List Archives

Tue Jan 6 22:55:42 GMT 2009

From: Bjorn, Pret (pbjorn at emh.org)  > Wait: you're going to the dictionary to discredit my definition of"feckless?"

--> No.
No attempt to discredit your definition. Apology if that's what it appeared like. English is not my mother tongue, so I have made it a habit to 
check words about which I am uncertain. I checked out "fecklessness", as I was unclear as to its precise meaning. The definition I found appeared 
likely to be what you had intended, so I assumed that. I am sure many on this list are my betters, so for them a dictionary would have been 
unnecessary. I find that e-mail lists often end up in heated discussions and I would hate to cause such simply due to my ignorance of your use of language.

Having accepted your definition of "fecklessness", I disagreed with you applying it to others' "heart-felt" expressions of opinion. BECAUSE I 
accepted YOUR opinion that they were "heart-felt" views I had to reject your characterisation of them as worthless. Additionally, I stated my belief 
that their comments are as "effective" as your criticism in bringing on a solution.

> I'm sticking with "weak and ineffective."

--> If I am to propose my opinions, I must certainly accept that you are entitled to yours. Even though I did disagree this time.

> someone will immediately infer that I'm anti-semantic

--> Worse crimes than that there are, as Yoda would say... ;-)

> I'm ill-prepared for this level of grammatical combat

--> No combat. Discussion.

> Dr. Madhoun's death was a senseless waste...

--> Yes. So many people have died and are dying in so many countries for so many reasons which seem to be senseless. It is sad.

> the notion that a bunch of doctors on the internet can unite in the pursuit of Mideast peace on his behalf is a pitiable delusion, punctuating the inanity of it all

--> I am sorry that you have taken a negative view of the sentiments expressed. I saw in them no harmful intent.

> Prove me wrong

--> I cannot, personally.Still, I hope that, as more and more views are expressed, perhaps some ideas will grow among them. A group of professionals such as the ones on this list may well be able to reach some effective decisions eventually.

> Otherwise, set up a dual scholarship for Arab and Israeli trauma providers in his name

--> One good idea!

> It's a far cry from ending a perpetual war...

--> I am sure you will note my sacrifice and self-restraint in NOT checking out "perpetual" in a dictionary as pertains to the possibility of it having an "ending"... ;-)
_________________________________________________________________
Get Windows Live Messenger on your Mobile
http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/msnnkmgl0010000001ukm/direct/01/

List Archives

For your convenience, find the Trauma List Archive Below

All Talk. (was RE: trauma-list Digest, Vol 67, Issue 4)