A Sad Man
Originally uploaded by colinpeddle.
Update: I'm taking the links out of the last 3 posts, because Kathy has stated she now has more trouble than she could have hoped for. That's not why I did this. It's a shame that a few jerks have to be this way, but it's not for me to decide.
Kathy- I'm sorry. You didn't ask to be the poster child for internet safety. You wrote to tell your readers why you were canceling some speaking engagements. I wish you the best in whatever you do.
I feel very passionate about freedoms. Freedom to worship. Freedom from fear. Freedom of speech.
However, there are certain types of speech that are not protected. I just read an entry on Creating Passionate Users about Kathy, who had to cancel a number of public appearances because she received death threats on her blog.
Oh my God! These were not your run of the mill "I don't like what you write" kind of responses. These were planned, detailed, BACKED UP WITH VISUAL EXAMPLES (!!) threats. Who wakes up in the morning and says "today I think I'll photoshop a noose into a picture and post it on the internet'?
I can't believe this could happen. Of course, I do, because I have met these people in all walks of life. But I've come to feel so free here. Saying what I think. Linking to other blogs when I find something cute and funny. Guess what? That might be one cute and funny post in between hateful, disgusting rants. That apparently may have been the case here. Jeanne Sessums may have linked the the blog that spawned this disgusting rant.
As a lesson to us all, tread carefully in this new world. Stop by Kathy's site while you are out and about and lend your support. I've stayed home for many reasons. I've been tired. I've been embarrassed. I've been angry. I've even been afraid of terrorists.
I've never had to be afraid because I wrote a blog. God help us all.
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