On the contrary I feel very disappointed that some of the people who have vast experience of parts of the world that most of us will never get to and who could shine a light into the places that most of us aren't privileged enough to visit choose to indulge themselves in Punch and Judy shows.

I enjoy reading about their experiences as well. Either in Saudi, Iran or with Tony whatshisface.

I've noticed though for people who have lived there and experienced things first hand, if their take on things differs from those who get their info from conspiracy blogs or the like then the experienced people get dismissed. For example, the posters who have actually served in Afghanistan or Iraq apparently don't know as much about what's happening in those countries as the Huffington Post or Michael Moore.

You make a reasonable point, but one that is emotively charged not neccesarily logically based. It is a reality that often one can't see the wood for the trees.

A soldier in Iraq would certainly have seen violence, bloodshed, and hatred....it does not actually make him an expert on what is going on in the halls of power.

If you want to add into the mix what happens in the "halls of power", maybe not. But if I want to know what the Taleban is really like, how the locals really feel about our presence there, I'll ask people who experienced it first hand. The picture they paint will be much closer to the way it really is.

zzaa is talking about what happens in the halls of power....so, I am not adding it into the mix.

I am sure the picture that a soldier could paint will be different...that is part of the point. Wood, trees, emotionally charged experiences etc.

Yeah, I have met lots of interesting people during my lifetime but I hesitate to post too many of my personal experiences due to the stalking practices some members pursue. They often attempt to belittle experiences in favor of internet knowledge and, to me, it isn't worth the hassle.

So speaks the biggest proponant of "Show us a link"!

Somehow I just knew the internet ninja would weigh in on my post.

I hesitate to post too many of my personal experiences due to the stalking practices some members pursue. They often attempt to belittle experiences....

Well called.

I see we've descended to the playground again. You folks talking about "intelligence" and acting like 12 year olds are a wonder to behold

We all serve to entertain you Mr. endure, so that you may feel superior.

On the contrary I feel very disappointed that some of the people who have vast experience of parts of the world that most of us will never get to and who could shine a light into the places that most of us aren't privileged enough to visit choose to indulge themselves in Punch and Judy shows.

Perhaps you would yield a more positive response, thereby avoiding disappointment, if you cease indulging your urge to treat as children those with whom you disagree, or do not understand. Name calling/demeaning will most likely preclude those who have 'vast experience of parts of the world' from sharing.

Can you point to a post of mine where I've 'treated as a child' someone because I either didn't understand or didn't agree with them? I've called them children when they act like children scrapping and brawling in the playground which is a different thing altogether.

He started it!

Are you two goading and taunting other members again?

Are you two goading and taunting other members again?

Sounds like it to me. Isn't there a rule about that...somewhere????

I see we've descended to the playground again. You folks talking about "intelligence" and acting like 12 year olds are a wonder to behold

Perhaps you would yield a more positive response, thereby avoiding disappointment, if you cease indulging your urge to treat as children those with whom you disagree, or do not understand. Name calling/demeaning will most likely preclude those who have 'vast experience of parts of the world' from sharing.

Can you point to a post of mine where I've 'treated as a child' someone because I either didn't understand or didn't agree with them? I've called them children when they act like children scrapping and brawling in the playground which is a different thing altogether.

I was giving you the benefit of the doubt. I assumed you did not understand or did not agree. Perhaps your insulting comment that some posters were "acting like 12 year olds" was merely meant to taunt or bait, which as I am certain (oh, there I go again assuming) you are aware is against forum rules and can subject one to being sent on a vacation. So, which is it - did you not understand, or not agree, or were you just taunting, baiting?

Yeah, I have met lots of interesting people during my lifetime but I hesitate to post too many of my personal experiences due to the stalking practices some members pursue. They often attempt to belittle experiences in favor of internet knowledge and, to me, it isn't worth the hassle.

So speaks the biggest proponant of "Show us a link"!

Somehow I just knew the internet ninja would weigh in on my post.

Internet ninja. Hmmmmm.... I like it.

Nevertheless, YOU are the one always demanding links but resort to personal anecdotes as if they were beyond question.

Internet ninja. Hmmmmm.... I like it.

If he called you something more appropriate, he might get an unwanted vacation.

OTB is set up to allow a little more latitude for posters, it does not allow for the violation of the forum rules. Right now, posters are getting very close to flaunting those rules.

The topic doesn't lend itself well to providing links to anything other than someone's opinion. Some people are guided more by a conscience and others by loyalty. Most by a mix of the two.

For me, I am extremely loyal to my friends and family and I would not turn them in even if they committed murder. I wouldn't hide them, I wouldn't help them, but I wouldn't pick up the phone and make the call. I also would tell them not to tell me where they are going because I won't lie for them.

The exception is if I thought they were in imminent personal danger--such as having a loaded gun and likely to get shot when the police find them--and they will find them.

A country is a more abstract concept. I can love my country, but not like my leaders. My conscience is much more quickly activated in these situation.

Now please play fair. Disagree with other's opinions, but refrain from flaming them.

Different strokes for different folks.

Yeah, I have met lots of interesting people during my lifetime but I hesitate to post too many of my personal experiences due to the stalking practices some members pursue. They often attempt to belittle experiences in favor of internet knowledge and, to me, it isn't worth the hassle.

So speaks the biggest proponant of "Show us a link"!

Somehow I just knew the internet ninja would weigh in on my post.

Internet ninja. Hmmmmm.... I like it.

Nevertheless, YOU are the one always demanding links but resort to personal anecdotes as if they were beyond question.

My personal anecdotes are not beyond question. Please inform us where I have been untruthful with any of them?

Otherwise you are way off base with your accusation.

Put up or shut up.

Internet ninja. Hmmmmm.... I like it.

Nevertheless, YOU are the one always demanding links but resort to personal anecdotes as if they were beyond question.

My personal anecdotes are not beyond question. Please inform us where I have been untruthful with any of them?

Otherwise you are way off base with your accusation.

Put up or shut up.

Back the truck up chucky....YOU are the one that is always demanding links to "prove" whatever it is the poster has written, yet YOUR posts and claims of close ties with important people that tell you privvy information are above question?????

Of course your personal anecdotes are NOT above question just because you say so.

Internet ninja. Hmmmmm.... I like it.

Nevertheless, YOU are the one always demanding links but resort to personal anecdotes as if they were beyond question.

My personal anecdotes are not beyond question. Please inform us where I have been untruthful with any of them?

Otherwise you are way off base with your accusation.

Put up or shut up.

Back the truck up chucky....YOU are the one that is always demanding links to "prove" whatever it is the poster has written, yet YOUR posts and claims of close ties with important people that tell you privvy information are above question?????

Of course your personal anecdotes are NOT above question just because you say so.

Now that you have run over your foot while backing the truck up...

Please show me where I have ever claimed my personal anecdotes (your words) are above question.

But when you question them, be sure and provide a link.