Colonel Jessup's apology

ColonelJessup · February 28, 2014 2:16AM

I have been contacted by several Forum members expressing their rage, disgust and confusion over anti-Semitic remarks made or referenced in the "25% buyers fee" thread I started.

I was criticized for being ant-Semitic. Not so.

In a thread over a year ago BAFFERJAN used the expression "to jew someone down" as a negotiating tactic. He was scorched for it.

I never forgot it. I'm Jewish.

I never forgot it. I've carried a grudge against him ever since. There's truth in the saying "Harboring a resentment is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die".

My comments re: "jewing people down" and TELL THEM RICK THE KIKE SENT YOU were intended (no matter the poorness with which I expressed them) to being vitriolic sarcasm.

I was aiming my rage at an old wound into a totally different topic and context.

I'm Jewish. One day I came home from grade school thrilled about how well I was singing in Chorus. My Nana (Polish pogroms, 1906) asked me to sing. Within a few lines from the start of the beautiful "O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles) she started crying..... "All they ever wanted to was kill us, and now they're taking you......" Her son, my father, died in WWII before my Mom gave birth.

There's the wound. Hope that wasn't overly maudlin. Essentially, that's what my flashbacks are like.

My apologies to BAFFERJAN. It was clear from the old thread his "jewing" remark was not a personal attack on Jews, coming rather from local atmospheric conditions. He expressed contrition for his ignorance an unknowing offense within the thread.

To fellow Forumites who were offended, my apologies also.

At the end of the 25% thread, MGLICKER asked for an apology about anti-Semitism having tainted the Forum discourse.

I apologized. For blindly interjecting my personal and cultural history and perspective into what was intended to be elevated discourse by not only myself but also others.

MGLICKER responded to my apology with acceptance.

I might say he got me wrong (no idea or explanation needed on his part). But if he did, he's even more a bigger man than I.

I would appreciate it if there were no more posts on this thread. For some (including me) it might have already been too personal.

No preaching about prejudice. I can be as sanctimonious as anyone else all by myself.

Nor "for" or "against" my earlier behavior. Or how I've explained it here.

All PMs accepted.

Rick

I will bump this thread through Monday so as to keep this where more people might notice it.

Justacommeman · February 28, 2014 2:33AM

Rick when you talk as much as you do it's inevitable that you will eventually stick your foot in your mouth : )

Having broken bread with you in the past I know that you meant no harm. You have a good heart.

Don't beat yourself up. Crap happens.

For religious sensitivity purposes I ask that you watch 10 episodes of South Park as penance.

MJ

lcoopie · February 28, 2014 2:41AM

many of the things you say are above my SAT-V level
but your apology is quite clear
and the sign of a Mensch

mdwoods · February 28, 2014 2:45AM

I grew up in a non church going family. My dad was an avowed atheist. My memories of Jews are from movies like Exodus, Ben Hur and the 10 Commandments. Jews were the good guys.

georgiacop50 · February 28, 2014 2:47AM

i HATE EVERYBODY EQUALLY!

tyler267 · February 28, 2014 3:08AM

I like most of your posts.

I'm not a Jew but i don't like those terms either, apology accepted.

mariner67 · February 28, 2014 3:12AM

"I would appreciate it if there were no more posts on this thread."
Oh well, you tried!

Wolf359 · February 28, 2014 3:15AM

People are way too sensitive these days and look for racism and bigotry everywhere. If you look, you'll find it all right. So what? That's life and it's not your mission to "solve it". There are more important things to do.

I always liked you Colonel Jessup. Keep it coming.

Justacommeman · February 28, 2014 3:16AM

<< "I would appreciate it if there were no more posts on this thread."
Oh well, you tried! >>

That's the problem with his posts in general. Too many words and no one reads all of them

He needed to put that disclaimer at the top

MJ

CaptHenway · February 28, 2014 3:18AM

Most everybody on here has said something or other at one time that they later regretted. I think your apology speaks well of you.

While in Chicago I worked for Mr. Berk and his son, who are Jewish, and with Mr. Greenstein and his son, likewise. One day two Lubavitch gentlemen came in and, seeing my beard, assumed that I too was Jewish, and started their sales pitch. I politely interrupted and replied "Excuse me, I'm the token Goy. Let me get you one of the Jews" and called Bob. I don't think anybody was offended.

johnny9434 · February 28, 2014 3:19AM

theres no hard feelings or resentments here. best wishes

MGLICKER · February 28, 2014 3:25AM

7 Hail Irvings, and you shall be absolved, my son!

As I was mentioned in the OP, I would like to respond.

I did not take offense to the words used by Jessup, but they were out of place in an otherwise good discussion. Tried to urge him to delete the lines to avoid misunderstanding by other posters and did not want to lose him to a Moderator purge, which has recently been happening here (I just missed getting cut myself last week).

Perhaps more importantly, another word reviled by a prominent minority is in the news daily, though frequently used by these good folks as a term of endearment.

Cannot have it both ways. If we want to vilify slurs, it must be unilateral.

Carry on!

ebaytrader · February 28, 2014 3:47AM

<< 7 Hail Irvings, and you shall be absolved, my son!
>>

As a Christian, I find your remark uncalled for, derogatory, and highly insulting.

northcoin · February 28, 2014 3:59AM

<< "I would appreciate it if there were no more posts on this thread."
Oh well, you tried! >>

In honor of your request I am not responding to the content. That said the raw feelings based upon past experiences are well understood. Since the responses here have been constructive and self reflective I would like to add two of my own personal experiences to the subject of the responses.:

1. As a high school student I attended a summer science program away from home at a university in

my state. I made it a point to attend church (a Christian denomination) on the weekend and a few others in the program joined me from time to time. Our science experiments during the week gave us access to the university labs and some of us worked on projects that included experimenting with small lab animals. One day I returned to the dorm where

we were all housed and found my window propped open with a lab mouse affixed to a cross of tree branches holding it open. I personally took no offense (though probably I should have), but when a Jewish student in the program saw it he went ballistic and with his condemnation made whoever did it feel smaller than the dead mouse.

2. My other experience was a few years later while attending graduate level schooling in California. Myself and two friends who attended classes together were driving through town when we encountered a group of neo-Nazis parading through the street accompanied by their red flag emboldened with a large swatsica. One of the two friends was Jewish and

it took the other two of us to restrain him from jumping out of the car and physically confronting the group. Both of his parents had suffered in Hitler's concentration camps.

I have always admired both for their responses.

Type2 · February 28, 2014 4:11AM

Thats what wrong with life now a days everthing is put under a micro scope. I once call a guy a SOB and he went off the hook about how his mom never slept around i never even thought about that. But all of us where calling ea other names we where all funning when i said it. I never talk to him again if he cant take it he shuld not say it to others. The old saying sticks and stones may brake my bones but names will never hurt me.

Call me what you want just dont call me late for dinner.. Thats just me dumb Type2.

numisma · February 28, 2014 4:14AM

ColonelJessup, were you just trying to get on that "most infamous board member" thread from the other day?

Apology accepted. I understood what you meant at the time, but I had a bad feeling many others would not have digested it properly. Glad you cleared the air with everyone.

lkeigwin · February 28, 2014 4:18AM

<< People are way too sensitive these days and look for racism and bigotry everywhere. If you look, you'll find it all right. >>

It's out of control. The NFL is considering a 15 yd penalty rule for any player who uses the n-word, whether in fun, friendship, or fury. PC-police are everywhere.

Rick, no offense here.
Lance.

milkcoin · February 28, 2014 4:42AM

Being a jewish woman, I was very offended by some of the comments too and am glad the OP took the high road in this.

bidask · February 28, 2014 4:45AM

Im going to go smoke some pot.

MGLICKER · February 28, 2014 4:47AM

<< Im going to go smoke some pot. >>

braddick · February 28, 2014 4:52AM

I remember as a kid whenever my older brother told me to do something I'd state, "what color is my skin?".

Times have changed.

Aberlight · February 28, 2014 5:00AM

People are to sensitive and abide by all the political correct views pushed by media. Call me a Cracker or Wasp and I'll just laugh at you. Don't sweat your comments. Life is too short.

okracer · February 28, 2014 5:04AM

Sounds like a bunch of Camel Jockeys running around!

...........wait, I'M Lebanese! Can I say that? ( I really am Lebanese )

stealer · February 28, 2014 5:09AM

Being of Asian descent, I usually don't go a day without a "chinky eyes" or "tiny male genitalia" or a "bad driver" joke being thrown around. I've never met another Asian who doesn't get a kick out of those comments.......because we know it ain't true

darktone · February 28, 2014 5:13AM

I might be a bit sheltered but I honestly I thought the word jew was a real word that had nothing to do with the Jewish people? It's used here in Wisconsin that way. I guess I won't use that word any more.

braddick · February 28, 2014 5:40AM

The stronger one's person convictions are the less likely they are to be insulted when they're challenged.

ricko · February 28, 2014 6:01AM

These are strange times and offense is often taken where none was intended. On the other hand, history of individuals can often contain open wounds that will bleed easily..... Moving on now... Cheers, RickO

magikbilly · February 28, 2014 6:09AM

I can understand that. Forgive, forget. It was not a problem to me as much despite my surprised reaction. But to others is what matters here. I saw perhaps too much context. The Col., is my favorite contributor in there. He has thought me so much! I can forgive and forget. Hope I get the same treatment when I mess up. He is indispensable to me...and us.

Eric

He IS the old guard. Sometimes they bring the wrong equipment. He reasons are enough for me.

I learned from that thread.

SethChandler · February 28, 2014 6:24AM

If more people could apologize like that, the world would be a better place.

Thank you for making the forum better place.

Seth

Lakesammman · February 28, 2014 6:44AM

Rick:

Nice post and well said.

Feel free to insult me - I love Swedish jokes.

coinbuf · February 28, 2014 6:46AM

<< People are way too sensitive these days and look for racism and bigotry everywhere. If you look, you'll find it all right. So what? That's life and it's not your mission to "solve it". There are more important things to do.

I always liked you Colonel Jessup. Keep it coming. >>

Well since we are all ignoring the plea to not respond I'll follow along. Wolf's comment above is is so true, but this is also compounded over the internet where a person's intent cannot be read by emotion and body language. I have seen many on this site as well as others who have gotten their panties in a bunch over what amounts to very little if anything. If you’re going to participate in internet chat rooms and forums you must recognize that not everyone has your background or shares your religious/political beliefs, nor should they. A smart person can listen and learn from others, even if all you learn is that you disagree.

And just to be clear I'm not going to apologize to those here who wear panties.

SaorAlba · February 28, 2014 6:55AM

My family is not Jewish, but Scots and Ukrainian. About a month ago we saw a play based on the Holocaust as it affected Holland during WWII. They had a couple of actors in Nazi regalia, with the swastika armbands etc and when they were done on stage they came out into the audience and sat down in the audience. The one guy started coming down our row and it literally gave me the creeps - if he had come and sat next to me as he did to the person in the opposite aisle I would have had to have asked him to move elsewhere. There is just something so perniciously evil about that symbol and the look of the people, even actors, that wear it.

It really gave me deep thought - imagine being Jewish during WWII and seeing people march into your village with that evil symbol that you have heard all about for a few years.

SeattleSlammer · February 28, 2014 8:43AM

First:
I would appreciate it if there were no more posts on this thread.

Then:
I will bump this thread through Monday so as to keep this where more people might notice it.

So you'd prefer that we don't reply but you'll still bump it daily? That's absurd and vain.
Have you considered self-flagellation as an alternative?

Nic · February 28, 2014 9:00AM

<< Rick when you talk as much as you do it's inevitable that you will eventually stick your foot in your mouth : )

Having broken bread with you in the past I know that you meant no harm. You have a good heart.

Don't beat yourself up. Crap happens.

For religious sensitivity purposes I ask that you watch 10 episodes of South Park as penance.

MJ >>

Could not agree more. Especially the South Park holiday episodes. No apology needed.

K

mkman123 · February 28, 2014 9:31AM

Do people get upset that easily? When I was in northern Cali I was one of very few asians in a town and was made fun of at school, called chink, gook,etc. Still I moved ahead and don't let things bother me. Even now I'll make fun of chinese people because their are many cultural differences I don't like in my own culture.

chumley · February 28, 2014 9:36AM

my mother used to tell me the only time I took my foot out of my mouth was to change feet

keep on truckin

coindeuce · February 28, 2014 9:38AM

As Brother Wease (a.k.a. Alan Levin) would say every day at the conclusion of his local radio show
"It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice."

streeter · February 28, 2014 9:39AM

Col.,

& please do not refer to California as cali. That's midwestern slang.

coinlieutenant · February 28, 2014 9:48AM

See Lance Keigwin's response.

People need to relax. So many of us are so self important these days that any slight is seen as the end of the world.

No offense here either. Plus, first amendment applies everywhere last time I checked.

D · February 28, 2014 9:50AM

<< Im going to go smoke some pot. >>

I'm offended that there was no offer to share. How dare you?

-D

themaster · February 28, 2014 9:53AM

Just Another Perfect Day In Paradise.

Have a Great Day!
Louis

Broadstruck · February 28, 2014 10:09AM

Thanks CJ as I just figured you might be snowed in unable to refill your medication prescription

braddick · February 28, 2014 10:10AM

Damn, Colonel J.

And I had you as the number two MVP on that other thread. . .

WoodenJefferson · February 28, 2014 10:35AM

Seems like every other thread I post to lately gets deleted, so I apologize in advance.

Anyway, when I first read the alleged offensive remark I was a bit taken back, just for a moment but then the urgency passed and I went on reading the rest of the thread. I don't know you from Adam but you seem to be well educated and speak freely, maybe too freely on a coin forum...it should be about coins but our daily lives surround us constantly and for some reason unknown to mankind, we allow that to be interjected into the most mundane of topics, coins.

However we move on...

Baley · February 28, 2014 10:36AM

<< Rick:

Nice post and well said.

Feel free to insult me - I love Swedish jokes.

>>

Oh, don't start with your saab story!

CaptHenway · February 28, 2014 10:43AM

<< 

<< Rick:

Nice post and well said.

Feel free to insult me - I love Swedish jokes.

>>

Oh, don't start with your saab story!

>>

Going to go watch "Meatballs."

Rayman311 · February 28, 2014 11:09AM

ColJ- Enjoy reading your post. Code Red averted. Carry-on.

CoinRaritiesOnline · February 28, 2014 11:32AM

Sarcasm doesn't always read well in print, but I knew what you meant.

tradedollarnut · February 28, 2014 11:45AM

<< Sarcasm doesn't always read well in print, but I knew what you meant. >>

Understanding a CJ post? That's a first!

pennyannie · February 28, 2014 3:28PM

<< These are strange times and offense is often taken where none was intended. On the other hand, history of individuals can often contain open wounds that will bleed easily..... Moving on now... Cheers, RickO >>

Well said, everything now is 24/7 and worldwide.

MGLICKER · February 28, 2014 3:50PM

May as well make this into a coin thread! Old holdered Morgan.

Colonel Jessup's apology

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