I Loves Me a Debate, But…
The comments for the post below are getting really interesting and heated. Every time I avoid a subject because it seems overcovered, and then I finally do write about it, I’m very glad I do. As for the issue of banning certain people (which is referred to briefly), I realize that happens on other blogs and sites, but I’m uncomfortable doing that unless a person is overtly racist, homophobic, bigoted, etc. In fact, on my YouTube site, I just got a comment from someone saying, “I’d like to watch your father molest you.” Suffice to say, not a fan. But I didn’t remove it.
I feel strongly about two things: 1) I’m lucky to have a platform, which most people do not; 2) If I put it out there, I should be able to take it. That being said, I do sometimes feel tempted to ban a person. But I feel that the person who gets banned usually hangs himself by his comments, and it’s not even necessary for me to censor him. Obviously, he’s out of control. People who read here will get that.
That’s a larger discussion, but we’re all adults here. We can be civil and agree that the most important thing is to foster conversation that may illuminate these issues. Don’t forget, commenters, that many people who read this blog may be coming here for the first time and want to learn more about mental health. The more we can educate, the better. That means personal attacks and cruel words about other websites are utterly useless to the larger world. The “crazier” we look, the more it damages our credibillity.
liz | 11:13 AM | Uncategorized
Just my opinion: As long as someone uses this forum to discuss the issue(s) all is fine. When someone uses it to disparage another such use goes beyond the pale.
I found it intrusive that Herb felt the need to discuss my daughter’s story (which Liz has written about on this blog)with erroneous information, and felt compelled to correct him.
C’mon Stephany please get off your high horse and as fellow support persons, caregivers and parents that some of us are, please stop with your heavy handed holier than thou, injurious and aggrieved routine. Intrusive! Intrusive my ass, you’ve been sharing your story with the world for years; c’mon get off it and try sticking to the subject at hand.
I’ve absorbed through the years from you and others some very callous, abusive and thoughtless remarks about me, my spouse, my mental health advocacy and the personal information that I’ve shared in the hope one might consider thoughtfully and respectfully my commentary and as I’ve stated unlike you and the congregation I’ve given no advice, endorsements, promotions etc.
I asked rhetorical questions of you as a parent and caregiver and I stated it required no reply. It was to point out that by simple questions alone hurtfulness might be perceived by another which you’ve jumped upon and amply demonstrated and it is you who and you only who brought up your daughter’s situation on Schofield’s blog in the hurtful way I perceived your comments and your giving him your “advice” as you similarly demonstrate elsewhere throughout the Cyberworld.
And just how would you know anything about the Schofield’s if not for Michael’s commentary as to the treatment options he and his spouse employed. And how would you know about my stock investment if not for the fact in my case simply what I felt the right thing was to inform and in Michael’s case he is to be commended for his courage to admit his actions in the past and not castigated for that event coming from a fellow support person and caregiver in my opinion. Understanding, compassion and the sharing of one’s suggestions for consideration toward better alternatives and/or options yes! but not the denigration of those already seriously hurting. I guess I don’t read the same psychology as you and the congregants.
It is unfortunate that most of Dawdy’s congregants see only black and white and are unable to cut some slack for some of us frail humans. Every once and a while I note an individual of some clarity and reasoning coming forth and going up against that herd mentality before the “he/she attacked me” mindset sets in.
I have no intention of attacking you or anyone nor do I participate with those motives. Had I, you’d know it; loud and clear and unequivocally. I’m disagreeing with a number of your statements and what I interpret as unsupportive behavior and commentary toward the Schofield’s, who like us are support people, caregivers and parents similarly faced with extremely difficult gut wrenching decisions and if like me, always questioning my thoughts and decisions.
Lastly and most importantly and despite the personal abuse and personal attacks heaped not only upon me but my spouse as well and her attending physicians throughout the years and to which I couldn’t give a shit from where it cometh especially in venues of this nature, mostly barren of our real personal friendships, family and loved ones; my spouse in her words is “Happy to be alive”.
She is depression free without the use of any psychotropic medications and at this point in our lives her relative wellness and the reasonable quality of our lives are my reward(s) for my efforts without ever having the need for playing the blame game as also amply demonstrated by the congregants and is my justification to my spouse, our loved ones and friends for having made some correct decisions.
And if my approach and thoughts and that of the Schofield’s are not to your liking and that of others as I’ve already read; so be it. And I’ll continue to read your thoughts and that of the other congregants respectfully, while truly wishing you and all the others faced with these horrific illnesses in one capacity or another some degree of wellness simply because I know better; there are shades of gray interspersed between the black and white that you and others may not perceive.
Warmly,
Herb
VNSdepression.com
Okay, this is indeed getting out of hand. I’m sorry it had to end up this way, but this is not the place for personal attacks. Period. Herb, you know better. THIS THREAD IS CLOSED.
HE? Why does it have to be a he? …only kidding.
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