Well said (as usual, Paul). Let's make this the guiding statement of the
mission of this list. Lynda
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul Drake" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 04, 2006 9:32 PM
Subject: innuendo and argument.


>
> C'mon EVERYBODY.  Genealogy is not about public debate; it about civility,
> being helpful and having honest on-topic exchanges of ideas .
>
> Far, far beyond Jefferson and whether or not his dalliances resulted in
> kids, and even further over and above the "Trail of Tears" and whether or
> not that was reprehensible, I can think of dozens of subjects that would
> raise the ire of someone on this and on every other list.   There is no
> end
> to matters that are open to honest debate and yet can never, never be
> resolved.   It is those that we must keep for our brandy-laced chats with
> friends at the fireside or across a cup of tea.
>
> When there are such strong differences, we must ALL bite our tongues and
> realize that in most of these goofy differences the truth is somewhere,
> not
> on either side, but rather, somewhere in the center.  Would we all ever
> agree about Lincoln's place in history? What disagreement would there be
> about the right of the old South to secede?  Was Sherman's March something
> he needed to do?  Should we blame our ancestors for slavery?  On and on
> and
> on and on!!!!!!.  Such extended discussions, interesting as those are, do
> not belong on this or any other genealogy discussion site.
>
> What's more, there are VERY few people who are true "experts" on anything
> (I
> do not know ANY) !!  And that is true no matter the titles, positions,
> degrees, books written or letters that appear after signatures.  Oh
> indeed,
> many of us have long considered and firmly held views, yet we need but
> glance up and down the street and someone will appear who has a quite
> contrary and often equally cherished view.  At the ages we ALL are, we
> should know by now that we have views that likely will not change in
> anything short of decades. To suggest that others MUST change their views
> or
> should be persuaded otherwise simply because we think and say so, and have
> put together some little bits of evidence for our side of the argument,
> is -
> or should be - beneath every one of us.
>
> So, from here on, if someone disagrees with something you have written, it
> is fine for them to so suggest. Still, all of us must suggest differences
> with the understanding that our debates should remain private.  To the
> extent that you do speak here, let the good manners of the Old South
> dictate
> your words, please, and spare all of us from sarcasm, acid tongue, blunt
> contradiction, and innuendo.  This is a most worthwhile list and a fine
> group of people, many of whom have substantial knowledge to share. Still
> though, no one of us - not ONE - has not in the past committed (and will
> in
> the future commit)  errors of judgment or made  mistakes in research.
> Thus,
> when anyone disagrees with something you have said, switch to private mail
> and all will be benefited.
>
> Paul
>
>
>
> Genealogy without documentation is nothing.
>                     Paul Drake JD
>                Genealogist & Author
>            <www.DrakesBooks.com>
>
>
>
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