OK guys, here goes...............


Like everyone else, I followed this thread. How could we not? Even if we didn't want or need the figs, we are all here for the same reason; our love for all things 'G.I. Joe'.
As a woman, right from the start, I had a niggling in the back of my mind that something was 'up'. Not in the sinister sense, but let's call it 'woman's intuition'.....
As it stands I was right............and I was wrong.

When Blowtorch 'dropped the bomb' last night, like everyone else, I checked the thread. And I instinctly knew what was going to happen as a result. First off, I would like to congratulate the winners, enjoy your prizes and share your enjoyment with as many as are willing to see!

Now, onto the 'meat of it', as it were. I don't know how many of you guys have BT in your MSN messenger. I know how many I have in mine........it's most of you, including BT. I purposely delayed posting until I had a chance to speak with him directly. Which I have been doing for the past 2+ hours..............
I was the only one who took this route. Now I'm not saying it to pat myself on the back or anything like that. PLEASE don't think that! I'm trying to get ALL sides of this. And the fact that I am a woman, most likely that plays into a 'calmer head' scenario. I don't really know, and quite frankly, don't really care here.

What I did find out was that Blowtorch is really looking for equality of the complete and total sense. Is he neccessarily going to get it? NO, but no one ever does.....we don't live in that world of 'Perfect'. He relayed to me his concerns and I listened and gave him my thoughts as well. He knows that he's not 'popular' at this moment, but he didn't do it for a 'popularity contest'. Just as everyone here has their own thoughts, feelings and actions..........so does he. He feels slighted by some, but I suspect that at one time or another we all have felt this way. Should he have gone about it this way? That is not for me to decide, I'm not his mother or his wife...........but the fact remains that the 'horse is out of the barn'.

I have read the posts that he shared with me. And I can honestly say that I'm not sure precisely where the confusion lies. Those who posted to him have for the most part had positive and reassuring things to say. But perhaps he is looking for something else entirely. Again, this I don't know. If ANYONE wants the 'balls to the wall' truth, then you will have to IM him directly. I know for a fact that he will talk with anyone who contacts him. But know this! I will not tolerate anyone berating and condemning him based on this! As has been stated previously, if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all!!

I am not speaking for Blowtorch, I'm not speaking for Frank, or Craig or Graham or Luis or anyone else here............I am speaking only for myself. Take it as you wish to, I promise you that I will not be offended. But what we need to do is all step back and remember 'why' we all come here. To interact and enjoy other's who are similar minded 'individuals'. And that we can 'show off' once in a while, that's cool too!

I want to applaud you guys to the extent that I did ask you all to be respectful, no matter the outcome. And for the most part you have. THANK YOU! You continue to prove yourselves gentlemen, no matter what others might say to you! Do I agree with the 'tactics', personally, no-but I'm not him or any of you. So that point is moot.

You really want to know why he did it? Contact HIM personally...........yes, it really is THAT simple.

Graham and I have chatted, and we agreed that there will be no banning of anyone. This was an extreme means to an end to be sure, I don't know that I'd allow it again..........but that horse still isn't going back into the barn.

I will say this, in the future-and this is for EVERYONE!!!-If you feel that there is a problem, a disadvantage or a 'clique' going on, please, Please, PLEASE contact either one of us!! I really do love you guys here..........and I want what's best for the entire forum. I will listen and attempt to give advice. But I'm not a mind-reader, you need to TALK to me!! Moreso, you all need to talk to each other..........we are a very small, tight group here. Feelings get hurt, trampled and bruised. But like any group of friends or 'family'...........you talk it out and get over it.

Frank, you are a man with a heart bigger than the outdoors........rest assured that it does not go unnoticed.........
Shane, you are man who has a heart that beats true...........no one can take that from you.........
Graham, you are a man who knows how to lead, without being a dictator.........I applaud you.........
Craig, you are a man who has been blessed............no more need be said
Jay, you are a man who is filled with passion.............what a wonderful capacity......
Luis, you are a man who sees the things that others don't.........your purity of soul is enlightening............
Alan, you are a man who is filled with a deep sense of right and wrong that is severely lacking today, and as such sometimes gets misconstrued.......never lose sight of it..........

For all the rest of you..........you are all men because for all your 'manly deeds and ways'...........you all maintain a sense of childlike ideals...........and THAT is the best part of ANY MAN..................



I am glad and very proud to call all of you 'my friends'.................

__________________
Non illigitamus carborundum~Vos mos non effrego mihi

Coming soon: 'JoeSpecialOps'