I hate to say this, but the site has become a lot less enjoyable to me in the past few months. I can't put my finger on it exactly, but I think it's the inevitable growth in membership. Seems when I first joined it was more about fellow HD lovers who shared their passions for the bikes, might have the occasional discussion about politics or religion, but mostly in good humor and good taste. Might disagree at times, but no harm was ever done. That no longer seems to be the case. If you don't agree with someone's statements, your integrity, intelligence, or character is called into question these days. The heart is never in the mix. It's not fun for me any more. Damn shame too, because I've met some fine people here, though I've never seem some of them face to face. Some here, even those I've never met before, could have the shirt off my back if they needed it, and they know who they are. Some here now, I'm sorry to say, I would not piss on if they were on fire, and it's awfully hard for me to not find some kind of good in most people I've met in my lifetime.
I guess it's a general commentary on the divisiveness we're all experiencing in the country as a whole, and I see little good from it all. Most of us here grew up in a time when we thought we could change the world, and in some ways we did...some of them didn't work, but some of them did work, and we seem to have forgotten about the good, and concentrate on some of the bad. The Pendulum swings both ways, but seems to always come back towards the middle, given time and good decision makers. At times, I think I may be the only idealist alive on the planet, but I'll die that way, because I have not forgotten how chitty things were before idealism became the predominant thought process...though only for a few short years. MUCH good came out of those years, lest we all forget. Being good stewards is one thing Christianity is all about, but again, that depends on one's current perspective, or self serving needs/wants. I don't think that is what is meant by the philosophy, but then I could be wrong about that as well. Hypocrisy seems to me to be more prevalent than ever before, but again that might just be my perspective. I have made a conscious effort not to forget some of the idealistic goals of my past. Times are really hard for an awful lot of people right now....I see it daily, and am experiencing it myself, though I am on a bed of roses compared to some, and try my best not to forget where I came from. My conscious is clear...I've always done my best to treat people, regardless of circumstances, some of which may have been created through their own bad decisions, as well as they would allow me to treat them.
Just seems that things are a bit askew lately, and this site has become a bit one sided on many subjects. Off my cola crate now...for fear of offending those who prefer soap boxes.
My personal opinion of the site is it's the best source of knowledge and friendship anywhere on the WWW. I stumbled onto this site by simply looking for info on the 07 SEUC after I bought it. I've acquired a wealth of knowledge from you guys. Where else would I have learned some of these things? The dealer for sure won't offer anything.
I find the personalities of site members to be the same as people in real life. Some people I connect with, others I simply tolerate. It is what it is.
Terry, I think when I met you and diva, we developed a friendship and respect for each other from the beginning. We've ridden together, and we've drank together. We've shared our homes with each other, and we both know our homes are open to each other anytime. Even though I'd say my political views are opposite of your's, we still drink and ride together, and have remained friends. There's not many people I can call my friend, and I don't say that lightly. I can count them on my fingers. One true friend is worth dealing with a multitude of a$$holes.
You've been on my mind a lot lately. I know you've been going through some tough times. It totally sucks you had to sell both of your bikes. You've always been a huge part of this site. Your input has given the site the character that got me to keep coming back and reading and staying involved. I'd hate to see you totally back away. Give it a break at times, and come back and I'm sure you'll have a different perspective.
Hang in there buddy.
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Topic: Personal opinions (Read 14428 times)