Apologies

[Soledad]

I would like to apologise to members of Pettalk for the way things have escalated over the past few days.

As you could probably tell, I am a passionate person when it comes to politics. It's my job, it's my hobby and it was my area of study. It's hard for me to see things as not being political.

I come to PetTalk mostly to read and see things in the Cat Health/Behavior area, and only post on things that I either have questions about or am passionate about. Most of the time, my cat questions have already been answered so I feel no need to post. Therefore, my posts mostly centre around non-pet issues.

I would like to extend my apologies out to Mugsy who I actually quite admire for her chutzpah and willingness to speak out.

Again, I am sorry for how out of hand things have gotten and the role I played in helping them get that way. I realise that for a lot of you Pettalk is a haven. I am sorry if I've ruined it for you.

I would just like to ask in exchange that I not receive abusive PMs from Pettalkers. Especially any that contain violent sexual content or attacks on my patriotism.

Apologies and good wishes to you all.

[mugsy]

Thank you Soledad, and I apologize to you for offending you. It took a lot to post that and I admire you for that. How about if we start over and agree to disagree politically and keep the discussion to that with no personal attacks.

[Soledad]

Thanks, Mugsy. It actually did take quite a lot for me to post that, and it says a lot about you that you realised it. I have received quite a few PMs that have actually left me crying.

[mugsy]

I'm sorry to hear that. This is supposed to be pleasurable, so please don't let it make you cry.

[lovemyshiba]

I read the thread you are speaking of, and did notice the disagreement. The world would be no fun if we all agreed and did the same things. I really admire you for posting your apologies, and although I wasn't really involved, I think it took a lot of guts, and I feel bad for any hateful pms that you received. It's a shame that had to happen, hope you stick around.

[Nomilynn]

Soledad - I really admire you for posting this. I don't know that I would have had that kind of courage

Also, I would hope that people stop sending you mean PM's and apologise to you too, and show the same respect. Like lovemyshiba said, even for those not involved in the debate, it's really cool of you to post this and I also feel bad that you had to deal with PMs that made you cry.

[NoahsMommy]

Soledad,
It was very nice of you to offer your apologies. I'm not too sure which thread you are addressing, but I've always known you to be passionate about your thoughts and beliefs. It takes a bigger person to apoligize and I admire that.

For someone to PM you in any unkind manner is just discusting. I used to expect more from the people here and I am utterly disappointed that anyone could be that cruel. That is horrible and I apoligize you had to deal with that.

Take care,
Kelly

[Miss Meow]

Originally posted by Soledad
... I would just like to ask in exchange that I not receive abusive PMs from Pettalkers. Especially any that contain violent sexual content or attacks on my patriotism.
...

Sounds like any arguments exchanged via public forums have been dwarfed by cowardly and offensive behaviour via the PMs Not good.

I respect the courage that you've shown to post this message.

Hopefully you can knock off from work soon and give Boo a big hug And have a Tim Tam or three (did you know the entire packet contains a whole day's energy requirements so you can eat the whole pack if you plan it well )

[RockyRoad]

One thing I love about this site is that you are all great people that I look up to and admire. I certainly hope that one day I will have as much courage as you had to post this apology thread, Soledad. It saddens me to hear that you have been receiving some bad PMs. I hope you don't leave because of them. I've tried that before, not fun. I'm sorry you have to deal with those kind of people. Hope you and Boo enjoy a wonderful Valentine's Day, and everything turns for the best.

[Soledad]

Thanks, Floppsy. You're a sweet kid and you've certainly been very brave to take all the hits you have around here.

[Karen]

Thanks for posting that, Soledad. We all do much better when we realize that this is a place where we all have one big passion in common: our love for pets!

This is generally a kinder place than much of the outside world, and I hope it can be that way again.

Whenever anyone feels their blood pressure rising, he or she should go hug/stroke/hang out with a pet until it settles back down before posting again! A few nose-rubs, head bumpies or belly skritches can make the world a happier place every time!

[lizbud]

Karen,

Has Soledad given you the login names of people who have
sent her this violent & hateful pms. If not I think she should.
PT could do without people who cannot control themselves.
I believe it's a crime to threaten someone, even on the
internet.

[Soledad]

Lizbud -

I don't really think we need to take it that far. I understand that things get heated and people say things they regret. I understand that first hand. I just ask that it cease.

So I will refrain from reporting anyone unless I continue to receive these PMs.

[Karen]

Okay, just keep that option in mind.

Glad you and Mugsy have made mutual peace here - despite being a dog person and a cat person!

[Soledad]

Oh, but Karen, I LOVE dogs.