Gay activist wants to spruce up park
Fennell's goal is to help community at large
By Glenn Smith
After organizing a November march in support of gay civil rights, Joseph Fennell heard some people remark that the gay community doesn't do much to help the community at large. He decided to show them how wrong they were.
The Post and Courier
Joseph Fennell and his Charleston Community Outreach hope to fix up and expand Vivian Anderson Moultrie Park in Charleston.
Fennell, a 25-year-old Charleston native, is working with a group of volunteers to establish a nonprofit organization aimed at improving the lives of needy Lowcountry residents.
The group, dubbed Charleston Community Outreach, initially has its sights set on fixing up and expanding Vivian Anderson Moultrie Park, an unlikely little playground beneath the Interstate 26 overpass at King and Mount Pleasant streets.
"I rode around town and that park just seemed to be the one that jumped out the most in terms of needing the most attention," said Fennell, a local hospitality industry worker.
The park, profiled in Monday's Post and Courier, sits in perpetual shadow beneath a concrete canopy, just yards from a gas station. Outside of swings and a small climbing gym, the park doesn't have much for kids, and neighbors say it often sits empty.
To help out
Anyone interested in volunteering with the group can contact Joseph Fennell via e-mail.
Fennell met with city parks officials on Wednesday to see if his group could help change that by raising money to install fencing, expand the park and add playground equipment, a child-size basketball court and grills for picnickers.
By using volunteers and refurbished equipment, they can probably keep the project's cost to $7,000 or less, Fennell said.
"We just want to make it a more family-friendly park, something directed more toward kids than teenagers," he said.
The improvements would likely attract many more people to the spot, Fennell said, and added that officials at a nearby private school told him they didn't use the park because it had no fencing to protect students from traffic along King Street.
Previous story
Tiny park sits in I-26 shadow, published 1/5/09
Parks Department Deputy Director Matt Compton said it will likely take a couple of months to iron out details, make sure neighbors are happy with the plan and run the proposal past the state, which owns the land.
But Fennell's concept showed promise, and he apparently has access to volunteers and resources to make it happen, Compton said.
"He was excited about the opportunity to help," Compton said. "And we are excited about participating in partnerships to make these spaces better."
Fennell said his group is still preparing paperwork to officially register as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization, but it hopes to soon begin raising funds for this and other projects.
The group hopes to make a difference in people's lives, he said, whether it be through renovating a park or fixing the leaky roof of a low-income resident's home.
"It's basically anything that needs to be done that someone can't afford to do," he said.
Reach Glenn Smith at gsmith@postandcourier.com or 937-5556.
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Comments
CedarPosts (anonymous) says...
A nice effort, and I hope they find the money to fix the up the park.
However....
"After organizing a November march in support of gay civil rights, Joseph Fennell heard some people remark that the gay community doesn't do much to help the community at large. He decided to show them how wrong they were."
Now that's going to take a lot more than raising $7,000.00 and having "the village people" doing a little clean up on a warm and sunny weekend at the much neglected park.
In the process Mr. Fennell shouldn't expect a lot of support outside the GLBT community, nor any recognition for his efforts, for that is the way of true a philanthropist, who toils quietly in relative obscurity to make the world a better place.
January 8, 2009 at 5:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
majorjohnson (anonymous) says...
Actually gays are extremely philanthropical. Studies show they give to charity at higher percentages than almost any other group. As far as what they do for their community, it's not like they have GAY tattooed to their foreheads. Most of the gays in Charleston keep that to themselves, as this is not exactly San Fransisco, so how could anyone say they do or do not do anything for the community? They don't jump up and down and wave their arms screaming "Look at me!! I'm X and Look what I'm doing", like so many do. Most do it to be helping the community, not to gain recognition of gay rights or show that gay people help too, and the last thing they really want is to draw attention to the fact that they are gay. It's not exactly the "in" thing to be around here you know.
January 8, 2009 at 7:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cwmcpa (anonymous) says...
So which is it? Will the non profit's mission be one of improving the community or a political action gay/lesbian rights in your face you are a bigot mission. Article is little on substance, but very giddy to the fact that a gay/lesbian is saying they are going to do something positive for the community. Article would have more credit if it had been writtten after the proper non profit filings were submitted and approved. Article allows space for something that has not happened. P&C should report the news not predict it.
January 8, 2009 at 7:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
B_Fwank (anonymous) says...
I just wish more happy people would help this happy guy!
January 8, 2009 at 7:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
islandbenzbc (anonymous) says...
Will there be any phallic art in the park?
January 8, 2009 at 7:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
B_Fwank (anonymous) says...
PRSISBEST, glad your happy.
January 8, 2009 at 7:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BobH1962 (anonymous) says...
What does it matter whether the park is cleaned up by this group or if it were cleaned up by someone else? The fact that this individual and his organization have taken the initiative to take the first step to make a better and safer environment for our children to play is commendable. Maybe some of the local businesses could offer donations. This could be the start of a renovation/reclaimation movement that the city desparately needs.
January 8, 2009 at 8:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AFWally (anonymous) says...
Hmmmm.......maybe the money saved from school cuts could go to erecting (no pun intended) Charleston's first and official homo park.
January 8, 2009 at 8:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
B_Fwank (anonymous) says...
I hope jimislander, will lead this group to take care of the I-26, rest areas that jimbo is so fond of!
January 8, 2009 at 8:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
I don't understand the relevance of him being gay. It's great for anyone to help the community. But if I thought about revamping a park would the title read " Heterosexual Activist wants to spruce up Park" ? I truly don't get how someones sexuality matters in this instance. Will there be a plack at the park crediting gays? Or crediting a thoughtful human being? Funny how people say they want to be treated like everyone else, yet choose to be defined by their sexuality. I don't introduce myself as coolfreaknbeans the heterosexual.
January 8, 2009 at 8:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AFWally (anonymous) says...
PRISISBEST, not hardly, I like pink salmon, mo bettah!
I'll head up the tree and brush removal service.....don't want any homo's to ignite anything when they walk by.
January 8, 2009 at 8:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hotchick (anonymous) says...
OK PRSISBEST, cut it out. Don't cater to the homophobe's sterotyping of gays. And the rest of you, I am shocked that so many of you are still so backward in your thinking. Gays and Lesbians are humans too. They won't harm you, and, in spite of what PRSISBEST may say, they won't rape you in the park. Just when we are starting to recognize that black people really CAN be as smart as white people, they can even been seen for their character and not the color of their skin (and even voted for president), you bigots show us that we have such a long way to go. I am sorry that people across the country have access to this comment thread. It is embarrassing that some may think that this is how all of the Charleston area feels.
January 8, 2009 at 9:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
B_Fwank (anonymous) says...
coolfreaknbeans "I don't understand the relevance of him being gay."
Exactly! So what if he is happy? This is a non-issue. The park is being cleaned by a happy guy!
January 8, 2009 at 9:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
B_Fwank (anonymous) says...
LOL, here we go with the typical crap - "homophobe's", "Just when we are starting to recognize that black people really CAN be as smart as white people".
It is just an article about a happy guy fixing up a park. Geezz, dont make it a big deal. Apparently, these happy folks have more expendable income than others. Good for them!
January 8, 2009 at 9:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hotchick (anonymous) says...
Geez, I thought I was standing up for the gay community! Thanks for setting me straing PRSISBEST, I will not do that again.
January 8, 2009 at 9:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
hotchick
You are a little hard on the non trolls posting on this article.
January 8, 2009 at 9:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AFWally (anonymous) says...
Gays don't need anybody standing up for them, they have their own peeps with money, connections and political clout. Besides they are very very happy, sometimes they get so happy a whole building can go up in flames and burn quickly to the ground, it's imperitive that we have ample fire extinguishers posted throughout the park.....a fire station nearby would be helpful. Let them frolic and have a gay old time. Homo's are people too!
January 8, 2009 at 9:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hotchick (anonymous) says...
PRS - You are so confused. I am a straight female and have been married for over 25 years. I have two wonderful children. I am an educated professional. I am just tiring of those who are intolerant of those who are different. There is no sense in you getting so filthy.
Neponset - sorry to offend. Thank you for speaking nicely to me even if you disagreed.
January 8, 2009 at 9:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AFWally (anonymous) says...
Alrightee.....it's a fight then
3 rounds, 3 knockdown rule is in effect, keep your punches up, no hitting below the belt, obey my commands and protect yourself at all times. Ok shake hands, return to your corners and come out fighting at the sound of the bell.
January 8, 2009 at 9:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tallblonde (anonymous) says...
I think Joseph Fennel should be commended for taking on this task. It was just Monday that this park was profiled in the newspaper - and here's someone that has taken on organizing the clean-up and revitalization for the betterment of the community.
I think the mention of his group - along with a mention of his sexuality as an explanation - is just a matter of giving credit where credit is due. From the article, the park revitalization became a project because Mr Fennell heard that the gay community wasn't contributing to the community. Unlike many of us that just read the article about the park - and asked why something wasn't being done to clean it up - Mr Fennell quickly acted & has started to put together a group of volunteers - straight & gay - to raise money - at no cost to taxpayers - to make a little bit of the city a nicer place.
GREAT job, Mr Fennell !!!!!
January 8, 2009 at 9:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
If I am not mistaken, the troll prsisbest has been booted, and it is about time. Unfortunately he will resurface shortly with a new user name.
January 8, 2009 at 10:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oldglory (anonymous) says...
majorjohnson - You and I are once again in agreement.
hotchick,tallblonde - I stand with you both on your comments, particularly hotchick's comment "I am just tiring of those who are intolerant of those who are different. There is no sense in you getting so filthy." I will add that homophobes are absolutely frightening, dangerous people.
Heh, let's hope you are right about your first premise and wrong about your second one, Neponset!
January 8, 2009 at 10:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
old
I checked prsisbest profile this morning and found that he registered the same day as bull dog was booted and even posted on the same article that led to bull dogs getting booted. Also prsisbest posted 132 comments in that short time. I believe they are the same person. Lets hope that 3 strikes and you are permanently out.
January 8, 2009 at 10:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
This could be a good thing if it doesn't take on the aura of a baited field.
January 8, 2009 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCHoser (anonymous) says...
Not exactly sure what this article is really about-doing good deeds around town, or a gay/lesbian feel good piece? If someone is wanting to organize to do good work around town, great-but why bring in sexual orientation? Some people believe in the bible, others have changed things a little. I don't ever recall my church telling me the bible has changed, or that God has changed his mind about homosexuals. Everyone has a right to live, but if you are going to put your personal business out front, be ready for the backlash. I am not "intolerant" of gays, just not my thing and I don't believe it is right-but it's not my call to judge or do anything about it. That doesn't make me a bad person, it is just what I believe.
January 8, 2009 at 10:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Yes, it does appear that Mr. Manic (PRSISBEST) has been booted...& so early in the day, too.
Yesterday his posts became increasingly nonsensical as the day wore on. He was under the influence of something..either his own pathological brain chemistry or an ingested intoxicant.
And to think that johnny came to his defense. Johnny & PRSISBEST actually had a mutual admiration thing going on.
(BTW johnny we still are waiting for your verse by verse Bible quotes supporting/dictating the non-involvement of churches in charity such as feeding the poor & tending to the medically needy.)
January 8, 2009 at 10:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hotchick (anonymous) says...
Nep - if he does get back on, then I guess I will need to try to avoid encouraging him and just ignore his remarks. I have learned my lesson this morning. Have a great day!
January 8, 2009 at 10:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CedarPosts (anonymous) says...
Gay doesn't equate to being a pedophile.
But in a world where everyone is suspect, it doesn't surprise me that you would make that commment.
To some people everyone who has interaction with kids is now suspect, soccer coach, scout master, priest, school teacher, golf coach, doctor, and so on.
Its too bad a couple of groups, Darkness to Light for one has media blanketed the nation, portraying scout masters, bus drivers and soccer coaches as being perverts.
I won't let kids pat my overly friendly lab Madison, when we are out for a run because I'm afraid some freaked out parent might think something was up.
So go ahead spread the paranoia.
I'm not falling for it but then I'm the parent who doesn't bother to scrub down the grocery cart with the santiary wipes, when he puts his 4 year old in the kiddie seat at Harris Teeter.
January 8, 2009 at 11:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
Unfortunately gay is tied to pedophilia. Most pedophiles are "straight" guys. Look it up, I dare some of you to look at facts instead spreading ignorant stereotypical fear mongering that is rampant. I know knowledge may force some to think...that's probably the issue but I digress.
If the dude is gay, who really cares? Once again the P&C adds controversy and the writers bias to an article about someone doing something good for the community. Who gives a toss about his sexual orientation? Some here fear "homos" more than the government. Ignorance is apparently available in large doses now days. He's doing something to improve the community something I don't see the "manly" homophobic types endeavoring to something like this. Just doesn't fit their "manly" images, whatever that is.
January 8, 2009 at 11:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
PRSISBEST certainly has a right to be annoying. However, he crossed the line several times in various transgressions, including vulgar(not merely childish or annoying) name changes to a couple of posters' screen names.
Apparently he spewed forth some more filth this morning. (I didn't happen to see it.)
No, he did not get booted because he was merely "passionate". He kept pushing the envelope of respectability & finally pushed it too far, or so it appears.
January 8, 2009 at 11:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
B_Fwank (anonymous) says...
Neponset "Lets hope that 3 strikes and you are permanently out."
If that were the case than that troll getserious, who has had 5 prior screen names, donttasemebro and TP, being a couple, would be booted too.
January 8, 2009 at 11:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AFWally (anonymous) says...
Hmmmm......fear of homos....I would ask why?
Fear of the Gov't......having taken part in some of their shennanigans, that is a correct assessment.
January 8, 2009 at 11:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
turdblossom (anonymous) says...
has anyone ever attended a function or event that was organized by our gay brethren.....let me tell you that park is going to be FFFFFABULOUS!!!!
January 8, 2009 at 11:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
Darn these medical appointments!!!!
ARRGH!!!
I missed the hullabaloo. I wonder what little Ms. Pris posted today.
I'm for ANY group organizing and doing good works throughout the community.
On the other hand I understand why Mr. Fennell wants the world to see the GBLT community in a different light. Perhaps he doesn't want to be seen just as political 'activists' or 'agitators'. Perhaps he just wants the GBLT community to be seen as another integral part of the greater Charleston community.
However, there are those who are turned off when a group advertises their race, ethnicity or sexual orientation. Instead of focusing on the good works, the focus is on the fact that the group members are gay.
Hopefully he and his fellow group members will keep that in mind and focus on the philanthropy and not GBLT political agendas.
January 8, 2009 at 11:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
I love good intentions but has anybody noticed that people like Mr. Fennell, gay or not, are always PROMISING, PROMISING without ever having any truly lasting, substantial, and important acheievements. With people like him, it's all about IMAGE. They always flunk the tangible reality test and then, in a display of apparently boundless energy, they come back and insist, insist, and insist again that they are doing "something" for the community. When are we going to stop falling for the constant PROPAGANDA of people like Mr. Fennell and recognize opportunistic parasitism when we see it? Notice the first instinct of him and others like him is to demand TAX EMEMPT status? There are many people who do things VASTLY more important than Mr. Fennell's little COMMUNITY ACTIVIST charade who do pay taxes. This includes Doctors, who save lives, people in construction, who build homes and offices, mechanics, who keep the technological devices we count on for life as we know it working, farmers who grow food without which we would starve to death and on and on. I urge everyone on this thread to see through the smoke and mirrors of stated good intentions and recognize PARASITISM when they see it. Again, this is regardless of whether he's gay or not.
About PRSISBEST, he first appeared on the thread yesterday about I-526 and he came close to being booted there. I guess he went even wilder today and got canned.
January 8, 2009 at 12:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
Johnny
There is a big difference between being passionate and being a troll. While I would like for everyone to agree with me, that is not going to happen. This case is not some witch hunt to single out folks that do not agree with us - this person went to great lengths to get folks worked up. As far as I know, this was a P&C call and I think it was the right call. Also his comments were not appropriate for young folks.
January 8, 2009 at 12:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
To elaborate, why does the P & C think this is "news" compared to the vastly more important things I mentioned in my previous post? Does the rest of the thread see my logic?
January 8, 2009 at 12:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AFWally (anonymous) says...
If anything the park will be very clean and well groomed, can't wait for the first big event.....they'll be clowns, face painting for the kiddies, various cuisine items to savor, music, dancing and mud wrestling. Little Joe himself will dedicate.
January 8, 2009 at 12:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lowcountrymouth (anonymous) says...
This doesn't surprise me in the least. Parks and homosexuals, now there is a combination rife with potential. I guess if you can't find a decent rest stop bathroom, a park is the next best place for them to "hang" out. Just look at the problems in most of the public parks in California. . .
January 8, 2009 at 12:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tallblonde (anonymous) says...
postman01 - I don't think Mr Fennell himself is asking for tax-exempt status - only for the organization to independently raise funds for the improvements to the parks and subsequent other projects - meaning the funds raised by donations, etc aren't taxed.
Personally, I like knowing my donation to his organization is going TO the improvements of the park and not into tax coffers.
I think even the "Promise" of doing good is better than the actuality of not doing.
January 8, 2009 at 12:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TheSafetyMan (anonymous) says...
Once again, a gay man clamours for attention...
January 8, 2009 at 12:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AFWally (anonymous) says...
Harvey Milk wanted attention too. :)
January 8, 2009 at 1:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
B_Fwank (anonymous) says...
It appears after checking other articles, that JimIslander has also been booted.
January 8, 2009 at 1:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
Let's see what happens. Anyone who can actually ride by every now and then want to mark a calendar and check it monthly for a year. What's the possibilities: we've heard the talk. Will it get fixed. Even if it does, what makes anyone think that it would not be back in this same condition in a little while.
January 8, 2009 at 1:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
B_F
That is good news - I think he is also a troll.
January 8, 2009 at 1:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Yes I believe JimIs. is gone also.
He was getting way over the top in inappropriate remarks, or rather, way below the bottom, in some of his comments...especially, ironically, to PRSISBEST.
January 8, 2009 at 2:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nappyd (anonymous) says...
Do spruce trees even grow in this weather?
Joking aside, don't gays/lesbians usually dislike this hyperactive vocal minority of activists that give them a bad name?
January 8, 2009 at 2:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
Hmmmm...I wonder what will be the NEXT internet name for the trolls that have lurked about here: TP, Bulldog01, PRSISBEST, etc?
It surprises me that JimIslander was banned, even though I vehemently disagreed with many of his posts. He wasn't really a troll, but his ousting appropriately displays the old saying, "Don't expect to play with crap and not get any on you". Or something like that. If you feed the trolls or play to their whims for attention, it can make you lose your temper and sense of control. As a result, you can also get banned when your posts sink to the level of the trolls.
I only hope the P&C gets an IT person to look at the IP address of people like PRSISBEST and filter it so they can't register again, at least on the same computer.
January 8, 2009 at 2:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ms_lady2u (anonymous) says...
Meanwhile,back on the ranch *yarning*!
January 8, 2009 at 2:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NumbersSCcom (anonymous) says...
"Gay activist wants to spruce up park"
Just two questions:
1. Will the Spruce even fit?
2. Will poor Park receive anesthesia first?
January 8, 2009 at 3:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
B_Fwank (anonymous) says...
icbmman - TP, was here as donttasemebro, now he is back as getserious. just click on his name and you can see the crap he posts.
January 8, 2009 at 3:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
Well, at least the threads at the paper are being cleaned up. A lot of what some folks say is laughable but that's OK. It's when they behave like the posters being banned that decisive action has to be taken.
January 8, 2009 at 3:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
majorjohnson (anonymous) says...
"Once again, a gay man clamours for attention..."
Yeah, if they do something for the community and say they're gay, they're just being in your face and forcing themselves on you. If they do it and don't say they're gay, then you know those danged gays just don't do a darned thing for the community.
You can't win for losing.
January 8, 2009 at 4:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Whopper (anonymous) says...
"Where is your ribbon?". Seriously though, isn't being gay just another way of saying someone is mentally ill to some degree? I know it sounds intolerant, but for those of us who have never been attracted to the same sex, it will just never be a natural thing. We should spend more time on looking for the cure so people who call themselves gay can live normal, healthy lives.
January 8, 2009 at 4:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Funky_Winkerbean (anonymous) says...
How wonderful that someone is willing to fixup something here in Charleston. I would welcome any help I could get to get all the things I need done around the house and I don't care who ya sleep with. I don't see any of us blogging on here cleaning up our yards muchless a park. I know the children who don't even know what a gay is could give a rat's arse. They will just enjoy the day spent there...
Funky_Winkerbean
January 8, 2009 at 4:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
Posted by CedarPosts on January 8, 2009 at 5:50 a.m.In the process Mr. Fennell shouldn't expect a lot of support outside the GLBT community, nor any recognition for his efforts, for that is the way of true a philanthropist, who toils quietly in relative obscurity to make the world a better place.
===============================================================
He organized a march and now he's going to toil quietly improving the park under the expressway because he is filled with the milk of human kindness. All this done "in relative obscurity to make the world a better place."
That's why he's in the paper, to remain obscure!
A 25 year old working with a group of volunteers. That's nice. What kind of work does he do to survive? Last time I heard volunteering didn't pay much!
January 8, 2009 at 5:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
B_Fwank, indeed, I had enough problems posting with TP on here. When he got banned, I figured that he would come back. Thanks for the heads up.
January 8, 2009 at 5:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CedarPosts (anonymous) says...
yird - my point exactly.
It's ok that he gets a little press, but charity work is always from the heart, when you start making it a political agenda, its tainted.
Interesting the tease to the story says 79 comments, on the story page it says 59, suggesting that 20 comments were so distasteful that the Post and Courier staff had to manually delete them, that is really sad.
January 8, 2009 at 5:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
Cedar...it doesn't mean that all 20 were distasteful.
Two posters, PRSISBEST & JimIs. were booted today as were ALL of their comments, regardless of content.
January 8, 2009 at 5:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
Just stay mute to avoid the boot!
January 8, 2009 at 6:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
I think the last several days have been good for this forum and honest bloggers. More people are becoming aware of this phenomena called "trolls" and we are becoming better equipt to handle it and the P&C is doing its part.
January 8, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tallblonde (anonymous) says...
Again - everything aside - I want to say personally to Joseph Fennell - GREAT JOB - and THANK YOU so much for stepping forward when many of us just read the article about the park on Monday and asked "Why isn't someone doing something about this?".
You took on the task to make a difference in the Charleston community - and that's a WONDERFUL THING!!!
GREAT JOB, Joseph Fennell !!!!!!
January 8, 2009 at 6:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
To clarify the difference between the link on the home page stating that there is a given number of posts and the actual article showing a different number of posts...
I actually got in touch with the P & C's webmaster about this some time ago and he claimed that this is due to a "glitch" in the software. Accurate or not, I like this difference because it tells us how many posts were removed.
It's time to face the truth. Gay (meaning homosexual) is a highly emotionally charged topic. This is evidenced by the very unsually high % of posts that have been removed. I have my opinion, based on my religious faith and other factors, about homosexuals and I can guarantee anyone reading my post that, if I were to be utterly blunt about it, some people would be offended. This is a matter of common sense. Just like we don't use the n word, those of us with any understanding of what is socially acceptable simply bite our tongues and keep some thoughts to ourselves precisely because the cost of 100% candor is too high. I perosnally wish we could say anything but that is not the way society works, whether in the real world or the virtual (here) world. There's no need to stay mute (understand that Yird is one of the BEST posters, IMO) BUT in the world we share with other people, HOW we say things is frequently more important than the actual logic and accuracy of our observations. This is just a fact of life and, whether those who are booted literally don't understand this fact of life or mistakenly believe that an online forum suddenly means they can say things they would never say in public or at a family gathering or party, this fact of human existence has been true for THOUSANDS of years and is beyond our power to change. Thus, we can state our opinions dispassionately and nothing will happen. But, when we offend a lot of people, whether in the real or virtual world, there are going to be CONSEQUENCES and that is just the way that it is.
January 8, 2009 at 6:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tallblonde (anonymous) says...
postman01 - Perhaps I could take your post more seriously, if I read in the P&C - Heterosexual Male Activist Wants To Spruce Up Park..............but seeing how that hasn't hit the news yet - I think you could also say "GREAT JOB, Mr Fennell" for steppin' up and taking on a project that no one - as far as I know - has thought enough of to take responsiblity for.
Just think of the progress the city - county - state - and nation could make if each & every person took on a project personally - I applaud Mr Fennell - and it's made me think about what an impact we all can make if we adopt a project that needs to be done.
January 8, 2009 at 7:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
Here is wisdom that expounds on my previous post from a man named Robert Ringer whom I highly recommend to everyone on this thread. You can read the full text at http://www.robertringer.com. Posts longer than 3000 characters aren't permitted--another shortcoming of the P & C's software.
"On a personal level - i.e., government and politics aside - the Valkyrie story is yet another reminder that it's much more important to be loyal to your principles than to be popular. Truth and popularity, in fact, are all too often at odds with one another.
In comparing his own life to that of Socrates, in his book The Consolations of Philosophy, Alain de Botton writes:
In conversations, my priority was to be liked, rather than to speak the truth. A desire to please led me to laugh at modest jokes like a parent on the opening night of a school play. With strangers, I adopted the servile manner of a concierge greeting wealthy clients in a hotel - salival enthusiasm born of a morbid, indiscriminate desire for affection. I did not publicly doubt ideas to which the majority was committed. I sought the approval of figures of authority and after encounters with them, worried at length whether they had thought me acceptable. When passing through customs or driving alongside police cars, I harboured a confused wish for the uniformed officials to think well of me.
Sound familiar? It should, because, to some extent, every one of us is guilty of not having the courage to reveal our true thoughts. In fact, none of us will ever totally rid ourselves of the sometimes overpowering need to be accepted. It is a psychic disability that is part of being human.
This is so even though we know, in our heart of hearts, that some of the biggest fools on the planet are popular. If we need reinforcement on this point, we need only turn on our television sets and listen to the babble of the many high-profile fools who grace our screens.
But what about compromise? Doesn't a civilized society require compromise? I like the way former House Majority Leader Dick Armey answers that question: "You can compromise on details, you can compromise on strategies, but you must never compromise on principles."
For the most part, compromising on "details and strategy" can be beneficial if it helps equals to get past trivial issues. But when it comes to principles, Ayn Rand had it right: How do you compromise between good and evil? Between moral and immoral? Between freedom and slavery?
Also, remember another important lesson from the Valkyrie episode: Circumstances change. And when circumstances change, perceptions can change. If you don't believe it, just think about the way the public perception of Cassius Clay changed when he changed his name to Muhammad Ali. Then, worse, when he refused to be inducted into the U.S. Army on the grounds that he was a conscientious objector."
January 8, 2009 at 7:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
Tall Blonde, I love your good intentions BUT my post is factually accurate and however passionate you might be in your post, the facts I very clearly and dispassionately explained remain unchanged. You should accept same instead of engaging in something as transparent as using the "put down and dismissal" technique. Fennell is not doing a "great job". He is capitalizing on a human weakness, as my previous post explains all too well. I learned a long time ago that good intentions aren't enough and this is something you apparently need to learn as well.
January 8, 2009 at 7:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tallblonde (anonymous) says...
postman01 - All I know is that Joseph Fennell is doing a good work - and being critical of that is wrong. I didn't read Mr Fennell comparing himself to Socrates or Jesus or the Dalai Lama.....he read about something that needed improving - and he stepped forward to take personal responsibility to improve it. I truthfully don't see either you or I or anyone else doing that - so I stand by my post that Joseph Fennell is to be commended for good thoughts and deeds.
January 8, 2009 at 7:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
A few comments Postman that reading your post brought to mind.
1. The first definition of the word fun in my old Webster dictionary is ;"to act foolishly".
As I see for instance various commercials on TV featuring people having fun eg.getting soaked at the Orca pool at Disney world or some such stuff, I immediately think, yup, they're acting like fools!
2. My old man always told me perception is everything.
3. Another one of the old man's classic observations about people in general, "They hear but they do not listen"
January 8, 2009 at 7:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dhshjh (anonymous) says...
I think what Joseph Fennell is doing is a good thing, but, I agree that is is not for the right reasons. The article states that the reason he is doing this is to make the gay community look good. Not just for the park or the people. If the parts about the march and overhearing something about the gay community were not in the article then it would seem a lot better.
Good to see the trolls gone. PRSISBEST was really out of it yesterday. Calling me names for things I didn't even post.
January 9, 2009 at 12:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
Getserious needs help. I post under my user name and NO OTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 9, 2009 at 3:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
B_Fwank (anonymous) says...
Getserious in a nutshell;
Seeking Attention
Every troll demands attention. Over 90% of misbehavior by trolls is for attention. Denying attention in such situations usually stops the misbehavior. If a poster is constantly having to cope with attention-getting behavior however, ignoring may not always be enough of a response. Being ignored may be the reason for the problem in the first place.
For trolls who require undue attention, the temptation for most posters is to scold, nag, or coax. When posters remember that the troll's goal is to get attention (any attention), it's easy to see that scolding or nagging only encourages more misbehavior. In a troll's mind, the attention from an angry poster is better than no attention at all.
Check any of my posts, agree or disagree, I add thought and substance to all my posts. On the other hand, your limited brain power can only add school yard insults and little boy bravado. Your a friggin wuss. A mommy boy wearing his sisters dress. What a waste.
getserious, TP, DTMB - An "Internet troll" or "Forum Troll" or "Message Board Troll" is a person who posts outrageous message to bait people to answer. Forum Troll delights in sowing discord on the forums. A troll is someone who inspires flaming rhetoric, someone who is purposely provoking and pulling people into flaming discussion. Flaming discussions usually end with name calling and a flame war.
Sometimes, Internet troll is trying to spin conflicting information, is questioning in an insincere manner, flaming discussion, insulting people, turning people against each other, harassing forum members, ignoring warnings from forum moderators.
Trolling is a form of harassment that can take over a discussion.
Without attention, Trolls are nothing. They have no audience, and no victim. To read the website, click here.
The mentality of a Troll is obvious - he wants a cheap laugh, and that is all. The offense that may be caused is of no concern to him, as are any other ramifications of his actions.
Trolls are a nuisance. They purposefully cause annoyance to other users, but their approach can, and does, vary. Some trolls are obvious, some are not. They're kids who aren't mature enough to have a sensible conversation.
Everyone of getserious posts are nothing more than troll crap!
Facts and arguments are a waste of time for a troll like getserious.
main type of troll:
people who have the psychological need to feel good by making others feel bad. <---getserious
This is a sort of "psycho troll", whose deception involves deceiving themselves as well as others.
January 9, 2009 at 7:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
The adolescent GetDelerious lacking general knowledge has to compensate by injecting what he surly feels are witty, clever comments in opposition to any rational input by other posters.
We all get off topic, he rarely gets on topic, but that's not his goal anyway. look at me, I'm here!
Then to show everyone how really smart he is he will top of his childish displeasure with reality by injecting, LOL, AHAHAHAHAH!!!, LMFAO, or lolooooooooooooooooo!!!!!or fuggin something or other, which might boost his low self esteem but only serves to prove to most that he's an immature mental midget.
He is definitely worth ignoring.
January 9, 2009 at 9:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
abitskeptical (anonymous) says...
B_Fwank-your commentary on trolls is good.
It is best to play the "invisible & mute to me" game(aka dead to me game) w/ them. As children we would sometimes engage in "lets see how much we can get the goat of this sibling" & when she walked into the room & began talking we would act like she was not there, like we did not see or hear her.
Sometimes, though, with the internet troll, the temptation to engage gets to be too much, & one gets sucked into their vapid void. This usually happens to me when I have more time than usual to sit at the computer.
January 9, 2009 at 12:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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