Re: I've got some 'splainin' to do... and so do I

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: Ilse,

: I have already put this to rest.  I have found in my 49 years that if things are left to fester, they consume you and eventually take over and I do believe all of us are bigger than that. We have to be.  We are in this together, globally.  I pray that you and your country are not a target, but who knows what the minds behind all of this are thinking?  Just be alert over there in the Netherlands.

: Okay...deep breath...smiley face...wipe the tears away....and let's get on with living!  

: Theresa
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: : Dear Theresa and all the others,

: : Thank you so much for saying this. It has touched me deeply, and given me lots to think about these last few days. It's my turn to search my own heart. I deeply regret now that when I first started to feel some discomfort and irritation with the board and feeling isolated, I did not come out and share those feelings immediately. Instead, I just let it build and build over time and now I let it erupt all over this minor thing. I'm sorry about that.

: : I've taken a hard look at myself too in light of this and feel I am as equally responsible for this situation we find ourselves in now. It's an unpleasant conclusion for me (after all, we Dutch like to view ourselves as the champions of tolerance), but I can be as rigid and unbending in my views as I accuse Americans to be. It seems that that haughty moralism, that is so much a part of Dutch culture, and that me and my Dutch friends always make so much fun of, is a bit deeper ingrained in my soul than I'd like it to be.

: : You are right, Theresa, I don't know what it feels like to be the target of this kind of senseless violence. But we are on the same side here and though perceptions on how to reach our goals may vary, the goal itself is undisputed.

: : If it's alright with all of you, I'd like to put this behind us. It's been a learning experience to me and in that sense a good one. All your warm replies have put many of my negative feelings of the last period to rest. I'd like to remain a part of Mohicanland, and will put in a greater effort on my part to look beyond the limits of my views and political/social culture. And yes Rich, less ego (smile). On a lighter note, I promise to add smiley's to my quips...

: : Thank you all for your thoughtful replies. That has always been the culture of Mohicanland, and I too hastily concluded that is was gone. 

: : Love, Ilse

: : : I have thought about the exchange of words that have been posted across this board of late and I am reminded of my Grandmother's wisdom when she once said, "The tongue is a might weapon."  I understand those words.  But, I also understand that words can be a healer.  Ilse, if my words to you came across as condescending, I apologize.  They were not meant to be.  By telling you to take another look, I was suggesting that the "Heavy Artillery of the American Soul" was indeed seen, felt, and heard beyond the boarders from which this editorial came.  By telling you to come here and see for yourself what is taking place, I was suggesting that perhaps you did not realize the magnitude of our patriotic spirit that has risen about this heinous crime.  By telling you to ask Adele about it when she returns from her trip, I was suggesting that perhaps she could give you a first hand account based on what she sees when she gets here.  I, like Diana, took your remark to Chris as hurtful.  Perhaps I should have taken the time to get to know you better at the Gathering, then I would have recognized it as an "Ilse quip" as well.  Unlike you, I am a newcomer here and I would hate to think that it was my words that drove you from a place you so obviously love and care about.  Before I could live with that, I would rather bow out myself.

: : : Theresa

: : : P.S.  Diana, Arthur "Scud Stud" Kent can be seen on the History Channel on "Histories Mysteries".


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