Death of the Sociable Traveller

OK Go_to, let me summarize how I saw things here. You may need to read over a post or two.

First, Billythefish laments that people are not friendly anymore. He is entitled to that opinion. I and mosst of the responders do not, and that is fine.

Then, he suggests that most of the people travelling (which I interpreted as meaning me and most other readers of this board) are technoheads and pedophiles ( "techno-heads or aging pedophiles make up the bulk of travellers these days") So I and one other person called him out on this (the pedophile part--I don't care if everyone and their dog carries a laptop).

Since that time, besides one person ( #19) not ONE word about his statement and several people admonishing me for objecting to that. Did you notice the last line in his post #15?? I did too, but let it go thinking someone will call him out on that as well. nothing!!

Now, "I" am being asked to apologize!!!.

I appreciate using this and other sites as I travel throughout the word. But I simply will not tolerate being lumped in with pedophiles. How do others tolerate this?

Your reply at #34 - to muslion. If you don't think that deserves an apology then you've no place here. Especially as you seem to be the only poster who assumed you were being called a paedophile.

Isn't it funny that none of the rest of us did?

No,,I don't think it is funny at all. It gives me the creeps!!! I'll leave it at that for now.

Ok, I'm going to look at these words.

"seems like techno-heads or aging pedophiles make up the bulk of travellers these days."

"Seems like" means appears to be -- not necessarily fact, just appearance -- and "the bulk" just means in very simple terms "most of." He didn't say "everybody."

So, he didn't call us pedophiles, he just said that a whole bunch of people he saw appeared to be pedophiles. I don't think of myself as a member of "the bulk" of travelers. In fact, I think this site is basically populated by "nonbulk" travelers.

I wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't using a bit of exaggeration when he said "the bulk of". I know I exaggerate -- if I walk into my classroom and several students are wearing red I might say "How come everybody's wearing red today?" even if most of the class isn't.

..as a "nonbulk" traveller , I think we have exposed some fascinating traits here.....and the contributor most fascinating, the one who "doth protest too much" thereby revealing the probable "skeletons in his closet", the one who has been irresistible to taunt - but only in the hope he may see the errors of his ways (well ok for a little entertainment too..) isn't seeing it - probably never will sadly........ so I'll just check out of this topic methinks, and thanks to all for the fun.

Musilion, I realize he did not mean everyone—just the bulk (most of) travellers. I realize you and others have comforted yourselves in feeling you are not among the “bulk of travellers”, but of course you are—we all are.

Regarding your analogy, if he had made the insinuation about something like red shirts, who cares. Let me extend your analogy....if after observing one or two of your students, you suggested that you had a classroom “the bulk of whom are thieves”, then that statement would be of concern. Consider that you have an adult class and under similar circumstances, you suggested that “the bulk of them were pedophiles”. I believe you would agree that that is a grave indictment and if challenged on it, you would either 1) qualify the statement, 2) deny you made it 3) apologize for saying it, or 4) substantiate it.

The point I am trying hard to make, and taking quite a beating for it, is that you CANNOT make such a damning statement because it simply is not true and taints, in the worst possible way, the bulk of us travellers. As you well know, statements left unchallenged soon “become fact”, though the statement by Billythefish is so outlandish, I doubt that would happen. And is probably why most people simply ignored it. Nevertheless, as a traveller, and one who abhors the thought of hurting a child, I am greatly offended by Billy's statement.

Tomkat......your very thinly veiled accusations, continued harassment, and parting shot may be your last. I have reported you for harassment.

Just following this bizarre discussion.
Harassment? Geez, gimmie a break.
Can't you people be more sensible?

'Tomkat......your very thinly veiled accusations, continued harassment, and parting shot may be your last. I have reported you for harassment'

Well, it seems the mods don't agree with your assessment - and I don't think most of us here do either.
But, as Tomkat says (in other words) further up. If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. We on this branch have enough grandchildren of our own to deal with.

Go_to, or TomKat, whoever you are, you have not added one single thing to of value to this thread. Your constant badgering and insults are very tiring. I believe I now have an idea of what you are.