Explanation from everyone please??

If I am the bad guy for bringing forth information, and starting a positive action for HCV awarness, I would love to hear the explanation.. It is wrong for me to comment on anything political, as I am out numbered, but others are justified for their badgering! Please, and explanation is in order. Go back, read from my first post, then all after, and tell me my comments are not direct responses too all that responded. Politics came into play with Rev's first remark, and many more to follow. Nothing was intended as political rant or propaganda. I am labeled, stereotyped, outcast, and all is justified. I realize now what the jews, and christians went through many years ago. Who is wrong here??

You have all overlooked my positive message, and intentions, and put a political agenda on it. You should be ashamed and disgusted, as I am.

[Fubarcat]

You now question my parenting skills and dedication to my son's education?????  My thoughts for you are not quite so warm any more.  That's my last comment on it.  Please - DON'T waste a thread responding.

[MichaelT]

People with high-IQs should be able discern when a discussion has gone off-course and either pull it back in line or ignore it and stand above the fray. A word to the wise...?

HCV advocacy is a tough job. Most people recognize they aren't up to it in a large fashion, especially those currently enjoying the benefits of treatment. I WILL NOT condemn anyone who has decided for themselves that the advocate road is not for them. I am critical of doctors who knowingly WON'T fight for the best treatment for their patients - it is these docs that should be jumping up and down like organ grinder monkeys in front of the policy makers and money men (oops! money-people).

The current state of affairs with treatment is about as good as it can get. Admittedly, their are dosage disputes and other fine-tuning issues to be aggressively pursued. Noveau treatments are in the pipeline - as result of HIV studies, protease inhibitors may become a real option for HCV treatment. Where improvements can be made today are with minimizing the harm of the current treatment and dealing with the side-effects better. Also in improving diagnostics and identifying predictors of the disease and its progression in a more univeral and less invasive fashion, we benefit more people now. I believe this is what is happening and therefore am content.

[Sioux]

I was just thinking..... hmmm... This is alittle off from the dicussion. But, Didn't our current pres. have to deal with allegations of drug abuse??? If it is indeed true, what are his chances of being in the same boat as we are....contracting this virus ???? I wonder what his view on HCV would be then ????

[Tallblonde]

If this group is so offended by your name-calling, you can only imagine how outraged they must be over the widely-publicized comments made last week by Whoopi Goldberg, John Mellancamp ("Bush is a thug") and the rest of their ilk.  

We should be grateful that this board has so many civil, high-minded people posting. It's reassuring to know that none of them would ever stoop to name-calling and are ready and willing to protect any party that's victimized by venomous verbal attacks.

Susan

[Sam Hall]

I think it was just the RACIST remark this is a world wide site and that kind of thing can offend many people. Insults are different so what if opraha calls bush a thug that's not about oppression it's just tv. The tension growing bbetween the Muslim and Christian world can lead to death on massive scales. It wont be your fault but enough people take that view and there will be no end to it.
Sam

[cuteus]

Tallblonde
This forum is not the place to address ALL the name calling going on in the media, we can only address the ones happening here.
snook
very good points are lost when someone state things like:
"He is a disgrace to the military, and should be dishonorably discharged!!" about someone's nephew who, in spite of disagreeing with the war, is performing his duty to our country.
"LIBERAL TREE HUGGERS)!!!" to those concerned about the increasing imbalance between "progress" and the destruction of natural habitats; "some down syndrome idiot named Clinton??" (well...)
Examples of name calling that distort the good points you are trying to make. I want to be advised of ongoing proposals and bills that affect our HCV status, but I can do without the constant insults. Once in a while others have poked fun at Bush, as long as it is for fun aimed at his behavior and not to demean and to become personal attacks to him as a human being,( same with clinton), it does not offend me.
You are very passionate and it shows in that sometimes you say things without thoroughly thinking them, but I guess we all have at some point.
I learned from them and try to proof read my posts before submitting them, if only to avoid stressing someone unnecessarily.
I am still rooting for your recovery.

[Amerabrit]

I hope I don't regret posting this response, but Snook you asked a direct question and that is the only reason I'm responding to this thread.  From your question it sounded to me as though your feelings are hurt and you think we have all turned against you.  I don't believe that's necessarily true:

"camel riding extremists" is a racist comment, pure and simple.  You do not know the religious or political persuasions of those posting here and yet you feel free to make comments like "racism does not exist".  
You said in an earlier post that you were a great debater in College/School? I seriously doubt that because when you get into politics on this forum, you come across to me as a bully and I can almost hear your voice getting louder, your face getting redder and I see your fist banging the table.  That may not be happening but it is the picture you illustrate for me.

When you make personal attacks against your opponents, you lose me completely and I suspect, many others.  I strongly suggest you read Donl's remarks again as perhaps he could teach you a thing or two about debating. ( see also Cuteous', Rev's and other responses)

I don't want to hurt your feelings Snook, that is not my intent.  I think your heart is in the right place and you have so much to offer here on this forum regarding HCV information.  I would just like you to be careful and maybe think a little before you insult every person here; please consider for a moment that maybe we have some knowledge of history and that maybe some of us have witnessed and/or experienced racism directly?

I am in the publishing business and I, personally have been negatively affected by the current administration's education funding cuts.  I have HCV and am personally affected by the same administration's HCV funding cuts.  My personal politics couldn't be more at odds with yours and yet the only statements you have made here that have personally offended me are the racist comments.  FYI, I am a white, female agnostic.

I have no tolerance for racism and will speak out against it whenever I have the opportunity.

[Tallblonde]

So let me get this straight....it's offensive when Snookman calls someone a "tree hugger," but it's not offensive when Scott calls our President "a puppet for **** Cheney."  

Sounds to me like name-calling is fine if you happen to agree with what's being said, but it's not fine if you don't happen to agree with it. Why does Scott get a free pass on his name-calling, but Snookman doesn't?

Susan

[Amerabrit]

Interesting comment.  
I'm upset he cut our finding but to wish it on him would make me a very bad person, wouldn't it?

[Sioux]

I agree, I would not wish any illness on anyone. But maybe if he knew someone in our shoes, maybe HCV would be more of an issue for education and funding.

[TnHepGuy_]

"<i>The tension growing bbetween the Christian and Muslim world can lead to death on a massive scale.</i>"

Saying that there is merely a "growing tension" ignores the last 1,400 years of history. For an example look no further than just these past 100 years. Ask the Armenians in Turkey - or the Greeks in Turkey and Greece - or the Coptic Egytians - or the Serbs in Kosovo (who only a mere 50 years ago made up greater than 50% of the population in their historic homeland - with their numbers today now down into the single percentages) - to name but a few Christian peoples - of the 'growing tensions' that they have had to face from the Muslim world. They have been forced to pay with of millions of their lives (including 1,500,000 Armenians killed in the genocide of 1915-1916 - something that to this day the Turks refuse to acknowledge occured).


Here is more on the <a href="http://www.armenian-genocide.org/genocide.html">Armenian Genocide</a>

(from the article):

"<i>In all, it is estimated that up to a million and a half Armenians perished at the hands of Ottoman and Turkish military and paramilitary forces and through atrocities intentionally inflicted to eliminate the Armenian demographic presence in Turkey. In the process, the population of historic Armenia at the eastern extremity of Anatolia was wiped off the map. With their disappearance, an ancient people which had inhabited the Armenian highlands for three thousand years lost its historic homeland and was forced into exile and a new diaspora. The surviving refugees spread around the world and eventually settled in some two dozen countries on all continents of the globe. Triumphant in its total annihilation of the Armenians and relieved of any obligations to the victims and survivors, the Turkish Republic adopted a policy of dismissing the charge of genocide and denying that the deportations and atrocities had constituted part of a deliberate plan to exterminate the Armenians. When the Red Army sovietized what remained of Russian Armenia in 1920, the Armenians had been compressed into an area amounting to no more than ten percent of the territories of their historic homeland. Armenians annually commemorate the Genocide on April 24 at the site of memorials raised by the survivors in all their communities around the world.<i>"

[Tallblonde]

I'm not FOR or AGAINST anything based solely on how I will personally benefit or not benefit. For example, I don't support embryonic stem cell research, even though it probably would hasten the discovery of a cure for HCV.  (Yah, I'm one of those radical nutcases who thinks life begins at conception).

I haven't read anything (except the comments here) about Bush cutting spending for HCV research.  So I don't even know if it's true.  And please keep in mind that the U.S. isn't a monarchy. The president may have veto ability, but he can't pass a bill without a majority vote from our Congress.

Susan

[snook_man]

My point exactly!! As from my original posts, I have been asking everyone to keep their mind off politics and aimed at awarness, but the comments are directed right at me. I will be silenced by no one!! I am not a puppet, and make my opinions known!
As for face getting red, banging on the table, etc.. Got me down to the tee!! I am mad, I am angry, I am passionate about my comments, and get angry because they are completely disregarded and overlooked, as they are not excepted by the majority here. Comments like Scotts, Micheal T, and others are exceptable, but mine are not. My comment about the middle eastern extremist was not intended to be racist, at all. I have stated before, I am a white male, grew up in jamacia for awhile, I know what is to be the minority, and the outkast. What I learned from my experiences where that you must prove yourself to all, and gain respect. Do not just assume it is present. Jamacia is a hard country, and being white, wealthy in their eyes, and blonde haired, was rough. I am young in most of your eyes, but my experiences with what life throws, are grand. I have seen death already,clinically pronounced dead, and I overcame. I am still not ready for it, and that is where the passion originates.

Micheal T: Your comments amaze me. Have you not gone and read everyone of my post from the last two threads, asking everyone to keep the focus of my discussion. How can you preach advice, when you do not follow it yourself!! Why not direct your comments to others!! I will be silenced by no one.

Cuteus: have others not said worse things than that?? Why am I singled out?? I must be the flavor of the month, huh?? I do not take back my comments about someone who serves, then talks negatively about our military. That is dishonorable, and one of the reasons for such a division among Americans. United we Stand, correct??

[new-sojourn]

We all have our causes. I'm for getting all the hep c tokers in states that recognize 'med marijuanna' for hep c to sign up, whether they use marijuanna or not.  To make the law stronger, to releive the sx's legally-which almost every hepper I know does anyway.

The only reason hep c is now a qualifier is b/c AIDS is and many recognized, the AIDS wasn't killing many, the hep c was.  So, AIDS funding does benefit hep c-indirect and direct funding.  Our combo-drugs for tx are a direct result of AIDS research.

I'm anti-war b/pro troops, having a nephew Delta Force'er in Afghan  Mts.  And everytime I go to the Gorge for an outdoor concert, high on the hill watchin' the sun go down, I say a prayer of thanks that I can see for miles and miles and miles b/c he's over there watchin' the sun come up.

Anyone trying to clean and heal their liver suddenly becomes concerned about the toxins in our body and then that should extend to the toxic environment that spawns these 'normal' toxins.

Poltical activism comes in many forms.  Eating organicaly supports small farmers-esp women and minority farmers-which helps combat agri-bussiness that spawns those poisons in our raw food.  Whcih hurts the environment, consume much more fuel and increase our dependancy on oil which is the only reson we are in Iraq.  And both the top men-Bush-n-Chaney are oil men.

So, living organically, tokin' legally and peaceful resolution of conflicts are my agenda.

I guess I'm still waiting for my canadate.  And that doesn't make me wrong or anyone else right,

[Tallblonde]

You write:  "And both the top men-Bush-n-Chaney are oil men"

Unless you get around town with just your two feet or a bicycle, you're an "oil person," too.  We all are.

Susan

[Tallblonde]

I think I did answer your question.  I don't know anything about "Bush cutting HCV funding," so I don't have an opinion on it one way or another.  I don't even know if it's true.  Can you provide me with information (beyond what's circulating in the rumor mill) pertaining to these so-called cuts?  

Susan

[cuteus]

lol....Happy trails to youuuuu until...

[honey1616]

hahahaha I love it!!  The Road to SVR!!  Actually,,,my thoughts were back to you in the padded cell with Snook,,,,,You two could really get some conversation going huh?  And then TB could join LOL

[new-sojourn]

I use conservativly. I do not inflict misery so I can make illegal billions while raping the earth and stealing elections.  I do not 'live and breath' oil or condemn the children-yes, the brain does not mature until 25-to die for my personal grudges.

I don't want to go back in time.  Our technology is here to stay.  The question is, is this the best way to use-not misuse- our resources.

This whole nail thing of yours, I was wondering if you still get your nails done?  Do you bring your own tools and let the manicurist know you are hcv positive?  When I was getting my nails done, no one ever drew blood on me.  I was worried for a while that I might have passed it on.  Do you worry about that?

I worry so much about all the yrs-37-I didn't know I had hcv and might have passed it on inadvertently.  Don't you worry knowing you have it that you now could pass it on?

[honey1616]

lololol  Sam is always saying "damn your eyes",,,,we could change that to "damn your nails"  haha   You know,,,this has been the best medicine,,,I have had in a long time!!  A good deep belly laugh...Thanks Snook!!

[MichaelT]

Because some people are worth the effort and others are not.

Look, I and everyone else has gotten on a high-horse at one time or another on this forum and elsewhere. Go look at some rants by "Fatboy" for evidence.

Zeal can be a good thing, but when one's disappointment in others is presented in a fashion that can (and will) be construed as self-righteous, one will get clobbered.

I urge you to let the turmoil pass... it is unhealthy to insist on winning every point of every discussion.

[DonL]

I haven't been posting a lot--feeling kind of crappy lately.

I feel somewhat responsible for encouraging this by responding to you. I guess you don't see what I and some others are trying to say. The point is to disagree without putting down. Look at the following three comments:

1. Shut the f*ck up, you mullet wearing redneck sh*tstomper.
2. I think you have no clue about what you are saying and wish you would stop wasting all our time.
3. You're wrong because of the following facts: a, b, and c.

The first stereotypes a person based on his bankbook, his haircut, and where he lives with the intent of reducing him from a person to a type. The second conveys disagreement without putting him down as a type. The third disagrees with specific details.

This isn't a question of PC. It is a question of how one deals with one's fellow humans. The first step in any war, genocide, religious, or political clash is to reduce your opponents to things. It is easy to kill a "camel-riding Arab" but a lot harder to think of someone who probably loves his wife and children, is religious, wants to be left alone, has values and beliefs we may disagree with, and finds himself in the middle of a war zone. Argue with Osama, but he doesn't represent all Muslims any more than you or I represent all Americans.

As far as getting us off our butts to work for HCV reasearch and funding, I think you are totally right. I think we need to find a better forum for the purely political discussions since those are not really part of what this forum is all about.

[derail]

Whew istopped in to read the latest comments. Boy did Iget a suprise Slapping heads with frypans racist comments namecalling
eetc. and imagine I wasn't part of it. Ialways miss the fun stuff. NOW everybody, back up two paces, take five deep breathes and let the anger subside. I like the fact we are all angry about lots of stuff,mostly HCV.please direct that fervour where it will do the most good AT THE POLITICIANS Lets not get off the path by being unreasonable among ourselves.
REmember Yesterday is history; Tommorrow is mystery; live for today.
DARYL

[Oreos]

Wow.  Lot's of passion in these past few threads.  I really appreciate seeing all the opinions and seeing where everyone is coming from.  All walks of life and different experiences.  Just goes to show that hcv doesn't pick and choose; we're all vulnerable.  We're all entitled to our opinions, but I think personal attacks are uncalled for.  We're here to SUPPORT each other in coping with hcv.    

On the subject of hcv (is that what brought us all here??) I'm saddened by the cuts in research funding.  I'm frustrated by the prioritization of many of the drug companies who choose profits over public health.  Plenty of drugs out there for erectile disfunction - even frequent buyer cards!!!!  My Procrit cost, however, just went up 10% to a whopping $1800 for 4 viles.  Just in time for the "new discount cards."  Ha!  This Administration has been of no help.  They've cut everything they possibly can (environment, veterans benefits, unfunded "no child left behind, etc, etc, etc) to fund tax cuts and Iraq.  Leaving states to fill the voids created.  The new trade rules will ensure that cheaper foreign generics will not be available to US citizens.  

So what am I personally doing about it?  Well, to start, I like to participate in walks to raise $$ for liver research.  I live in California (SF Bay Area) and there was just a big walk in LA and another one coming up in Los Gatos in September.  It was interesting growing up in SF with a democratic mom and staunch republican father.  Don't get me started on politics : )

Peace to all of you : )