Here it is guys, TG created this forum with the hope that it would be a useful tool, a place where people exchange ideas, teach each other what they know, learn what they don't, but it's kind of more like a cyber Cheers where we all get on to talk shit and tell jokes. This is not and will never be what TG hoped, and he's willing to accept that. A lot of useful information is exchanged on this site, but that happens in the background while all of the bullshit takes precedence.
Ken is often speaking up as a grounding force, a reality check for whether or not peoples ideologies and macho bullshit are appropriate for the world we actually live in (this isn't the wild west) which, to some seems passive or doesn't jive, but it's his opinion and a heroic attempt to keep all of us heavily-armed, pompous assholes in check-- stick around Ken, you offer a unique perspective and a lot of great info.
Reaver, aside from the comic relief, promotes a can-do, whatever needs to be done attitude and approach that may seem harsh and exaggerated for present times and conditions, but will be very effective if any of the bad shit we're all preparing for happens. Talking to him, he's not a fake tough guy, he's a family man who cares about the safety of himself, wife, and child and wants to do the best job protecting them that he can, it just so happens that he has a very dark sense of humor like myself, and from what I've read, sometimes you too, Ken.
We're all human, we're probably all douches in our own rights as well, and as such, should try to be a little forgiving of each others essence of douche. We all talk a big game here and say a lot of inappropriate, irresponsible shit, but there are some gems in this pile of bullshit and I think we'll all benefit if can keep the cyber bullying to a minimum and listen to each other over the echos of paranoia and gunfire.
The problem with these online interactions is that it is really hard to get to know people and where they are coming from when you can't look them in the eye, see their facial expressions, or hear inflection in their speech. Emoticons and acronyms help, but there's always a lot of misinterpretation in our interactions. Getting to know a few of you more personally, I can see that my reaction to your posts is different because I have a better sense of what life experiences shape your views.
Some of the men on the forum have killed to survive and treat it nonchalantly or with humor because that's the only way they can keep going through the daily motions without losing their shit. Others may have never truly had their lives threatened and talk the way they do because the unknown is frightening. I've experienced violence, I've had my life threatened, and I joke around because I didn't react to any of those situations in an intelligent manner. I attribute my being alive to dumb luck and that scares the shit out of me, so I'm trying to learn skills and prepare so next time I'm not relying on luck.
Take a deep breath and step away from the computer for a while if it's aggravating, but come back at some point. The only way forums like this are useful is if folks have different opinions that they can offer up, if we all agreed and knew the same shit, no learning would occur.
Reaver, Ken, I would put the two of you in time out, but I know that you're both armed...
Send me a PM if anyone wants to have a bitch fest, TG's busy reloading and I'm staying in tonight to avoid the crazies and falling bullets! Happy New Year folks, be safe!!! [URL=http://www.smileyvault.co
