On Forgiveness. . .

See these thoughts on the health benefits of forgiveness at MayoClinic.com.  I used to consider the benefits obtained by the “forgiven” outweighed those received by the “forgiver” – this articles suggests a much different view.

Somewhere here down in my basement, I have a book-length treatment on forgiveness – I need to get it out and re-read it.  I have been thinking about this subject a lot here lately.

Interestingly, as I am writing this, NPR has a story on how Roman Polanski was swept up in Switzerland this weekend for a charge of having sex with a thirteen year old girl in the 1970’s.  I guess the victim, now in her 40’s, has favored dropping the charges for some time.

iggydonnelly

12 Principles to Use in Conducting Flame Wars

1.  Accuse the other party of your worst faults.

2. Insist that you are an avator of the Truth and that the other person is Falsehood incarnate, or at least “misled.”

3. Dwell on errors.  Correct them in others at every opportunity.

4. Never apologize unequivocably.  If forced to apologize, justify yourself in a way that makes it sound like the other party was responsible for your actions.

5. Write in such a way tht the other party looks stupid if they don’t respond.

6. Try to be many things at once, so that you can deny everything that is said about you.

7. Say the same thing over and over again.

8. Always strive to get the last word.

9. Never let a debate rest.  Never allow the other party to withdraw without making it clear that they have lost.

 10. Insist that you are misunderstood.

11. If you can’t find something to flame the person about, make something up.  Convince yourself that you see the “real” motives.

12. Remember: Winning is everything

Rule for those who do not want to get into Flame Wars:

IGNORE THEM.

The source for these pearls of wisdom.  If I did not know better, I’d swear this writer was personally acquainted with the poster formerly known as J.M.

Monday, 09/28/09, Public Square

Was your weekend great?  Are you revived and ready to start a new week?  What would you like to discuss?  This is your thread, make it interesting — OR FUN.  🙂

fnord