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POAKSITWITHASTICK

War does not determine who is right but who is left.
Articles Posted: 8  Links Seeded: 8
Member Since: 5/2010  Last Seen: 3/01/2011

Please Don't Read This Article

Thu Sep 16, 2010 5:59 PM EDT
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By POaksitwithastick
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You’re not going to like it. It’s all about love and hope and friendship and compassion and understanding and forgiveness. See? I told you so. No one likes those things anymore. I guess they’re boring and out of date.

I have love in my heart for all the Earth’s creatures. Yes, that includes you my friend. Even if you don’t love me back.

I have hope for our future. I believe that with much patience and fortitude the peoples of this planet will one day band together and recognize their sameness and rejoice in their differences. I also believe it will probably take an alien invasion to accomplish this but that’s just me.

I don’t have an overabundance of friends but the ones I do have are wonderful people. I can count on them to be there with me through the worst of times and they know they can count on me as well. I do not choose my friends based on sex, race, religion or political affiliation. I choose them based on how they treat me, other people and animals.

I have compassion for people and animals that are in any kind of pain be it physical, emotional or spiritual. I try to help when I can because it’s the right thing to do. Not one soul on this planet should be suffering. It breaks my heart to know that millions are in abject misery right this very second.

I try to see things from different perspectives to try to understand the things people say and do. Sometimes it’s close to impossible and at other times I can’t do it at all. But I never stop trying. The day I stop is the day I no longer grow.

I forgive others their transgressions against me not because they deserve it but because it’s what my heart needs so that it doesn’t harden into a crusty ball of hate. I have had many horrible things done to me by other people over the years but I’ve learned from each experience and each time I forgave I became a better person.

I want to ask each of you for one thing today. Do something nice for somebody. Smile at the person behind the counter. Give that homeless guy a dollar. Hug a family member. Pick up that piece of trash instead of walking over it. Adopt a Muslim. :) Whatever you can do to make this world a happier, peaceful place. I promise it will be worth it.

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POaksitwithastick

I wasn't sure how to categorize this one since it actually hits so many so I chose "none of the above".

  • 5 votes
Reply#1 - Thu Sep 16, 2010 6:00 PM EDT
Jerry Verlinger

I wasn't sure how to categorize this one since it actually hits so many so I chose "none of the above".

I've been in the same spot. I've suggested a "Some of the above" catagory.

  • 3 votes
#1.1 - Thu Sep 16, 2010 6:51 PM EDT
POaksitwithastick

I like that one Jerry. How do I get in on that?

  • 3 votes
#1.2 - Thu Sep 16, 2010 8:16 PM EDT
ReyRik

Kudos, you really caught me with that title. It goes to show everybody does everything they are not supposed to.

  • 4 votes
#1.3 - Thu Sep 16, 2010 9:06 PM EDT
Jerry Verlinger

Go to "Contact Us" and send suggestion to the admin. They take every suggestion seriously ...... at least for a few seconds.

    #1.4 - Sat Sep 18, 2010 10:09 PM EDT
    Reply
    POaksitwithastick

    I find myself looking forward to the non-angry, non-violent, non-political articles by the end of the week so here's my addition. Have a great day!

    • 3 votes
    Reply#2 - Thu Sep 16, 2010 6:02 PM EDT
    calmandgentle

    POak, you got me with the title! The little kid in me just had to look!

    I haven't got my TV connected since "the move". That's almost 1 year. Catch news at homes elsewhere and get even more unhappy. So have to get it connected to prepare for the bad news /weather this winter. Haven't missed all the bad news. Catch it on the Vine or my Mother across the country! LOL!!

    • 1 vote
    #2.1 - Mon Sep 20, 2010 6:13 PM EDT
    Reply
    Frank BlackDeleted
    Vlad's dog

    Love, the shield to life's dangers, a sword to conquer all.

    • 5 votes
    Reply#4 - Thu Sep 16, 2010 6:20 PM EDT
    The Spirit

    Ditto.

    • 2 votes
    Reply#5 - Thu Sep 16, 2010 6:29 PM EDT
    River-239955

    I woulda slid it into the "Other" option, and posted it to World News.

    Great advice !!

    • 3 votes
    Reply#6 - Thu Sep 16, 2010 6:56 PM EDT
    POaksitwithastick

    Thank you River!

    • 3 votes
    #6.1 - Thu Sep 16, 2010 8:16 PM EDT
    Reply
    Jerry Verlinger

    Well written POaksit, I enjoyed reading it.

    Article Clipped to;

    Good News Week.

    Open Minded

    Sweeter Fennel

    Writers

    • 2 votes
    Reply#7 - Thu Sep 16, 2010 7:03 PM EDT
    POaksitwithastick

    Thanks a lot Jerry! I feel so loved right now! :)

    • 2 votes
    #7.1 - Thu Sep 16, 2010 8:17 PM EDT
    Jerry Verlinger

    Your welcome POaksit, your always loved.

    Keep article like that coming and you'll become very popular around here.

    • 2 votes
    #7.2 - Sat Sep 18, 2010 10:14 PM EDT
    POaksitwithastick

    Keep article like that coming and you'll become very popular around here.

    I'm thinking that might not be entirely positive. (see below) :)

    • 2 votes
    #7.3 - Sun Sep 19, 2010 12:19 AM EDT
    Reply
    Anatoly-Rex

    This is an annoying article.... just because most people doesn't wear their heart on their sleeves and feel passionate about their politics, that doesn't mean peace, love, and microdot aren't popular anymore.

      Reply#8 - Thu Sep 16, 2010 7:46 PM EDT
      River-239955

      that doesn't mean peace, love, and microdot aren't popular anymore

      Of course it doesn't. However, people are much more inclined to give everything that destroys peace, love, and the grander things of life, choosing instead to smother them with ill will, cynicism, sarcasm, and general unpleasantries. Everyone wishes to receive the good things. They just don't care to put forth the effort to cultivate them.

      • 6 votes
      #8.1 - Thu Sep 16, 2010 7:53 PM EDT
      Vlad's dog

      microdot was a small form of LSD when I was young, peace and love reigned then. (snike)

      • 2 votes
      #8.2 - Thu Sep 16, 2010 8:05 PM EDT
      POaksitwithastick

      This is an annoying article.... just because most people doesn't wear their heart on their sleeves and feel passionate about their politics, that doesn't mean peace, love, and microdot aren't popular anymore.

      Rex, your tone is anything but love my friend. I just wanted to remind people to focus on the positive. I click on most seeds here and the hate is palpable. All I see in the news is hate, hate, hate. Where are the puppies and rainbows (no, that's not a gay reference). You get what I'm laying down? And remember, I told you not to read it.

      • 5 votes
      #8.3 - Thu Sep 16, 2010 8:22 PM EDT
      Anatoly-RexExpand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

      River

      "However, people are much more inclined to give everything that destroys peace, love, and the grander things of life, choosing instead to smother them with ill will, cynicism, sarcasm, and general unpleasantries"

      I think 99% of the people who make that claim can be caught doing exactly that on a regular basis. In reality thats a false dichotomy if you ask me. People don't come to cynical because we have some genetic inclination towards being that way, they become that way because we live in a world we are seemingly helpless to save. Its not that they "don't care", its that they care so much that they are brought down.

      Vlad

      "microdot was a small form of LSD when I was young, peace and love reigned then."

      Glad I'm not the only one old enough to get the reference.

      PO

      "Rex, your tone is anything but love my friend"

      Being a condescending douche won't change that.

      "I just wanted to remind people to focus on the positive."

      People don't need someone to remind them to be positive. There is a particular group of people on Newsvine who seem to be perpetually whining and weeping over all the "hate" out there. Its not that people don't remember now to be positive, its that you need to grow a thicker skin or get the hell out of the kitchen.

      "I click on most seeds here and the hate is palpable. All I see in the news is hate, hate, hate'

      Did it ever occur to you that people might just come to Newsvine to express their frustrations in a safe, consequenceless environment? I don't need the internet to "remind" me of the positive in my life, I find that in my loved ones and experiences I live through.

        #8.4 - Fri Sep 17, 2010 1:27 PM EDT
        POaksitwithastick

        Being a condescending douche won't change that.

        Thanks for the kind words Rex. They're much appreciated. I didn't call you any names but you resorted to just that. Sounds like I hit a big nerve with you. I think your response proves my point quite well.

        Did it ever occur to you that people might just come to Newsvine to express their frustrations in a safe, consequenceless environment?

        Did it ever occur to you that people might just come to Newsvine to express their desire for a more peaceful exchange of ideas? That's what I was doing. You judging me for trying to be more positive leads me to believe that you do need the internet to "remind" you of the positive. I'd take it where I can get it. I'm not trying to stop people from voicing their opinions in any manner they wish. I was just trying to be a little lighter. If you took the time to read some of my other articles you'd see that I'm not always this whiny or weepy as you like to call it.

        • 3 votes
        #8.5 - Fri Sep 17, 2010 1:43 PM EDT
        Anatoly-RexExpand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

        "Thanks for the kind words Rex. They're much appreciated. I didn't call you any names but you resorted to just that."

        No, you were condescending. You don't need to call someone names to talk down to them.

        "Did it ever occur to you that people might just come to Newsvine to express their desire for a more peaceful exchange of ideas?"

        They don't, which is why "hateful" seeds vastly outnumber this lovely-dovey garbage.

        "That's what I was doing."

        Duh.

        "You judging me for trying to be more positive"

        Oh, poor you. Being "judged" on the internet, thats rough. (I can hear the world's smallest violin playing, just for you). I'm criticizing your logic (which is completely different than making a judgement of your character) because it totally misinterprets the nature of Newsvine and the underlying reasons of why people are the way they are. Not because you advocate a positive outlook. Your inability to distinguish between rejecting the validity of an argument and being a hateful person exemplifies how superficial your approach to these matters is.

        "leads me to believe that you do need the internet to "remind" you of the positive."

        How quaint. You chastize me for judging you and then not a sentence later make a broad character judgement about me. Following your own logic, you just must be quiet the hateful person, huh? Perhaps I should write a little article too, then speak down to you when you reject the idea that you are a hateful person simply because you don't act the way I think you should.

        "you'd see that I'm not always this whiny or weepy as you like to call it."

        I can see how little acting it took for me to provoke you into behaving in a manner that is antithetical to what you preach.

          #8.6 - Fri Sep 17, 2010 2:13 PM EDT
          CM77

          "Rex, your tone is anything but love my friend"

          Being a condescending douche won't change that.

          lol Isn't (s)he referring to him/herself? And you know what? You're right about that! Being a condescending douche won't change your tone, Anatoly-Rex.

          • 1 vote
          #8.7 - Fri Sep 17, 2010 2:38 PM EDT
          POaksitwithastick

          Rex - I'd love to take the time to respond to all your accusations about me that actually describe you but I'm running late. I still have to shave my head, grab my flowers and get to the airport. Have a super day! :)

          • 5 votes
          #8.8 - Fri Sep 17, 2010 2:51 PM EDT
          Voter No. 9

          microdot was a small form of LSD when I was young, peace and love reigned then. (snike)

          I remember! And Post Cereal's Sugar Bear had a gun that blasted something which turned the worst hater into a lover instantly : )

          • 2 votes
          #8.9 - Fri Sep 17, 2010 7:31 PM EDT
          cookin mama

          hated that cereal.

            #8.10 - Sat Sep 18, 2010 1:29 AM EDT
            Voter No. 9

            LOL Guess the Bear missed his shot with you!

            Never had it but I liked the ads. Very catchy tune.

              #8.11 - Sat Sep 18, 2010 8:33 AM EDT
              Jerry Verlinger

              This is an annoying article.... just because most people doesn't wear their heart on their sleeves and feel passionate about their politics, that doesn't mean peace, love, and microdot aren't popular anymore.

              So, are you saying no one should put their feelings in words and post an article like this?

              She told everyone in the first paragraph what the article was all about, if your unable to handle that kind of stuff, (which obviously you aren't) then you should have just moved on.

              Instead you chose to come on the thread and start an argument.

              They don't, which is why "hateful" seeds vastly outnumber this lovely-dovey garbage.

              This tells me you have some serious personality problems Analoly-Rex.

              Being a condescending douche won't change that.

              And that is a CoH violation!

              POksit should delete the comment.

              I can see how little acting it took for me to provoke you into behaving in a manner that is antithetical to what you preach.

              I see you didn't miss the "Flamebaiting" segment of your "Troll Training" Classes.

              Judging from the way you made yourself look on this thread, I'd give you a C-minus rating as a troll.

              • 2 votes
              #8.12 - Sat Sep 18, 2010 10:47 PM EDT
              POaksitwithastick

              Being a condescending douche won't change that.

              POksit should delete the comment.

              And that is a CoH violation!

              Didn't want to give him/her the satisfaction Jerry especially since I spoke of forgiveness and understanding. Trust me, I thought about it.

              • 3 votes
              #8.13 - Sun Sep 19, 2010 12:22 AM EDT
              Jerry Verlinger

              Didn't want to give him/her the satisfaction Jerry especially since I spoke of forgiveness and understanding. Trust me, I thought about it.

              I know what your saying POaksit, I also find it hard to delete comments, I'd rather leave it up to the community.

                #8.14 - Fri Sep 24, 2010 1:30 AM EDT
                Reply
                cookin mama

                What a great title and great article.

                • 4 votes
                Reply#9 - Thu Sep 16, 2010 8:10 PM EDT
                POaksitwithastick

                Thank you mama. Hard to resist, huh? We're so bad! :)

                • 4 votes
                #9.1 - Thu Sep 16, 2010 8:23 PM EDT
                cookin mama

                well your handle is also catching

                • 2 votes
                #9.2 - Fri Sep 17, 2010 12:16 AM EDT
                Reply
                DarthVSchw

                I like the good will, keep it goin!

                • 3 votes
                Reply#10 - Thu Sep 16, 2010 8:27 PM EDT
                POaksitwithastick

                I will Darth, but I have to ask. Siths are famous for not feeling the love. So what up with that? Are you one of those enigmas wrapped in a mystery? And yes, for all those who may wonder, I'm a complete and total geek and proud of it!

                • 3 votes
                #10.1 - Thu Sep 16, 2010 8:35 PM EDT
                DarthVSchw

                I was Darth Vader for a few Halloweens, and eventually he did turn good in the end. When I was trying to figure out a handle for all this internet stuff DarthVSchw, usually is not taken anywhere, but Darth Vader is so taken everywhere. Yes I'm a total Star Wars/Baseball/Cooking geek.

                • 2 votes
                #10.2 - Thu Sep 16, 2010 8:51 PM EDT
                Reply
                POaksitwithastick

                and eventually he did turn good in the end

                That is true. Love of family. A beautiful thing when it works.

                • 4 votes
                Reply#11 - Thu Sep 16, 2010 9:00 PM EDT
                Knowlton's Rangers

                knuckle fives to you, it's time we started showing that love we all claim we have for our fellow mankind. I am reminded of a line in one of my favorite John Wayne movies McClintock...where he tells Draygo he has no "Milk of human kindness." Peace and good will to you friend.

                • 3 votes
                #11.1 - Fri Sep 17, 2010 7:08 AM EDT
                Reply
                bitemore

                What a refreshing article! Love the headline... pure genius!

                FR sent!

                • 4 votes
                Reply#12 - Fri Sep 17, 2010 6:43 PM EDT
                Dennis P McCann

                What a refreshing article!

                How do you know?
                Oh wait...you read it, didn't you....

                • 6 votes
                #12.1 - Fri Sep 17, 2010 6:51 PM EDT
                POaksitwithastick

                Love the headline... pure genius!

                I have my moments - thanks! :)

                • 4 votes
                #12.2 - Fri Sep 17, 2010 6:53 PM EDT
                bitemore

                #12.1: Oh wait...you read it, didn't you....

                I sure did! He said not to, y'know? Best way to get me to do something is to tell me not to...

                :-)

                • 5 votes
                #12.3 - Fri Sep 17, 2010 6:54 PM EDT
                POaksitwithastick

                How do you know?
                Oh wait...you read it, didn't you....

                No one ever listens to me Dennis. :(

                • 4 votes
                #12.4 - Fri Sep 17, 2010 6:54 PM EDT
                Dennis P McCann

                I have to confess...

                I read it to.

                And really liked it.

                • 5 votes
                #12.5 - Fri Sep 17, 2010 6:57 PM EDT
                POaksitwithastick

                Best way to get me to do something is to tell me not to...

                And my master plan is revealed! Bwu ha ha ha ha!

                • 4 votes
                #12.6 - Fri Sep 17, 2010 6:58 PM EDT
                Reply
                Remote Viewer

                I love this article, POaksitwithastick!

                • 3 votes
                Reply#13 - Fri Sep 17, 2010 8:22 PM EDT
                POaksitwithastick

                Thanks much! :)

                • 2 votes
                #13.1 - Sun Sep 19, 2010 12:23 AM EDT
                Reply
                cookin mama

                the ones who did not like must not have read it.

                • 4 votes
                Reply#14 - Sat Sep 18, 2010 1:31 AM EDT
                3kyw4law

                Which begs the question: how did they know they didn't like it unless they read it?

                • 3 votes
                #14.1 - Sat Sep 18, 2010 2:08 AM EDT
                Remote Viewer

                Guess they were just blindly following instructions and still felt compelled to offer an opinion. Look for them on some of the political threads.

                • 3 votes
                #14.2 - Sat Sep 18, 2010 9:23 AM EDT
                Reply
                3kyw4law

                I need to go stand in the line of people who read the article because the title said not to.

                Good article, POaks, and thanks for the reminders.

                • 2 votes
                Reply#15 - Sat Sep 18, 2010 2:07 AM EDT
                POaksitwithastick

                Your welcome! I'm glad that most people took them in the spirit they were intended.

                • 2 votes
                #15.1 - Sun Sep 19, 2010 12:24 AM EDT
                Reply
                Kori

                Poaks (from last line in article) -

                Adopt a Muslim.

                Why just a Muslim? I would rewrite Adopt a Muslim/Jew/Christian/Atheist/Agnostic, etc. Look around your community, surely there are people who could use your help. Offer to take an elderly person on errands; offer to babysit for a single parent, etc. So much good we can do for each other.

                When I was younger, I sometimes judged a person by who they were on the outside or superficially knew about them. However, when I took the time to get to know someone - their life, their dreams, their joys and sorrows - I was always amazed by what I found. Never judge anyone until you have taken the time to get to know them and are certain of the qualities and standard he/she possess on the inside.

                • 3 votes
                Reply#16 - Sun Sep 19, 2010 10:51 PM EDT
                POaksitwithastick

                Why just a Muslim? I would rewrite Adopt a Muslim/Jew/Christian/Atheist/Agnostic, etc.

                Kori - I only mentioned Muslims because they are the hot topic for so much hate right now. I was trying to get my point across in the quickest way possible. As far as the rest of your statement, I agree completely and am pleased to know there are still many fair minded, decent people still among us. Thanks for your comment.

                • 1 vote
                #16.1 - Sun Sep 19, 2010 11:48 PM EDT
                Reply
                G. H.

                Very nice Poaks. Thank you for a good article. I drop them myself, now and then, and always enjoy the comments that follow. Except when a troll visits! Actually I've written about 60-65 articles and only had one troller, single comment, one article. I'm way past overdue to write again, summer kept me too too busy. Anyway................Thanks again! :-)

                (((hugs to you)))

                • 3 votes
                Reply#17 - Sun Sep 19, 2010 11:09 PM EDT
                cookin mama

                oh yes i remember him he was terrorizing alot of people he was a serial re-reg.

                • 2 votes
                #17.1 - Sun Sep 19, 2010 11:19 PM EDT
                POaksitwithastick

                And (((hugs))) back! :)

                • 2 votes
                #17.2 - Sun Sep 19, 2010 11:49 PM EDT
                G. H.

                Aww! Thank you! :-)

                • 2 votes
                #17.3 - Mon Sep 20, 2010 1:57 AM EDT
                Reply
                calmandgentle

                POaks, keep writing! Will watch for your articles!

                • 1 vote
                Reply#18 - Mon Sep 20, 2010 6:24 PM EDT
                DLMaston

                One of my all-time favorites.......

                Love Will Conquer

                There is no difficulty that enough love will not conquer;
                no disease that enough love will not heal;
                no door that enough love will not open;
                no gulf that enough love will not bridge;
                no wall that enough love will not throw down;
                no sin that enough love will not redeem . . .

                It makes no difference how deeply seated may be the trouble;
                how hopeless the outlook;
                how muddled the tangle;
                how great the mistake.
                A sufficient realization of love will dissolve it all.
                If only you could love enough you would be the happiest and most powerful being in the world . . .

                Emmet Fox

                • 1 vote
                Reply#19 - Tue Sep 21, 2010 8:18 PM EDT
                POaksitwithastick

                That's beautiful DL! Thanks for sharing. Love is so much harder than hate. Which is why we see so much more of the latter on a day to day basis these days. But I know for a fact love is still out there going strong.

                • 1 vote
                #19.1 - Wed Sep 22, 2010 10:21 AM EDT
                Reply
                Starlite-2115221

                PO, what a wonderful article. It really gave me a feel good feeling. Your writing and some of the comments reminded me of all the kind people I have met on Newsvine.

                I, sometimes, get discouraged about the hateful, ugly comments on here but I'll try not to anymore. There are to many great people like you to worry about that!!

                Thanks.

                  Reply#20 - Sat Oct 16, 2010 10:53 AM EDT
                  POaksitwithastick

                  Thanks Starlite. I too get discouraged but we can't let the hateful win. I don't want to live in such an ugly, hopeless world. We'll just ignore them and keep on keeping on! :)

                  • 1 vote
                  Reply#21 - Sat Oct 16, 2010 11:16 AM EDT
                  Dubbya R

                  Nice sentiments and nicely written POaksit. Life may sometimes be a battle, but it doesn't mean we have to carry around hate and anger. Timely reminder. Cheers.

                  .

                  pssst...love the headline...love it.

                  • 2 votes
                  Reply#22 - Sat Oct 16, 2010 11:18 AM EDT
                  POaksitwithastick

                  Thanks D! Cheers back! :)

                  • 1 vote
                  #22.1 - Sat Oct 16, 2010 5:07 PM EDT
                  Reply
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