Life is Short.

[Ripley]

My 60 year old cousin, Tommy - the friendliest guy alive- was diagnosed with Cancer in his lungs and brain and well, everywhere else, too, recently. He was very tired one day and went to the doctor and Bam, that is what he was told. He used to be a Manager at one of the best furniture building companies located in North Carolina. Outsourcing rendered him unemployed some years ago. He felt lucky that he found work being a short-order cook at the Golf Country Club where he used to be a member.

This is not a post about outsourcing causing cancer. And believe me he is getting info about Alternative Health treatments from the few of us in the family who understand the true purpose of the AMA.

No, this post is about DAYUM. Does DU really have to go through these cycles of Seriously Hate-filled Arguments about the same old shit, over and over again? The Rape discussions here are pretty unnerving and are the reason many, many good folks have left DU. When the Moderators condone such talk, where is one to turn?

When people wonder where some of the "good posters" went? Well, it's like this: Life is short. And they don't have any desire to watch fascism in action. For Pete's Sake! We have to watch Evolution in Action every damn day, as Americans, and it's KILLING ALL THE GOOD ONES.

Peace.

[Dora]

1. Thanks for the post.

Sorry to hear about your friend. :hug:

[mcscajun]

2. It *IS* too short, much too short to waste our time scrabbling over

nonsense, getting caught up in celebrity news, and tolerating intolerance.

My sympathies go out to you and your cousin and friend. :hug:

[Solly Mack]

3. Sending your cousin good thoughts (and you too Ripley)

Life is far too short to have to wade through shit.

[Ripley]

7. Solly!!!

Hi! I have not seen You in awhile! Thanks for Your thoughts!

I just KNOW I will be flamed for being wimpy here. But, when it happens close to home.. (and Syd Barrett died on my birthday, the 8th I heard) it appears. Sheesh. I feel kinda pissed.

Good to see some Great People are still Here at DU!

[Solly Mack]

23. Happy belated Birthday

You're not being wimpy, Ripley. I'd wager those who would mistake your words for someone who is complaining about the tone of conversation wouldn't get what you mean no matter how many times you explained it to them.

You didn't use a lot of words, Ripley, but you spoke volumes. Maybe it's just me and maybe I'm just "hearing" something you didn't say..but there's a depth of feeling in your words that speaks of things left unsaid...but very much there nonetheless.

((((Ripley)))

[RandomKoolzip]

4. Don't hold your breath waiting for consensus.

I'm trying to figure out the connection between your friend's cancer and GD flamefests, and so far, coming up a cherry short.

Sorry to hear about it, though. My friend Kari just went through having colon cancer and now she shits into a bag. Life is not only short, but rough.

[Ripley]

11. Hey rkzip:

Hope Kari gets an easier time soon. It is all SHIT. and short.

Dammit, syd died and all I can think of is a stupid news caster neighbor I once had who got mad at his girfriend for listening to a particular Floyd song. We got into it in a grocery store, and I knew HE was the weird one, because he stopped. Occasionally and said I like the smell and colors here.

Long live the original Pink Floyd sound...

[Minnesota Libra]

5. I'm sorry to hear about your cousin Tommy and...........

.....I agree about the truly mean spirited and hate-filled tone an ever increasing number of posts have these days.

I was told that every so often previous "Yahoo Politics" posters come to DU when things get too mean even for the seasoned Yahoo people. I don't know how true it is but I do know I've seen some truly disrespectful posts.

I don't know what the answer is but I hope they are weeded out before too long.

[Ripley]

18. Thank You.

For understanding.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

6. I am VERY sorry for your cousin.

"And believe me he is getting info about Alternative Health treatments from the few of us in the family who understand the true purpose of the AMA."

Jesus H. Christ.

[arwalden]

16. I know.

:eyes:

[Ripley]

19. Hi arwalden!

How's Midtown?

Gonna pick a fight in my thread? Wait until You can't afford it, Dear.

[arwalden]

20. ??

I'm sorry, but I honestly don't have any idea what you're talking about.

Midtown?

Pick a fight?

Cant afford what?

:shrug: :silly:

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

35. What the hell are you talking about?

I don't understand this thread at all.

[H2O Man]

8. "Life is very short

and there's no time
for fussing and fighting, my friend ..."
-- From John's contribution to "We Can Work It Out"

I am sorry to hear about your cousin Tommy. Your message is on target: we need to stay focused on what is important.

Peace,
Water Man

[Ripley]

14. Yep.

And You are a very good writer that is needed on all the boards You post at! Thanks H20 Man.

[IndyOp]

9. Suggestion: Don't respond. Hide the threads. What we don't like we can

get rid of all by ourselves. Just don't respond. Period. We aren't going to change them. Only they can change themselves. When I read a post that sounds way outside the DU norm, that sounds 'clueless on purpose' -- I don't respond.

Are we responsible for confronting hatred in our world? Yes. That is hard to do on an anonymous discussion board.

So, feed the thoughtful posts. Respond to the loving replies. Ignore the others.

[LWolf]

13. Those are words of wisdom:

So, feed the thoughtful posts. Respond to the loving replies. Ignore the others.

I'm betting that there is no consensus on DU about which posts are thoughtful, and which are "others." It doesn't matter. Practice your simple advice, and DU will be a better place for all.

[SoCalDem]

17. and once you have put your thoughts down, resist, resist

resist the temptation to counter the naysayers.. We are all entitled to our own opinions, and the fact that we are HERE pretty much says we have LOTS of them:)

at one time or another EVERYONE will say something that will push someone's buttons.. we can only control our own buttons:)

[RevolutionStartsNow]

10. Sorry to hear about your cousin, and you are absolutely right.

Life is so short, and so precious. I have growing kids (14 and 10) and right now I am painfully aware of how quickly the time flies and how soon they will be out of the house -- I'm trying to slow down and enjoy every moment and really be present for my life, and theirs.

Which includes not wasting time on stupid arguments. I don't even read them, because it takes so much time and energy.

I read DU because there is a lot of good discussion and so many thoughtful and caring people like yourself. :)

[brook]

12. Ripley-

I'm really sorry to hear about your cousin. I wish him the best.

There's nothing quite like the reality of life to cause one to focus, is there?

We, as a society, are all too often captivated by the trivial -that's bad enough - but anger is rampant in the country and some of it does get through here. I attribute much of it to the endless pit of despair over what * has done to the US and the world.

Best to limit your exposure to the sources of your irritation and save your energies for your loved ones like Tom - and those battles which stir your heart. Take care.

[Susang]

15. As the great and wise William Shatner once wrote

Live life
Live life like you're gonna die
Because you're gonna
I hate to be the bearer of bad news
But you're gonna die

Maybe not today or even next year
But before you know it you'll be saying
"Is this all there was?
What was all the fuss?
Why did I bother?"

Now, maybe you won't suffer maybe it's quick
But you'll have time to think
Why did I waste it?
Why didn't I taste it?
You'll have time
Because you're gonna die.

Yes it's gonna happen because it's happened to a lot of people I know
My mother, my father, my loves
The president, the kings and the pope
They all had hope

And they muttered just before they went
Maybe, I won't let go
Live life like you're gonna die
Because you are

Maybe you won't suffer maybe it's quick
But you'll have time to think
Why did I waste it?
Why didn't I taste it?
You'll have time
'Cause you're gonna die

I tell you who else left us
Passed on down to heaven no longer with us
Johnny Cash, JFK, that guy in the Stones
Lou Gehrig, Einstein, and Joey Ramone
Have I convinced you?
Do you read my lips?
This may come as news but it's time
You're gonna die
You're gonna die

By the time you hear this I may well be dead
And you my friend might be next
'Cause we're all gonna die

[Ripley]

21. Touche

And yet, I don't want the nice guy to suffer..

[Susang]

28. Of course not

My brother is a surgical oncologist, so I assure you that I know how horrible and heartbreaking cancer can be. No one should have to suffer that pain if it can be avoided.

[RagAss]

22. William Shatner is cool....love the way he can laugh at himself...

[prolesunited]

24. Two questions

What is the real purpose of the AMA and how is evolution killing all the good people?

While I'm sorry for your cousin's situation, I find your post extremely confusing.

[Ripley]

26. Answers:

1. The real purpose of the AMA is to ensure monetary success for it's members and shareholders. The AMA does NOT have a goal of solving health problems we all experience. No, it exists in order to create wealth for it's members: doctors, hospital "so called unions" etc. They basically make money off of human ill and death.

2. I was in a really bad mood, so I will not elaborate.

Back to #1. Doctors in America are trained by Corporate Pharmaceutical companies and they will "cure" your problem with one or two pills. Most people I know are on one or two drugs (mid 40 in age and taking Liptitor, etc.). Yall need to WAKE UP WAKE UP!!

Check Your own blood pressure. Doctors are not GODS.

Amazing how Yall say you never smoked a joint, but you take a Lipitor a day PLUS whatever.

Some people need to examine their drug intake. Many doctors are in it for the money. Fact. oh, here it comes...

[Susang]

32. Uh...don't most people go to work for the money?

I know I'm not doing my shit job for the love of it. Do you go to work for free? I'll bet you don't.

And as for doctors, my brother and others like him could make millions in private practice, but choose to go into academic medicine so that they can pursue their love of research. Just because you don't believe there are doctors like that, doesn't mean they don't exist.

I'll be sure to send your regards to Doctors Without Borders. Even though you think they're all a bunch of money-grubbing AMA controlled whores. http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/aboutus/index.cfm

And to think, you were accusing other DUers of posting flame-bait.

[Blue-Jay]

36. Nothing like a broad brush, huh?

When my cholesterol was high, my doctor worked with me on a diet and exercise program so I would NOT need to take a pill. My blood pressure was a different story. I don't think it matters if I check it on my own or not. When it spikes out of control and they're scanning your brain for strokes, a little pill seems like a good choice.

And, no, I don't smoke pot and don't plan on it, but I don't think it will cure my blood pressure or be very good for my asthma either.

And I agree, certain people *DO* need to examine their drug intake.

[Susang]

37. You are obviously a tool

Of the AMA, of course. :P

[prolesunited]

38. Actually, it's me

I was signed in when I left the computer and he snuck in there and I didn't realize it. Won't he be surprised tomorrow to find out how sick he is? :P

[Humor_In_Cuneiform]

25. Very very true.

It is bad enough that the neocons and radical right has created such divisiveness and hatred in the nation.

Coming here to see more of the same is discouraging at best.

[Just Me]

27. My "Gramma" asked, "Where is the love" before Black-eyed Peas,...

,...wrote a song with the same name.

Hey, it's still here,...LOTS of it.

It's tough sorting through advocates of division and hatred since they are compelled to be the most vocal BUT they are nothing, less than nothing.

:hug: "They" don't have the power to kill Love and are clawing away, desperately. Look at it, that way.

:hug: Love never dies.

[Ripley]

30. Ahh.

Thanks for those words, Just Me.

[DemReadingDU]

29. I'm sorry to hear about your cousin

Life is short, and life is unfair.

Hope you are able to spend extra time with your cousin, and family too. He will appreciate it, and there is a special bonding having spent more time with your loved ones.

[Ripley]

31. Yep, Life Is Unfair.

I keep getting reminded of that sombitch, called Death.

Time with my cousin ain't gonna happen in person . we live about 700 miles apart. But I think of Him and Love Him a lot!

[BlueIris]

33. Good post. My condolences to you.

I hope you're brother continues to get the support he needs during this time.

[omega minimo]

34. Thing I love about DU is the zietgeist and you have nailed it, Ripley

with this blunt, passionate, brief, heartfelt post. Those of us who are feeling expendable know what you're talking about. Some here offer you kind suggestions about using "Ignore"-- others understand just how hostile the environment is becoming. As usual I want to point out that the issues of why-is-disrespecting-women-condoned? and Rape-as-lightweight-entertainment-topic and ALL the other issues (including AMA and "alternatives") are interconnected and how women (voters) are NOT expendable.

"When people wonder where some of the "good posters" went?................"
In another thread I asked "how are we to tell the freepers from the assholes?" May sound rude but its a valid question.

We don't have time. You see it in close-up. Thank you for sharing, for eloquence. :toast: Best to your family. :candle: :grouphug:

[JackDragna]

39. I actually think life is long..

..and that's why I'm a Democrat. It pains me to see people around the world suffer, for year after year, with no one who cares what happens. A year may fly by for someone with a good life, but for someone hungry, in pain or working a miserable job, a year is enough time to build the Pyramids. :P

[rman]

40. Could it be that some have an interest in starting 'unnerving' discussions

It's not like it's impossible for those to post on DU, and i don't think there a way to stop them.

Btw many of the "good posters" went to a discussion board that's not allowed to be mentioned on DU.

[Moderator]

41. locking...

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