thousands of times I have come here looking for lyrics, looking for laughs and looking for a sign of life on the planet, I have never failed to be touched by the fact that the people of the ?Cat are what I can only call ?good people?. This means a number of things to me, It means people who are interested in an open exchange of points of view. It means people who share a love for the magic that happens when they hear singing, and when they sing themselves. It means people who are generally more willing to be plain and straightforward than they are in need of being fancy, special or egoistical. It means people who will find the time to help other people for no other reason than it seems like a good thing to do. It means people who will go out of their way to help others find answers to questions, to share lessons learned, to make each other laugh, to provide comfort and support in hard times, to cheer the wins and celebrate the good times. It means people who are willing to sit down at their keyboard and put their minds to work on behalf of community. It often means people who will drive for long distances to share music or provide help. It means people who will often go out of their way to make an environment that is safe for others. All these elements are part of what I call the ?decency? of the folks who come here to share songs and swap stories and tell jokes and ponder the tough puzzles of life with each other. I have seen this quality coming to the fore here over, and over, and over again, even when the temptations to do otherwise were plentiful and blatant. And I think this is an observation worthy of recording, and perhaps pointing to from time to time when the invitations to lesser forms of conduct come knocking. This is a truly decent place, and I love it. A |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Don Firth Date: 12 Feb 03 - 08:21 PM Amen! Don Firth |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Mr Happy Date: 12 Feb 03 - 08:25 PM 'the Cat' aka 'the kitty' [in uk] life's not like a sewer! life's like a kitty- the more you put in, the more you get out!! thanks for that Amos, regards, Mr H |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Neighmond Date: 12 Feb 03 - 08:26 PM Speaker, oh speaker! I second the motion! I call for a tally to see who agrees! If any amongst us has a contrary notion Sit in for awile, and our good side you'll see! Chaz |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Mr Happy Date: 12 Feb 03 - 08:27 PM you're on a winner there Amos! |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: wysiwyg Date: 12 Feb 03 - 08:28 PM I dunno how you can call it decent, what with them photo calendars an' all. :~) ~S~ |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 12 Feb 03 - 08:30 PM That seems to go for most people, regardless of which side they come down on over disagrements. Perhaps a lot of us save the nicer side of us for the Mudcat - which is the other way round from a lot of places on the Internet. |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Rick Fielding Date: 12 Feb 03 - 08:42 PM Of course it's decent. And if it's politics in general seem quite liberal to some, that's 'cause we've come here (at first) for FOLK MUSIC!! I dare say if it was a "Vikings Appreciation and Chat" site, or "Wagner vas a Vimp" forum, those of conservative bent would find a few more kindred souls. But it ain't. Nope, A LOT of Mudcatters question authority, a lot of folks are pretty scared at the moment, AND feelings are running high....but decency? Of course. I'm not talking about the four or five 'whackballs',.....we've got far fewer than ANY of the other sites. Cheers Rick |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Mr Happy Date: 12 Feb 03 - 08:46 PM 'whack balls!',.....OUCH!! |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Bobert Date: 12 Feb 03 - 08:49 PM Right on, Amos... I tried to make this point on the "angry, rage" thread but you have done it very well. Hey, I don't know what goes on at other sites other than Tweedsblues but thats more like a few folks hanging on the corner compared to this joint. Hey, given the times, I think we've held up right well. Civil for the most part. Okay, I might get a tad roudy at times but I respect allmost everyone here... Bobert |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Mudlark Date: 12 Feb 03 - 09:24 PM Thanks, Amos, for stating it so well...and count yourself high among like-minded decent folk. You fit the criteria. |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Mark Clark Date: 12 Feb 03 - 09:37 PM Yup. |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: SINSULL Date: 12 Feb 03 - 09:43 PM HEear Hear...or here here...you know, what Amos said... |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Dave Swan Date: 12 Feb 03 - 09:47 PM Right again, Amos. D |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Tinker Date: 12 Feb 03 - 09:51 PM Thank you Amos. Thank you Mudcat. Thank you all. Tinker |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Jerry Rasmussen Date: 12 Feb 03 - 09:59 PM I find everything you say to be true, Amos. People may get very outspoken around here, but it is rarely directed personally at someone. I think that when tempers start to flare, people do admirably well in restraining themselves. But, it's not just a lack of nastiness. It's a genuine good-will and gnerosity that makes this place run. And you are one of the finest men here, Amos... don't get me started on picking the top ten.. but you'd be in there.. Jerry |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Amos Date: 12 Feb 03 - 10:19 PM Aw geeze, man!! I'm gonna turn red all over!! :>) Thank you for the kind comment, Jerry, but that's a mirror you're lookin' at! A |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Rustic Rebel Date: 12 Feb 03 - 10:21 PM I agree Amos. Everyone here is; down to earth, foot-stompin, breath takin', ass-shakin', can't beat 'em wanna greet 'em, some day meet 'em. Music makers, Ain't no fakers, egg shakers, Sisters and brothers, some are mothers (Ha!) Damn straight Don't hesitate Down-right, good decent folks. Peace. Rustic |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Bill D Date: 12 Feb 03 - 10:25 PM yup...on the whole we are decent, friendly, helpful folk(s)... and even the dreaded inner clique has been known to come out of their cabalistic meetings and do good things. ;.)) as Pogo 'should' have said, "We have met both the enemy and the friends, and we am both of 'em." |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: catspaw49 Date: 12 Feb 03 - 10:46 PM What a posting Amos....What a posting! Let's review it........... It means people who are interested in an open exchange of points of view. Oftimes we find these viewpoints on the end of a rapier It means people who share a love for the magic that happens when they hear singing, and when they sing themselves. And some of us simply hope for love when we pull a dead rabbit out of the hat It means people who are generally more willing to be plain and straightforward than they are in need of being fancy, special or egoistical. Yeah, I think that's probably true....at least some of the time.....maybe....or maybe not as the case may be......I dunno'......You could be wrong as you often are as opposed to me as I am never wrong!!! I think the clearly obvious point here is that you're an asshole Amos. It means people who will find the time to help other people for no other reason than it seems like a good thing to do. Here I think you have left out the entire "brownie point" angle Amos....No small thing to some! In your case you probably don't think of that angle because you are used to "small things"...... It means people who will go out of their way to help others find answers to questions, to share lessons learned, to make each other laugh, to provide comfort and support in hard times, to cheer the wins and celebrate the good times. This simply means that we like to showoff our knowledge and searching abilities, that we all love to talk, and mainly that we're bored stiff. It means people who are willing to sit down at their keyboard and put their minds to work on behalf of community. Proving my point! You were obviously bored when you wrote this diatribe and I'm bored stiff now.....or I wouldn't be responding to such boringass drivel! It often means people who will drive for long distances to share music or provide help. Listen....How about you take a run over to my place and clean the drains? We can play a few tunes too....Shouldn't take any longer than 50 or 55 hours round trip. Pick up a rooter snake on your way huh? Also some strings....and a couple of pizzas.....and a case of brew.....maybe a side of beef too if you can fit it in....... It means people who will often go out of their way to make an environment that is safe for others. I think we could all go in together and build a climatically controlled geodesic dome on the moon for a couple of our anonymous guests. All these elements are part of what I call the ?decency? of the folks who come here to share songs and swap stories and tell jokes and ponder the tough puzzles of life with each other. Hey Man, we're ALL bored!!!.......and Kermit the Frog solved life's puzzle long ago when he said, "There ain't nothin' to it but to do it." I have seen this quality coming to the fore here over, and over, and over again, even when the temptations to do otherwise were plentiful and blatant. Let me know if it comes to the fives and I'll break out the duct tape, hardhats, batteries..... And I think this is an observation worthy of recording, and perhaps pointing to from time to time when the invitations to lesser forms of conduct come knocking. Yeah, you would......oy............ This is a truly decent place, and I love it. Keericed you'd brown nose anyone wouldn't you? What a suck up!!! The truth is that WE all hate you Amos, so why not just bugger off? There's a good boy... Spaw |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: artbrooks Date: 12 Feb 03 - 10:51 PM I know I agree with Amos...I don't have a clue what Spaw said.... |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Amos Date: 12 Feb 03 - 10:55 PM Spaw: Thanks so much, man -- but that's a mirror you'r e lookin' at... A |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: catspaw49 Date: 12 Feb 03 - 10:57 PM Oh........Hmmmmm.......geez, glad you pointed that out Amos! Okay then...........nevermind......... Spaw |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Ebbie Date: 13 Feb 03 - 02:52 AM hahahha good one, Amos! |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: stevetheORC Date: 13 Feb 03 - 02:58 AM well said Amos. I love this place its so much fun. Orc |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Gervase Date: 13 Feb 03 - 03:13 AM There are times when I've thought "Bollocks, why do I bother looking at the Mudcat any more? It's full of inane chatter, typos and eejits." Then Amos reminds us of the good side, and 'Spaw makes me snort my morning tea across the bloody keyboard....ROTFLMAO. Splat. It reminds me of the first impression I ever had of a folk festival - a feeling of having stumbled across a small part of the world, Brigadoon-like, where the 'normal' rules were turned on their heads; where people were friendly, helpful and everything else that Amos has so eloquently listed. It is a special atmosphere here in this never-ending online session, and one to be cherished. If only it was contagious! |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Steve Parkes Date: 13 Feb 03 - 03:44 AM Er ... all the above goes for me too! Steve |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Bullfrog Jones Date: 13 Feb 03 - 03:53 AM C'mon guys admit it --- no one else would want us! BJ |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: alanabit Date: 13 Feb 03 - 03:55 AM I vote for Amos. |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: khandu Date: 13 Feb 03 - 05:44 AM I figure that any place that does not give me argument over my right to the Throne of Mississippi is a grandly decent place...and smart, too! (Unfortunately, most of Mississippi is not so decent and smart!) Also, I have noticed how Tweed and Bobert are And then there is the Spaw. I suppose everyone needs an outlet for their incoherent ravings and their frustrations from "certain" inadequacies from which they suffer, and the Cafe is obviously Spaw's. And the Mudchaps are very gracious to him in his misery. Yes, this is a decent place to visit. Hell, we even put up with Amos! k |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Keith A of Hertford Date: 13 Feb 03 - 06:24 AM Yes, I have had several requests answered so promptly, and even when it appears I could should have been able to find it on site already, no one really minded. I have also made friends in both the cyber and real world. Of course ther are issues on which people differ, and that's OK, but it is a shame some members get abusive with others whom they disagree with. Keith |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Rapparee Date: 13 Feb 03 - 08:25 AM I'm fairly new, but I agree with Amos! But I'd like to make a point to those who call A Certain Guest "an asshole": Assholes, like most things, have a useful function. I guess I'm the president of the Let's Give Assholes The Respect They Deserve Association (LGATRTDA, in short, and feel free to use the acronym). Thank you. And thank you, 'Cat. |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Morticia Date: 13 Feb 03 - 08:41 AM Couldn't agree more,Amos.I don't post as often as I used to ( I think I used up all I had to say on anything back in 2000) but I pop in to look,listen and learn once or twice a day.The friends I've made here are some of the most precious I ever expect to make in my life and a few of them ( you know who you are,guys) have been saving my sanity on a regular basis ( despite it being an impossible task) whenever they sense I need it, which has been pretty often these last couple of years. A sincere and heartfelt thank you to all the posters here who have ever made me smile, think,learn something new or reached out with a hand or advice when I needed it....I don't know what I would have done without you and I'm very glad I don't have to find out. |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Mr Red Date: 13 Feb 03 - 09:13 AM How can we disagree? I always remember my first singles club (fresh into divorce) I told committe chair that a new face needed a friendly chat to welcome them - he said it wasn't his job! So I thought and figured he was in part right - I was a menber and as such it was my club and so I went over and chatted (up) the young lass. From then on I made it a self appointed task and I got first call on any new face and made friends (of either gender) that way. The side effect? A healthy boost in the self-worth dept long flattened by a bad marriage. I think there are a lot of similarly minded people here. |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: GUEST,Banished Date: 13 Feb 03 - 09:13 AM *Amos* Except for your first clause regarding points of view i am in total agreement. (Exception only applies to a select few U.K "cat"ters.) |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: *daylia* Date: 13 Feb 03 - 09:14 AM This place seems very 'human' to me. The discussions bring out some of the very best - and occasionally some of the worst - in people. That's only to be expected, especially in these uncertain, anxiety-laden times. What I like is that when it really starts to 'stink', someone always voluntarily 'cleans the cat-box' in short order. Like Joe did a couple days ago, with the "Miscellaneous BS" thread. Thanks, Joe! I come here to find information of all kinds, to be inspired by poetry and music-talk, to have a good laugh, to bounce ideas around with intelligent informed creative people who espouse a variety of points of view, and yes Spaw, sometimes just to relieve the boredom that being 'snowed in' can bring. Nothing wrong with that, is there?? And I am most grateful that the 'Cat is here! Anyone who's kept a cat knows that sometimes it's necessary to do battle with fleas, hairballs, clawed furniture, half-digested mice etc. And it's more than worth it. for the comfort and the companionship! Thank you all, and thanks Amos for starting this up-beat thread. Purrrrrrrrrr - daylia |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: *daylia* Date: 13 Feb 03 - 10:03 AM PS - this is on the T-shirt I'm wearing right now ... "There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life - MUSIC and CATS." - Albert SchweitzerThank you folks, for giving a whole new meaning to the word 'cats'! daylia |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Kim C Date: 13 Feb 03 - 10:08 AM :-) |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: TIA Date: 13 Feb 03 - 10:18 AM I love you man (sniff)... |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: beadie Date: 13 Feb 03 - 11:03 AM . . . . to be sure; I've never found a friendlier forum. |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Amos Date: 14 Feb 03 - 01:29 AM I am really touched by all the resonance and echoes and cheers this produced, and I gotta say it just shows to go ya -- as an old Greek gentleman on Kyros once toasted to me (when i was much too young to appreciate it!) "Here's to the good people in life -- they always seem to find one another!" Regards, A |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: GUEST Date: 14 Feb 03 - 08:53 AM Patting yourselves on the back and complimentimg each other is the most flagrant self aggrandizment possible. True value is what others say about you and this site. |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Amos Date: 14 Feb 03 - 09:46 AM Well put, Guest. You're right -- this is just meaningless cant. Except for one thing. People feel that way, and it's true. Go figger. A |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: BuckMulligan Date: 14 Feb 03 - 10:08 AM "them what don't like us can leave us alone????" Please???? |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: jimmyt Date: 14 Feb 03 - 10:23 AM Have you ever tried to describe to a noncatter how much this place means to you? They look at you like you are crazy and pathetic. I absolutely love the interaction we have here. Recently I was visiting with a friend of 15 years and it occured to me that I know less about his true feelings than I do at least 50 people on Mudcat. Something about this forum encourages openness. Thanks for the thread Amos, and thanks to all of you catters out there that somehow make this place work |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Bullfrog Jones Date: 18 Feb 03 - 01:03 PM I'd never posted to a forum before I came to Mudcat, it's just not my kind of thing. I came here looking for lyrics and sort of stuck around, drawn in by the friendliness and the helpfulness and the honesty. I haven't posted to any other forum since joining the Mudcat, either. I wouldn't want to. BJ |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: GUEST,The Hated Guest Date: 18 Feb 03 - 02:25 PM Well, the Brits HAVE to be decent, don't they? "British citizens will be extradited for what critics have called a "thought crime" under a new European arrest warrant, the Government has conceded...." Extradition for thoughts Here are LOTS of links to similar stories about 'hate speech': Hate Speech Europe doesn't have the First Amendment. For those of you not familiar with our American 'Amendments', ten of them were added to the U.S. Constitution to create our 'Bill of Rights'. Like math, one follows another, and one cannot be removed without negating the whole. The Bill of Rights is perfect. The first amendment reads: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." Look at some of the links at the URL above. Such actions are not legal in America. So a governmental assault on the Bill of Rights is taking place right now...abuses and legal test cases here and there...to destroy the Amendments one by one. Eventually one will collapse, and the the whole structure will fall. That's the plan, at least. One ploy the tyrannists in this country use to attack the First Amendment is 'hate speech'. We have the right to say anything we want, but now some people believe they have the right to tell others what is 'hateful' and what isn't. It's all highly illegal, as you can see from the First Amendment, but it is so far the biggest crack in the assault against the First Amendment. Unfortunately, liberals have been backed into a corner on this issue...they have to 'respect' the rights of others (as we all do, according to the Bill of Rights), but now the liberals are being told that freedom of speech can be abridged with laws against 'hateful' intent in speech. Bunch of crap. Liberals have been duped on this issue, as 'conservatives' have been duped on other issues, and gradually our rights are being chipped away. Time will tell if we end up like the silenced Brits. |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Willie-O Date: 18 Feb 03 - 03:32 PM Amos, one of these days we'll get to sit down and play some music together. Hell, maybe even with Spaw. Way down deep he just wants to be l***ed. Anything could happen. W-O |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Amos Date: 18 Feb 03 - 03:37 PM Willie-O, it would be a hoot and an honor. HG, you make some fine points, but really, they do not belong on this thread. A |
|
Subject: RE: The Decency of the 'Cat From: Ebbie Date: 18 Feb 03 - 03:58 PM hg, you say: For those of you not familiar with our American 'Amendments', ten of them were added to the U.S. Constitution to create our 'Bill of Rights'. Like math, one follows another, and one cannot be removed without negating the whole. The Bill of Rights is perfect. That's not my understanding of the American Bill of Rights. There have been a number of modifications made on the Bill of Rights over the years, and a good many of the Rights are currently not honored. And I don't believe they are tied to each other in any way, except sequentially. #1 (Congress shall make no law…) or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble Oh, yeah? #3 No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. This has been abrogated many times; commandeering a house or horses or vehicles is common in wartime. #4 The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. Well, it appears we're about to lose this one. #6. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence. Tell that to a few hundred detainees. #8 Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. Oh. Right. |
| Share Thread: |