[Blindtlk] A Definition of Kool-aid

[Gary Wunder]

Rex and Chris, I am disappointed to have to tell you the answer, for the
comment should never have been made. I believe it was 1978 when Jim Jones
convinced his followers to commit suicide after he killed a United States
congressman who was on an investigatory trip to Jones Town. My memory is
that there were 900 followers. Jones gave them Kool-Aid laced with poison
and ordered them to drink it. Those reluctant to drink were reportedly shot.

Bryan's remark then is meant to refer to people so docile, so cult-like, and
so unthinking that they would willingly forfeit their lives based on what
one man told them to do. We are here accused of being an unthinking cult for
the simple reason that some of us have expressed the hope and belief that
one day we may find a technological solution allowing us to drive and have
put some of our resources into making it come true.

Bryan, if this is not what you meant,  then I offer to you my profound
apology and stand ready to hear your explanation. If it is indeed what you
meant and we call you on this utterly disrespectful and indefensible remark,
I hope you will apologize. If it is what you meant, you will probably see
yourself as martyred, blasted, or otherwise persecuted, but this is not a
remark I can take casually and explain to others that you are a fine guy but
a little rough around the edges. Freedom of speech is no justification for
the total disregard your comment displays. Neither should freedom of speech
insulate you from the consequences that may come from your mean-spirited
remark. I no longer care to argue to those who write me off list that they
should understand and that you are really a fine guy with a temper and a
cynical attitude that sometimes is off-putting; this last comment of yours
is more than an exploration of a philosophy; it is an indictment of good
people who work in unity to make your life and our own just a bit better.
Let the moderators do as they will regarding your participation.  

Gary