Penny, I think they have made it clear that Pride events are educational yet celebratory, with the pride parades being the "mardi gras" type of event. And as has been said, OKC's event is nowhere near as 'offensive' or touching the borders of society as SF's. I think you would be surprised if you went to the very tame and educational OKC parade by comparison.

Asd I said, my post was in direct response to the cautionary comment by someone to avoid engaging in stereotypes that would be harmful.

OK, how about a show of hands...who here has actually seen a pride parade in person??

I've seen two...here and Atlanta. Both were attended by people of all ages including families with children. Both were a lot of fun, very positive energy. There were no hedonistic displays b/c well, that's quite against the law and there are cops all over the place as well, mostly to protect the paradegoers from lunatics.

So, if you've never actually seen one, maybe you are guilty of ill-informed assumptions.

I wish people would actually read what some of us wrote.

I guess I will honor the 'secrecy' regarding this late mayor's sexual orientation, even though it was not much of a secret at the time. He was about as 'out' as someone could be in OKC in the sixties. I was aware of it, and I was a teenager.

Penny, I think they have made it clear that Pride events are educational yet celebratory, with the pride parades being the "mardi gras" type of event. And as has been said, OKC's event is nowhere near as 'offensive' or touching the borders of society as SF's. I think you would be surprised if you went to the very tame and educational OKC parade by comparison.

Just wondering....what are some 'educational' aspects of a gay pride parade?...for real...

Just wondering....what are some 'educational' aspects of a gay pride parade?...for real...

That we owns the rainbow? lol

Just wondering....what are some 'educational' aspects of a gay pride parade?...for real...

you may need to go to OKC's parade to find out. One educational thing I can think off the top, is that sexual orientation of a person does not matter to the well being and economy of OKC; in that many in control of businesses and society are not heterosexual. Im not sure if the Pride Parade there would 'teach' that, but it is an avenue for people to come out and enjoy a day together. Other than that, Im not sure what OKC's pride parade is all about but I'd encourage people to take a visit with an open mind and then decide for yourself. ..

Was flipping thru the channels last night and came across a documentary on PBS' American Experience called "Stonewall Uprising". Very interesting. I didn't know the roots of the gay civil rights movement. Also didn't know that the first ever gay pride parade was actually a civil rights march that came from this incident in NYC. Basically every gay pride parade since commemorates Stonewall and is why they're typically held in late June.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/stonewall/

Was flipping thru the channels last night and came across a documentary on PBS' American Experience called "Stonewall Uprising". Very interesting. I didn't know the roots of the gay civil rights movement. Also didn't know that the first ever gay pride parade was actually a civil rights march that came from this incident in NYC. Basically every gay pride parade since commemorates Stonewall and is why they're typically held in late June.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/stonewall/

Interesting... I didn't know that either

Yeah, funny how stuff like that was left out of our public school curriculum on the civil rights movement...and still is.

Once in a while...it is good to look around you and see what is going on...even read a book every now and then.
Do you expect everything to be laid before you to absorb--if you wish--or do you think you have any obligation to self-educate yourself?
It is the difference between those who are somebody--and those who are not.

All this information has been common knowledge to most people for over 40 years.

No one should be proud of being gay and they should not have a parade for it.

It is shameful, immoral behavior.

This is not a family event.

No one should be proud of being gay and they should not have a parade for it.

It is shameful, immoral behavior.

This is not a family event.

Un-hinged...

No one should be proud of being gay and they should not have a parade for it.

It is shameful, immoral behavior.

This is not a family event.

Does that mean you won't be attending the event? I'm sure the organizers will be heartbroken, lol!

Yeah, funny how stuff like that was left out of our public school curriculum on the civil rights movement...and still is.

I teach, and many others, teach about Stonewall now. It's just recently started to be included in U.S. History curricula. Obviously, everyone should know about this.

No one should be proud of being gay and they should not have a parade for it.

It is shameful, immoral behavior.

This is not a family event.

lake hefner breeze kind of sounds like a gay name. You should definitely come out to the parade. Lol.
A lot of old people do not support gay rights. Young people do. If you haven't noticed you are literally a dying breed. Gay rights are on their way and comments like yours will be viewed in the same light as racists in the 60s. The future is bright...

lake hefner breeze kind of sounds like a gay name. You should definitely come out to the parade. Lol.
A lot of old people do not support gay rights. Young people do. If you haven't noticed you are literally a dying breed. Gay rights are on their way and comments like yours will be viewed in the same light as racists in the 60s. The future is bright...

Actually, we're all a dying breed, literally. Some just die sooner than others.

Actually, we're all a dying breed, literally. Some just die sooner than others.


I find the mirror can be quite useful in this type of predicting...

Was flipping thru the channels last night and came across a documentary on PBS' American Experience called "Stonewall Uprising". Very interesting. I didn't know the roots of the gay civil rights movement. Also didn't know that the first ever gay pride parade was actually a civil rights march that came from this incident in NYC. Basically every gay pride parade since commemorates Stonewall and is why they're typically held in late June.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/stonewall/
I forgot the name of it but there's an interesting documentary about what the gays in San Francisco had to go through to be treated equally. In the early days San Fransciso was not all that gay friendly or accepting.

No one should be proud of being gay and they should not have a parade for it.

It is shameful, immoral behavior.

This is not a family event.

Then if gays offend you so severely because their sex acts are so gross and repulsive, not to mention shameful and immoral, don't go to the gay parade.

No one should be proud of being gay and they should not have a parade for it.

It is shameful, immoral behavior.

This is not a family event.

Wow, that is rude. Well, since you love Lake Hefner so much, just FYI about the bench next to the lighthouse. Think about it... :-)

No one should be proud of being gay and they should not have a parade for it.
It is shameful, immoral behavior.
This is not a family event.
Lake Hefner Breeze, it is not so much that the LGBT's are "proud" as such for being what they sexually are, it is more that they are proud for WHOEVER it is that they are, or something like that. I understand where you are coming from and I'm not going to ridicule you for your beliefs and/or perceptions, and you may never change them. But maybe you will. I would suppose that thoughtful consideration, without rejecting the LGBT positions out of hand, would be seen by the group as a welcome thing, even if you come not to change your mind and/or beliefs. It is not an easy issue for many straight people. But, since you have so many fellow citizens would like to embrace you and you them, it might be worth considering ... just to think and consider. Some of those people may be your friends already, but you might not know what they have not made public.

I'm supposing that you are a Christian but if not you almost certainly accept the "Golden Rule" which derives from Christian teachings, and that would be something like this: One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself.

Wow, that is rude. Well, since you love Lake Hefner so much, just FYI about the bench next to the lighthouse. Think about it... :-)

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp260/diggyba/Untitled.png

Lake Hefner Breeze, it is not so much that the LGBT's are "proud" as such for being what they sexually are, it is more that they are proud for WHOEVER it is that they are, or something like that. I understand where you are coming from and I'm not going to ridicule you for your beliefs and/or perceptions, and you may never change them. But maybe you will. I would suppose that thoughtful consideration, without rejecting the LGBT positions out of hand, would be seen by the group as a welcome thing, even if you come not to change your mind and/or beliefs. It is not an easy issue for many straight people. But, since you have so many fellow citizens would like to embrace you and you them, it might be worth considering ... just to think and consider. Some of those people may be your friends already, but you might not know what they have not made public.

I'm supposing that you are a Christian but if not you almost certainly accept the "Golden Rule" which derives from Christian teachings, and that would be something like this: One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself.

You are quite the diplomat. It's easy to disregard someone that is ignorant and hateful. It is much harder to reach out to them. Kudos. You did better than I did.

Actually, we're all a dying breed, literally. Some just die sooner than others.

At least the breeders reproduce.

Hahaha, Just kidding, it was just too easy. When I was a guardian ad litem, some of the best parents I dealt with were lesbian couples.

I know a guy who was the sperm donor for a lesbian couple who wanted to reproduce.

I know a guy who was the sperm donor for a lesbian couple who wanted to reproduce.

That is how both these couples that I worked with also had kids.

Unfortunately, when one couple broke up, the "mother" (who was also the bio mom) wanted full custody but the bio dad sided with the "father" lesbian and it started getting very ugly because the contract between the three of them wasn't worth the paper it was written on. It was really, really ugly for awhile. The "mother" had taken up with someone else and the "father" didn't want their child exposed to the new love interest - but she lacked legal rights even though they had a kinda sorta agreement between them. Plus, she was hurt, especially when the "Mother" threw up in her face that she (the mother) was the "real" parent and that the "father" had no rights that she (the mother) wasn't willing to allow.

Sigh. Not one time did anyone suggest the "father" hadn't been a good parent and a good spouse. And yet. People are idiots.

It probably would have been better if the "mother" had just come clean about the situation but she just didn't want to be the bad guy and because she'd been doing some boneheaded things the way cheating spouses tend to do. So she lied and got caught and with the third party bio dad still in the situation, coupled with the "father" not having legal rights to the child, the whole dynamic was wretched.

To their credit, they worked very hard to keep the child out of it. She was eight and aware of what was going on but they were doing all the could to be civil and keep things tamped down to the extent they could. Just when it started to go dreadfully south and the bio dad was literally heading down to the courthouse file papers (he lived in another state), the parents set their differences aside for the child's sake, the "mother" came sort of clean on the cheating and lying, and the "father," (who in my opinion was a saint), agreed to joint custody and a few other points intended to put the little girl, first. The bio dad's custody matter was dropped and while I don't know how it will end up going over time, it was my experience that things do tend to get better once it isn't so raw if the parents are willing to be grownups. The parents had to draft a new agreement between them (again, it probably isn't binding) but the "father" was willing to trust the "mother" to do the right thing. Of course, since she had no legal rights to the little girl, the "mother" pretty much had her over a barrel. Kudos to the "mother" for coming to her senses and realizing that the little girl had been raised by both of them.

You are quite the diplomat. It's easy to disregard someone that is ignorant and hateful. It is much harder to reach out to them. Kudos. You did better than I did.

Doug is a huge asset to the OKC community and to this forum. Definitely agree with your point. It is very easy to just put these trolls on ignore and move on, but it is definitely even more trying to attempt to reach out and start an open dialog.

No one should be proud of being gay and they should not have a parade for it.

It is shameful, immoral behavior.

This is not a family event.

So is being a judgmental bigot.

Bring on the parade!

So is being a judgmental bigot.

Bring on the parade!

:Smiley026

Don't know why, but this thread got me to thinking about this great number......


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6S5caRGpK4

Maybe we can change the words to "Gay Parades Are Not Just For Gays Anymore!"

Loved the YouTube! Ahem - but the flashing of the nuns' legs was a bit much, don't you think? <g>

Here we have the good old-fashioned debate as to whether we should be able to censor public speech which some people find offensive. The Supreme Court has answered this question. If the Westboro folks are able to do what they do, then the LGBT community can do whatever the hell it wants to (within the bounds of the law) during this parade, and the Oklahoma Upright Citizens Brigade can't do a thing about it. So legally, we've pretty well established that this conduct can't be stopped, and that's a fact as much as 2+2 = 4.

So the next question is should it be cancelled? Should we be offended that these folks are able to do things many think to be indecent? It comes down to opinion.

A lot of these members of the Oklahoma Upright Citizens Brigade claim to be conservative. Some claim that their right to swing their fist ends at my nose. They want small government and freedom. How does a demand to eliminate offensive conduct of people we disagree with square with these notions of freedom? It doesn't at all.

My personal opinion? Gay folks have to hear folks like kilgore and lake Hefner condemn them for things which don't affect people like kilgore and Hefner. They have to put up with discrimination in the workplace and elsewhere as well. Many have to keep very important parts of their lives totally segregated from other parts, leading effectively a double life. And at least once a year, they get to be in your face about their lifestyle, because lemme tell ya, Bible beating Sally Kern types are in their face the other 364 days a year.

My personal opinion? Gay folks have to hear folks like kilgore and lake Hefner condemn them for things which don't affect people like kilgore and Hefner.

Might wanna double-check your reading comprehension, dude. KilgoreTrout was coming down on lake hefner breeze.

I'm definitely a huge supporter of gay rights. Not sure how that got confused.

I think Mid just got wrapped up in his own argument there.

Thank you, KilgoreTrout and Venture79, for your kind remarks. Everyone has to walk in their own path and garner their own accumulation of experiences and figure out what they all add up to, and that's not an easy thing to do. It wasn't for me, anyway.

Unless I'm unique, most straight guys will have had at least one or several gay stories to tell, and I'm in the several category, beginning during high school when attending (but only as an observer) the National Forensic League debate tournament in San Diego in early summer 1960. While listening to the Floyd Patterson/Ingemar Johansson heavyweight heavyweight champion rematch radio broadcast in the hotel lobby, the night hotel manager walked over to me and invited me to his room ... he said nothing specific but I got the unmistakeable drift and I declined. A decade later, in 1970 during my last month of active duty in the US Army, a co-worker in whose apartment I was staying ... he was from Enid, Ok ... hit on me while I was staying in his apartment while I eagerly anticipated ending active duty and coming home to Oklahoma City at the end of my 2-year active duty tour. His overture was unexpected and unwelcome and met with my firm and angry rebuff. Shortly after that, in 1970 or 1971, I represented a wife in a divorce case here in Oklahoma City ... her husband had just come out of the closet ... and I remember the awkwardness that I felt when speaking with him ... he had no lawyer. A decade or so later, in 1981, while experiencing my own divorce, I learned that I had more gay friends than I knew, two or three in particular, who helped me through that very difficult time. And, today, several of my good friends are openly gay.

Speaking to the straight audience, I guess that the bottom lines are these: Do I fear them? No. Do I want to be with them sexually? No. Do I like them as people and regard them as friends? Yes.

I've skipped over several other illustrations. I'm not exactly sure what I'm trying to say other than to relate a few experiences that they are personal to me and perhaps encourage readers to do the same with their eyes wide open ... you readers will have had your own experiences.

Perhaps what I'm trying to say is that it's really not easy for a straight guy to figure out a gay comfort zone, and that it does take time. A straight guy doesn't want to be hit on, but, at the same time, a straight guy can have lots of gay friends who would not be inclined to do so and who just want to be friends, associates, clients, whatever. As well, a straight guy can come to learn that a family member is not heterosexual. It's good to have a handle on one's comfort zone before learning the latter.

In the end, all I'm really saying to everyone is .. think, consider ... and do the right thing.

Here we have the good old-fashioned debate as to whether we should be able to censor public speech which some people find offensive. The Supreme Court has answered this question. If the Westboro folks are able to do what they do, then the LGBT community can do whatever the hell it wants to (within the bounds of the law) during this parade, and the Oklahoma Upright Citizens Brigade can't do a thing about it. So legally, we've pretty well established that this conduct can't be stopped, and that's a fact as much as 2+2 = 4.

So the next question is should it be cancelled? Should we be offended that these folks are able to do things many think to be indecent? It comes down to opinion.

A lot of these members of the Oklahoma Upright Citizens Brigade claim to be conservative. Some claim that their right to swing their fist ends at my nose. They want small government and freedom. How does a demand to eliminate offensive conduct of people we disagree with square with these notions of freedom? It doesn't at all.

My personal opinion? Gay folks have to hear folks like kilgore and lake Hefner condemn them for things which don't affect people like kilgore and Hefner. They have to put up with discrimination in the workplace and elsewhere as well. Many have to keep very important parts of their lives totally segregated from other parts, leading effectively a double life. And at least once a year, they get to be in your face about their lifestyle, because lemme tell ya, Bible beating Sally Kern types are in their face the other 364 days a year.

Having lived and managed people in San Francisco, I have some familiarity with these folks.

In a nutshell...their acceptance will be commensurate locally--wherever--with how much they try to rub their lifestyle choices into other's faces whom they KNOW will be offended. A Parade can be something to be a silly drag queen exposition...or something more logical. The problem gay people face mostly is public behavior they do to outrage others. You can SAY that is not so...I know better. Been there...seen it all.

Seen the queens roar into Roman Catholic churches on Sunday throwing pictures of naked men into the air, screaming. Is that who ANYONE approves or or can tolerate? Their problems are often of their own making...but...often not, as well. Laws are in place and applied with more seriousness. But--it takes both sides.

jmarkross, your comment is saddening because it evidences no willingness at all to accept what LGBT's in Oklahoma City are doing unless compared to some other place. I.e., you are stereotyping. Have you observed the kinds of behavior you described occurring here in Oklahoma City, or, by your referencing, are you just sure that it will, based upon your expectations? Do you have a gay/lesbian friend in Oklahoma City who has, or you suspect might, do such a thing? Or do you have any LGBT friends at all, so not to be able draw a fair comparison?

Having lived and managed people in San Francisco, I have some familiarity with these folks.

In a nutshell...their acceptance will be commensurate locally--wherever--with how much they try to rub their lifestyle choices into other's faces whom they KNOW will be offended. A Parade can be something to be a silly drag queen exposition...or something more logical. The problem gay people face mostly is public behavior they do to outrage others. You can SAY that is not so...I know better. Been there...seen it all.

Seen the queens roar into Roman Catholic churches on Sunday throwing pictures of naked men into the air, screaming. Is that who ANYONE approves or or can tolerate? Their problems are often of their own making...but...often not, as well. Laws are in place and applied with more seriousness. But--it takes both sides.

Wow. Stopped reading at "these folks." I know many gay people in the OKC and DFW area and NONE have ever done anything like what you are saying. You're nor just stereotyping, but showing your ignorance. Your bigotry is the same as someone that doesn't like black people because they saw a black person commit a crime. Timothy McVeigh blew up the Murrah Building so let's stereotype all straight, white males as terrorists. Oh wait, stereotypes are only used against minority groups... I forgot. Stereotypes come from incomplete, anecdotal evidence, fear, and ignorance. You need to educate yourself so you don't sound foolish.

jmarkross, your comment is saddening because it evidences no willingness at all to accept what LGBT's in Oklahoma City are doing unless compared to some other place. I.e., you are stereotyping. Have you observed the kinds of behavior you described occurring here in Oklahoma City, or, by your referencing, are you just sure that it will, based upon your expectations? Do you have a gay/lesbian friend in Oklahoma City who has, or you suspect might, do such a thing? Or do you have any LGBT friends at all, so not to be able draw a fair comparison?

In a nutshell...their acceptance will be commensurate locally--wherever--with how much they try to rub their lifestyle choices into other's faces whom they KNOW will be offended. A Parade can be something to be a silly drag queen exposition...or something more logical. The problem gay people face mostly is public behavior they do to outrage others. You can SAY that is not so...I know better. Been there...seen it all.

Might wanna double-check your reading comprehension, dude. KilgoreTrout was coming down on lake hefner breeze.

Apologies.

Having lived and managed people in San Francisco, I have some familiarity with these folks.

Explain who "these folks" are? All gay people?

Anyone on here wanna take this gay boy to the pride party? :-O

In a nutshell...their acceptance will be commensurate locally--wherever--with how much they try to rub their lifestyle choices into other's faces whom they KNOW will be offended. A Parade can be something to be a silly drag queen exposition...or something more logical. The problem gay people face mostly is public behavior they do to outrage others. You can SAY that is not so...I know better. Been there...seen it all.Once again, if someone expects to be offended and upset by the gay parade and other gay events in OKC, then don't go to any of them. Your problem solved.

So is being a judgmental bigot.

Bring on the parade!

This post by bandnerd is a personal attack and should be removed.

According to Pete we should be concerned with how people in other states perceive us by how we treat each other on this site.

It appears those who agree with homosexuality get special treatment.

This post by bandnerd is a personal attack and should be removed.

You attacked first.

You attacked first.

Wrong.

I expressed my beliefs.

Wrong.

I expressed my beliefs.

Its a very scary belief. :-(

In a nutshell...their acceptance will be commensurate locally--wherever--with how much they try to rub their lifestyle choices into other's faces whom they KNOW will be offended. A Parade can be something to be a silly drag queen exposition...or something more logical. The problem gay people face mostly is public behavior they do to outrage others. You can SAY that is not so...I know better. Been there...seen it all.

jmark, do some gay people exhibit outrageous behavior on purpose to get a reaction? Of course some do. But that is basically true of a small segment of any particular minority group. To say that is problem gay people face mostly is a gross exaggeration no matter where you've been or what you've seen.

Its a very scary belief. :-(

You shouldn't fear the truth.

You shouldn't fear the truth.

What truth? You're talking to a gay boy here. Does that scare you?

You shouldn't fear the truth.

Fortunately your beliefs and the truth are mutually exclusive. LOL

I have to agree with lake hefner breeze on the attack. He holds an opinion, while not shared by many of us, is shared by a huge number of people. Stating an honest opinion shouldn't result in personal name calling.

I have to agree with lake hefner breeze on the attack. He holds an opinion, while not shared by many of us, is shared by a huge number of people. Stating an honest opinion shouldn't result in personal name calling.

I certainly agree with that Mike. No one should be attacked personally. Attacking their beliefs it totally within bounds though.

Everyone on this site has the right to post their opinion, when they overstep and start attacking people that is where it goes bad. When their words start to take the path of pure trolling through and do nothing to benefit the discussion, that is just as bad. We've started to see (and have seen) a trend or history of some people and how they choose to interact to where it is mostly inflammatory or out to get a reaction from people. They've delivered zero quality content to the community here and have instead chosen to take on antagonistic role in their time here.

What can we do? If you don't agree with them or prefer not to deal with any negative trolling - place them on ignore.

The other option is to click the yield sign at the bottom of the corresponding post and report it to Pete and Mmm to review/action/delete/whatever.

Engaging these people and hoping to have a decent discussion or exchange of opinions is great and how it should work. However, if it is obvious it just isn't going to happen and they are here for the simple enjoyment of getting people worked up and not taking responsibility for what they say - report them and ignore them. 99% of the posts they make they likely wouldn't make if their Real Name (verified by a photo ID or other method) was required for their posts. Perhaps that should be a requirement if they get too many reports against them.

Anywho, back on topic since this is sort of feeding in to throwing this off topic which is their primary goal.

In a nutshell...their acceptance will be commensurate locally--wherever--with how much they try to rub their lifestyle choices into other's faces whom they KNOW will be offended. A Parade can be something to be a silly drag queen exposition...or something more logical. The problem gay people face mostly is public behavior they do to outrage others. You can SAY that is not so...I know better. Been there...seen it all.

Would you quit "rubbing your strange lifestyle" of unnecessary italics and bold in my face! It's nauseating and I HATE EVERYONE THAT IMPROPERLY USES ITALICS AND BOLD! Lol.

I have to agree with lake hefner breeze on the attack. He holds an opinion, while not shared by many of us, is shared by a huge number of people. Stating an honest opinion shouldn't result in personal name calling.

Is it okay to personally attack someone that advocates a belief system that invalidates others?

While I don't like attacks as a way of addressing injustice, I think my question is a fair one?

Everyone on this site has the right to post their opinion, when they overstep and start attacking people that is where it goes bad. When their words start to take the path of pure trolling through and do nothing to benefit the discussion, that is just as bad. We've started to see (and have seen) a trend or history of some people and how they choose to interact to where it is mostly inflammatory or out to get a reaction from people. They've delivered zero quality content to the community here and have instead chosen to take on antagonistic role in their time here.

What can we do? If you don't agree with them or prefer not to deal with any negative trolling - place them on ignore.

The other option is to click the yield sign at the bottom of the corresponding post and report it to Pete and Mmm to review/action/delete/whatever.

Engaging these people and hoping to have a decent discussion or exchange of opinions is great and how it should work. However, if it is obvious it just isn't going to happen and they are here for the simple enjoyment of getting people worked up and not taking responsibility for what they say - report them and ignore them. 99% of the posts they make they likely wouldn't make if their Real Name (verified by a photo ID or other method) was required for their posts. Perhaps that should be a requirement if they get too many reports against them.

Anywho, back on topic since this is sort of feeding in to throwing this off topic which is their primary goal.

So another post from venture79 about how this site should be managed.

Sounds like you are campaigning to be a moderator.

Last time I checked you aren't one, so why should anyone care who you think is a troll and and who isn't.

It's only your opinion.

Just stick to talking about the weather.

So another post from venture79 about how this site should be managed.

Sounds like you are campaigning to be a moderator.

Last time I checked you aren't one, so why should anyone care who you think is a troll and and who isn't.

It's only your opinion.

Just stick to talking about the weather.

Venture is only helping out here. You do not know him. He's a great guy. There is nowhere in his post campaigning for Moderator. He don't have to only talk about the weather on here.

_____

Is anyone planning on going to the parade? Send me a PM, maybe I will tag along, but I'm not going by myself. And what is the theme (if any) for this year's parade?

So another post from venture79 about how this site should be managed.

Sounds like you are campaigning to be a moderator.

Last time I checked you aren't one, so why should anyone care who you think is a troll and and who isn't.

It's only your opinion.

Just stick to talking about the weather.

Yes venture79 gave his opinion as you have. Don't be telling him what subjects to stick to. He can comment on anything he wants as can you as long as you don't personally attacking anyone or start being abusive.