Jonathan,

I went on a leave of absence shortly after your last post.  I regret
much that I didn't more carefully respond to your remarks because I saw
what was positive in them.

Since I'm still in Digest Format, I'll forward this.

I saw a number of women "ganged-banged" you.  They wouldn't like the
tables turned...or would they.  ;-D!

Of course I wish you well.

Steve

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jonathan Mallard" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>; <[log in to unmask]>;
<[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2001 2:36 PM
Subject: C-Palsey List Group


I'm responding to you, because you had the most
constructive points to my discussion.  As I have left, would you
please forward this to the list.

I have unsubscribed (finally.)

I am an engineer, and while the stereotype was noted on the list,  I
think that the people that know me would speak vastly to the
contrary.

I quit reading every one of the posts after about 4 months.  Then
I just scanned the headlines of the digest.  After many more months
of doing that, and noticing the size of the digest (as well as the time
it takes to download) I concluded that since I had not felt the urge
to comment or responod to anything yet, I probably wasn't going to
start to do so in the future.

I'd venture that 90% of what I saw on the list was related to my first
point.  I saw a lot of complaining that life is not fair.  An awful lot.
I
learned a long time ago to stop worrying about that.  And I also learned
a long time ago to disassociate myeslf from negative influences.  So as
Steve noted, rather than pop off at most everything, I elected to keep
silent.  I think that is the best policy to keep if you can't say
anything
positive.

And frankly, what drove me away was the seeming inability of
the majority of the list to just deal with the issue and move on.  There
is a lot of time wasted that can be spent doing more pertinant things.

I do recognize that some of the subscribers have some need that this
list fulfills.  And if it gives you a place to vent your frustrations
and
receive support, I think you should continue to do so.  But I don't
think
that's ever going to help you get more involved with the real world.  My
Grandfather told me a long time ago that "you have to get along with
the world, the world doesn't have to get along with you."  You can go
on by yourself and remove yourself and create your own society.  I know
people who have done that and are quite happy that way.  But my
interpretation of the purpose of this list-server was to provide support
to
people who wanted to make an earnest effort to integrate as seamlessly
as possible with the rest of society.

I also noted the quickness of the responses that seemed focused on
one word that I said.  I do not think that people at all are garbage.
And I can only surmise that the comment about bridges being erector
and lego are unfortnate.  I am quite proud of my work, and if you ever
have the fortune to drive on the roads in Virginia, North Carolina, and
South Carolina, I can assure you that the projects I've been involved
with
are in good working order.

So I'll close with this:  This is my final word.  You have my email
address
and are free to contact me.  I wish everyone the best.

Jonathan