In this particular case I feel it might be a positive thing for us to weigh in on how we feel about disputes that arise between listmembers. We actually do share more than just an odd love of old bikes. It's really much more than that - we are a collective of friends with mutual interests. This kind of collective is one of the best things about the internet. When I read about a particular fierce dispute between two listmembers whose names always conjure up pleasant thoughts about humanity for me, I have to reflect back on my own past disputes between acquaintances (both on this list and in my other lives). Disputes are part life and this dispute, one however fierce and convoluted, is still rather civil as human conflicts go.
I'm a pretty likable and friendly guy and quite a few listmembers have met me and seem to come away with positive feelings about me - but if knowledge of some of the worst moments of my life became public, I would guess that only a few would still want to associate with me on the list or elsewhere. This, I believe, is true for any of us. We are generally good and sociable creatures but occasionally something human is exposed which causes an understandable crowd of onlookers gathered around to watch the impromptu street fight. We can mentally choose up sides and then watch the fists fly while we circle the fighters and take in the show. I've seen these kinds of fights occur with real fists on the street and with words only between friends, After the battle ends, I've often watched the participants strangely come away with a renewed and deepened friendship.
Guys, it's that time of year, when we take inventory of ourselves, find ourselves lacking and yet go on with an appreciation of how far we've come and an acceptance of how we've fallen a little short. The two men who've been the focus of the last three day's skirmish, would be wise to take this opportunity to take inventory of themselves and of the other - see the human shortcomings on both sides - shake hands and rejoin this wonderful peaceful group of friends that we are. We are so lucky to have a mutual passion and a place to express it. Let's not spoil things just because we're ultimately and thankfully human.
Garth Libre in Miami Florida USA - recovering from a large nasty hematoma on my right hip. I fell on the track on Saturday morning because turn four had a tiny patch of wetness that the sun had not yet burned off. Who cares? At least the bike is unharmed.