[Blindtlk] A Definition of Kool-aid

[David Andrews]

Bryan:

I have to say that I am skeptical of your explanation!  You are old 
enough -- and have to know that "drinking the cool aid" is a loaded 
expression.  Why else would you have used it.
However, without coming out and calling you a liar, I am forced to 
give you the benefit of the doubt in this instance.  I will add 
though that if you write something in the future which is equally 
reprehensible or in bad taste I will have to remove you from the list.

Earlier today you posted a message where you indicated that you 
regarded yourself as a realist.  I believe this.  However, you may 
not realize how negative some of your comments are that are posted on 
this and other lists.  One of the things I have learned in my 58 
years is that is often is not what you say, but how you say it and 
when you say it.

Realism is fine, but remember that list writing is one dimensional, 
and things may not come across the way you intend them too.

David Andrews, Moderator and List Owner


At 04:19 PM 1/18/2012, you wrote:
>hi,
>
>sorry, no, i'm not saying the nfb is a cult.
>some people like kool-aid, some like beer, some sniff the cork and have wine.
>there's just different intensities to things.
>
>Bryan Schulz
>
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: Gary Wunder
>   To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
>   Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 4:01 PM
>   Subject: [Blindtlk] A Definition of Kool-aid
>
>
>   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