Time to think

[mike219]

I would like to reach out to every member here with an apology and to ask forgiveness. I realized that somewhere in this debate that anything else I had to add would be unproductive and also a distraction to what is important here. I actually thought I had made my last post concerning it last night and then this morning while getting ready for church of all things I just had to go get one more word in, Knowing that I have probably caused a significant distraction. Well I see it has and again my apologies to everyone here for it.

I will ask that that this stops right here with me right now and that if anybody has anything else that they mean to say to me concerning this that it be done via email. I will read everything you have to say without prejudice. I believe it is the right thing to do to bring focus back to this site.

I have plans for the rest of the day and would like to be able to come back here in the next day without any animosities.

Most respectfully Mike

[liz64]

"Metaphysical questions and reflections on life and death were created for people alive and not for the dead. However, they do not have to solve all mystery; it is enough for them to create some distraction and to dream that they clarify." - 'The Philosopher's Stone'

I appreciate debate, and the ability to stand by moral code in the light of prejudice.

Be proud of you and hold on to your beliefs, no matter the push or scowl that comes with it. Individualism is our greatest gift and knowledge, in any form, is power.

My power is in believing that addiction is in the hands of the addict. And I feel that throwing stones at the tobacco companies or blaming my ancestors for my genetic breakdown will in no way save my life. It will only give me fuel for anger, denial, and self-loathing. I hold my life in my hands. I hold myself accountable.

Don't apologize for your belief system, curiousities, or thoughts. Just understand that open forums and discussions will always and forever be a battle of the wills.  

[maggie_8-1-2010]

Apparently I am not privy to what you refer to as distractions. I read all the public stuff regarding Dr. Hurt and his recent blog and don't see anywhere where you caused any distraction. As far I as I can see it is not about you that peope are talking. Instead there has been a lively debate about genetics, environmental and learned behaviors etc. All pertinent to smoke cessation. Respectfully stated:  Relax dude. Protect your quit and have a good day!

[pipster540]

But now what will I do for fun?????

How about this?

Music | Forward this Picture" />

[EllenMT]

Don't ever apologize for your opinion.  An educated, informed opinion has every right to be here, now if you were to say the sky wasn't blue I might have a serious case of are you kidding me? But I didn't see any personal attacks, just differences of opinion. 

[Mothergoose9]

I have something to say to you and I refuse to say it privately.......CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!  You are 60 days FREE today!!!!  60 DAYS that you have refused to use!!!!  60 days of FREEDOM that you probably wondered a time or two if you would ever achieve!!!!!!  YOU ROCK!!!!!! 🙂

[jojo29]

                     Hey mike, have a great smoke free day, and congrats on ur 60 days,  are ya riding the freedom train mike :)) proud to call u my friend hang in there ya doin just great!! joanne.

[Thomas3.20.2010]

Hold your head high! YOU are an Exer! CONGRATULATIONS!

[marie10]

I think you are being too hard on yourself. YOU ROCK, Mr. 60 days and we will ALWAYS support you in that.

God Loves you and so do I and the EXer community.

[Rick_M]

No need to apologize Mike you have done nothing wrong.

Just stay with your quit Mike..........

[breathe-free]

You are an awesome man...and I know your intent and motivation was coming from a really good place....to help others. Sure am proud to call you one of my friends.  We will keep learning together!  Breathe Free

[laurie37]

Debate is excellent! You are an intelligent and thought provoking man and I value your beliefs and your strength to stand up for yours and others' beliefs. You are always polite and I love reading your intelligent, well thought out blogs. Don't ever change!!!! And CONGRATULATIONS on 60 days my friend!!!! 🙂

(((HUGS)))

[Bonnie11.3.2009]

No problem, Mike!  Congratulations o 60 days!  Good for you!

[Debi12]

Congratulations Mike,

60 days is quite a milestone.  Your opinions and support are needed here! 

No need to apologize  -  protect your quit!!

[Sootie]

Mike---there is absolutely no animosity in debate. The strength of the EX community doesn't lie in people sending each other private e-mails....it lies in the open debate.

Don't let these discussions hurt your feelings or make you think anyone is angry or make you stop stating your opinion. That doesn't add to the community voice. There were three people who agreed with Dr. Hurt (probably many more who did not comment). None of them have been "hounded" off the site or bothered in any way UNLESS they imagine that a different opinion is "bothering."  And I am sure Dr. Hurt is still here.

It's an open discussion site.  Enjoy it.

AND CONGRATULATIONS on 60 days----woo hoo!!!!

[Mary155]

Good job on a great quit, be at ease and peace, feel free to speak your mind.  If you want forgiveness, easy enough here on my end.  I cannot give unforgiveness towards anyone for any reason, I've been forgiven too much.  🙂

[lynette9]

Whoa, Mike, 60 days, eh???? Well, good for you!! You're sure not letting your awful genetics stop you from quitting!!!!! 😉

Let IT ALL hangout, I say!!! And here, here, on what Sootie and Laurie said!!!

{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}

[cookiegirl]

CONGRATS. MIKE , 60 days keep up the great work !!!!!!

[Leeza]

Mike...I believe that you have nothing to apologize for nor should you be asking anyone here for forgiveness.  This is the first comment I have to say on all of this.  Didn't see me stating anything before, did you?  Doesn't mean that I didn't have an opinion....just didn't want to engage.  Sometimes it's just better not to say anything at all.  Hope that you are having a good Sunday and that Monday will surely be better.  Hugs!!!