22200: Du Tuyau, re; Simidor's reply (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: ViandeMoulue@aol.com

I am not in a joking mood this morning. I never am when it's about human life. I never am. So if anyone is looking for jokes, they won't find it in this post.

I only have one concern: after the subtle but serious suggestion that my post was offensive, I simply hope that Bob doesn't decide not to publish this one. For I truly believe this is a very, very serious issue. In any case, let's go right on.

When Aristide praised the necklace punishment (i.e. Pè Lebrun), that was violence, degrading human life in fact. That's what he was. So he began his political career through verbal violence, and it ended as well through violence. Heck, he probably got "saved by the bell". So what's new there?

When the current Prime Minister praised the rebels as freedom fighters in early March, although everyone knows the past of many among those rebels, fortunately even "the international community" called on him to "chill". That also, was about praising violence. It was ugly, and already a dangerous trend. Let's just hope it stops there.

There is a political culture in Haiti, where it's okay to be violent. It's okay to many. But the truth is, it's not okay; it's never okay. By the end, we all pay the price in many ways.

The same way, when Simidor wrote the following and published it on the list, I thought everyone should read it not to tarnish the man's reputation, but instead to suggest that perhaps he and all of us should pay attention regarding what we're saying, and writing, and all. This was what he had written, and this was why I replied to his post. Please read with me:
<<<I’m liberal to a degree, I value civil liberties and the
<<<constitution as much as the guy next door.  But I also
<<<believe in that old time religion, especially when those
<<<trampled on other people’s rights come up for a taste of
<<<their own medicine.  (On second thought, “a taste of their
<<<own medicine” would be a “zero tolerance” bullet in the
<<<neck...)>>>>>>

I don't put words in people's mouth. That's at best, unethical. If Simidor's last post was his best way to be contrite, than so be it. Thank you, gentleman; I am glad.

I was not, and am not trying to attack the man. My concern is not him; it's just a sampling of such writings that seem to condone violence, although the writer himself may be the most peaceful and charming individual on the list. Let's hope so after all.

Believe me on this one: words are power. So I wanted for us all to pay attention to what we do and say, including myself. That's all.

Respectfully with respect very much more than just little bit, Good day all.
Du Tuyau