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Ah, the dulcet tones of the two-faced hypocrite......
Once again, Sam Heath has chosen the low road. In his latest blog, he actually invited people to post responses, with the conditions that they be on-topic and not a personal attack on himself. After posting exactly what he requested, I was deleted. I then posted a question, asking how my first post was found lacking in the requirements, or if his deletion was based on a personal animosity towards me as a person. He then, promptly and predictably, deleted that question. Posting a final time, I asked that he stop this double-standard of asking for a discussion of the topic at hand then deleting the very thing he asked for, and asked him to uphold the very concepts of free speech, discourse, and intellectualism that he espouses in many of his blogs. This final deletion has forced me to take this issue to the community at large in the form of this blog. I do this not to make a martyr of myself, but to show those defenders of Sam that he is not the man he claims to be. He is not the "lover of ideas" as he calls himself, but a self-absorbed lover of self. He cannot stand those who show his ignorance, or hypocrisy. He claims that those who are "partisan" or "uneducated" are beneath him, yet cannot refuse an opportunity to be either, or both. His latest claims of being "bullied" ring hollow, as his exercise of power over those who attempt to discourse within his blogs cannot be categorized as anything but. His cheap theatrics are the sad machinations of a lonely old man, desperate for attention. In ignoring his future posts, I resolve to allow his blogs to degenerate into love-fests of complete agreement and self-congratulation. He may cultivate a cult of personality to the point of obsolesence and obscurity. While it has always been my wish to engage in enlightened discussion of any topic he chooses to raise, his insistence of complete and utter obedience to his whims and opinions has pushed more than a few in this community away, to his detriment. If he wished to continue to call himself a "scholar", he may want to take a refresher course in professional and personal ethics. A true scholar would not be so afraid of differing opinions and opposition. You can call a cow patty a rose, but that doesn't make it smell any better. A hypocrite by any other name would still be as wrong.
And so, I bid Sam adieu. May the chorus of voices in your head never stop singing your praises.
[For those who will post telling me to quit whining or to get a life, let me say that I wrote this blog because the area in which it belongs, namely Sam's blog, will not allow it to remain. I write this to Sam, and his defenders against "bullies". By deleting opposing viewpoints (as is his right under his blog), Sam has created the facade of complete agreement; the most dangerous type of censorship possible: the erasing and re-writing of history theorized by George Orwell in 1984. To then claim to be a lover of speech, ideas, and history is to be a hypocrite of the worst type. It is my most sincere hope that others with more influence and access should convince him of the errors of his ways, and request that he exercise the very ideals he currently and hollowly advocates.]
47 comments from 12 users
1
posted by
mattloch
on Jan 3, 2007 at 01:42 PM
posted by
mattloch
on Jan 3, 2007 at 01:44 PM
posted by
Hardliner4freedom
on Jan 3, 2007 at 02:15 PM
Well, I'll certify that your first question to Sam was on topic and non-abusive. I saw nothing wrong with it. Gotta admit it's weird... Never have I been so alienated by someone with whom I agreed oftener than not.
posted by
libbuster
on Jan 3, 2007 at 02:20 PM
C'mon, Mattloch, he's been more than tolerant.......after all, if not for the unending and forgiving tolerance of the right, how on earth could we possibly put up with a person such as yourself?
posted by
dusty1215
on Jan 3, 2007 at 02:42 PM
If you guys are tired of Sam's obvious control-freak personality..why do you keep going over to his blog and commenting? Let him talk to himself for awhile..or folks like mucus..a real gem if there ever was one. posted by
mattloch
on Jan 3, 2007 at 02:45 PM
posted by
randomfactor
on Jan 3, 2007 at 02:52 PM
Actually, he was quite nice the other day, polite even, in asking me a question about the Ten Commandments. Perhaps it was my delay in answering him that caused him to descend into gibbering idiocy later that same day. Mucus *IS* attempting to behave, at least until the fourth beer... . As for his re-entry into the homophobia closet, I suspect that is due more to a knuckle-rap than a desire to behave. . However, you're mostly right. I'll save you the trouble. posted by
mattloch
on Jan 3, 2007 at 03:06 PM
posted by
anonymous
on Jan 3, 2007 at 03:14 PM
Matt, in the final analysis aren't we all just lonely old men looking for attention, you Whippersnapper? (just kidding). In all honesty, you wax most eloquently on the subject of Sam Heath. I've read this over and over, I can't get enough. I'm glad you directed me here from your other blog. I'm going to sit back and watch the fireworks. This conflict between you two reminds me of the conflict between General Winfield Scott and Nicholas Trist during the U.S. / Mexican War. It made for great theater when they were exchanging written barbs but when they finally met in person they became great friends.
posted by
dusty1215
on Jan 3, 2007 at 03:15 PM
posted by
randomfactor
on Jan 3, 2007 at 03:49 PM
posted by
dusty1215
on Jan 3, 2007 at 04:02 PM
posted by
tonyh
on Jan 3, 2007 at 05:28 PM
posted by
randomfactor
on Jan 3, 2007 at 05:37 PM
If you're speaking of me vs. Mucus, you're half right, Tony. It *IS* a personal attack. . If you're speaking of this blog as a whole, I think you're wholly wrong. It's an attempt to allow two-way communication on a topic where Sam doesn't allow that. . Granted he has the *POWER* to censor his own blog. If he deleted *ALL* comments and merely left his dulcet prose to stand on its own, I would find that less objectionable--merely equivalent to many right-wing "blogs" which don't allow comment. But to invite comment and then censor it is to invite others to comment elsewhere. posted by
Beelzebub
on Jan 3, 2007 at 05:41 PM
posted by
tonyh
on Jan 3, 2007 at 06:01 PM
posted by
mattloch
on Jan 3, 2007 at 06:01 PM
posted by
tonyh
on Jan 3, 2007 at 06:04 PM
posted by
mattcub
on Jan 3, 2007 at 06:37 PM
Each and every post here is a display of name calling, except for tonyh...and as I agree with him, I have a problem with that. If the viewpoint or ramblings of another is not in your best interests, find other intrests. I understand the need to have your viewpoint heard and I understand the problems someone may have with disagreement. However, as long as the site allows the "delete" key, each of the blogs have to be looked upon with a little bit of distrust or doubt. How do we all know what has been and not been "edited for content."? Although I cannot condone censorship in any form, another Blog with your point of view on any given subject would be more appropriate than this.
posted by
tonyh
on Jan 3, 2007 at 06:44 PM
Thanks for the support mattcub. I realize that there are a lot of lurkers and appreciate your stepping up to defend my point. I don't have a problem with genuine disagreement, but I don't think that there's ever a need for it to turn aggressive. posted by
NancyII
on Jan 3, 2007 at 06:57 PM
Doesn't anyone here realize that the more attention you bring to Sams blogs the more people will read them? Everyone always wants to know what the brouhaha is all about so you're defeating your purpose. When you insist on continuing way past a rational point it DOES look like bullying no matter what you say. For crying out loud..give it a rest. This is an amazing spectacle by a bunch of grown men. posted by
mattloch
on Jan 3, 2007 at 07:02 PM
posted by
tonyh
on Jan 3, 2007 at 07:05 PM
Nancy, You've just pointed out what several of us (silently in these blogs) have seen...............They're actually going to great lengths to prove Sam's point. ;-<) I just can't seem to stand by and let it go on without stepping in. Perhaps with age, comes even more self control........Your thoughts? posted by
mattcub
on Jan 3, 2007 at 07:15 PM
Mattloch's last post was an example of the point I was trying to make earlier. A post with facts supporting an idea or support of a point of view. His post would make a very good blog to defend that point of view. However, this forum did not start out for that reason and it is unfortunate. Blog to your heart's content Bakersfield, but make a point, not an accusation. posted by
tonyh
on Jan 3, 2007 at 07:19 PM
Mattloch, FBI statistics only address federal stuff. The majority of it falls under the individual states................Sitting on a bench in the main hall of a court house in a major city will show you what I've seen. It's absolutely rediculus. From that vantage point, you don't know if they're state crimes or federal, but you see the volume and the look of doom and gloom on the faces of the people who actually work the system. Then, go outside and smoke a Cigarette at 1:30 a.m. with the people who work there. You'll hear all about the feeling of uselessness. A lot of them feel like revolving door operators. This system, from what I've seen, has GOT to cost a lot of money to operate. The gang related, DUI, and miscellaneous stuff doesn't hold a candle to the the Solicitation, Pandering, Drug posession/dealing stuff..I realize that a lot of those crimes are probably also gang organized/related, but it doesn't always get exposed in court. That's why it flys under the FBI radar. Seeing is Believing............ posted by
NancyII
on Jan 3, 2007 at 07:20 PM
I've expressed my thoughts here many times. This has all the earmarks of a vendetta and all because someone deleted posts. From the beginning I've seem people not just disagree with Sam but insult him and his intellect. I don't know anyone's IQ on this blog but I don't really care. Being smart and being intelligent aren't always the same thing and I have to wonder what makes everyone here think they're smarter than Sam? AND..who cares? I'm not impressed by IQ but I am impressed by people who practice what they preach. I don't care what anyone thinks about bigotry, racism, religion or any other topic. It doen't give the rest of the people the right to run roughshod over others because they hold a vastly different view of life than the poster. I don't care if not saying anything almost made Hitler king of the world..that's not what's going on here and all the talk didn't make it so. Geeez..if you folks don't like what he says then stop reading it. Stop drawing attention to it. Stop acting like little boys in the sandbox demanding someone give you your way. A little advice to Sam...drop the personal stuff too. This has been going on for way too long....you guys all need to go to your neutral corners and let it go. You may not agree with Sam but don't spout the right of freedom of speech and then condemn him for exercising that right. Careful that you don't get branded with that "H" word. posted by
tonyh
on Jan 3, 2007 at 07:22 PM
posted by
tonyh
on Jan 3, 2007 at 07:27 PM
Nancy, YOU GO GIRL! You're exactly right............................... I LUUUUVVVVVVV me some Nancy!!!!!!! posted by
mattloch
on Jan 3, 2007 at 07:28 PM
posted by
mattcub
on Jan 3, 2007 at 07:36 PM
Sam's post's should be ignored? Should we also ignore the writings of Thomas Jefferson, Lincoln, Bush, and Wallace? You get my point...I would never place these individuals in the same boat, but by Constitution, they have the right to say what they think. I never have to agree with anyone, but I must agree with their right to say it. If we fell that Sam's post should be ignored by declaration, then we are practicing the same censorship we all are against. We don't have to agree, but we must agree on the power of speach.
posted by
mattloch
on Jan 3, 2007 at 07:42 PM
posted by
mattloch
on Jan 3, 2007 at 07:48 PM
posted by
tonyh
on Jan 3, 2007 at 08:01 PM
posted by
anonymous
on Jan 3, 2007 at 08:13 PM
Matt, the problem is you two are very much alike. You're both highly intelligent and hold strong opinions that are diametrically opposed. You actually want to engage Sam in discourse, so try to avoid the personal attacks (though I do find them entertaining, really, I'm impressed). Perhaps you need a change of tactics (though it may be too late). If Sam becomes condescending or obtuse, then deflect it dispassionately and get back on point. You know that when he sees your name on a post that he is going to be defensive so don't try a frontal attack, try a softer more lateral approach. Just a suggestion. Hey, do you know the difference between a P.H.D. and a large pizza? The large pizza will feed a family of four!
posted by
tonyh
on Jan 3, 2007 at 08:29 PM
anonymous, Sometimes you're right about the alphabet soup. In Sam's case, it's only an augmentation to a long and eventful life. I believe that he's seen and done a lot of things over the years. This accouts for much more than your average academics. Take time to research his history and you'll see what I mean. That's why I've come to respect and seriously consider his views. His degree from the School of Hard Knocks carries the most weight with me......He ain't your average Professor......Trust me. posted by
NancyII
on Jan 3, 2007 at 08:45 PM
"I've never said Sam's works should be deleted, just ignored as the ramblings of a diseased (or perhaps just a confused) mind" But Mattloch...that's the point ..you aren't ignoring them. posted by
anonymous
on Jan 3, 2007 at 08:46 PM
tonyh, I was just trying to interject a little levity into this thread. Your response to my post just goes to show how sensitive we have all become. Believe me, I meant no disrespect towards Dr. Heath. I am sincerely trying to suggest a means of sealing the breech so that we can all benefit from a logical debate between these two without it devolving into a personal slugfest. Truely, if I had gotten under someone's skin as much as Dr. Heath has Mattlach's, I would feel that I had won. Mattloch, you should consider that. There is a game called "Dozens" that ghetto kids play and it starts with "Yo Mamma....." Its a call and response. Call, "you mamma so fat she has her own zip code." Response, "well, you mamma so fat...." You get the idea. The first kid that loses his temper, loses the game. Just trying to be helpful.
posted by
Beelzebub
on Jan 4, 2007 at 08:19 AM
posted by
ProgressivePete2
on Jan 4, 2007 at 08:48 AM
posted by
mattloch
on Jan 4, 2007 at 08:55 AM
posted by
ProgressivePete2
on Jan 4, 2007 at 09:06 AM
posted by
Hardliner4freedom
on Jan 4, 2007 at 09:21 AM
A few rather unconnected thoughts: The "ignore it" argument has won me over. By talking so much about Sam's blogs, to the point of setting up separate discussion areas, we inadvertently confer upon Sam an appearance of importance that, in my estimation, he doesn't deserve. He's just another blogger. Perhaps we should go back to the "law of the blog jungle," with intervention by the Californian only in cases of vulgar language, libel, or threats. What seems to be arising from the moderated approach is Californian staff slowly finding themselves dragged into personal feuds -- and by trying not to appear to take sides, leaving one or both sides feeling shorted. Perhaps the moderated approach should be reconsidered. Finally, it's a bit of a chuckle that several here are investing just as much time in correcting what they see as Mattloch's wrongdoing as Mattloch is investing in Sam's perceived wrongdoing. And I write this as someone who has, in the past, acted on the urge myself. Welcome to the boat.
posted by
dusty1215
on Jan 4, 2007 at 09:36 AM
posted by
mattloch
on Jan 4, 2007 at 10:33 AM
posted by
randomfactor
on Jan 4, 2007 at 10:38 AM
posted by
antiextremism
on Jan 4, 2007 at 04:41 PM
C'mon now. Disagreeing with Sam IS a personal attack on him in his mind. If you ask him a question, you might as well be yelling god#@!$ you Sam! He doesn't want discourse, he wants 'yes' men to acknowledge his superior intellect and morality. Face it Mattloch, we're all just 'expletive deleteds'
posted by
dusty1215
on Jan 4, 2007 at 04:59 PM
1
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