Rocky

I don't see "cruelty springs from weakness" as anything other than an aphorism from an ancient philosopher. If Seneca actually said/wrote it, I surmise he had experience observing and reflecting on such cruelty. I posted it because I had been one target of wierwille's cruel and unfounded rage while in residence in the 9th corpse and therefore I could relate to the apparent wisdom.

Perhaps try it and find out. T-bone is not a troll/provocateur. Measure against the standard of what constitutes open and honest communication. As to my comments/responses to Mike, I generally do not respond as if I am taking his bait.

Have you ever heard of "I" statements? When a person feels that they are being blamed—whether rightly or wrongly—it’s common that they respond with defensiveness. “I” statements are a simple way of speaking that will help you avoid this trap by reducing feelings of blame. A good “I” statement takes responsibility for one’s own feelings, while tactfully describing a problem. “I feel emotion word when explanation.”  “I feel…” must be followed with an emotion word, such as “angry”, “hurt”, or “worried”.  Careful wording won’t help if your voice still sounds blaming. Use a soft and even tone.  In your explanation, gently describe how the other person’s actions affect you

That entire comment seems contrary to how anyone with even a modicum of emotional intelligence would approach a situation where he felt he was wronged. Perhaps this might help: Emotional intelligence is commonly defined by four attributes: Self-management – You're able to control impulsive feelings and behaviors, manage your emotions in healthy ways, take initiative, follow through on commitments, and adapt to changing circumstances. Self-awareness – You recognize your own emotions and how they affect your thoughts and behavior. You know your strengths and weaknesses, and have self-confidence. Social awareness – You have empathy. You can understand the emotions, needs, and concerns of other people, pick up on emotional cues, feel comfortable socially, and recognize the power dynamics in a group or organization. Relationship management – You know how to develop and maintain good relationships, communicate clearly, inspire and influence others, work well in a team, and manage conflict. More than 20 years. ZERO flexibility in your arguments/positions. ZERO demonstration of empathy for those who attempt to engage in open honest discourse with you. I realize it will sting, emotionally, for you to give up your QUEST to prove us all wrong, but you have NOT fostered relationships here. I wish you well, but you're really not a part of the community. You're an annoyance. You're tolerated... barely.

Case in point. That's counterproductive to open and honest discussion.

Agreed

Okay, that's fair. Now, do you believe what Mike does on GSC, in reality and actuality, does in fact constitute open and honest discussion? 6 rules for open and honest communication in a relationship: 1 Be Timely 2 Be FLEXIBLE 3 Be patient 4 Be intuitive 5 Be accepting 6 Be honest In more than two decades, has Mike materially demonstrated flexibility in his thinking or with the positions he argues?

Is it really a question of rules of engagement? Or are you saying you somehow like having Mike and his BS dominating every thread? I am not and have not said or suggested you broke any rules.

But why does that even matter? He doesn't care whether you understand or not. He's going to blather on regardless and without regard to what you even said.

And I apparently sometimes use "you're" when I should (and meant) "your."

Have you considered that Mike doesn't really care what YOU (and/or anyone else) at GSC has to say about ANYTHING? That includes twi, pflap, vpw and any/everything else. It seems to me an honest reading of two decades of Mike's blathering pretty much settles that point. So, the next question for EVERYONE else reasonably would be, "what do YOU get out of paying ANY attention to what he says AT ALL?"

For now, we see as through a glass darkly. But someday, face to face. Has any reader in this topic considered the fact the authors (writers) of various books of the bible ALSO, only at best saw as through a glass darkly?

Don't engage. You will NEVER get him to understand. NEVER.

It seems he gets something emotionally from posting at GSC, yet he has not yet articulated what it is that he gets. And I wish those who criticize him, ("crudely" or "scatologically") would engage in some serious introspection. He claims you force him to respond. Well, the way I see it, the incentive is reciprocal. You want to shut him up? Don't feed [the troll] his emotional incentives. Some of you have heard this from me before. So, it's not just Mike who needs to exercise self-awareness and self-discipline. You will NOT EVER change his mind. NOT EVER "win" an argument with him. Get honest with yourselves. Skyrider identified Mike as a provocateur. Are you co-dependent?

a-hem... this is the opposite of staying quiet. And frankly, you're descriptions of the criticisms leveled at you seem to be blatantly hyperbolic.

There you go again, NOT being self aware. You might WISH you had self-discipline to do so, but your practice doesn't match... yet.

You just made an argument (to yourself) for staying silent.

Your posts do NOT prove anything to anyone.

I get those once or twice a year. Perhaps it's easier than going door to door.

Are YOU suggesting I need to answer to you as to whether I seek Jesus? Dude, I don't know what's on your mind lately, but the words you post are NOT sound, or of sound mind.

You need to take responsibility for your own conduct. I don't give two hoots whether your conduct causes YOU shame. Your conduct is nobody's responsibility but your own. Own it.

Nope. You don't seem to understand basic emotional intelligence. Just stop. Your question to me suggests you blame others for your own conduct/decisions/behavior. That's anti-social.

Those two statements do not compute. IF you view those with whom you seek conflict on GSC with the hatred you expressed, it IS time you stop posting on GSC.

IF that was true, WHY did you continue to post on this thread? You do NOT have to answer everything. IF you believe discussion cannot/could not be furthered on the subject, wouldn't you just STOP any further commenting on the subject? (rhetorical questions)