I’m amazed at all of the attention my post has created. My intention was never to gain attention. But I see that many of you have taken it upon yourselves to defend me against newbie. For that I thank you, however, I have never been the type of individual who would let another “fight my battles.” With that being stated I would like to address newbie myself.
You say I am looking for a pat on the back, for being a “public rectum.” I take that as a compliment. If being a “public rectum” means to stand up for a one’s belief in a country that has given us the right to do so. I feel honored to be the rectal whipping boy.
You say I may have been “looking for a confrontation” because of the way I responded. Newbie, I never look for confrontations, especially when I am peacefully smoking my pipe. Had I wanted a confrontation I would have walked, while pipe smoking into the non-smoking restaurant just down the road.
“Did I need to respond,” you asked. And my answer get’s back to what I said earlier. In America, I have the right to speak up and against any injustice that pertains to me, my family, my country, and even my enemies. Otherwise, I should move to a land that smothers freedom. Many men have died for the rights that many in this country now take for granted. I feel as though I can honor them by speaking against injustice. Telling me I cannot smoke in an area where it is not illegal, is an injustice, and I have the right to address that issue.
You say you would not “fist bump” me for what I said to that woman. Newbie, you have know idea who I am, where I came from, my background, or my families background. If you did know, you would then understand why I have never asked for a fist bump. I have never asked for anything. I’m old school. Everything in my life that I have achieved has come through my hard work. I’ve never asked for handouts, or accolades.
You posted a law that has to do with Indiana. If you had read my post, before jumping to conclusion, you would see that I live in NY. I also mentioned that I have dealt with land laws for 37 years. I know what they are, and I never break them.
Now, about posting tales on internet forums and the Barney Fife comparison. One of the concerns I have had over the past 10 years is my reputation. I have a large internet presence. I also have two websites, and I had a website forum for many years. I understand the nuances of the proper etiquette when posting on forums. Much of my time was spent moderating my forum and having to ban posters because of their incendiary or false comments. And I know what can happened on the net when lies, accusations and threats begin to infest the search engines. So the last thing I want to do is to become a Barney Fife like character by making up an “award winning tale.”
You are probably a great guy. Perhaps some day we can have a friendly meet and share a smoke. I wish you good health.
Frank
