David-- To be accurate, I said that you have some fence-mending to do if you want to be viewed by members like me as a good citizen of the forum. I mentioned action by the list administrator only if you choose not to do that fence-mending. You've stated your belief that you have nothing to apologize for. QED! That's clear enough. But I'm not clear on your quotation from Groucho Marx--"You can't fire me, I quit"--which you mention rather callously in response to Jocelyn's decision to leave the forum. Given your recalcitrance, however, I'm hoping that you're applying those words to yourself. --LH -----Original Message----- From: Mark Twain Forum [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of David H Fears Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2008 3:17 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Mark Twain quote? In a message dated 3/20/2008 12:54:36 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes: If Mr. Fears attempt at wit had substituted "1,000 unloved, underpaid, Engl= ish graduate students" all might have enjoyed his attempt at hyperbole. Ye= t given a choice to craft a response to what might best be characterized as= academic audience--he chose once again not to. =20 =20 Gordon Snedecor Portland, Oregon= It seems my choice of words is an exciting topic for many bored souls here. Phooey! I've known plenty of underpaid graduate students who might identify with the overworked manual laborers that the historical term "coolies" refers to. Many terms are hijacked over time. That doesn't prevent their use in the traditional sense, does it? Gay might even mean festive now and then. So someone has even tearfully quit the forum over its use? What rubbish! In the immortal words of Groucho Marx, "You can't fire me, I quit!" "Those who would celebrate diversity the loudest are the most intolerant of those they disagree with." Hail to you, Gordon, oh fellow Oregonian. Are you volunteering to revise my wit? Some may not care for my remarks and engage in personal and public condemnation, but I have not attacked them personally, nor would I, even when pointing out the hypocrisy of their comments. I've received emails with gutter language and profanities...I've been called names here by so-called "academics" who are supposed to be enlightened folks...One gentleman has just posted that the administrator should do something about my "adolescent" humor. Well, if it's recognized as humor (at least for that much intelligent perception) then why the flap? I've no reason to shake up or stir up this sleepy little forum. My interest in Twain is at least as alive as others here. I try to offer substance, not just flip remarks about the Boer war or trolls or the humor of others. I sometimes offer opinion that may not fit in with lock-step, left-wing dogma. I have attacked no one. I have nothing to apologize for. David H Fears **************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home. (http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15?ncid=aolhom0 0030000000001)