Muscatine

I was trying to say that there is some people in my family that is fast to poo-poo people, but they wouldn't put it in writing or say it to someone's face. Why say it at all then behind someones back? Many family members come to me and ask me to "tell" someone this or "tell" someone that. Why not tell them yourself? You have a right to your own opinion.

Can you imagine how much I have "embarrassed" my family....but they still want my opinion and still want me to speak for them. I feel for Tom and encourage him to post, whether I agree with him or not. As far as I'm concerned, his postings on here are none of his family's buisness. Do they read his emails too?  I think his family needs to thank goodness that I'm not in their family.

for tom's wife's relative who reads NL (and is embarressed for himself/herself)...don't sweat the small stuff - it's all small stuff.

no one really cares about who you are (or me, tom, or anyone else who posts - with their real identity or not)...we only care about what we think others think about us, and that perception is very overrated.

on the other hand, i value tom's contribution to this little NL hole in the wall...and i really respect that he has the courage to post as himself.  

about the "homeless guy" - i have seen stories about them (on 60 minutes?).

the folks who publicly "beg" have a job...they are "homeless" professionals. they work 20-40 hours per week and earn whatever $/hour they can generate...it is a tough job, but the more successful "cons" (probably rare) can earn a decent living.

the 60 minutes story said a "con" with a dog was more successful. i think i remember they need a local, (begging) permit (if available) to be legal, otherwise they get moved on down the road...my preference.     

"Those who use a handle obviously don't believe in what they print, or, they would have signed their name to it."

Tom, everywhere in this web world we live in, are advisories to use internet security and privacy, and that you do so at your own risk. The freedom of speech right we have does not also mandate a "real" identity to go with that speech/opinion. To suggest that anyone not using their real name does not believe in what they print is contradicted by your very own participation in debates on issues on this very board. Likewise, if you truly believed that, you would only post to posts from "real name" users, like yourself, or you would not participate. 

Personal privacy should be paramount. Why anyone would release discreet private details on the internet about them or their family is beyond me. ID theft is rampant in the world today.

Here is one example of one poster here who has revealed personal info to this board over time. You tell me if this is too much or makes any difference in that person's belief in what they print:

First name, middle initial, last name.

Birthdate.

Email address.

Their spouse's name.

Their child's name.

Where their child attends school.

Who their sibling is.

Their wedding anniversary date.

Who their employer is.

What employment *class* they are in.

When they will be away from their home on vacation.

When they ARE away from home and "just checking in here".

When they will be away from their home to attend other events.

Occasionally, what shift they are working.

What area of what town they live in.

Admitted personal habits and participatory activities.

What do you think someone of nefarious intent could do with this info? Do you really think posting real id data is that wise?