First, DocJohn, I apologize for replying after you...as a rule, I think you should always have the last word, but my dismay compels me to respond. I hope you can forgive me.

Penna and foolish, as DocJohn has said, this is a General forum, and people are free to post whatever they want here. I did check, and the "shout out" posts show up only in the General section, so if you are seeking help, perhaps it would be better to stick to the subject oriented forums.

Now, on the other hand, the responses I have read here leave me dismayed. The true test of our compassion is not in how we treat our friends, but in how we treat those we don't even know. Penna expressed her feelings that these interpersonal posts make her feel left out, and the response was that these posts show how much we care. But how much caring does that show to penna and her feelings? Or is it only our "friends'" feelings that matter?

In the end, what DocJohn said it absolutely true, and this is not about what should be allowed, or what is appropriate. But I would have hoped that there would be a little more compassion for all the people on this forum...not just those who are part of our "circle". My heart is sick with what I have read here today.

mj