[paddym22]

I wake up most mornings and I log on to PC to see what has happened overnight. I dont live in the US so I usually am on catch up. Hopefully what I read sets me up for a good day, people getting the support they need, people reaching out to those in need. That is after all one of the tenets or pillars of our community that is PC. I have no agenda, no self seeking need to justify political or religious beliefs. Indeed I would be surprised if the status quo agreed with my own personal view of what life is and I see no need to inflict this onto my fellow members as I am secure in my own world and happy with my lot. I do not come to PC to read about politics, religion, race, gender or sexual orientation debate etc. There are other outlets and media where I can investigate and learn about these issues and at times debate if necessary.

What happened to me this morning to feel the need to write this, well.....I am sad as it would appear that in recent days PC I see the ebb and flow of people pushing their own agenda and ideology onto others. This is NOT what PC is about according to my understanding of what the guidelines are. Lets refresh ourselves on what the guidelines are

"Inappropriate Content

This is, first and foremost, a self-help support community. That means if your message (post or PM) isn't about offering support to another person or asking for it, it's potentially not appropriate for our community. Specifically prohibited from our community:

• Advertisements of any sort
• Announcements of one's own Web site, new resource, or book
• Announcements for research projects
• Soliciting others to join another online community
• Flames or messages meant to intimidate or harass others
• Threatening or profane messages
• Messages discussing a private message (PM) from others
• All administrative issues
• Copyrighted materials that you do not own the rights to
• Messages containing suicidal threats or suicidal actions
• Messages containing or condoning illegal acts
• Limit your direct discussion of politics and religion, as people usually hold pretty strong opinions about these topics (you can discuss spirituality and religion in the Sanctuary for Spiritual Support)
• Triggering material without the use of the Trigger Icon
• Anything that violates the Terms of Use for this site
• Pedophiles, rapists, and others that have abused another individual physically, emotionally or sexually (whether imagined, real, acted-upon or not, and/or convicted), are not welcomed here because our focus is on support for victims of such abuse. The two are not compatible with one another. "

Unfortunately some people seem to think they are above the law and have been proverbially pushing it. It clearly states:

That means if your message (post or PM) isn't about offering support to another person or asking for it, it's potentially not appropriate for our community.

Please remember that we are all not from the USA and where we live we are happy and content. I, believe it or not, accept that most of our countries are for the most part good and appropriate in governance. I do not harbour a secret need to emigrate to the USA neither do I accept that the greatest healthcare system in the world is in the USA. That honour would undoubtedly be with the scandinavians or one or two north european countries where equal and affordable means exactly what it says on the tin. If you are not sure what I mean research it and do the homework.

I grew up in a small but well known country and in my youth believed the history books that I learnt at school. It wasnt until I left the country did I realised that history and patriotism is written with bias and all that I learnt wasnt true or at least it was overly sympathetic to the political agenda of the day in that country. Fortunately history has now been rewritten and there is more accountability in place to avoid the bloodshed and carnage that took place for years because of mistrust and falsely held beliefs.

PC is a haven of care and support and it is great company and nothing pleases me more to see people come in desperate for support and a while later turn around and give the same support they received, back to those in need. You see that is what it is all about. We help each other.

Stop with politics and religion, even if it is subtle, whoever you are, you are doing a great disservice to yourself and to us. Lets concentrate on getting better and helping those who need it to get there.

Paddy

[notz]

God bless you, Paddy.

Hear hear .....

[Elysium]

Sorry, to everyone, for the roll I have played in all of this!!

[paddym22]

Originally Posted by Elysium3006

Sorry, to everyone, for the roll I have played in all of this!!

Elysium

This is what happens when people are triggered, and I dont appropriate any blame or thought in this to you, so you have nothing to apologise for to me or to anyone as far as I am concerned.

Paddy

[Seabirdanne]

What about blogs? Do those guidelines apply to blogs? I've p.m.'d two administrators about this, and no response.

Originally Posted by paddym22

I wake up most mornings and I log on to PC to see what has happened overnight. I dont live in the US so I usually am on catch up. Hopefully what I read sets me up for a good day, people getting the support they need, people reaching out to those in need. That is after all one of the tenets or pillars of our community that is PC. I have no agenda, no self seeking need to justify political or religious beliefs. Indeed I would be surprised if the status quo agreed with my own personal view of what life is and I see no need to inflict this onto my fellow members as I am secure in my own world and happy with my lot. I do not come to PC to read about politics, religion, race, gender or sexual orientation debate etc. There are other outlets and media where I can investigate and learn about these issues and at times debate if necessary.

What happened to me this morning to feel the need to write this, well.....I am sad as it would appear that in recent days PC I see the ebb and flow of people pushing their own agenda and ideology onto others. This is NOT what PC is about according to my understanding of what the guidelines are. Lets refresh ourselves on what the guidelines are

"Inappropriate Content

This is, first and foremost, a self-help support community. That means if your message (post or PM) isn't about offering support to another person or asking for it, it's potentially not appropriate for our community. Specifically prohibited from our community:

• Advertisements of any sort
• Announcements of one's own Web site, new resource, or book
• Announcements for research projects
• Soliciting others to join another online community
• Flames or messages meant to intimidate or harass others
• Threatening or profane messages
• Messages discussing a private message (PM) from others
• All administrative issues
• Copyrighted materials that you do not own the rights to
• Messages containing suicidal threats or suicidal actions
• Messages containing or condoning illegal acts
• Limit your direct discussion of politics and religion, as people usually hold pretty strong opinions about these topics (you can discuss spirituality and religion in the Sanctuary for Spiritual Support)
• Triggering material without the use of the Trigger Icon
• Anything that violates the Terms of Use for this site
• Pedophiles, rapists, and others that have abused another individual physically, emotionally or sexually (whether imagined, real, acted-upon or not, and/or convicted), are not welcomed here because our focus is on support for victims of such abuse. The two are not compatible with one another. "

Unfortunately some people seem to think they are above the law and have been proverbially pushing it. It clearly states:

That means if your message (post or PM) isn't about offering support to another person or asking for it, it's potentially not appropriate for our community.

Please remember that we are all not from the USA and where we live we are happy and content. I, believe it or not, accept that most of our countries are for the most part good and appropriate in governance. I do not harbour a secret need to emigrate to the USA neither do I accept that the greatest healthcare system in the world is in the USA. That honour would undoubtedly be with the scandinavians or one or two north european countries where equal and affordable means exactly what it says on the tin. If you are not sure what I mean research it and do the homework.

I grew up in a small but well known country and in my youth believed the history books that I learnt at school. It wasnt until I left the country did I realised that history and patriotism is written with bias and all that I learnt wasnt true or at least it was overly sympathetic to the political agenda of the day in that country. Fortunately history has now been rewritten and there is more accountability in place to avoid the bloodshed and carnage that took place for years because of mistrust and falsely held beliefs.

PC is a haven of care and support and it is great company and nothing pleases me more to see people come in desperate for support and a while later turn around and give the same support they received, back to those in need. You see that is what it is all about. We help each other.

Stop with politics and religion, even if it is subtle, whoever you are, you are doing a great disservice to yourself and to us. Lets concentrate on getting better and helping those who need it to get there.

Paddy

very good, indeed! Thank you Paddy!

[VickiesPath]

I second everything that Paddy said. I would like to add one additionaly comment. (Don't I always?!?)

In understanding the "why" of this trend, perhaps each of us needs to step back and examine our own individual need to become involved in this tet a tet. What is going on in our personal lives that is making it important for us to engage in unnecessary posturing? I have always found that when I am under stress, especially deep emotional stress such as serious grief, I tend to pass on that stress in the form of inflexible stubbornness or irritability or even sarcasm.

I plan to more closely monitor my motivations over the next few weeks as I am dealing with a flareup of a chronic health issue. I do not want to offer more than comfort and support to the PC community and I regret if I have done anything less in the recent past.

[pachyderm]

I don't understand where this comes from: I have not seen anything to trigger me, at least. (Unless I am one of the perpetrators? )

Social groups are different; those are more-private places where we can express our thoughts on religion, politics, etc. Or so I thought. What is "supportive" may be in the eye of the beholder.

[lynn P.]

Originally Posted by Elysium3006

Sorry, to everyone, for the roll I have played in all of this!!

I agree with Paddy that you DON't need to apologize for standing up for what you believe is an injustice to members of this community. I appreciate your words friend!!

[lynn P.]

Thank you Paddy !!

[starrina]

I do hope this comes out right
that being said.

Are you all not doing exactly what
these people want
you are actually giving them the floor
so to speak
If I see it and do not like it I ignore it
if I feel it breaks the rules I report it
but I do not advertise my intent for doing so
I have found myself that some of the
new names are at best disgusting but I hope
that the moderators will catch this in the meantime
I place them on ignore
Well thats my 2 cents worth and I hope it did
not upset anyone.

[lynn P.]

Originally Posted by starrina

I do hope this comes out right
that being said.

Are you all not doing exactly what
these people want
you are actually giving them the floor
so to speak
If I see it and do not like it I ignore it
if I feel it breaks the rules I report it
but I do not advertise my intent for doing so
I have found myself that some of the
new names are at best disgusting but I hope
that the moderators will catch this in the meantime
I place them on ignore
Well thats my 2 cents worth and I hope it did
not upset anyone.

Thank you for your gentle words and no this doesn't offend me. You're right sometimes it is best to just ignore and report. I was one of the people who first spoke out. At first I was going to ignore it but then I started to feel bad and remembered that sometimes I need to stand up for myself and others in a dignified way. But I totally understand how you feel.

But when it comes to discrimination I draw the line and speak out. Where would we be if the great civil rights leaders just turned a blind eye(not that I compare myself to them LOL). Thank you for your kind approach and I always tell my girls it's best to try that first.

[DocJohn]

Just a few words from me about these kinds of things...

I know some people would like this be a community where "anything goes" or a place where they can speak their mind on any range of topics. But experience has taught me that when we've allowed that in the past, people abuse the privilege. That's why we have the limits on discussion of religion and politics here. And we ask -- and 99% of you follow -- that you do not abuse these guidelines.

But hey, we're all human and we all make mistakes. I don't expect everyone to be perfect 100% of the time, and perspective grants us hopefully some wisdom and understanding on issues like this. So although I would like never to have to deal with these issues again here, I know I will -- it's human nature. I acknowledge and even embrace our imperfections.

As far as the social groups and blogs go, they are less limited by the guidelines. The blogs are only limited by the site's terms of use, and the social groups are limited by those and the community guidelines, with the exception about talking about religion and politics. That way, if you *really* want to engage in such discussions, there is a place you can join where you can enjoy them until your heart's content. But you still must be respectful of one another in your dealings anywhere on the website.

Thank you!
DocJohn

[Rhapsody]

Originally Posted by pachyderm

I don't understand where this comes from: I have not seen anything to trigger me, at least.

Just wanted to note (and this is not directed at any one in particular) that which triggers one may not effect another and yet that which doesn't effect one person may trigger many... hence why we should always strive to offer support at all times - and never judge, condemn or criticize.

The world is a hard enough place... lets not attack each other here at PC. ((( hugs )))

I guess I'm just oblivious to this kind of stuff because I havn't noticed

[lynn P.]

Originally Posted by Kaika

I guess I'm just oblivious to this kind of stuff because I havn't noticed

You're very lucky LOL

[Lauru]

I also don't know what this is referring to...have I been one of the culprits???
If so, please accept my heartfelt apology. But I don't think I am, maybe it's just my general lack of self esteem and willingness to blame myself for everything, hmm....

[Michah]

Paddy,

I am sure that I am over-reacting.......but this came to me......and I would like someone to tell me if I am out of line here.......for it hurt me a little.....

When you speak of violent people that have abused or hurt another individual should not be here(Not exact words sorry...) do you mean irl or on this website?.......

For I am both a "perpetrator" and a "victim".........I have committed acts of violence in the past which I have paid heavily for......

But I also seek forgiveness from those people I have hurt and to forgive my spirit in the process.......

Am I to be banned for I have been violent, yet seek to repair my damaged spirit?

For the healing is part of the process and if I can ever offer soft words to someone who is struggling with the same compulsions as I have had, am I not part of the process, the solution? Instead of the problem?

My heart feels heavy.......

Michah

[Seabirdanne]

Michah, you are very welcome here! This is about how to participate in forums without using a post or a thread as an excuse to express political or religious opinions that might potentially offend other site members. And we've been at it for days. Ignore us. We need to move on to something else.

[paddym22]

((((((MIchah))))

You are the very voice of balance and love in this community, you have never hurt or unwillingly upset another soul. I am sorry you read it this way.
PC would be at a great loss with out you around dear friend. Now banish the paranoia, you are a GOOD person.

Paddy

[Michah]

Originally Posted by paddym22

((((((MIchah))))

You are the very voice of balance and love in this community, you have never hurt or unwillingly upset another soul. I am sorry you read it this way.
PC would be at a great loss with out you around dear friend. Now banish the paranoia, you are a GOOD person.

Paddy

Thank you sweet!.......I am sorry for sounding "suspicious".......the paranoia is gone........I still deal with the rawness of my "dark side" sometimes........

Phew.........I feel SO much better!........Thank you......for making me feel loved, my friend.......

Michah

[susan888]

Anyone ever see the Coexist bumber sticker? I'm not much on bumper stickers....but..I do like that one! Love to everyone!! Peace to everyone!!

[Elysium]

Lauru~I don't think we've met here on PC before!! This topic is not directed at you in any way. You played no part in it. No worries, okay...

Micah~We all have a dark side. I too have been a perpetrator and a victim. It's difficult for me to say that, but the perpetrator issue happened when I was quite young. This does not make you a bad person. We all do things that have hurt others either emotionally or physically; it is unfortunate, but it does happen. You are here to heal from your victimizations and also heal the dark side...and you are such a wonderful presence her at PC. For you there is redemption as you have worked for it, earned it, and are learning the whys and hows of where it came from.

Others....are just mean. For no reason other than to be hurtful. I do my best to be open minded and fair. I like to say that everyone has a right to their beliefs...and I truly believe this!! But some beliefs make my blood boil...and when the self righteous in the world deliberately wave their views and taunts in ones face....there's only so much a person can stand.

I value everyone here at PC!! EVERYONE!! But I don't like everyone!! (If any of you are asking yourselves if this comment is directed at you personally, the answer is no it is not. The ones that it is directed to will be the ones that won't be asking because they know.)

Peace!!

[multipixie9]

I guess I've been oblivious lately as I have no knowledge of what is being discussed. However, I consider this a good reminder to keep things helpful and supportive. I've received support here and I've given some too. Sadly I've ocassionally been hurt here as well. I decided that all things considered, this place is valuable and worth sticking with. I don't want to let anything drive me away from here.

"A half-loaf is absolutely better than no bread at all." Hope the food thing doesn't trigger anyone. I just know that some is always better than none!!

I am glad to be in this community with all of you good people. Hang in there, ok?

Leslie/Pixies