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

[Alien]

Good Morning All,

I want to take a moment to share my perspective on the VRCC (meaning all of us), but first, a little backstory.

I've always been a sucker for anything with an engine.  When I was a kid, I took the motor of my dad's lawn mower apart so that I could see the inside and how everything worked.  Later, when I got my drivers license, It was all about cars (still is, in fact).  I got my CDL because my best friend nhad his and I couldn't stand that he was allowed to drive things that I wasn't.  I ended up adding the motorcycle endorsement about a year later.  Not knowing ANYTHING about motorcycles, I bought a Honda 250 and set about learning to ride.  I also ended up learning how to replace brake and clutch levers, mirrors, etc..

I had a few bikes, a strange love affair with mid 1970's CB750's and Kz1000's and even a Harley.  They were always toys.  I'd take them out on nice days and cruise around but I never rode any of them more than a 150-200 miles away from home.

Then, I found out about the Valkyrie.  I was bowled over by the idea of a 6 cylinder bike (I didn't know about the CBX's existence back then, hell, I didn't even know the Golding was a 6), to me this was amazing, but I had no real intention of getting one.  Remember, motorcycles were toys to me, never a priority.

Then, on a whim, my then fiancé (now, the lovely Mrs. Alien) and I walked into a small independent used motorcycle dealership.  I had ben toying with getting a bike again but it didn't seem important, especially since we were saving for a wedding at the time.  I looked at a few Harleys, and even test rode one... Meh.  We were just about to leave when the salesman asked me if I'd ever heard of a Valkyrie.  He ended up showing me a VERY dusty 1998 blue and cream Valk that had been sitting in the back of his storage space.  He told me that it had been repossessed from the original owner and that he'd bought it at auction but had been unable to sell it.  At that point, the bike was 10 years old with 900 miles on it.  Original tires, the whole deal.  We talked and he offered to let me have the bike for 5 grand if I took it that day.  My fiancée actually took me aside and encouraged me to buy it.  I rode it to work the following week and the bike and I both received nicknames that have stuck for a long time.  We would be The Alien and the Mothership. 

In the Valk, I finally found a bike that fit me well enough to do the kind of rides that I always imagined.  150-200 miles was no longer a weekend trip,  rather it was just the first gas stop on the long way to wherever I was going.

So, what I'm getting at is that for me, it started with the motorcycle.  Ok, backstory over.

When I get a vehicle, I always join a forum to learn as much as I can about it.  Hence my joining the VRCC.  I really enjoyed being a part of this group, so much so, that it became normal for me to check the forum first thing every morning while I had my coffee.  I really dug the people, the pictures, the sense of community that this board and the folks on it seemed to offer.

But then it started getting weird.

Toward the middle of the Obama administration, the hate for him began to outweigh the community feeling.  Soon, the hate for him spilled over into hate for anyone who DIDN'T hate him.  Name calling ensued.  I was an Obama supporter and was vilified for this, called a "liberal" and such.  The assumption was made that I was a liberal Democrat (in fact, I have been a registered Republican since my 18th birthday) and I was ridiculed for it. 

I started to think that this was not the place for me, as it had become very clear that "my kind' was very much in the minority.  I thought about leaving but several people kept telling me that "that's just how the board is, come to InZane and meet us, we're good folks.". So, I did.  I rode alone from Los Angeles to Morgantown WV for InZane 2 years ago and I was surprised (pleasantly) to se that the advice I had received on the subject was quite correct.  What an amazing group of people!  I really liked everyone that I met and had really positive interactions with every single person.  I could not have had a better time.

The following November, Trump was elected.  While I was personally disappointed (also horrified and a little sickened), I was hopeful that with a conservative Republican in the White House, the hate on the board would stop.  That you'd all finally be happy and every other post would stop being about how much Liberals, Obama and poor people suck. 

It didn't get better.  Once your guy got in power it got a LOT worse on the board.  To the point that I stopped checking in every morning, sometimes going weeks between visits.  Again, I was thinking that the VRCC wasn't for me.  Then came InZane last year in Billings MT.  I wasn't sure if I should go, but I did and my wife even came out.  We had an amazing time.  She helped make pies and I talked to a lot of cool people.  On the last night, I stood outside the hotel and talked with Willow and Connie.  I thanked them for doing this every year and I really meant it.  It cannot be easy.  I left Montana with that feeling of belonging again.  When I got home, I started checking the board again every morning...

The hate was back.  Not just rubbing or spirited discussion, but actual hate.  I posted less and less.  When Inzane came around this year...I just couldn't bring myself to go.  In the past, I had cross posted my blog with pictures and video for those who couldn't attend in person because of that feeling of community. 

I don't feel it anymore.  I don't feel welcome here and I rarely check the board anymore.  When I do, I see the same politically driven hatred. 

This has become, somehow, a conservative, Christian, right wing chat room.  I know what everyone will say, "Just skip over the posts you aren't interested in..". There is certainly merit to that but think of this:  The VRCC is largely made up of middle aged to older guys.  Like any organization, it needs new blood to remain strong and relevant. 

Yes, you are all great folks in person but some of you are just the worst kind of dicks on this board when confronted with people of differing opinions.  It drives people like me away.  I'm 42 years old.  How many members do we have that are in my age group?  How many of those members are willing or able to jump on their bike and ride across country to hang out with a bunch of folks that they don't know?  How many of those few would WANT to meet you after the way they may be treated on this board?

I met a guy a little younger than me at a gas station recently.  He was on a silver and black standard.  I asked him if he was on the VRCC board and if he'd be going to InZane.  He told me that he'd looked at the board a couple of times but that it wasn't for him.  "Those guys would hate me" is what he said.

Guys, you need to learn to accept the viewpoints of others as valid even if you disagree with them.  You need to learn that simply because someone disagrees with you (or the general opinion of the board), it doesn't make them less intelligent than you.  It simply means that their own life experience has informed their thought processes differently from yours.  You can still have spirited discussions and disagree, but lose the name calling and for crying out loud, stop using the  emoji.  It's dickish and insulting.

Try a little.  That or watch the VRCC decline in numbers and fade away.

I have spent my whole working life doing non-profit disaster relief.  My own life experiences have steered me toward the conviction that people are what matters.  More so than money or status or power. 

I am not a Christian.  I dislike Trump. I oppose cruelty in all forms.  I own guns.  I own 2 pitbulls.  I strive to be a good husband, brother, son and friend.  I'm really good at my job and love every minute of it.  I stand with the disenfranchised, the refugees, the immigrants, the impoverished.  I support our military even when I disagree with what they've been ordered to do. 

I am the Alien, but my real name is Scott.  I ride a 1998 Honda Valkyrie called The Mothership.  I've never been much of a joiner, but I did join the VRCC and I'm still here... waiting for it to be something that I want to be a part of again.

Here's hoping.

Ride safe,

Alien

[Wizzard]

Great post. I need to take a look at myself first. I try but sometimes fall off the wagon.  
I am a work in progress.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Don't give up the hope. I know and understand exactly what you are saying. But, I just got back from a ride with all them guys (and gals). I couldn't have had a better time. This is the only forum I've ever been a part of, so I don't know if it's like this everywhere on the Internet. But I don't think the hate is going to go away. There are a few I just have to ignore to keep what little sanity I have left. I'm afraid our demise will have more to do with age of us and the bikes than the disrespect sometimes found here.

Great post. I need to take a look at myself first. I try but sometimes fall off the wagon. 
I am a work in progress.

You do just fine Randy.  We could all do well to look at ourselves first. 

[Valkorado]

Allen, that was a really great, heartfelt post.  Honestly.

Iffn ya'll haven't noticed, I've pretty much given up on the postng or replying to political threads.  I try to avoid bait posts.  Anyway, we just lost Charles Krauthammer.  No matter if you agreed with his perspective or political stance on a given issue, I think we can all agree he was always respectful to others and didn't use incendiary language or resort to insult to make a point.  We should all strive to communicate respectfully.

Your points are well taken. In a recent post about Trump's accomplishments you mentioned something about fire and pissing.  With the knowledge that such a statement would likely create considerable friction on such a "conservative, Christian" board, why even stir that pot?  It strays quite a bit from your kindness byline.

[Alien]

Agreed.  I was out of line there and have been as guilty as anyone else at times.

[Ice]

Scott, I agree with Wizzard, Great post, and thank you for sharing your thoughts.

You are not alone in your views, many here are feeling the same and have expressed similar views.

It is unfortunate to watch the board decline to a political rant, no longer focused on the Valkyrie or riding, but a place to start what I call a pissing contest. I care not about anyone's political beliefs or religious ones either, I joined the VRCC because it was like minded people sharing the love for a great bike. As you and other have stated, it is solid advice to skip over post you think you may not like, the unfortunate part of that advice is that many times those posts dominate the board and finding the ones you are interested in (if you don't catch it in the first few hours)  means searching page 2, 3, 4 etc....

All that said I keep hanging on to the borad in hopes that folks like Smokin' Joe, DDT, Hubcapsc, and many others continue to share and post about the rides they are on....it is one of the things that drew me to the board was being able to share in the adventures of others and dream of riding in those places. I am guilty of not posting many rides, or pictures, however I am what you may call technologically challenged and have a hard time working to post pictures. Also the frustration of the last time I posted a ride report (no pic's) I had 4 responses and was on page 3 in 2 hours.

Hang in there my friend, as I have found the folks that are the VRCC, are in person the greatest people I have ever met and will welcome you with open arms.

Ride on.....

[Serk]

I took a nearly decade long break from this group because I felt VRCC stood for Very Republican Christian Club. Having heated political and religious discussions on here is nothing new, and has been going on at least since I joined up in late 2000/early 2001.

In the interim my political views shifted (Actually, I'd argue they stayed the same, the political reality is what shifted, but that's another discussion for another time.) although as stated elsewhere my religious views haven't.

I missed out on some great rides, some great get togethers, and some great friendships in that time.

I'm not perfect, but I try to direct my righteous anger at the issues and not the individual members espousing or defending then. I hope that comes across.

As Mr. Head said, in person it's a whole other game. I enjoyed my time hanging out and chatting amicably with my friends Baldo and Meathead (And everyone else) in Roanoke last week. (At least I think I can claim them as friends now... Hope so.)

I tried to find you in Billings just to shake your hand and make peace, but we never managed to meet up. At least our Valks had a chance to make peace though (Compliments on having the fastest color of Valk btw!)

[The emperor has no clothes]

As Mr. Head said, in person it's a whole other game. I enjoyed my time hanging out and chatting amicably with my friends Baldo and Meathead (And everyone else) in Roanoke last week. (At least I think I can claim them as friends now... Hope so.)

I've always considered you a friend. Maybe just a little closer friend now. 

[Valkorado]

Agreed.  I was out of line there and have been as guilty as anyone else at times.

Me too.  Discovered it's easier on the blood pressure to let it go, and go ride.  Stick around, bro'!

[Wizzard]

If everyone agreed with me, this place would be boring. Just sayin
I have guys I ride with here that are not valk riders,, differing opinions  and we all get along. In fact in times of difficulty , hugs are in order and no one takes offence.

[MAD6Gun]

  Scott I met you and your wife at billings. My wife Twila also helped with the pies. We talked for a little while.

 Keep in mind though, if you come on the mostly conservative board and make a statement that "you wouldn't piss on trump if he was on fire" its going to start a firestorm don't you think?

 You were not here then but for the eight years Bush was in office we heard almost every day from a member named Strong Eagle how Bush was the antichrist and we were all morons for backing him. It got so bad Willow finally kicked him just like he did DaddieO recently. Not saying the name calling is exclusively from the left but when it resorts to that, any point you were trying to make is moot. I was called a stupid racist for voting for trump by one of my so called friends. Needless to say he is no longer a friend.

 Stick sround and enjoy the board and I will do my best to try and stay out of the fray but if I am insulted again I will defend myself.

[RP#62]

Walter Lippman, a journalist and political commentator who died in the 70's once said something along the lines, where everybody thinks the same, nobody thinks much.

Its good to hear different points of view.  Just got to be civil about it.

-RP

[f6john]

Scott, thru no fault of your own you just arrived a little late. With member #5666, I’ve been around here for a long time, though not as long as some, and I’ve never left. In the early days, for me the tech board was the place to be, hardly knew the general board existed. There was no problem concerning the Valkyrie that hadn’t been had and remedied and plenty of people to jump in to help. I learned how to adjust the valves and some revised clearances for better performance. LaMont Byden aka LaMonster, was a wealth of information and a California guy who latter transplanted himself to East Tennessee and was one of the first blower bikes I encountered.

The board may have more political posts now but in my mind the discourse is tame to some of the threads from the early years on the General board. I don’t think there is much if any hate on this board towards other members but some people can only use insults to express their disagreement with others and that’s unfortunate. You have to have pretty thick skin to participate in religious or political posts because you can be pretty sure it will get heated before it dies out.

I was 48 when I bought my Valkyrie, I’m 65 now and I’m sure my attitudes have changed some over the years and maybe as you age so will you. As far as younger riders coming to the board goes, it will be the “place” to go to learn about the bike from people who ride them. If they don’t come it’s their loss. There were only X number of Valkyries made so as the Valkyrie ages and the board ages things will change, its on us to be as positive of an influence as we can be.

[f6gal]

 Scott I met you and your wife at billings. My wife Twila also helped with the pies. We talked for a little while.

 Keep in mind though, if you come on the mostly conservative board and make a statement that "you wouldn't piss on trump if he was on fire" its going to start a firestorm don't you think?

 You were not here then but for the eight years Bush was in office we heard almost every day from a member named Strong Eagle how Bush was the antichrist and we were all morons for backing him. It got so bad Willow finally kicked him just like he did DaddieO recently. Not saying the name calling is exclusively from the left but when it resorts to that, any point you were trying to make is moot. I was called a stupid racist for voting for trump by one of my so called friends. Needless to say he is no longer a friend.

 Stick sround and enjoy the board and I will do my best to try and stay out of the fray but if I am insulted again I will defend myself.

FYI, for someone to be removed from the VRCC message board, the entire staff must agree.  The decision has never been made by one person.  Removal from the message board has never been based on one's political views.  

[Skinhead]

Well Scott

We haven't met in person, but my impression of you from your posts up until now, was that you were thin skinned and intolerant of opinions that differ from yours.  After reading this last post of yours, that opinion hasn't changed.  I won't label you as a lefty or a liberal, but you seem to be intolerant of peoples right to support Trump rather than the endless run of the mill swamp dwellers we have had in the past 25 or so years.  I have always believed that people are entitled to their opinions and beliefs no matter how wrong they may be.  After all this is still a somewhat free country, although we almost lost it with this last election (my opinion, to which I'm entitled).  I believe the last administration was one of the worst criminal enterprises to ever have been elected in my lifetime, and Hillary would have made them look like choirboys.

People that don't agree with you will certainly express their reasons for their disagreement, and while I will certainly do that, I will respect your right to your opinion.  I think hate is a little strong for what you are feeling from some members of the board, but remember, they have their opinions as well.  When you insult them they take it personally, as you do.  

I voted for Trump because I thought he was the best choice from what was available for our country.  Do I like him?  Not from what I know of him, but then I don't like a lot of people, I do however treat them with respect when dealing with them.

I'll be 62 in September, and I've found many younger folks to be intolerant of MY opinions, and are not afraid to say so, however, they want me to accept THEIR opinions and are offended if I don't.  Well too bad.  I don't believe in political correctness, imposing on someone's freedom of speech because you don't care for their choice of words, or that I should accept all the latest SJW bullshit.  I'm a realist, don't sugar coat things, or ignore the cause of a problem because someone thinks it's racist to think that way or what have you.  You cannot solve a problem without addressing the root cause.

In my opinion, you have a couple of options available to you:  Grow a thicker skin and accept us for who we are,  we are a tolerant group.  Ignore the political posts if they get your panties all bunched up and don't engage in the arguments if you can't accept the responses that will follow, right, wrong or indifferent.   Or leave if you think that is the right thing to do.  I do not recommend the last one as the benefits of staying make the confrontations easier to bear.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Well Scott

We haven't met in person, but my impression of you from your posts up until now, was that you were thin skinned and intolerant of opinions that differ from yours.  After reading this last post of yours, that opinion hasn't changed.  I won't label you as a lefty or a liberal, but you seem to be intolerant of peoples right to support Trump rather than the endless run of the mill swamp dwellers we have had in the past 25 or so years.  I have always believed that people are entitled to their opinions and beliefs no matter how wrong they may be.  After all this is still a somewhat free country, although we almost lost it with this last election (my opinion, to which I'm entitled).  I believe the last administration was one of the worst criminal enterprises to ever have been elected in my lifetime, and Hillary would have made them look like choirboys.

People that don't agree with you will certainly express their reasons for their disagreement, and while I will certainly do that, I will respect your right to your opinion.  I think hate is a little strong for what you are feeling from some members of the board, but remember, they have their opinions as well.  When you insult them they take it personally, as you do.  

I voted for Trump because I thought he was the best choice from what was available for our country.  Do I like him?  Not from what I know of him, but then I don't like a lot of people, I do however treat them with respect when dealing with them.

I'll be 62 in September, and I've found many younger folks to be intolerant of MY opinions, and are not afraid to say so, however, they want me to accept THEIR opinions and are offended if I don't.  Well too bad.  I don't believe in political correctness, imposing on someone's freedom of speech because you don't care for their choice of words, or that I should accept all the latest SJW bullshit.  I'm a realist, don't sugar coat things, or ignore the cause of a problem because someone thinks it's racist to think that way or what have you.  You cannot solve a problem without addressing the root cause.

In my opinion, you have a couple of options available to you:  Grow a thicker skin and accept us for who we are,  we are a tolerant group.  Ignore the political posts if they get your panties all bunched up and don't engage in the arguments if you can't accept the responses that will follow, right, wrong or indifferent.   Or leave if you think that is the right thing to do.  I do not recommend the last one as the benefits of staying make the confrontations easier to bear.

Well said 

[..]

June 18 you posted

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.

June 22 you posted

Yes, you are all great folks in person but some of you are just the worst kind of dicks on this board when confronted with people of differing opinions.

Way to win friends and influence people.

What compounds it is you tend swoop in, poop and leave, having I think, achieved exactly what you are trying by getting others wound up.

[Gryphon Rider]

When you join an internet forum consisting mostly of old bikers (as you and I will be, eventually  ), you're going to read the opinions of many who aren't likely to change their opinions regardless of the soundness of any opinions contrary to theirs.  Often, self-confidence and indomitable opinions go hand-in-hand, so people with both tend to be over-represented on this board.  It's just the nature of the beast.  I don't read threads that I predict are going to be echo-chambers with contrary opinions shouted down.  The "Trump's Accomplishments" thread is an example; I haven't read a word of it.

Events like InZane tend to be more civil because they're not dominated by the loudly opinionated members; it's not too hard to find others easy to get along with.  I've met many at Inzanes whose board handles were unfamiliar to me.

BTW, it was good meeting you and Ms. Alien at Billings.  I came to your table at the banquet, after the meal, while stuff was being auctioned off or given away.

[Chrisj CMA]

My thoughts. FWIW

I am a member of other boards besides the VRCC.  Most of them have RESTRICTIONS!

--no posting until permission given
--No posting ads until 37 years and 10,000  posts (well that's an exaggeration of course)
--NO Politics
--No Religious
--Any slightly rowdy post gets erased immediately

All this makes for a peaceful but dead board that has no life.

The Valkyrie family is diverse to say the least.  People are allowed to say pretty much whatever is on their mind.  Some break the rules of the road and the post is removed, but the Admin is very liberal on this.  I think they should be stricter, but its the nature of this family.

Heck I wanted to be removed from my real family a couple times because our family is outspoken and sometimes feelings got hurt.

This happens here too, its because its going to happen anywhere you have people together in the mix.  Get rid of all people and all these problems go away.

Do you see my point, yes there are frustrating times, but you have a back button and an ignore feature.  

Bottom line the VRCC family has some of the same problems any family has, but is a better family than most real families.  Anyone that permanently leaves because they got their feelings hurt only really hurts themselves.

Done.

[Savago]

@Alien: nice story and I agree with the tone of the post.

I also had being called 'libetard', had my leg pulled because I live in California and told to move to Iran. For reference, I'm young at the tender age of 38 years.

The first people to claim that respect is important is the first people to start calling names. Go figure?

Basically any disagreement concerning the way the current President is running the government is seen as an act of betrayal to this great country.

I said it before and will repeat: America is much bigger and more important than *any* president. It is an idea of freedom and denial of born nobility. And this is why I love this country and can't stay quiet when I see morally wrong actions by the administration.

The tone of the forum has gone from funny/politically incorrect back in 2014 to, in some instances, totally criminal (i.e. neuter ilegals!) or fascist (i.e. deport kneelers) past Trump's election.

I work hard trying to keep focus on ride reports and technical stuff, but sometimes is impossible to ignore the elephant in the room.

There are other forums where people behave in a more civil way (e.g. ST1300 owners, adv forum) where you can talk about more motorcycles and avoid the nasty political stuff.

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.

I guess there is the added complication that online communication will always miss the human component of a conversation, not to mention that a lot of people becomes suddenly tough and brave behind a keyboard.

My advice is to continue checking the forum but try (if possible) to stay away from the politically charged threads (I wish I could follow my own advice, though).

[..]

I work hard trying to keep focus on ride reports and technical stuff, but sometimes is impossible to ignore the elephant in the room.

Sure you do   Try harder.

There are other forums where people behave in a more civil way (e.g. ST1300 owners, adv forum) where you can talk about more motorcycles and avoid the nasty political stuff.

ST1300 owners does not allow any political posts. Their game, their rules.

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.

[Wizzard]

@Alien: nice story and I agree with the tone of the post.

I also had being called 'libetard', had my leg pulled because I live in California and told to move to Iran. For reference, I'm young at the tender age of 38 years.

The first people to claim that respect is important is the first people to start calling names. Go figure?

Basically any disagreement concerning the way the current President is running the government is seen as an act of betrayal to this great country.

I said it before and will repeat: America is much bigger and more important than *any* president. It is an idea of freedom and denial of born nobility. And this is why I love this country and can't stay quiet when I see morally wrong actions by the administration.

The tone of the forum has gone from funny/politically incorrect back in 2014 to, in some instances, totally criminal (i.e. neuter ilegals!) or fascist (i.e. deport kneelers) past Trump's election.

I work hard trying to keep focus on ride reports and technical stuff, but sometimes is impossible to ignore the elephant in the room.

There are other forums where people behave in a more civil way (e.g. ST1300 owners, adv forum) where you can talk about more motorcycles and avoid the nasty political stuff.

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.

I guess there is the added complication that online communication will always miss the human component of a conversation, not to mention that a lot of people becomes suddenly tough and brave behind a keyboard.

My advice is to continue checking the forum but try (if possible) to stay away from the politically charged threads (I wish I could follow my own advice, though).

Define old!

[Bighead]

+1 paul. I rode 2700 miles week before last.....

[The emperor has no clothes]

@Alien: nice story and I agree with the tone of the post.

I also had being called 'libetard', had my leg pulled because I live in California and told to move to Iran. For reference, I'm young at the tender age of 38 years.

The first people to claim that respect is important is the first people to start calling names. Go figure?

Basically any disagreement concerning the way the current President is running the government is seen as an act of betrayal to this great country.

I said it before and will repeat: America is much bigger and more important than *any* president. It is an idea of freedom and denial of born nobility. And this is why I love this country and can't stay quiet when I see morally wrong actions by the administration.

The tone of the forum has gone from funny/politically incorrect back in 2014 to, in some instances, totally criminal (i.e. neuter ilegals!) or fascist (i.e. deport kneelers) past Trump's election.

I work hard trying to keep focus on ride reports and technical stuff, but sometimes is impossible to ignore the elephant in the room.

There are other forums where people behave in a more civil way (e.g. ST1300 owners, adv forum) where you can talk about more motorcycles and avoid the nasty political stuff.

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.

I guess there is the added complication that online communication will always miss the human component of a conversation, not to mention that a lot of people becomes suddenly tough and brave behind a keyboard.

My advice is to continue checking the forum but try (if possible) to stay away from the politically charged threads (I wish I could follow my own advice, though).

Define old!

When you get so tired you have to sit down to drink your beer. 

[Bighead]

No Rob it is just more relaxing that way

[Wizzard]

My Dad lived to be 94 and said you are not old till you fart dust. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

My Dad lived to be 94 and said you are not old till you fart dust. 

I guess I’ve got a ways to go then.

[Wizzard]

My Dad lived to be 94 and said you are not old till you fart dust. 

I guess I’ve got a ways to go then.

Lol  I told him it may be an indicator you need more beer 

[Savago]

@Britman: Like I said, I need to work harder on it.
 

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.

This sounds like an old grumpy man.
 

[Gavin_Sons]

So you put none of the blame on yourself, especially after saying you hate Trump and everyone who supports him? And you want us to take you seriously?  

[Robert]

Alien I would hope you would stay, the words on the board are just that words that when confronted with real life would more than likely be taken with a grain of salt. I started to laugh when Savago talked about neutering. Now that there is funny, I know its not me that said it or feels that way but that was funny. But to him it may have hit a nerve, the exact thing the writer wanted, but would never endorse or want in real life.

I have been in situations were people hated me yet we had to work together. Which we were able to do without to much discomfort. Yet I'm sure the words spoken when I wasn't there were terrible. It would be great if each one of us had our own cheering section when writing but honestly the VRCC staff and people are some of the finest there are.

Its not the words that make the person but the actions. If you were welcomed and accepted then I would say what more do you want. But really dont go making inflammatory comments and expect people to love you on the board. But meet them in real life and within a few minutes I'm sure that this would all be forgotten. Hope you stay.

[baldo]

I'm just going to make this post short and sweet, running out the door....

Well said Scott.

We met at Morgantown, but I missed you in Billings.

As a loud and proud liberal with a big mouth, I've experienced much of what you've described. Yes, some of the responses make my blood boil, but I've gotten to the point now where I just say snuggle em and move on. Now don't get me wrong, it's pretty rare that it gets that far, but it does happen.

Your thread to date has 15 or 16 replies to the positive, 3 to the negative. I'd say you're doing all right...

Chin up and never let em see you sweat.

[Oss]

Before posting, read what you write.

Try to not post immediately especially when upset

I have given this advise to others (Meathead are you listening?    )   and try to do it myself

Mainly I ask myself will this be hurtful to someone?  Will it help bring people together to look for a solution. If not why say it?

Sometimes I fail. It happens, but you will not find me threatening someone, calling them an idiot or other derogatory term.  That I do in person or in a PM which has always led to a clearing of the air.

Occasionally I may apologize in a PM and likewise sometimes members have done the same, pulled a reply etc.

Try it, imagine you are the one reading your reply, hope to see you at inzane if you stay around

A lot of what you said has validity, some of it I think not  Its ok its your opinion just not mine

[The emperor has no clothes]

Before posting, read what you write.

Try to not post immediately especially when upset

I have given this advise to others (Meathead are you listening?    )   and try to do it myself

Mainly I ask myself will this be hurtful to someone?  Will it help bring people together to look for a solution. If not why say it?

Sometimes I fail. It happens, but you will not find me threatening someone, calling them an idiot or other derogatory term.  That I do in person or in a PM which has always led to a clearing of the air.

Occasionally I may apologize in a PM and likewise sometimes members have done the same, pulled a reply etc.

Try it, imagine you are the one reading your reply, hope to see you at inzane if you stay around

A lot of what you said has validity, some of it I think not  Its ok its your opinion just not mine

I'm listening, I'm listening 

[¿spoom]

Actually, I think it was more of a rant, and it seemed to concentrate on what's wrong with the "others". "You need to learn to accept the viewpoints of others as valid even if you disagree with them." is straight up steaming poopy.
If my viewpoints are, "Soylent green would solve the food problem in Africa" or "Hitler's final solution was brilliant" they do NOT need to be accepted as valid, and I deserve all the scorn that is available to be heaped on me. Likewise, everybody wins a prize, and politicians know how to spend my paycheck better than I do, are pretty stupid. If I "feel" 4/0=3, feel free to disagree or ignore me, depending on your mood. I think you can see where I'm heading, so I'll stop.      

[LTD]

Whatever amigo  I have to agree with Skinhead your thin skinned and intolerant of others viewpoints.  If you must go then you must go. Adios.     

[Valkorado]

Actually, I think it was more of a rant, and it seemed to concentrate on what's wrong with the "others". "You need to learn to accept the viewpoints of others as valid even if you disagree with them." is straight up steaming poopy.
If my viewpoints are, "Soylent green would solve the food problem in Africa" or "Hitler's final solution was brilliant" they do NOT need to be accepted as valid, and I deserve all the scorn that is available to be heaped on me. Likewise, everybody wins a prize, and politicians know how to spend my paycheck better than I do, are pretty stupid. If I "feel" 4/0=3, feel free to disagree or ignore me, depending on your mood. I think you can see where I'm heading, so I'll stop.      

But... Soylent Green would solve the food problem in Africa.   

[Gavin_Sons]

I enjoyed the backstory. Should have stopped there. My problem is (just like with most liberals) is you put the blame on everyone but yourself. I followed your blog last year from your trip to Inzane. It was very well put together. Then you come in here with this I'm mightier than you attitude and put zero blame on yourself even though you have had a shitty attitude toward Trump supporters telling them you hate them and Trump. I feel really sorry for you, It must suck walking around being angry at everyone all the time. I hope you find something that makes you happy, apparently that is not here.

[solo1]

I read all of the posts here.

I'm member no. 4674.  I'm 90 as most of you know. I quit riding at 87, also as most of you know.

Here's my thoughts for what it's worth..

Today's incivility here in the US is the worst that I've ever seen.  I think that we all can agree that we have an abundance of liars, flim flam political artists, dishonesty, crude talk (not just Trump).  I could go on.

However, i believe that most of the bad mouthing here on this forum is due to the frustration because of the tearing down of our Republic. I, for one, am frustrated over the lying of the media, the political hypocrites, the demonstrations by ignorant people intent only on changing every problem into an emotional one.

I served my country as many others on this board did too.  I'm seeing the ruination of everything that our founders tried for.  Am I frustrated, HELL YES!  We all are. If we aren't we're either stupid or uncaring.

In that light, I agree wholeheartedly with Oss. Think before you posts, then think again.  I have an especially hard time as I no longer see most of you in person.  It's very easy to form the wrong opinion.

One last.  I dislike generalities like 'grumpy old men"   I'm in reasonably good health for my age, it could be much worse. However, here's what it's like for me every day. It takes 10 hours to get 7 hours of sleep.  I must stand for 10 seconds after I sit to get my knees to work. Each morning, on go the compression socks. Some days the arthritis in my fingers won't allow me to zip up my pants or write.  Imagine what that does when trying to put on compression socks.  The iron in my blood has changed to lead and settled in my arse.  It hurts to walk. I no longer take NSAIDS and Tylenol doesn't work very well. My hearing aids drive me nuts in crowd so having dinner with my kids in a restaurant is not good.


So to you ,with your remarks about 'grumpy ole men' now you might know why.  

On the other hand, I pee like a 20 year old because of turp surgery, my vision is 20/20, and I can still fold myself into the Miata.  It's been raining so that I can't do any attitude adjusting with the top down in the Miata but that's  ok.

So what does this have to do with Alien's post?  Maybe no matter how we feel,  maybe we all could do a little better.. I do know that OSS is right, think before you post, and think again.  Write letters to the Editor and blow off steam there.

So speaks this ole decrepit but still going geezer.  My .02

[Bighead]

  Wayne