lol! It happens. (going off topic) I laughed out loud (for real) re: the thread about you inciting violence? hahaha I was like, parmalee?
Of course, inciting violence isn't funny at all, but...I may be going out on a limb here, it seemed like you were being sarcastic all over the place, yea? I didn't get the sense that you were sincerely trying to incite violence.
Thank you for that. I
really did not intend that to be read a sincere missive. Alas, my attempted parody was rather sloppy and not fully thought through. I
think I may perhaps have better conveyed the parodic intent by prefacing it with something like, "A note to true patriots," or something along those lines, rather than "A note to Americans."
Interestingly, John Mulaney was investigated by the Secret Service last year for his SNL monologue in which he pondered why "stabby senators" (re: Julius Caesar) were no longer thing. He said that they--the Secret Service--were actually quite decent and respectful, as they recognized there was no serious threat or incitement intended.
If you're interested you should check out the Joaquin Phoenix produced documentary,
The Animal People, on Netflix. It's about the trials (literal) and travails of the
SHAC 7 (Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty). These guys were convicted of
domestic terrorism in 2006, largely thanks to the
Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act, of 1992, and some seriously unscrupulous prosecutors (including fucking Chris Christie!).
We've been indoctrinated with so much b.s. about how MLK, Gandhi, Mandela and the like effected tremendous social change solely through non-violent and (mostly) non-illicit means, but that's utter nonsense! For the most part, they did not participate in direct action, which included both property destruction, as well as occasional violence proper, but
others did--and they were very much inspired (but not incited) by the words and actions of the former. That said, I ain't advocating anything here, but I do
support those who do, nonetheless. Heh. It's a tightrope walk, often more resembling a slackline, perhaps.
See what I mean about digression?
Sci-forums can be funny, at times. You know who is the most thorough of all? James. Seriously, no stone (on the entire planet) left unturned. It's admirable, that someone can be so thorough and not back down from any argument. You, Dave, Jeeves, Bells, Sarkus, and a few others don't ever back away from a debate. I wish I could be more...resilient(?), in that regard.
See, I also actually regard all those named, 'cept myself, as being
far more diligent and thorough with their efforts. And I sincerely admire them for their patience and tenacity, despite whatever differences and disagreements we may have otherwise.