You know, I don't think I've ever posted in this particular forum. And I apologize to my fellow mod, Quasar, if my doing so makes his job more difficult than it already is.
Dink, I know CowboyBob from over in the politics and current events forum. We have profound disagreements as it relates to politics. But I have known him to be a man of principals and I respect and support him in that regard.
I've seen your position evolve from Axl being a confused youth to being indifferent, no supportive, about "White Pride" racism.
I find that deeply offensive. While my being honest in saying so, may jeopardize my tenure as a moderator, I couldn't live with myself if I didn't speak the truth. That's just how I am.
I don't think attacking members who have honest disagreements with your choices as it relates to your business, goes to winning many friends.
And them attacking me should go unanswered? How does that work? Just sound like more double standard to me. But, that's how the game seems to be played here at JUB among the regular posters and that's fine. All the more reason for me not to be involved.
Had you read the thread and saw the personal attacks against myself that was purely out of anger you might have spent equal amounts of time admonishing your fellow posters who partook in that action. I simply defended myself when needed with a taste of their own flame. Was it the right decision on my part? Certainly not. But most of us succumbed to the temptation, unfortunately.
I'm not here to hurt anyone or throw flames, but I will not stand by when others do so and let it go unanswered. However, I will no longer engage in the flame throwing and name calling because it's all really counter productive. I'm ashamed of myself for doing so.
Everyone here is welcome to their own opinion about Axl. His images have been banned from JUB and they don't have to look at him or his tattoos on this site and they certainly don't have to visit AD. With that said, a little moderation was certainly in order here. Some of my comments deserved removal as well and I'm glad they were removed along with the others.
Cowboy Bob, myself and a lot of others lost their tempers here and allowed it to get the best of us. It's regretful (at least to me) but it does happen when issues are of a sensitive nature. I'm more than willing to engage in an adult exchange, but I won't stand by and be belittled or demeaned just because someone feels it their right to do so. Belittle and demean the issue, not each other.
I have spoken to Axl about this issue for hours. I've let him read the old thread. He was concerned and after our talks he agreed that he would/should have the 14 88 tats covered. His explanations for the tats remained the same. What am I to do? Tell him he's a liar? No, I sat him down and talked to him about how it affects other people and he understands that and doesn't want to offend people. He also wishes he'd understood more about the tattoo choices he made at the time he got them, but they are there. He maintains that he has never been involved with a hate group or supported racist beliefs. Again, am I to call him a liar? His agreeing that he should remove the 14 88 tattoo shows that after understanding what it really means and its implications that it isn't something he wants on his body anymore.
As for his other tattoos--The Celtic Cross and the Vikings Prayer--the ADL web site warns us that many tattoos often have double meanings and that we should use care when evaluating what they mean to the individual that wears them. The ADL web site makes no mention of the Vikings Prayer and does not include it or Thors Hammer in its database. It plainly states the following:
"Users of this database should keep in mind, however, that few symbols ever represent just one idea or are used exclusively by one group. For example, the Confederate Flag is a symbol that is frequently used by white supremacists but which also has been used by people and groups that are not racist. To some it may signify pride in one's heritage but to others it suggests slavery or white supremacy. Similarly, other symbols in this database may be significant to groups or individuals who are not extreme or racist. The descriptions here point out significant multiple meanings but may not be able to relay every single possible meaning of a particular symbol. For this reason, all of the symbols depicted here must be evaluated in the context in which they are used."
Now, I'm not using that as an excuse for what his tattoos could represent. Only he knows the real meaning behind the tattoos and what they represent to him. Again, he has maintained that they were not intended to be racist, a measure of showing hate or meant to offend anyone.
Someone on this thread pointed out that some images of Axl from recent updates show the 14 88 tattoos being removed. This is true. We had shot those scenes before I knew anything about the possible double meanings and before Axl and I discussed this and he agreed to have the 14 88 removed. It was a measure that we both decided to take.
We have all offended one another here and on the other thread. Everyone is welcome to their opinion and will ultimately feel the way they wish to feel about it. I respect that, Axl respects that and he feels strongly enough to remove the 14 88 tattoo.
I certainly don't expect that his choice to do so should appease or change anyone's mind. But, I do feel it's a step in the right direction. As for me, you have every reason to take fault with me for some of the things I've said while the flames were being thrown here and I don't expect you to change your mind about me based on this post. You have every right to decide for yourself whether my responses were how I really feel or just knee-jerk reactions to the insults I received while the flames were being thrown.
Either way, I'm not asking for your forgiveness. I am offering my forgiveness for tempers being flared, names being called and people losing control and my apologies for the role I played in that.
Take care of yourselves and each other.
