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it's ugly, little head*

There have been many times that I called public delinking of another blog an immature, spiteful thing to do. I'm going to make an exception here because, as Steve said, silence in this case can be construed as condoning. Rob/Acidman has been on my links list for a long time. He is no longer there. To be honest, I haven't been reading him all that much because, when I do go over there, I'm left with a weird feeling; like something simmering on the surface of his personality, ready to boil over. Guess I was right. I know Rob has been going through a tough time lately, but his blog has become vile and nasty. One specific post, with it's gratuitous use of "the N word" eleven times, was the last straw. There's just no reason for something like that. You want to self-destruct, that's your prerogative. It's just a shame that Rob chose to make it all uglier than it already was. He had a chance to rectify the situation, but chose to make it even worse. Maybe I live in a naive little world, but I thought generalizations and stereotypes like the ones Rob made were, you know, out of vogue. In a way, I feel duped. I thought for a long time that Rob was an intelligent guy. Turns out he's ignorant. [Oliver posted about it and has links to others who have as well] *post has been edited to remove certain links. [Follow-up to this post here]

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» Pile-on? No thanks. from Amish Tech Support
Even if I did de-link Rob like everybody and their blog-brother seem to be doing, you probably wouldn't know. I keep the Blogmosis blogroll there out of respect for the Blogmosis Family, but my personal blogroll is for my use... [Read More]

» It's only a matter of few words from Tiger: Raggin' & Rantin'
It seems there are some who say Acidman has finally gone a bit too far. I do not regularly read Acidman, as I am not a big fan of vitriolic drunken babble and he seemed to dislike me, as well.... [Read More]

» Racist Is As Racist Does from Wizbang
One of the site on my occasional visit list is Gut Rumbles, the home of Rob Smith (aka Acidman). It seems that Rob has hit a rough patch, and his writings have been erratic (to say the least) lately. Last... [Read More]

» The better angels of our nature from Red Ted Keeps a Diary
I found myself thinking about why I read web logs, why I read fiction, and what things I find in common amid the various things that I read for fun. What came to mind was this: I like to read... [Read More]

» Blogger Ugliness (Rosemary, the Q.O.A.E.) from Dean's World
Acidman has been sliding downhill for a while now. I'm not unsympathetic to his current plight or his obvious other problems. That said, the last... [Read More]

» Blogger Ugliness (Rosemary, the Q.O.A.E.) from Dean's World
Acidman has been sliding downhill for a while now. I'm not unsympathetic to his current plight or his obvious other problems. That said, the last... [Read More]

» We Can No Longer Keep Quiet... from The Anti-Idiotarian Rottweiler
Yes, it's time for a round of public delinking again all over the BlogoSphere, and this one we've decided that... [Read More]

» Another Blogtard from damnum absque injuria
Forget all my nasty comments about Bill Quick. That guy may be a blogtard - and he is - but he's a friggin' genius compared to Rob "Acidhead" Smith. In this infamous post, Acidhead drops eight* gratuitous n-bombs, recycles every... [Read More]

» Racism At Gut Rumbles from Right Wing News
Today, I ran across a despicable post over at Gut Rumbles. It's the sort of racist trash I'd expect to [Read More]

» Blogging Ethics from Dru Blood - I believe in the inherent goodness of all beings.
OK, let's go there...since aaron's going all gentle art on us, and there have been a couple of things on his blog of late that have made me think about this topic, most notably his link (or non-link) to Michele's... [Read More]

» Didn't Want To Mention It from dawnolsen.com
But what the hell, like Michele says, silence implies culpability and I don't stand for it in others, so why would I make an exception. Honestly, while I hate the "N" word coming from anyone, it especially pains me to... [Read More]

» Didn't Want To Mention It from dawnolsen.com
But what the hell, like Michele says, silence implies culpability and I don't stand for it in others, so why would I make an exception. Honestly, while I hate the "N" word coming from anyone, it especially pains me to... [Read More]

» An Unrepentant Racist from Insults Unpunished
I've never cared for his blog, never had it in my blogroll and don't have to worry with de-linking. Acidman, the few times I've read him, seems to use his blog as a sort of therapy. His pathology -- in... [Read More]

» Small Brains Make For Ignorant People from IMFO
I recently posted about a guy called Acidman. Who is an ass. As I put it last time; "It's like watching a train wreck. [You don't want to look but you can't stop watching]" He's only gotten worse. And there... [Read More]

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Comments

Delinking?

People worry about this? Who cares? So you delete someone from your blogroll, big deal. I'm constantly amazed at how this phenomenon stirs people's passions.

But I guess some folks in the blogosphere (or whatever) think it's an actual place, and not just a lazily edited on-line magazine rack that anyone, at any time, can pick and choose any portion of whatever site they want to look at whenever they want.

As I like to say: whatever.

I won't speak for michele but I imagine she is aware that removing a link isn't going to make much difference to anyone. However, it is a way of expressing disapproval (especially when coupled with an eloquent explanation). Or would you rather people sat passively by? But it's certainly beter than tacitly expressing approval by providing a link.

Your judged by the company you keep in all aspects of your life, including online. All Michele did was sweep the trash off her floor.

It's a big deal, especially done in such a public fashion, because links are how we show each other respect and support, at least in theory.

When that site is removed from the roll, it can say something pretty personal.

disgusting.

The funny thing was, there wasn't a whole lot in the "offensive" post that I would classify as categorically and provably (think I just made that one up) untrue. Almost 50% of the prison population IS black. 50% of firearm homicides really ARE committed by blacks, despite them only being 11% of the population. More blacks than whites really ARE on welfare. Is he racist, or are the rest of us just blind to what's really going on?

And more importantly, if he's wrong, what's the better explanation?

Don't peg me as a racist, because I'm nothing of the sort. This just warrants a more in-depth explanation.

Hi. I'm a racist jackass, so my comment has been changed by management.
Tregonsee@outdrs.net

Uh, no, a majority of people on welfare are white, not black. There's a problem with disproportion, though.

Regarding "the N-word," I grew up hearing it constantly and I still have family that uses it constantly. I always vacillate: is making a word taboo just a way of giving it power?

Even people who don't use it too regularly that I know will refer to things like "nigger-rigging" something. Funny thing being, I've known black people who talk just like that.

I offer no opinion. I only note that in the weird dynamic of the blogosphere, normally, when you publicly declare "I'm delinking you," it just gets the person more attention and more links as people come to their defense. And it's too often used as a way of throwing a hissy-fit.

Not always. I don't see either happening in this case. I merely note that that's what it so often is.

The most amusing variant of it that I've seen is the public "please de-link me" message, which I've seen on a few occasions, as a sort of double-back "I won't delink you but I'll make you look bad by asking you to delink me."

In the particular case of Rob: Rob vents his inner demons by typing angry screeds. He also, I think, enjoys a chance to savage someone (in writing) who disagrees with him. He's alienated a lot of people, but has other people who will stick by him no matter what, and basically, I think that's what he wants.

But anyway: I can explain simply enough why it's a big deal to "publicly de-link" someone: webloggers want readers, and the respect of their peers.

There is a tendency people have to treat that urge like it's pathetic. I am not sure where that comes from. The need for approval and respect is universal in all human beings. Yet when we acknowledge it, people back off, like there's something wrong with us. I don't quite understand why. There's nothing sad or pathetic about it at all. Besides, anyone running a personal weblog who denies that they seek such things is a liar. Period.

No exceptions. Even the ones who enjoy picking fights.

But by the way: with the rare exception of those who do it purely for money, for no reason at all but money, this same thing is true of every artist whose work you've ever enjoyed.

My "de-linking" has nothing to do with a name on my blogroll. It was my way of publicly stating that I have distanced myself from this man.

Uh oh.

We might have to throw down on this one.

No doubt, Rob is being crude, vulgar, definately un-PC and downright inflammatory - that's the way he's been from day one of his blog - but he is actually making a valid point...

Think I'll post more once I collect my thoughts on the matter.

Wind Rider:
Did you actually read his little screed? I haven't the energy or the inclination to fill Micheles comments with a point by point kind of thing, but take just this one paragraph:

"Nobody who ever lived in this world EVER had as much gelt handed to them by the government as "African Americans" have and nobody has EVER pissed away their opportunities so badly. That's a fact."

Right there he reveals his true colors. What exactly did they get handed to them -- a free ride to a better life in the cargo hold of a ship, job security and eventually their very own drinking fountains, reserved seating on the bus? Heck, they oughtta be grateful.

He seems entirely willing to forget that this country is one generation removed from segregation. Affirmative action is a lightning rod for extremists of all stripes, but it's not like it's been going on forever and considering that race based discrimination was actually legal up until forty years ago, there can be no doubt that we have some making up to do. A miscarriage of justice is a terrible thing, a failure to acknowledge and correct it is even worse.

The nonsense about violence in sports is just that, nonsense. I didn't see too many black faces burning Boston when the Pats won the Super Bowl, there are countless other examples of white hooliganism in sports. This is a sadly violent society and to single one group out for condemnation based on their skin color is racist by definition.

As far as welfare goes, somebody better check their facts. It is a myth that that the black population collects more welfare. Any way you fondle the stats (sheer numbers, per capita, etc.) us po' white folk are the ones collecting the most welfare and rural white people are the only demographic showing growth. The entire 'welfare state' is largely a misnomer, since Clintons reforms (yup, that guy) overall benefits have been drastically reduced across the board and continue to decline -- it's red herring trotted out by the ignorant to justify an abhorrent belief system.

Rob has been on my links list for a long time. He is no longer there.

Eek! You know how to scare a guy first thing in the morning.

As if, Rob. You're a permanent fixture. Even though that purple on your blog is frightening.

My recent visits to Rob elicit the same reaction:
"...when I do go over there, I'm left with a weird feeling; like something simmering on the surface of his personality, ready to boil over." But I think the post you reference is just another symptom. If you have been reading him for any time, he is spiraling down into some sordid pit and the blog is increasingly a call for help.

My recent visits to Rob elicit the same reaction:
"...when I do go over there, I'm left with a weird feeling; like something simmering on the surface of his personality, ready to boil over." But I think the post you reference is just another symptom. If you have been reading him for any time, he is spiraling down into some sordid pit and the blog is increasingly a call for help.

I thought it was a breath of fresh air. It doesn't even matter to me if any of it's true or not. I sure hope he does the same number on drunken Libertoon feminists, homosexuals and Jews who vote Democrat before he gets himself arrested. It's about time some other group other than Christians got demonized for a change. Just remember, you can't say those sorts of things anywhere else in the West these days. Now make my day....delink me.

One more brain hits the big bug zapper.

"Affirmative action is a lightning rod for extremists of all stripes, but it's not like it's been going on forever and considering that race based discrimination was actually legal up until forty years ago, there can be no doubt that we have some making up to do."

Actually, raced base discrimination is still legal. You mentioned it at the beginning of the sentence. Affirmative action is race-based discrimination. Saying it is not is like saying the sky is green.

Kong

You shouldn't have linked to that racist, Michele. He wanted this attention, don't give him traffic. Just quote him, but don't make any of the text links. Geez.

"Affirmative action is race-based discrimination."

I disagree I think it is intended (though I fully admit it doesn't always that way in practice) to level the playing field and address tacitly institutionalized policies of discrimination. Eventually, probably sooner rather than later, it will run it's course and fade away. One would hope because it is no longer needed.

I think that's the key portion of Affirmative Action: "[not] always that way in practice". I concur that the original intent was sound. If it is not longer equitable, however, should it not be at least amended, if not replaced by other policies?

AL,

What you've really said is that affirmative action is acceptable race based discrimination. Justification doesn't change the essence of the act.

Funniest thing I read all day:

"Hi. I'm a racist jackass, so my comment has been changed by management."

"Eventually, probably sooner rather than later, [affirmative action] will run it's course and fade away. One would hope because it is no longer needed."

Though I would like to agree with this sentiment, what group of people would allow their privileged status to be taken away? Especially one with so large and vocal a lobby as the NAACP behind them? It seems to me we've given a mouse a cookie.

Affirmative action gives preferential treatment to people of a certain race. That is the definition of racism. It doesn't matter what race it "helps," or what ages-old inconsistencies it is meant to rectify. It grants people benefits based on the color of their skin, and that is wrong. Period, end of sentence.

Regarding my earlier remark on blacks vs. whites on welfare, I submit this link:
http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=3479
The third paragraph under the title "Welfare" contains the necessary numbers; in the interest of space, I won't quote the lines.

However, the larger question is this. Why are more blacks violent, on welfare, and in jail? Why? And what can we do about it?

Sometimes I think that we've made real headway against racism, and measures like affirmative action aren't needed any more.

Then an official in my (former) town made state transit re-route buses around the town center instead of through it, because he didn't want Those People coming to our town to shop. Result: they don't, businesses wither and die, town center becomes an economic ghost town, innocent people lose their livelihoods and racist jackass keeps his job because he's hired, not elected, and can't be fired for political reasons.

Then California drops affirmative action and all of a sudden minorities can't get into colleges any more.

Then a Jewish business acquaintance tells us of her time spent as a substitute teacher in the heartland; how on her first day a student tiptoed up to her desk and looked her over, then went back to his seat and whispered to his neighbor "your dad was wrong, she doesn't have horns."

We're still a work in progress, and while affirmative action is a flawed idea, it's the best one that's come down the pike on this issue.

"Then California drops affirmative action and all of a sudden minorities can't get into colleges any more."

Bullshit. Attendance at universities overall is unaffected. Less competitive universities don't give such enormous racial preferences when they give them at all. In most cases where preferences are removed the specific institution in question suffers an immediate drop in both applications and admittances, followed by a steady increase in both.

"Then a Jewish business acquaintance tells us of her time spent as a substitute teacher in the heartland; how on her first day a student tiptoed up to her desk and looked her over, then went back to his seat and whispered to his neighbor "your dad was wrong, she doesn't have horns.""

I don't believe this either. I've lived all around the country and never heard anyone claim Jews have horns. This has urban legend written all over it.

Very interesting stuff.
I personally subscribe to the idea that all humans are deeply flawed, therefore all races, cultures and intsitutions are also flawed.
I love blue humor and downright racist stuff can make me laugh louder than just about anything.
Race has always been a hot button issue, but lately seems to be getting a lot of play. Stern got tossed off a few stations for a caller making "vulgar comments about African American women". I was listening that morning and what actually happened was this Rick Soloman character (Paris Hilton video fame) was being berated for being the lowlife that he is. The caller asked if he "had any tapes of sp*cs or n*gg*rs also". Stern hung up, Robin groaned as usual, and everyone (except clear channel) seemed to move on. This happened just days after a popular sports talk show host, Jim Rome had banned a caller for life for calling someone a Jew. I don't know how the word was used or in what context. Is calling someone a Jew an insult? Or does it depend on the context? I personally subscribe to the idea that people empower the word and the racist idea behind the word by being offended by it.(easy to say as a white male oppressor) Can anyone think of a vulgar epithet for a white person? cracker? I dont think that will get most people to roll their eyes even. Why the press jumped all over the N word but left the racist mexican comment pass is very telling I think.
As far as this gutrumbles fellow goes, he strikes me as a guy with a short man's complex.(there I go disrespecting the undersized) Nothing more pathetic than an old man talking about his high scholl football days. Smacks of Al Bundy. I was introduced to the Abridged One's writing by Michelle or possibly venomous Kate's links with a positive comment about kindred souls. My jaw hit the ground when I read his rant. Try to be intelligent or at least funny with racist stuff and people might* let it pass.
That said, I have found myself making sweeping generalities about others when logic just doesn't seem to explain away what happened. Some might remember an incident in Milwaukee last summer when a man (black) lost control of his minivan and killed a woman (black) who was on her front porch. The neighbors pulled the man from his car and beat him to death. All I could think was "yard apes". An awfull generalization, but at the time it seemed to make me feel better. Doesn't exactly put me in a position to throw stones at the less than lofty Rob.
Sorry about the length, I need to be more concise.

wait wait ho de doe i forgots my spelling book. "institution" sorry

I've never understood the appeal of Acidman in any way, shape or form. Never linked to him.

But yes, WR, what he wrote was racist. I would think long and hard before standing up for someone who said: "I am becoming more comfortable with the word "nigger" since the 1960s. I had compassion for an oppressed people back then. But I watched them shit all over every opportunity handed to them for the last 40 years, and you know what we have now? Not a minority absorbed into our society. We just have a bunch of niggers running wild. "

That isn't simply "un-PC and inflammatory". It's racism, pure and simple.

Disgusting.

I will now insult (incontinent) cops.

This little piggy went to market.
This little piggy stayed home.
This little piggy had roast beef.
This little piggy had none.

This little piggy went wee wee wee all the way home.

I will now answer your insult to me.

A Misogynist Haiku

Chivalry is dead.

Go, and drill your Birkenhead.

Your cunt is showing.

Careful, your "tolerance" is showing...

What a shame. Sounds like he's gone off the rails. The problem is, it's a legitimate question as to why certain segments of the black American population have lagged so far behind (US immigrants of recent West Indian descent, for example, have the same or better social, educational and economic indicators as whites). Ranting racist insults is not going to shed light on this phenomenon.

Of course, Rob's outburst looked suspiciously like Chris Rock...

Acidman speaks the TRUTH!

Wow jdb you're off the wall racist.