Not exactly a rant, more of a statement on the VRCC

[ridingron]

To me this is all pretty simple stuff. Don't read the political post. Everyone knows where it's going. When you see one going political back out and don't go back. No one is going to get their political opinions change by another member. Doesn't matter how good a wordsmith you are. You can block the offending poster but you might miss out on some tech advice or a nice ride report elsewhere. Don't let your emotions run your keyboard. I haven't watched the daily news since the early 60's. I voted for Trump. I saw it as a bad choice or a horrible choice. I did enjoy watching some of the newscasters squirm as the polling results started coming in. I do think the country is in a better place than had his opponent won.

[sheets]

Rock on!, Solo1. 

[vanavyman]

I'm a very opinionated person when it comes to politics.  Not really very open minded.  I try my best to not talk politics in an open format especially in a group like this where I've liked 99% of everyone I've ever met.  When you add politics to it it really messes it up.  I argue politics with my son and at family get together's but not in an open format when you don't know someones ideas.  I'm a Goldwinger from way back and have never met a group of people like the VRCC and don't want something like Politics to come between me and my new friends.  Trish and I love hanging out with this group and riding with you.  My self control has been pretty good when it comes to the political posts and will try and keep it that way.  Alien, not sure if I met you in Billings or in Roanoke but look forward to it in the future if I have not.  Don't let it cause you to quit.  I've not found a group like this and don't want to look.  If you happen to see me on Facebook my self control is not very good there.

Dan

[T.P.]

Define old!
[/quote]



When you get so tired you have to sit down to drink your beer. 
[/quote]

HEY MEATHEAD,  Are you sure it isn't that you have to wear rubber pants to drink your beer 

T.P.

[John Schmidt]

Well, at 80 I'm ten years Wane's junior but can identify with what both he and Oss have written. Yes, there's been plenty written on here that we could have done without. Badgering each other back and forth doesn't help one iota and I'm sure I'm not without guilt....although I don't recall using unsavory names when referring to a member and their post. When it comes to being considered a grumpy old man, I'll take it....mainly because I feel I have earned it with my life's experiences, yet I try to not let it run(or ruin) my life. Fact is, many times I try to interject a bit of humor in what I write. Take all our left leaning Democrats on the board, I'll bet the majority are right-handed. Oh the stress! 

My opinion, I have to agree with some of the others re. your post and the way it came across. Some of what was written has merit, but in the end you came across as others stated; thin skinned. Don't you find it a little strange that when you mingled with these same folk at the various InZanes, none of it mattered?  By your own admission you were pleased with the people you met.

When I think of some of the members on here that I disagree with politically, the first ones that come to mind are Baldo and Meathead. Yet I have no doubt that had I been able to attend this year(one of life's experiences prevented it...wife first in hospice then nursing home), we would have had a blast together. Both are Democrats, I'm a Republican....both are incurable diseases. So what?

[GiG]

No liar like an old hayseed liar!

[baldo]

Well, at 80 I'm ten years Wane's junior but can identify with what both he and Oss have written. Yes, there's been plenty written on here that we could have done without. Badgering each other back and forth doesn't help one iota and I'm sure I'm not without guilt....although I don't recall using unsavory names when referring to a member and their post. When it comes to being considered a grumpy old man, I'll take it....mainly because I feel I have earned it with my life's experiences, yet I try to not let it run(or ruin) my life. Fact is, many times I try to interject a bit of humor in what I write. Take all our left leaning Democrats on the board, I'll bet the majority are right-handed. Oh the stress! 

My opinion, I have to agree with some of the others re. your post and the way it came across. Some of what was written has merit, but in the end you came across as others stated; thin skinned. Don't you find it a little strange that when you mingled with these same folk at the various InZanes, none of it mattered?  By your own admission you were pleased with the people you met.

When I think of some of the members on here that I disagree with politically, the first ones that come to mind are Baldo and Meathead. Yet I have no doubt that had I been able to attend this year(one of life's experiences prevented it...wife first in hospice then nursing home), we would have had a blast together. Both are Democrats, I'm a Republican....both are incurable diseases. So what?

I like your style, John. I was looking forward to meeting you, but you definitely had things more important than hanging out with a bunch of fat, skinny, bald, hairy, young, old bikers.

Hopefully you'll make it next year.

[RainMaker]

I am a conservative from a mostly conservative state.  I've disagreed with many more liberal minded folks on this board and elsewhere but thank God that we can disagree and have our own opinions.  I often have to step back and think when a  valid point against my position is stated and sometimes, these  points change my views.

As for the occasional remarks about unconventional fire fighting methods, I have no doubt that any of us would provide aid should such an occasion occur.  

[The emperor has no clothes]

I am a conservative from a mostly conservative state.  I've disagreed with many more liberal minded folks on this board and elsewhere but thank God that we can disagree and have our own opinions.  I often have to step back and think when a  valid point against my position is stated and sometimes, these  points change my views.

As for the occasional remarks about unconventional fire fighting methods, I have no doubt that any of us would provide aid should such an occasion occur.  

”unconventional fire fighting methods” 

[Fla. Jim]

Well Sir, If you step back just a bit and think about this forum and about who inhabits this forum. Then you might just have a clue as to why your remarks are taken the way they are. "We" as a group are not the average sheep riding VTwin crowd that think alike and wear matching vest and do-rags! "We" took a step away from that type ( if indeed we ever were) because we found something that fit "our" idea of what we needed. Not what others say we needed. "We" as a group are individuals. We will never fit into a mambe pambe group of think-alikes! We also have our own beliefs forged by what we have been thru and have seen happen to us and our country. I have been very disillusioned by both political parties which is why I voted for Trump. Do I like every thing he says? Nope. But it was time for a reckoning and time to bring back to the forefront what America is about by a Non-Politician. So if you want everyone to agree with you all the time here you are indeed in the wrong spot. It will never happen, and "We" will never go silently to the whim of another.

PS My "SnowFlake" youngest Daughter got this for me for Fathers day.

[MAD6Gun]

No liar like an old hayseed liar!

 And who might you be referring that comment to?

[Hook#3287]

I've been a member of and contributor to this board since almost it's inception.

The knowledge/information on the Valkyrie has been totally awesome, but the life knowledge has been almost as enlightening.

All thought I don't agree with the boards biggest "Lefties" political views, I spent most of my time with them at Roanoke and I don't believe I could have had a better time of it.

I don't usually comment to political posts, but I read most of them and learn much from them.

When you come down to it, this board rocks, worts and all and ALL opinions matter.

I hope it never changes.

[Black Dog]

  Well said Wayne 

Black Dog

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

I've been a member of and contributor to this board since almost it's inception.

The knowledge/information on the Valkyrie has been totally awesome, but the life knowledge has been almost as enlightening.

All thought I don't agree with the boards biggest "Lefties" political views, I spent most of my time with them at Roanoke and I don't believe I could have had a better time of it.

I don't usually comment to political posts, but I read most of them and learn much from them.

When you come down to it, this board rocks, worts and all and ALL opinions matter.

I hope it never changes.

Agree 100%

[Psychotic Bovine]

No liar like an old hayseed liar!

To whom are you referring to?
You can take a swig before you answer to get yer courage up, I'll wait.

[solo1]

Chris, . I really rather take the high road on this.  See my latest thread.

Dad

[Oss]

One almost never regrets taking the high road

I agree with Hook,  this was one of my favorite Inzanes

Any road with three numbers starting with 6 were awesome

We spent a lot of good time with Valkahuna and Bev and many others.

The breakfast conversations, the hanging out conversations, the conversations during ride breaks, my time with DDT at the chicken place, all were enriching experiences.

Heck, I even got to do some sunbathing at the pool and swimming one afternoon.  And I ate really good pie.

Never even missed the internet as the folks I wanted to see were almost all here (missed you Strider, G-Man, Gig, Wiggy, Stan, Robin and Valker)
Oss

[Chrisj CMA]

I even got to do some sunbathing at the pool

That explains all the screaming...     

[Oss]

Actually you left........

Good thing it wasnt Cletus out there

[The emperor has no clothes]

One almost never regrets taking the high road

I agree with Hook,  this was one of my favorite Inzanes

Any road with three numbers starting with 6 were awesome

We spent a lot of good time with Valkahuna and Bev and many others.

The breakfast conversations, the hanging out conversations, the conversations during ride breaks, my time with DDT at the chicken place, all were enriching experiences.

Heck, I even got to do some sunbathing at the pool and swimming one afternoon.  And I ate really good pie.

Never even missed the internet as the folks I wanted to see were almost all here (missed you Strider, G-Man, Gig, Wiggy, Stan, Robin and Valker)
Oss

Speaking of our friend Wiggy. Has anybody heard any updates on him ? I meant to ask Ross about him but forgot.

[The emperor has no clothes]

All thought I don't agree with the boards biggest "Lefties" political views, I spent most of my time with them at Roanoke and I don't believe I could have had a better time of it.

We did have a good time didn’t we ? (You’re not so bad for a “rightie”) 

[3fan4life]

Yep.  As long as that piece of garbage is still kidnapping children, I'm still going to hate him and the people who support him.  This is not America anymore. 

Unfortunately, when you wrote this you gave up any moral high ground that you may have had.

You just can't say things like this and expect a respectful response from those whose opinion differs.

From my point of view the majority of the hatred and vitriol that is being spewed these days is from the "left".

This is heavily fueled by the MSM.

Personally, I try to temper my posts with the thought that someday I will be face to face with the person on the other side of the keyboard.

Even if I vehemently disagree with the other person's opinion. 

You would do well to try and do the same.


Baldo and I have disagreed as much as anyone here has.

Politically, He and I will probably always disagree on most things.

Meathead and I are pretty much in the same boat as well.

I have met both of them and have found that we do indeed have areas where we can find common ground.

I may disagree with their political views.

But, I will ride with or share a beer with either one or both of them ANYTIME !

I am willing to bet that given a chance that you would find that you also have common ground with some of the Trump supporters here that you declared your "Hatred" for.

Given the chance you might find that you like them and they you.

However, declaring your HATRED for someone because of their political beliefs digs a deep hole that you'd have to dig yourself out of first.

[da prez]

                      Remember the Barney song!

       I hate you , you hate me , we are a dis functional family , with a slap and kick and a punch from me to you , won't you say you hate me too. 

  But the moment any one needs help , it is there. This is the best family around. (well , second)

                                          da p[rez

[stude31]

Holy moly!  I can't tell you the last time i read to the second page of a post on here.

Alien,  I'm 40. I've been here since 2006. My handle is stude 31 bc 9 years ago this layout became the norm and another fellow had stude.  (My last name is Studebaker).

I hadn't been to an inzane since 2013. For several reasons.... I'll spare you the time.  My wife rode with me (2700 miles)  to inzane this year.  We were only going to stay for a day but walking into the front door I knew we needed to stay longer.   It was great to see everyone again and to help the fellow who needed me to pull his carbs out to fix the air mixture screw that was stuck.  I don't know the guy but Ithink it was his first inzane and I bet he'll never forget it.

I've been blessed to have 4 children not my blood and the fifth is my blood.  A couple of my kids are very very liberal.  They had very few friends that didn't think and act like them.  When I came around they couldn't wrap their mind around how this conservative, republican, Christian could have friends that were gay, liberal,  Democrat,  atheist, Jewish,  etc. I've told my kids.. you are more than a label or a group,  your identity should not be limited nor should anyone on here.  

I did explain to them that in order to have friends with opposite or different ideals or philosophies you can not go into a conversation believing you are 100% right or you will struggle with change or realizing you could be wrong.

I've told them and I believe you have to leave 20% open to think you could be wrong.  This allows you to have a conversation to where you just might realize you were inaccurate or you learned something new.

Here's the deal.  Everyone has a story and a history.  You just might learn something if yiou allow yourself to listen.  Yes,  at times i think.. how in the hell did they form that opinion.  But,  later on it all comes together.  

My conclusion is too many purple oon any and all sides think they are 100% right and anyone that doesn't think like them are wrong,  or in Alien's case ... dicks. Maybe they are but that's your opinion.  Again it's pretty impressive that you are comfortable with expressing your heartfelt opinion that speaks to the group and write honestly the replies have been very respectful.  I'm not sure that would be the case in most forums.  

This is a great group and most would do all they could to help one another out.  

Happy trails and enjoy the group.

Stude31

Oss, great perspective except you didn't mention me    love ya brother always good to visit with you.

[Leathel]

this is the only forum I am still on that allows politics, the other 2 I am still precipitating in don't allow  political posts at all (one fish/hunt forum & another bike forum)

 Its nice to have a forum without politics, not saying there are no disputes.... people don't all think the same so you will always get that but Politics can be very over represented on forums when its allowed.

 The politics over there seams to be splitting the country so much more than it should be. I have seen some Vile disputes get very personal on here....and that kills forums, people stop posting as they are not sure how it will be taken, a joke comment thrown in can get personal.

 Inzane looked great and good to see so many get along well in person

 It always amazes me how well you can get on with people you get along with online, I have been on some very good hunting, Fishing and riding trips set up on forums.

 I have seen forums self destruct too from disputes that have got out of control, I doubt that will happen to this one but it sure has got more political since I joined not that long ago

[Psychotic Bovine]

this is the only forum I am still on that allows politics, the other 2 I am still precipitating in don't allow  political posts at all (one fish/hunt forum & another bike forum)

 Its nice to have a forum without politics, not saying there are no disputes.... people don't all think the same so you will always get that but Politics can be very over represented on forums when its allowed.

 The politics over there seams to be splitting the country so much more than it should be. I have seen some Vile disputes get very personal on here....and that kills forums, people stop posting as they are not sure how it will be taken, a joke comment thrown in can get personal.

 Inzane looked great and good to see so many get along well in person

 It always amazes me how well you can get on with people you get along with online, I have been on some very good hunting, Fishing and riding trips set up on forums.

 I have seen forums self destruct too from disputes that have got out of control, I doubt that will happen to this one but it sure has got more political since I joined not that long ago

If political and religious threads were banned from the board, I certainly would have no issue with that.
I actually think they should be, since no one is going to be convinced either way.  Just a waste of bandwidth.

[Hooter]

I have never felt welcome here... I have started backing down on checking the board as well. You mentioned Harleys. Shame on you. I own Harleys, 2, and if you mention that here the very prevalent Harley haters club shows up. Really, I don't care if you like them or not, I do. That's the only bike that really gets slammed here with the same lame reasoning that I've heard for years. Harley riders dislike rice burners just as much. I am and have never been brand specific. And for those that are, I'm am sorry. The Valkyrie isn't the only good bike out there.

When I do come here and check the board I can pretty much depend on the same people ALWAYS posting about politics. Yes, I can skip over them and I do for the most part. But, it's nothing but a cat fight if you oppose those certain people. I have been here for some time now but not as long as a bunch of these guys. I don't post my opinion here much because only a few that have been here for years seem to control the board or have taken it over. Pretty much because they are boisterous, opposing, always right, or just plain rant about most anything. They are here every day doing just that.

I spend more time on the "fix it" boards than the general boards once I see the "headers" just to get away from the crap here. In the past when some people have had enough of what's going on here, and they express it, they are mostly met with ridicule or the ol, "don't let the door hit you in the ass" if you don't like it cliche. Most of us come here for the fellowship and to belong to a great group of people. That feeling for me is disappearing.

I've often wondered what has happened to certain people on this board that you no longer see? I met one up north at a gas station a while back that told me why he no longer belongs. He was a member and when I asked him why I hadn't seen any of his post? He said: (and I quote) "too much political bullshit and a handful of self righteous assholes there anymore". "I don't have time for that" he said. He continued with: "the board has become out of control with a handful of people that have taken the enjoyment out of the club". I won't waste my time there anymore. Couldn't argue with him.

He expressed just that here and got the ol "don't let the door hit him in the ass" routine, and he left. Said he will never return. Just 1 member so it really doesn't matter. I too used to look forward to checking the board in the morning. Not so much anymore with the direction it's going. I know there are good people here!! But, as usual with any group, there are the few that are slowly driving people away. Great post Alien! I don't believe you are alone in your evaluation, but most won't say so if they are. The door is open for me but it hasn't hit me in the ass yet.

[baldo]

All thought I don't agree with the boards biggest "Lefties" political views, I spent most of my time with them at Roanoke and I don't believe I could have had a better time of it.

We did have a good time didn’t we ? (You’re not so bad for a “rightie”) 

Oh man...I had a great time too. Bill.

Rob, you two should get a room......lolol

[cookiedough]

I am just glad I do not have much of an opinion on religion or politics, do not care nor discuss for either one much at all. 

I also think us somewhat older folks, age 45 or so and above, are set in our ways more unwilling to accept change or other viewpoints more so than the younger generation is.  It is just the way it is.

[Rams]

I am just glad I do not have much of an opinion on religion or politics, do not care nor discuss for either one much at all.  

I also think us somewhat older folks, age 45 or so and above, are set in our ways more unwilling to accept change or other viewpoints more so than the younger generation is.  It is just the way it is.

Can't argue that we humans like change or, being proven we are wrong.   But set in our ways is also a reflection of our life experiences.   Those experiences effect our attitudes and the way we view situations.    There's a lot of experience on this board, we are not all wrong.   There's a whole lot of, been there, seen that and done that here, most know and understand what works and have seen human nature in it's true form.  Think about it.

Rams

[Gavin_Sons]

Once again he swoops in, dumps his poop pile and then goes silent.   how does anyone take this guy seriously? Reminds me of a toddler crying because he didn't get the toy from the store. Grow up and quit stirring poop and you will be rewarded.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Once again he swoops in, dumps his crap pile and then goes silent.   how does anyone take this guy seriously? Reminds me of a toddler crying because he didn't get the toy from the store. Grow up and quit stirring crap and you will be rewarded.

[..]

Once again he swoops in, dumps his crap pile and then goes silent.   how does anyone take this guy seriously? Reminds me of a toddler crying because he didn't get the toy from the store. Grow up and quit stirring crap and you will be rewarded.

Runs into a crowded room. Blurts out a speech he knows will annoy/piss off most of the rooms occupants.

Runs out of the room slamming the door behind him.

Then stands on the other side of the door eavesdropping.

Pathetic.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Alien spends a fraction of the time here that many of us do. Many times he will post a ride or something and not come back for days. The message was valid. Don’t be pissed because he won’t come back on here and fight with you.

[..]

Alien spends a fraction of the time here that many of us do. Many times he will post a ride or something and not come back for days. The message was valid. Don’t be pissed because he won’t come back on here and fight with you.

Not pissed at all.

In that case he knew the reaction he would get and posted anyway.

It's not the first time he's swooped, pooped and never responded.

I'm pleased he keeps you up to date on his business/social calendar.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Alien spends a fraction of the time here that many of us do. Many times he will post a ride or something and not come back for days. The message was valid. Don’t be pissed because he won’t come back on here and fight with you.

Not pissed at all.

In that case he knew the reaction he would get and posted anyway.

It's not the first time he's swooped, pooped and never responded.

I'm pleased he keeps you up to date on his business/social calendar.

[Pete]

One good thing about VRCC membership is that it is voluntary. No one is required to say or do anything and no one is required to stay or leave. It is up to you.

If you do not enjoy the VRCC, please do everyone a favor, including yourself and move on.

If you cannot find anything good about the VRCC you are not trying and not contributing.
And in that vein you will not be missed.

I really do not wish to see anyone exit the VRCC but rather than just sow discord, man up and do the right thing. Every thinking person should be making an effort to improve the VRCC. With that in mind if you ARE GOING TO COMPLAIN then include a valid meaningful suggestion on how to improve it.

I personally do not see any need for major changes and I have no complaints with it currently.

Sorry Alien, but based on some of your earlier comments, I cannot seem to muster any sympathy for you or your complaints. Put on your big boy pants and get with the program.

[Karen]

"I see that the majority of the forum members are old or getting too old to keep riding, maybe this explains the generally grumpy humor of the majority of posts."

"This sentence is pathetic."

Pathetic is much too kind a word for this sentiment. 75. So far so good. Ask me in 10 years.

[f6john]

Let’s be honest. The complainers are just people who have a notion of how the board would be in a perfect world and want to share their opinion to those of us who haven’t given it enough thought. Complainers come from all directions, not just a one sided thing.

We have some pretty good examples of members who are a very positive influence that don’t seem to let the bashing we do to each other get in their way of making this forum a great place to visit.

I think posts of a political nature will continue for a time as the future for us old guys grandkids is at risk. I have tried to keep any posts I make non personal and I get no enjoyment in bashing fellow riders. It seems that this Inzane has fostered that sentiment and I hope it can continue.

In any event I’m willing to give Alien and anyone else who complains the benefit of the doubt that their interest lies in improving everyone’s experience with the VRCC. But as seen in this thread, if you live in a glass house maybe you shouldn’t throw stones.

[solo1]

Any one that slaps a prejudiced sticker on us old folks will be on my S*** list.  My satisfaction is that eventually your bod will decline too.     Time heals all wounds but also Time wounds all heels.