heiwalove
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6467
posted
just a quick note to say i am leaving lymenet, and i wish you all much luck in your recoveries.
endless thanks to the amazing friends i've made here (annie! sunra!), and to the many people who've selflessly helped me out on my lyme journey. in particular, huge thanks to GiGi, whose posts saved my life and helped me get well.
take care, everyone.
in peace, heather.
(edited to add: if you're wondering why, you can look in off-topic; though i wouldn't recommend it. yikes.)
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
I am leaving also. For the same reason.
I've not been here long, but have struggled for 18 years with lyme. I appreciate the work of those who bring a caring quality to lymenet. Your sharing has helped me.
I hope my sharing has helped others.
Thanks to all who, though tired, still take the energy and time to cut, paste, separate paragrahs for easy reading.
Here's to a place where everyone is understood, respected and nurtured. (Off Topic shows that is not here, not now anyway. Hope that changes for the better.) ========================
Edit added for clarity. It's not because of my hurt feelings. This is about discriminatory behavior toward Mexico and those of Mexican heritage.
About generalizations. About the post not being deleted although several people saw it as against the tenents of a non-profit that get funding as a 501(c)3. Discrimination is not allowed under such tenents.
So, some say "stay" - just don't look at OFF TOPIC. But if you were in a restaurant, or belonged to a club, would you stay if a group of people at the next table (or the back room "Off Topic") were saying discriminatory remarks, even if general in nature?
You can either ask them to consider the effect of their words and attitude. You can MOVE to where you don't hear them (away from "Off Topic") or LEAVE the restaurant,
not codoning such behavior since you've already asked the management to do something (the moderator . . . the other two moderators have PMs but have not opened them).
I cannot be a member of a club which allows such discriminating language. I think a course in ethics, sensitivity and manners is in order. Understanding how generalizations pack a punch is important in matters of heritage. Who knows who will come along and read these comments? We are in a world-wide cafe, remember that.
Am I overreacting? Am I upset? Should I just chill out while someone in the back room is getting beaten up?
Not on my watch. I've voiced as best I can, written as best I can.
So now I must simply walk away and hope that others do not allow language that can be hurtful to others (if their hertitage is not to their liking).
[ 24. August 2007, 07:57 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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RoadRunner
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 380
posted
you are letting a few people run you off?? don't let that happen....
RR
-------------------- "Beep Beep" Posts: 2630 | From ct | Registered: Nov 2000
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
i am sorry to see you leave.
lymenet is the best place to go for information and help on lyme. when first diagnosed i was lost. without the guys and gals on lymenet, i never would have figured it all out.
as for the other -- we are all different--colors, races, nationalities, etc. we all have different opinions.
i am an expert on this as i worked in civil rights for 30 years. and, yes, i've seen and heard it all. this is tame compared to what i've been through...
i am not leaving because i have different viewpoints than you do.
i love and care for each of us-- doesn't matter whether you think i'm nuts or not.
everyone is entitled to their opinion and i, for one, have very strong opinions on everything.
it won't matter to some of you but i value each of your differences, respect them, and your right to express them.
just because you disagree, you don't have to leave.
but to call us names, well, that's your right and i respect that, too.
you ought to go over to scimed and see what those folks are like!!!
hmmm,,, now i wonder who i've offended by this....
off to andromeda....and i'm taking my food with me...
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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heiwalove
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6467
posted
roadrunner, this site has become detrimental to my mental & emotional wellbeing, and thus, detrimental to my health as a whole.
it certainly isn't everyone here, but there are enough people whose words and presence make me extremely uncomfortable; therefore, for my own wellbeing, i need to leave (or at the very least, take a long, extended break).
-------------------- The best index to a person's character is how he treats people who can't do him any good, and how he treats people who can't fight back. -Abigail van Buren (Pauline Esther Friedman) (1918-2002) Posts: 409 | From Florida | Registered: Dec 2005
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CaliforniaLyme
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 7136
posted
SOrry you are leaving, Heather and Keebler!
I have liked both of you and have appreciated your comments which are always thoughtful and relevant. I hope you both do well and continue on journeys to wellness wherever those paths take you.
I am glad you stand up for what you believe in. People offend me too in regards to cultural sensitivity, racism and ethnicity, and I tend to speak up- and stay. I didn't even see that thread until just now because I have been brooding about my old pet goatie. It saddens me that people miss what is hurtful about what they say in that regard, but your leaving will be helping make this place less positive in that regard. Too bad.
Take care, Sincerely,
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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dontlikeliver
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4749
posted
Why don't you stay and just ignore posts, threads and people you don't like?
I haven't thread the thread in question, but from time to time there's always someone trying to stir up a bit of trouble here.
Posts: 2824 | From The Back of Beyond | Registered: Oct 2003
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You gotta make your own decisions, but from my perspective, you never run from an adversary.
Although I don't have a lot in common with the two of you personally, the one thing we all share is how Lyme has affected our lives.
Again, you gotta do, what you gotta do; but I've learned that keeping those who disagree with you close is much safer than distancing yourself from them (at least you know what they're thinking).
Heck, I'm a raging conservative, but I subscribe to both the New York Times and Los Angeles Times.
Good Luck to you both.
Posts: 681 | From California | Registered: Oct 2005
| IP: Logged |
I'm really sorry to hear this. You are such a valuable member here.
I personally didn't realize all of that was going on in Off Topic. I was pretty disgusted to read it.
I think Lou's remark that people who are offended by those posts need to simply lighten up is extremely off base.
I've seen people booted off Lymenet for uttering one critical word regarding their LLMD, and yet others are allowed to make racially-charged attacks (that will no doubt alienate many Lyme patients-- Lyme knowing no color lines). It baffles me.
It all saddens me very much.
Posts: 390 | From Oakland, CA | Registered: May 2007
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Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
I could not find the post.
Maybe that was a good thing.
Please know that the opinions of a few are not the opinions of the masses.
I'll miss you and your posts.
Please reconsider and just take some time off.
We are always here if you need us.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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Michelle M
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7200
posted
Don't go, you guys.
Just say "no" to Off Topic.
It is probably not that much different than a microcosm of the world.
Michelle
Posts: 3193 | From Northern California | Registered: Apr 2005
| IP: Logged |
He sees the thread for what it is, looking past all of the emotional stuff.
I hope Hewialove sticks around.
We need empathetic people like her around to keep those of us who are more inclined to think primarily with our brain versus heart more balanced.
-------------------- The best index to a person's character is how he treats people who can't do him any good, and how he treats people who can't fight back. -Abigail van Buren (Pauline Esther Friedman) (1918-2002) Posts: 409 | From Florida | Registered: Dec 2005
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posted
Sorry you guys are going and I would just like to say that Lou B the moderator is the one that is being mentioned, not me --lou, the lyme patient.
I haven't been to off topic in a very long time and didn't even know anything was going on. And won't go read it. Why get upset with all the stress already in my life?
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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Vanilla
Unregistered
posted
Lets try and look for the silver lining here. Maybe some people will realize that racial slurs are not okay and they just might learn something positive from this experiece.
There were also some bad slurs made in the Medical topic as well. The thread I am talking about was started by me - Malaria in Calif. I deleted the thread when Lou refused to do anything about it and then I reposted my first post there only.
I really wish everyone would stay and help add some much needed light to the place. The only way Lou and others who do not grasp what is going on here will learn and change is if we all speak out and email the Board President in numbers.
Maybe the board admins can take a class in racial sensitivity. .
I am thankful for what the admins do but I think with a tiny bit more education they could do an even better job. I also think there is a double standard going on here.
Stay and educate. This is your board too. If you do not like the way it is help change it for the better.
Thank you to everyone who stood up and said no thanks to racial posts. The posts are offensive and toxic. I know Nancy innocently mentioned that we are not insulting each other but that is not the point. The posts are offensive and need to go and if people do not get that I feel sorry for them. I think they are insulting as well to all humans.
``This is Scoop Nisker reminding you: if you don't like the news, go out and make some of your own''.
posted
Keebler thank you for spelling out clearly in your post why the posts in Off Topic and some of the ones that were in Malaria in CA were so offensive to more then one member here.
heiwalove
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6467
posted
hi guys. thanks for all your kind messages.
like keebler, i really do need to take a nice long break from this site; i don't feel comfortable being part of a community that allows discriminatory language. i think writing to the administrators, etc, and voicing our concerns (for those who have them) is a GREAT idea; i also think it is paramount for moderators and leaders in the lyme community to take anti-racism & cultural sensitivity trainings. it is obvious to me that these trainings are desperately needed.
posted
I am so sorry you are leaving, and the horrid reason why. I can't beleive stuff like this is happening on this site. It should not be, thats for sure. This is a site about help, growth, learning and healing, and there should be no place for stuff like that on this site.
I wish you the best of health!
And know, no matter what, there is still support for you here. (Despite what other idiots might spout out.)
-------------------- The best index to a person's character is how he treats people who can't do him any good, and how he treats people who can't fight back. -Abigail van Buren (Pauline Esther Friedman) (1918-2002) Posts: 409 | From Florida | Registered: Dec 2005
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Vanilla
Unregistered
posted
I received a totally shocking pm from Lou regarding the fact I told him he was being insenstive to the offensive racial posts. I think everyone here needs to carefully read his reply.
I had no idea caring about the plight of Mexicans and being a member of lymenet was an either or situation.
I am so disgusted by what is going on here and the total lack of disregard by Lou and the board and admins. It too makes me wonder about this place and their nonprofit status. I guess I do not have lyme and I am not part of the club because I care about offensive racial slurs and Mexicans.
Vanilla,
Here is the pm from Lou. I would not have posted this but it is so tasteless I thought the other members here would want to know about it rather than for me to shove it under the carpet.
Let me make this clear. I'm an 11 year member of the Board of Directors of the Lyme Disease Network - LymeNet. I'm the LymeNet Flash system administrator and have full responsibility for all operational aspects. I ask that you read the line under "Flash Discussion" at the top if every LymeNet Flash web page reading "Dedicated to the Bachmann Family". I AM Lou Bachmann ... get it?
I explained that the Topic was not immediately deleted because I was investigating suspect User activity. This has nothing to do with insensitivity to Mexicans or any other nationality, race or religion. So - Wrong, it is clearly YOU who doesn't get it.
When you initially reported this as a Topic/post you felt was objectionable, I reviewed the content and asked another member of our Board to review the content, then responded to you with our findings. You have expressed your disagreement but that does not alter our findings or the necessity to continue our investigation.
Please, if you haven't done so already, write to Bill Stolow ... I see you already have his email address.
Our mission is to support the victims of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. Your statements clearly indicate your focus is the plight of Mexican immigrants. I suggest you log-off LymeNet and expend your energies helping the Mexicans.
I'm not wasting any more of my valuable time dealing with you ... my time is better spent supporting LymeNet and the victims of these horrible diseases.
sorry to read about both of you leaving! you were both positive, informative posters with empathy.
i think the noted Off tipic subject should have BEEN deleted by poster and/or moderators. it's just making a bad situation much worse.
yes, the climate on this board has gotten much worse, and it's very evident it's NEURO LYME RAGE at its worst.
it saddens me; many of us are here busting our buts trying to give newbie's links to understand their just diagnosed lyme; giving our llmd names, answering many pms not posted on the board, etc.
IP: Logged |
Vanilla
Unregistered
posted
Wait there is more. I do not think being a Bachmann makes this kind of thinking okay.
Lou B Administrator Member # 64 posted 22 August, 2007 06:20 PM Hi Vanilla,
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you ... I needed time to have other members of our LymeNet team read/review/recommend.
After reading and reviewing, we have determined that the Topics "Malaria in California" and "sing how much they love mexico are..." are simply discussions of differing opinions. Sorry if you find some posts to be offensive.
In addition, if you wish to report a Topic/post you feel is objectionable, please include the full UserName (in this case it is "tracybillings" ... we have 5 versions of tracy registered as users) and the specific Topic containing the objectionable post. That will make it much easier and less time consuming for us to review and respond.
Bottom line, it appears, in this case, you are asking us to censor which we will not do.
charlie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25
posted
Good for Lou B...
the sooner we rid ourselves of this infantile 'political correctness' nonsense the better off we'll all be.
I'm off for the weekend to get in touch with my inner buzzard.
May the 'social' whiners that promised to be gone actually be gone when I get back.
otherwise I've added turbo sarcasm to my pun-o-mat so watch out...
Charlie
Posts: 2804 | From Texas | Registered: Oct 2000
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Vanilla
Unregistered
posted
Actually Lou I feel I and others here deserve a public apology from you.
I also wonder what the rest of the Lyme community world wide would think about what has been going on here in the last week?
Sunra summed up my exact thoughts on the moderators.
I too am very grateful this website is here and I have found some of the posters to have valuable information but my God it needs some big time improvements to bring it into the light of 2007. I have also made some nice friendships here but now I totally understand why people are leaving. Very understandable.
IP: Logged |
Vanilla
Unregistered
posted
Maybe your inner buzzard needs to get in touch with you Charlie.
I use to find your humorous and now I find you insulting.
IP: Logged |
kelmo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8797
posted
Well, I have been in the dark and just stumbled across this mess.
I read the original post about Hillary and Obama's pandering to a group. They happened to be from Mexico. That's pretty much all I saw in that post.
There didn't seem to be anything in there about hating Mexicans, I saw it as a slur against politicians being chameleons to get votes.
Is that it? I don't want to get into a political discussion, or a racial discussion. I just wanted to state that I saw something different than what you all saw.
Sorry it got to that point where it digressed into illegal immigration and bigotry.
As for Lou banning the member who has posted under several identities, I applaud him for removing them. That is unacceptable behavior for this type of forum.
One person has been a loose cannon on a number of topics lately. It's gotten to the point where I won't post when I see that person's name.
There is someone who comes into the chatroom on Saturday nights, and it's anyone's guess what moniker this person is going to sign on with.
It makes me distrustful. And this shold be a board where people can trust and share.
As for posting personal emails on a public board without the permission of that person, can be construed as liabel (or is it slander, I can't remember). I would recommend removing that post or you could be in legal trouble.
That's not a threat, it's for your protection, that person has a legal right to sue you.
Most of this is just my opinion. I should've scrolled on by, but I couldn't help myself.
Posts: 2903 | From AZ | Registered: Feb 2006
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heiwalove
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6467
posted
charlie and others, it's just great you think racism is so funny. you must find A LOT to laugh about every day at other people's expense. we live in an incredibly racist world of which lymenet seems to be a microcosm.
the problem is that non-profit organizations should adhere to certain ethical rules and expectations. those who are in positions of leadership within an organization such as this one should be mandated to take a full & rigorous course of anti-racism training.
lyme disease does not discriminate. you cannot purport to care about the plight of those with tick-borne diseases if you turn a blind eye to discriminatory and hateful language. just how do you think a lyme patient from mexico, or of mexican heritage, would feel after reading the thread in question? if that doesn't matter to you, then you can't claim to care about all people affected by lyme and coinfections.
thanks again to the vast majority of you; i've learned a lot from you and will not soon forget your kindness. thanks also to those who care about this issue - i deeply appreciate your voice, and your heart.
posted
i personally did not see anything racist on the one post that i saw...
I really think people just need to move on. If the statements were made more blatently obvious against any one race, or if the person was targeting someone due to their race then I could see the need for something to be done in a timely (fast) manner. But in this case, from what I have seen (and i do not feel i have seen everything on this but) I think its just best to move on.
This just goes to show Lyme can attack anyone, of any race or gender. Of any beleifes, racists, sexists, feminists, snowboarders, knitters, liberals and conservitives.
We need to remember we are all different here, and it is our illness that draws us together. We really should just focus on that. LEts focus on getting better.
posted
I am reposting the Malaria in CA thread here so people can see what was written as long as we are talking about offensive posts I think they all should be available for viewing.
Author Topic: Malaria in California Vanilla Frequent Contributor Member # 11155 posted 21 August, 2007 02:11 AM
Anopheles freeborni is the most important malaria vector in California. In our lifetime, endemic malaria has been eradicated from the U.S. But in our grandparents time, it was so serious that education guidelines called for it to be included in the instructional program in every primary school. Today, carrier mosquitoes still occur throughout the state, and hundreds of active infections are discovered every year in tourists and immigrants from other countries.
Anopheles are easily distinguished from other mosquitoes: their eggs are laid singly and have small floats on each side; the larvae lack the long breathing tube found in other mosquitoes; adults have hairs, but no scales on the abdomen and both sexes have palpi as long as the probosis. Feeding females assume a distinctive pose with their abdomen pointed high in the air.
Western malaria mosquitoes occur west of the Rocky Mountains, between southern Canada and northern Mexico, and from sea level to about 6,000 ft. elevation. The larvae prefer clear, clean water, in sunlit or partially shaded streams or ponds. They occur in both Marin and Sonoma counties, but their highest density is found in the irrigated and seasonally flooded rice fields of the great central valley, historically the region of California's highest malaria infection rates.
Adults migrate in the spring and fall, but most stay within five miles of their larval sites. Like most Anopheles, they are active during the hours of darkness, and find shelter in hidden places during the day. Females feed mainly on medium to large mammals like rabbits, deer, cattle or horses, and they pursue and bite man aggressively.
-------------------- You are what you love and you are what you hate, and ultimately you are what you focus on.
Take all your fears and allow them to melt into faith.
Posts: 959 | From: West of Lyme and East of Eden | Registered: Feb 2007 | IP: Logged
CaliforniaLyme Frequent Contributor Member # 7136 posted 21 August, 2007 08:59 AM
We live on a creek and there are SO many mosquitoes...
Interesting story- a few years back- say 5 or so- I got a call from a Mom from a playgroup I was in for my older daughter to come over to her house immediately- she lives a few blocks away at base of Nisene Marks State Park, the #1 place in all of CA. ANYWAY, her husband had been bitten by mosquitoes when doing yardwork- he is a pale redhead prone to bug bites- and the day after he had bulls-eyes at the bite sites- bulls-eyes that looked exactly like Lyme bulls-eyes- no symptoms- other than that-
I would never have believed it but I saw it with mine own eyes- !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-------------------- Best wishes, Sarah
There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living. - Mother Jones
Posts: 2791 | From: Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005 | IP: Logged
tailz Frequent Contributor Member # 10014 posted 21 August, 2007 09:34 AM
I wonder if this type of mosquito lives in PA?
As a kid I used to get at least one - often several - mosquito 'bull's eyes' every single summer. I grew up in Allentown, PA. My mom used to tell me I was allergic to them - that's why the welts grew to about 3 or 4 inches in diameter.
Then maybe back in 2002? (I forget) I was out mowing the lawn and stopped to talk to somebody. I lived in Boyertown, PA. There was a mosquito getting ready to bite me.
I shooed it away a couple of times, but I caught it biting me anyway. I remember looking down and seeing it feeding, but I can't remember how its abdomen was positioned.
I slapped my leg, so I squooshed it and it died. But I got a 3 or 4 inch bull's eye with that one, too.
There is no way that malaria is a thing of the past - it's just getting started. I have another new mosquito bite on me right now.
Also, I've been on a bunch of antibiotics, and not a single one has touched whatever is going on in my eyes and pupils.
I guess I'll know if I ever get my primaquine and chloroquine filled here.
-------------------- "Mobile and Wireless: The Largest Biological Experiment Ever" - The Cause of Chronic Infection...
treepatrol Frequent Contributor Member # 4117 posted 21 August, 2007 09:42 AM
Also Malaria contracted in Pennsylvania 1966
-------------------- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Remember Iam not a Doctor Just someone struggling like you with Tick Borne Diseases.
Newbie Links
Posts: 8467 | From: PA Where the Creeks are Red | Registered: Jun 2003 | IP: Logged
Wow - thanks! - that article is the best article I've read yet. In fact, I grew up in Lehigh County, PA - born 1965. My dad was in the service, too. My ex-husband also spent 6 years in the Navy and was pretty much everywhere.
My malaria test was negative this time - the first one was equivocal. But between the first and the second test I had started Larium, quinine powder, and minocycline.
Someone on here told me that minocycline kills certain strains of malaria, too - I didn't know that. I got my biggest herx from that one, too.
I heard stuff draining through my ears, yet my ears didn't unclog until zithromax. I think something was draining from my brain THROUGH my ears.
I also had been taking wormwood complex periodically - it has a bunch of herbs in it, but wormwood (artemisinin) is the first one.
I'm wondering though - they cited one case in which a lab tech reading a complete blood count noted malaria parasites and reported it. Would this occur today?
Plus, most CBCs are read by machines unless a manual differential is requested. I know, because I used to be a phlebotomist. My sister also works in a lab. I keep trying to get her to read my blood on a slide and tell me what I have.
I wish I would have paid attention to how frequently my shaking chills came on. They were brutal though and didn't let up - day or night. This is why I want to go on primaquine and chloroquine COMBINED.
I think I had the deadliest form. I'm not kidding. I looked like a walking corpse last year around this time, neighbors were approaching me asking me what was going on, and strangers in grocery stores were offering to help carry my bags for me, yet none of my doctors would help me.
I remember looking through a book of diseases and noting how many symptoms of malaria I had, yet I didn't think anything of it, because it was my understanding at the time that malaria was a disease of the past in the US.
If I get rid of this, does this mean I'm immune? What lab would be the best to test for this? I'm on meds now, but gosh, I know I have it and I don't want to relapse.
-------------------- "Mobile and Wireless: The Largest Biological Experiment Ever" - The Cause of Chronic Infection...
But once again, if it comes back negative, it doesn't mean anything since I'm on meds now - though there are certain strains I think that these won't kill.
-------------------- "Mobile and Wireless: The Largest Biological Experiment Ever" - The Cause of Chronic Infection...
"Many of the diseases and problems such as bedbugs that were solved in America are now coming back with the Mexicans illegals."
Tracy please let us know where you are getting your information?
Wealthy and other tourists from all over the world are bringing in bedbugs on their luggage according to my local news. They are found in pricey as well as cheap hotels these days and college dorms too.
I honestly do not think we can blame one group of people for bedbugs in the USA nor the fact that they may not be in this country legally. I do not think that last fact has anything to do with the bedbugs being here.
Vanilla Frequent Contributor Member # 11155 posted 22 August, 2007 12:53 AM
From MSNBC- Dateline
Bed bugs are back
March 19: You've heard the nursery rhyme: "Good Night. Sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite." And by now, you may have heard the news that bedbugs... are back! How common are they? And how worried should you be? Dennis Murphy has a Dateline Hidden Camera Investigation.
Dateline NBC
Scientific name: Cimex lectularius Bed bugs are small wingless insects that feed solely upon the blood of warm-blooded animals. They are also known to feed on bats or household pets.
Strangers in the night
Legions of tiny bloodsucking bugs are biting their way through America, leaving unsuspecting victims with itchy bites. View pictures of the bed bugs and what an infestation might look like.
Dennis Murphy Correspondent * Profile You check into a hotel for a good night's sleep, never suspecting that you might become room service dinner for a crawly critter, an insect waiting to drink your blood.
Nancy Duke: I had welts and they were all over my legs, my arms.
That's what happened to two women just months ago, in decent American hotels: They were the smorgasboard for bed bugs.
Dennis Murphy, Dateline correspondent: You ever heard of bed bugs, other than the old adage?
Janet Wyda: No, I never did.
Murphy: Ever seen one in your life?
Wyda: No.
Bed bugs had been shown the ``no vacancy'' sign in the U.S. for nearly 50 years-- they've been virtually eradicated. But now that's all changed. They're back. And they're in expensive hotels and biting the best of people.
It's a national problem, agrees entomologist Dini Miller, Ph.D. The Orkin Pest Control company says that after 50 years more or less without them, it's now treated bed bugs in all but three states. And according to the National Pest Management Association, bed bug complaints have increased 50-fold over the last five years. They've popped up in apartments, mansions or dormitories in nearly every corner of the country.
Just a few weeks ago, bed bugs nibbled on the traveling cast of a Broadway musical at a Ramada Plaza in San Francisco. Last summer, a young family vacationing at a five-star Westin resort in Hollywood, Florida had the same complaint.
Murphy: Are bedbugs in cities rather than countryside?
Dini Miller, Ph.D., entomologist: No, they're in the country as well.
This is like the return of the wooly mammoth to entomologist Dini Miller, who until very recently had never even seen a live bed bug. She says in the U.S., exterminators wiped them out.
Miller: We were just able to spray them with insecticide [DDT] which we used very liberally in those days and got rid of them. And so, they were gone from the United States.
What brought the bed bug back?
Experts say the bed bug resurgence started with international travel with bugs probably hitching a ride in suitcases coming from Europe, Asia, the Middle East -- places where they've been thriving all along. From their new American base, unwary travelers carried them on to other hotels, dormitories, into their homes. And as many people are discovering: once they're in, they're hard to get out.
One prominent authority on bed bugs is Dr. Harold Harlan, who was a career bug expert for the military. Harlan was surprised 30 years ago when he came across a few stray bed bugs in a barracks at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He carried them home with him-- on purpose.
Harold Harlan, Ph.D.: I took them off the wall. But I just wanted to keep them alive and observe them. We were looking at the bite effects on soldiers at the time.
Murphy: And you have raised the grandchildren, the great-great grandchildren, down through the generations, and begat, begat, begat, for 30 years now. How many bugs do you have?
Harlan: If I had to guess, I'd say around 15,000 to 20,000.
He keeps his bugs in jars in his basement. Every now and then they've ended up in his bed.
Murphy: What does your wife think about this?
Harlan: I don't think I want to discuss that.
Keeping bed bugs has obvious drawbacks.
Murphy: You can't go down to the pet store and get food for them. How do you feed them?
Harlan: I feed them on myself. My arm, my leg, whatever.
Murphy: Your blood.
Harlan: Correct.
People can have severe allergic reactions to bed bug bites, but generally bed bugs are not considered a health threat. Even though blood is their meal, they don't spread blood-related illnesses like aids or hepatitis. For Dr. Harlan, the itchy red welts last three or four days.
Murphy: You know, you could have birds or an ant colony.
Harlan: I've had ant colonies before and they're not as interesting.
Dr. Harlan's interesting collection is now proving invaluable to researchers. Some are using his domestic bugs to test against the current crop of bugs coming into the United States. So far the news isn't good. The bed bugs you may find under that hotel mattress aren't easily killed by the pesticides available on the U.S. market.
Miller: So essentially what happens is all of the ones that are susceptible to the pesticides die. And these few that are not susceptible survive. They mate with each other and produce babies that are just like themselves.
Murphy: And they're here in huge numbers.
Miller: I think so.
-------------------- You are what you love and you are what you hate, and ultimately you are what you focus on.
Take all your fears and allow them to melt into faith.
Posts: 959 | From: West of Lyme and East of Eden | Registered: Feb 2007 | IP: Logged
tailz Frequent Contributor Member # 10014 posted 22 August, 2007 12:54 AM
I think she probably meant to point out that the bugs may originate in a certain region and be brought back from that region - not from any one group of people per say.
That's what the piece I saw on TV awhile back was about, too. Certain climates favor certain insects, so anybody who travels in and out of those areas is game.
It should be reworded.
Boomerang - Immigrants (illegal or otherwise), tourists, students, business people - ALL contribute to the spread of disease. Heck, I think I'm sitting here with malaria right now - a legal citizen - spreading malaria while I wait a week for my doctor to call two scripts in and call me with results before I can start them.
-------------------- "Mobile and Wireless: The Largest Biological Experiment Ever" - The Cause of Chronic Infection...
Vanilla Frequent Contributor Member # 11155 posted 22 August, 2007 01:04 AM
I think if you believe that you need to go read Tracy's other anti Mexican post in off topic.
I for one would like to apologize for any Mexicans who have read both of Tracy's offensive posts.
I would delete this whole thread but I am waiting for the admins to edit Tracy. If they do not edit her post in the next 24 hours then I will delete the whole thing.
The only attention I can muster up for Boomerang is to ignore her from here on out.
-------------------- You are what you love and you are what you hate, and ultimately you are what you focus on.
Take all your fears and allow them to melt into faith.
Posts: 959 | From: West of Lyme and East of Eden | Registered: Feb 2007 | IP: Logged
Keebler Frequent Contributor Member # 12673 posted 22 August, 2007 01:46 AM
Boomerang,
Free speech comes with responsibilities.
Free speech does not include using malice. The test to determine libel for journalists is generally malice (and two other elements which I don't recall). Speech can harm.
Other tests for court cases involving free speech have involved the test of if words incite malice or movement toward hatred.
Understanding and honoring people from everywhere should be just good manners. There is no need for the insults to some wonderful people, some of whom may be on this board.
Let's get out of politics and back to the task at hand: learning - and sharing - what we can to get well.
No matter where someone is from, I hope they feel welcome.
Vanilla Frequent Contributor Member # 11155 posted 22 August, 2007 01:51 AM
I so agree and I often go to the Canlyme website for info. I would dislike going there if they said we do not want you people from the USA illegally moving across our border and you are bringing in the bed bugs.
Lyme is a disease that does not discriminate. Anyone from around the planet should be-able to come to this website without reading they are disliked and they should feel welcome to come here as well.
-------------------- You are what you love and you are what you hate, and ultimately you are what you focus on.
Take all your fears and allow them to melt into faith.
Posts: 959 | From: West of Lyme and East of Eden | Registered: Feb 2007 | IP: Logged
Soleilpie Frequent Contributor Member # 8481 posted 22 August, 2007 07:25 AM
I'm not sure anyone here has said they disliked people from other countries, but a generalization was made that was only half true, and that sets a negative tone.
I may be wrong but I bet the Canadians wouldn't want illegals from any country coming in like the numbers coming into the U.S.
Maybe Canada does have a lot of illegals??? Anyone know?
-------------------- The best index to a person's character is how he treats people who can't do him any good, and how he treats people who can't fight back. -Abigail van Buren (Pauline Esther Friedman) (1918-2002)
Truthfinder Frequent Contributor Member # 8512 posted 22 August, 2007 07:59 AM
quote:
Many of the diseases and problems such as bedbugs that were solved in America are now coming back with the Mexicans illegals.
While I don't recall reading speicifically about bedbugs...... what tracybillings originally posted is true, generally.
I've read 2 or 3 articles about this, and new outbreaks or infestations are often directly linked to areas that are havens for illegals coming from Mexico.
This just happens to be one of the major problems associated with the out-of-control, porous Mexican border. I'm sorry if anyone is offended by this because it doesn't represent a bias against the people themselves.
For safety and health, are there living conditions - for many - that should be improved? Sure. And that is very involved. When I get well, I would love to help in that purpose.
About three years ago, I saw a LLMD in Wisconsin (he's since moved) . . .but he told me that there, at a park on a summer afternoon, he saw the bulls-eye rash appear on a man's arm within 15 minutes of his being bitten. He'd actually also been with the guy when he slapped the critter of his arm. The doctor then treated him as if it were lyme, but also covering the malaria bases.
--
I wonder if coastal (including the Great Lakes) states have higher incidence of vector-borne stuff due, particially, to the shipping boats that dock there. California and the Eastern Shore, etc., etc. Lots of places for rainwater to collect on boats.
I read that even a tray under plants on a front porch or back deck can be an incubator for mosquitoes. But a place called REAL GOODS sells some "mosquito donuts" that can be put in smaller ponds or other domestic water decorations.
Just a drop of a certain oil on the surface of water will suffocate the larvae. I use almond oil for the trays on my deck - just a touch when the water collects. I've seen no mosquitoes since I began doing that. The gutters are harder to deal with, though.
(I know I should move all plants off my deck, but since I can't get out they bring me joy.)
posted
Racism? That's a serious term and I'd suggest you rethink it.
No one has said they disliked Mexicans or their heritage. Some of us have said that we dislike the actions they have chosen to take. VERY BIG DIFFERENCE.
As some of you have suggested, maybe it is you who needs to take cultural sensitivity and anti-racism classes. Just so you understand what a racist remark really is.
Illegal immigrant and Illegal alien do not make up a race. In fact, and illegal immigrant can be white. They can be any race.
My mother ended up immigrating here, so it's not like I'm anti-immigrant. I'm anti-law breaker. Period.
I'm what the Hawaiians call hapa haole or half white.
Kelmo: Like Lou B, you correctly interpreted the tone of the thread. Thank You.
-------------------- The best index to a person's character is how he treats people who can't do him any good, and how he treats people who can't fight back. -Abigail van Buren (Pauline Esther Friedman) (1918-2002) Posts: 409 | From Florida | Registered: Dec 2005
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Vanilla
Unregistered
posted
Kelmo try turning the light on. People invalidate in order to manipulate. You are too old to be playing this game.
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What a waste of my morning! Wish I hadnt gone here at all....
-------------------- Seeking renewed health & vitality. --------------------------------- Do not take anything I say as medical advice - I am NOT a dr! Posts: 830 | From TN | Registered: Aug 2007
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kelmo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8797
posted
Vanilla, you words are hurtful and inflammatory.
I'm not sure what my post contained that set you off.
I'm not igorant, just trying to be objective. The thread took on a mind of its own.
It seems many of your posts are defensive, like you are sparring for a fight. I don't want to fight.
Could you please respond to a post without getting personal?
----------------------------------
Just a note I found interesting: In response to the post about infections being close to the Mexican border, (you can see on my profile where I live), my LLMD said that blood samples on the border towns revealed 90% if the people tested are infected with bartonella. No, I do not have data to back up that number. Give or take, I think it's pretty accurate.
We don't have a tick problem here, but we do have mosquitoes. They can carry the disease much further than a tick.
Old, ignorant Kelmo
Posts: 2903 | From AZ | Registered: Feb 2006
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CaliforniaLyme
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 7136
posted
Frankly, I saw both.
When one member TracyBillings make multiple comments which seem anti-HIspanic it is notable.
I also saw the pandering issue and see how people could see it as purely a political comment re pandering to special interest groups.
I also know that it is true that Mexico is not as good with their anti-malaria programs as we are here in the USA and that is is true that malaria is a valid medical concern for people coming from all parts of the globe to the US, including those from MExico which as it shares a border with us and has a huge influx of people is a current active issue in malaria managment.
I would NOt have thought TracyBIllings comment re malaria was racist
EXCEPT
that she/he then made another slanted comment in OT. WHich seemed to solidify the suspected bias going on there.
So I can see it both ways. I do suspect that TB is somewhat biased re ethnicity. Really. I do.
I do think the majority of that people responding on that thread were in no way supporting racism.
I think a couple ARE because on a a thread a couple months ago I got upset re some comments made.
But I think that without those nuances, those nuances from those of us who read all the variant postings and know that person A already wrote something over HERE or THERE that coincidentally (NOT!) was anti-Mexican that people could miss it entirely-
I think posting Lous private email was lame and probably alerted the bad guy he was TRYING to get rid of. I have met LOu in the flesh and he is a good, GOOD man.
I think you are also a good person, Vanilla, a very good one.
I also think it is healthy to talk about this stuff. Thank you for this thread!!
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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kelmo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8797
posted
Well, said, CA. Not all of us get the big picture. I don't open every thread, so I would've missed other bombs that may have been dropped.
SunRa
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3559
posted
quote:Originally posted by charlie: Good for Lou B...
the sooner we rid ourselves of this infantile 'political correctness' nonsense the better off we'll all be.
I'm off for the weekend to get in touch with my inner buzzard.
May the 'social' whiners that promised to be gone actually be gone when I get back.
otherwise I've added turbo sarcasm to my pun-o-mat so watch out...
Charlie
I would never in a million years WISH that fellow sick lymies would leave a support group just because I didn't agree with their political views in OT....especially people who have spent countless hours helping others, posting valuable info, researching, and writing out thoughtful responses to others' posts (while feeling very sick themselves).
while there are many wonderful and helpful people here and I'm so grateful for all the knowledge and guidance I've received, the fact that offensive posts have been tolerated on this board upsets me...a lot. that combined with rudeness and hostility make it a less positive and healing place. And this happens in all the forums. We are all sick and need to be working together rather than using others here as a punching bag.
So to charlie's delight, this sensitive 'social whiner' is taking a long break from here as well so I can focus on my own healing. I totally understand why heather and keebler are leaving and I agree with GiGi in that this board can be really toxic sometimes. I wish you ALL wellness...republicans, democrats, libertarians, etc..
[ 28. August 2007, 03:42 PM: Message edited by: SunRa ]
Posts: 1563 | From MA | Registered: Jan 2003
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
anybody wanta join me on my flight to andromeda?
i'll bring the beer and green chile and buy us a labrador doggie for company.
oh, and i read tons of mush books, so gotta take them along...
for those of you who don't want to go, be careful... i'll drive cross country in my depends diaper and get you!!
oh, uh, i'm off topic.,,sorry...
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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heiwalove
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6467
posted
just the simple fact that several people find a problem with the thread in question (as well as many of the posts on lymenet over the last year or so) is enough, in my opinion, to warrant concern from moderators and users who care about the safety and integrity of this board.
to just say 'fine, if you have a problem, leave,' without thinking critically and deeply and trying to assess why and how i and others are concerned with the racism/ignorance/homophobia/etc present on lymenet, and what we can all do to make this board a safe space for people from all walks of life, well.. it's sad & disheartening, to say the very least.
i have been following this thread from the beginning, but this will be my last post here.
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
Yes, I've wanted to see if there's been any progress of this tread, too, as the concern does stay with me.
My hands are wrecked after each post, the exhaustion worse, - that is usual - but I've also noticed the sadness since this began.
Truly sad, as I've stated before, for anyone reading the offensive posts who may be hurt. We don't know who will come along.
So, as a test, plug in your name, or your ethic backgroud, or the name of YOUR child into the phrase and see how it rings. Such as: " . . . brings (bad stuff) to us." " . . .brings more illness than we had before."
. . . " . .. .'s homeland music not worth enjoying because of where it originates." etc, etc. See the subtle nuances, too. As we all know it's often the tone, too, that tips the scale.
I used to be a professor of journalism and public relations for non-profits. I also used to teach management communication courses for an MBA program.
For three years I was an executive director of a United Way and my job was to help agencies meet the requirements for funding. During my time there we were able to triple the number of agencies. I loved working with each agency as they all grew.
So, I have background to be able to see what can put an agency at risk of loosing non-profit status. And, folks, THIS is it.
Even if it flies under the radar, please, stop. Let's each check ourselves and our language.
I applaud Vanilla and others who continue to say "this is not right."
If healthy, I might stay, too. However, as stated above, I can't sit by and reap the benefits of some of the sections while bullying is going on in another unless I can speak to that.
Bullying seems to be the new national pasttime. Let's shift course, please.
I can really see why people who are ill (especially ill AND put-down) sometimes just give up. It takes so much to stand up for what is right. I wish I could help others avoid the pain of put-downs but this is so exhausting and I must prioritize to healthier stuff.
Again, please be kind. That's all I can say. ---- (edited to clarify: examples meant as the way to "test")
-
[ 25. August 2007, 08:36 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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kelmo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8797
posted
Sarcism breaks the spirit. There have been many sarcastic replies in the threads. I think it has become such a part of their fabric they don't realize the damage it does.
Sarcasm is a form of bullying. I could quote others, but I don't want to start another bout of he said/she said.
Look, life is hard enough when you are ill, all alone, and fighting for care. Do we have to tear each other down, too? In some cases, we are all we've got!
Posts: 2903 | From AZ | Registered: Feb 2006
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posted
Keebler: I agree that we should all be kind and I think most, if not all have been.
In fact, it's the pro-illegal immigration group that have been more inflammatory.
Using the F-bomb and calling us idiots and what not.
You said, " . .. .'s homeland music not worth enjoying because of where it originates."
Who said that? No one that I could find. That in fact would be racist.
If that statement is just an example you made up, then you made up a true racist statement and attributed it to this thread as if it were actually said.
I don't want to accuse you of something if you haven't done it, but it's wrong and you should remove it.
I apologize in advance if the statement were actually made by one of the members.
I'd even support removing the entire thread or at least deleting or editing that post.
heiwalove : I see what you're saying but just because several people have concerns, doesn't mean the thread is wrong.
I'd be offended and concerned if it was removed or censored and I'm sure I wouldn't be the only one.
There has been a lot of unnecessary censorship that has gone on, on these boards in the past and that has greatly concerned me because I feel that ruins the integrity of Lymenet and in one case hid what I thought was a safety issue for future patients.
Lymenet won't be able to make everyone happy. No board will be able to.
Someone will inevitably say something that another person won't like and what then?
If a true "offense" occurrs, such as an actual racist remark or slander against another, then it should be censored, but not statements that have been misinterpreted just to appease people.
The subject of illegal immigration is a heated one and easy for someone to get offended.
Lymenet has given us a forum to be able to talk and debate about things other than Lyme disease, but maybe to appease some of you, Off Topic should be removed so that nothing but Lyme related subjects can be discussed????
If not, a sensitive subject will eventually come up again that will cause people to become defensive once again and where misinterpretations will occur once again...
-------------------- The best index to a person's character is how he treats people who can't do him any good, and how he treats people who can't fight back. -Abigail van Buren (Pauline Esther Friedman) (1918-2002) Posts: 409 | From Florida | Registered: Dec 2005
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
Soleilpie asks for clarificaton . Copied from his question above:
. . . " You said, " . .. .'s homeland music not worth enjoying because of where it originates."
Who said that? No one that I could find. That in fact would be racist.
If that statement is just an example you made up, then you made up a true racist statement and attributed it to this thread as if it were actually said. END QUOTE of Soleilpie
-- my voice now:
Sorry for the confusion. I did not say that. I said in my above post that these gave examples of some of the posts and how we can use sentences as a test.
------------- Here is the post from that example by Tracy Billings:
OFF TOPIC topic: sing how much they love mexico are...
Posted by tracybillings (Member # 5961) on 21 August, 2007 08:15 AM :
I'm a registered democrat but i may change my luck in '08 because I've heard hillary and barack singing, separately, how much they love mexico in front of a mexican group.
Betrayal in my view. --------------------- END OF THAT POST
=================================== (Keebler here again)
I get that she may not have meant literally "singing" but it might have been as it sounded like a rally of a sort. The point is that had that been another country . . . well, you get it.
I said that I thought that to be an insult to some fine people and asked for it to be deleted. She replied back " . . . no. . . ."
in my above post up a couple here, I spaced where I should have not . . . for vision.
So, I should have indented with an elipse ( . . . ) bridging my examples. I had hoped the quotation marks showed that it was not myself speaking but from another. the other post was a real example, too.
I do find the "plug-in" test helpful. If someone says a statement that could be hurtful to others, plug in your kid's name, your country of origin - or someone who is an exception to the generalization. The meaning would hit home.
--
Hey, here's for better everything, eh?
[ 25. August 2007, 06:05 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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I do remember seeing the 1st 2 quotes, but the last one was the one I questioned.
The 1st two statements weren't racist but more generalizations or half-truths.
The last one was clearly a racist statement and no statements of that caliber were ever made on the two threads in question.
It is transparent when a racist statement is made as clearly shown by your example statement. This is why I can't figure out why some feel that racist statements have been made.
Thanks for clarifying though. Whew, I thought 'oh man, here I've been defending this thread and someone made such a heinous statement!'
I'm glad to hear that no one did.
As for Tracy's post on Hilary and Obama, I can see where it could be interpreted as being anti-Mexico. I can also see it being interpreted as her outrage to them pandering.
I did ask Tracy to clarify what she meant, but she didn't.
-------------------- The best index to a person's character is how he treats people who can't do him any good, and how he treats people who can't fight back. -Abigail van Buren (Pauline Esther Friedman) (1918-2002) Posts: 409 | From Florida | Registered: Dec 2005
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quote:Originally posted by Keebler: Which quote exactly ?
The quote that I was questioning was the one that said, . .. .'s homeland music not worth enjoying because of where it originates."
I just questioned it because I hadn't seen anyone make that kind of statement and was worried that I either missed it or that your agenda was to make the situation worse than it really was.
I see that neither of my concerns were correct, after you cleared it up for me.
Thanks
-------------------- The best index to a person's character is how he treats people who can't do him any good, and how he treats people who can't fight back. -Abigail van Buren (Pauline Esther Friedman) (1918-2002) Posts: 409 | From Florida | Registered: Dec 2005
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
i edited the above reply just as yours was going through.
Others saw the "singing their praises" as an insult, too.
Whether around a rally with musicians, or other cultural activities, had that been about Canada, Ireland, Italy . . . .?
Why not celebrate or 'sing' what's good or unique about Mexico? What's wrong with singing their praises either literally or figuratively? They are our neighbors with rich art and heart.
Clearly now, I'm outta here. I thought I might see some questions . . . did . . . tried to clarify.
Health to everyone - everywhere.
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Whether around a rally with musicians, or other cultural activities, had that been about Canada, Ireland, Italy . . .others would say, "well, why not celebrate or 'sing' what's good or unique" What's wrong with singing their praises?
I agree 100%.
I'd be offended if someone became upset over singing about Japan.
But if I saw them singing about Japan that was disingenuous and only to get votes, then I could see why others would get mad and not see it as anything against Japan as a whole.
Unfortunately, it's too late for Tracyb to edit her post as the thread is now closed; but I really wish she would have just edited it to articulate more clearly what it was she was truly trying to say.
Ok, now Onward!
-------------------- The best index to a person's character is how he treats people who can't do him any good, and how he treats people who can't fight back. -Abigail van Buren (Pauline Esther Friedman) (1918-2002) Posts: 409 | From Florida | Registered: Dec 2005
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Here's two posts that I've been tracking that just absolutely smack of Political Correctness nonsense.
The original post concerning Clinton and Obama and now this one, "a Goodbye" or as I see it, "if you don't agree with my take on any issue, I'll just leave, except I keep forgetting to leave and I just continue to write farewells and if enough of you all will write nice things about me, we'll get together and put a stop to all ideas being shared and make sure we don't offend the sensibilities of anyone, so let's introduce censorship and here's an idea, I don't like what one of the founders of this board has to say, so I'll just copy and paste a "Personal" Message, so again everyone will come to my aid and make me feel better, then we can all gather round the campfire and sign multiple chorus's of KUM-BYE-YAH".
For me personally, this board has been a real source of quality information for Lyme disease and other TBDs.
In addition, it's become a great outlet for reading how other people feel and think politically, socially, and spiritually.
If LymeNet Off Topic were to be ruined by a few people who just don't get the idea of exchanging ideas in an open and free forum, I'd consider it a great loss.
As for my opinion, if you don't like what's being said in a particular thread, for cryin' out loud don't continue to read what's being written in that thread.
Use some common sense and quit your *****in' (sorry 'bout that - quit your complaining).
Posts: 681 | From California | Registered: Oct 2005
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Please never send me a PM, you might find out how I really feel about someone who would do something like you've done.
Posts: 681 | From California | Registered: Oct 2005
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LouB was pretty upset in the pm. Makes me wonder what tone Vanilla took with him when she pm'd him.
Lymedad: I too find this place to be priceless for the amount of information one can gather on Lyme disease and other TBDs.
I dont' have Lyme, but my mother does and I spend a considerable amount of time on her behalf doing research here and reading scientific journals.
Once in awhile an interesting non-Lyme related topic pops up on Lymenet and I take a little break from Lyme to join in on the discussion.
Who would've guessed I'd be accused of making racial slurs or being insensitive.
There are definitely all walks of life that venture into these forums and it's a good thing. It allows everyone to see positions from different sides. But obviously there are times when some see a difference in opinion as an attack. Yikes!
-------------------- The best index to a person's character is how he treats people who can't do him any good, and how he treats people who can't fight back. -Abigail van Buren (Pauline Esther Friedman) (1918-2002) Posts: 409 | From Florida | Registered: Dec 2005
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I've often been accused of being insensitive, but that's probably because I am, at times.
I just loose patience with people who want to control how others think and what they have to say.
To believe that anyone is without some type of prejudice is just ridiculous, we're human beings; one of the most hateful animals on the planet.
Of course we're all going to harbor some sort of dislike for a group of peoples, that's just human nature.
The goal is to not allow those dislikes to turn into something that eats at the core of a person and provides them with excuses to do or say more hateful things.
Again, I just don't have the patience to listen to a lot of attempts to control/censor others.
You got something to say, spit it out and live with the consequences. But you gotta be able to handle the rebuttal and own the feelings and not blame someone else for the reactions.
Posts: 681 | From California | Registered: Oct 2005
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