Russ,
Why did you have to throw that out?
I'm just speaking for myself here. I don't know if others "hate" you or not. I know for a fact I certainly do not hate you. I don't really know you, other than reading these boards.
But, I have an observation.
It seems to me that YOU are the one with all the anger and hostilty because of YOUR views. You're the one who's always upset. You're the lightning rod. And, honestly, I really think you enjoy the attention. I've seen several posts of yours that you just rant and rave when someone even mentions religion or religious beliefs. Which, you'll agree, is a major factor in a majority of most American's lives. But,they faced the "wrath of Russ" for mentioning something about God. It's YOU Russ.
I have nothing against you at all. I know for a fact that I've given you good rep in the past. Long ago, I sent you PM's asking you questions related to pool and Iraq, and for whatever reason, you never responded. But I also remember when I mentioned to Walt that God is only capitalized when it refers to the one true God of the Holy Bible that BAM!, in you come with your snide and sarcastic comments. It's YOU Russ. It's funny how you respond to something that was between me and Walt with an attack that, if the same kind were thrown at you, well, again, I think you know how you respond. You seem very eager and proud to express "your right" to put down God and / or religion. That's sad, really.
So, I don't think you're hated. Rather, I think you have some very strong dislike in you for some things. I don't recall anyone here ever having such ill feelings towards you. I think the common denominator is many people here see what you want them to see about you.
And Russ, I certainly don't mean to bash you in any way. I imagine you won't take this as it's intended. Which is to answer some questions you always seem to have about why some posters here treat you as they do.
After all, you are the one who posted that people actually hate you. I don't think anyone here even comes close to hating you.
I'm probably just as wrong for responding to something that is really none of my direct business. But I and others also have some very strong beliefs that we have to live by as well. Just as you are free to express YOUR feelings, well, other are equally free to express THEIR feelings. This post is my attempt to reason with you, nothing else. I've tried hard to do it in a very respectful manner.
Sorry if this upset you.
I wish you well.
