Gents,
I read all of the posts...then re-read them again. I must say that there are some really intelligent, well-rounded and classy fellas on this forum AND thats why I joined this forum in the first place. Look, I don't have Facebook, myspace, twitter, instagram and all that chit man. I got an i phone that only use to dial out, take pics and text the old lady. I got a slick *** Apple Mac Air, a gmail account, ebay account and I belong to ONE forum that I allow myself to talk to "strangers".
Brothers, this is what I am getting at; I really dig this forum for its toy soldier information. Man, you can find out anything here! Got a question about a mystery piece...go to TreeFrog...wondering if you can find a piece...go to TreeFrog...need to buy, sell or trade...go to Treefrog...wondering about the upcoming show...go to TreeFrog!!! So, yes we as Americanos have the LUXURY of buying what we want, selling what we want, building a little scene if we want, thinking what we want, expressing our opinions, thoughts, ideals, eating, drinking, smoking, scratching and basically doing what ever the hell we want in this Country...because we live in BEST COUNTRY ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH! And if your from Texas...well you live in the best STATE in the World.
But, before my overseas brothers and sisters get ready to blow me up over American arrogance, I must disclaim that I have had the privilege to travel this big wide world and know that there are deep and ugly scars all over this world...including the USA. No country (except maybe Bhutan) has been immune to the horrors of war and atrocity. Allow me to digress a little in history (and don't get all offended if I left anyone out):
-The Cavemen..yes the Caveman whacked each other out over food and women. See any Cro-magnamans walking around? Okay, once in a while at Wal-mart, but that might be the "missing link".
-Adam and Eve-ate the fruit, the devil told them they were "naked" and God was pissed. So, what did they do? Begat, begat and begat.
-Cain and Able. Cain whacked out is his own bro...coldblooded man...coldblooded.
-Moses was a slave for life until he busted out the tablets. While he and the big man were working out the details of the commandments, all hell broke loose while he was gone. More debauchery, drink and sin. The big man was double pissed and he whacked them all out.
-The Greeks...watch 300 again and you will get the picture.
-The Romans. 1200 years of war, rape and pillage...period.
-The Dark Ages. Another 1000 years of war, rape and pillage.
-The Medium Dark Ages. More war, rape and pillage.
-The Light Ages. Mas war, rape and pillage.
-Columbus and The New World. Are you kidding me... an entire continent of peoples was wiped out out of greed. Oh and war, rape and pillage.
-Slavery...good lord this world was built on the backs of slaves.
-The USA...puh lease! Slavery almost became the norm. The Indians needed to be "relocated" and more war, rape and pillage.
-The Japanese ideal of superiority led to more...war, rape and pillage.
-The Nazi's...forgeetaboudit.
-Stalin...a cult of personality that historians still can't figure out to this day. When he gave a speech nobody wanted to be the first to stop clapping.
Mao, Stalin, Hitler, Mussolini, Hirohito, FDR, Truman, Patton, Churchill and many other world leaders have blood on their hands. ALL OF THEM and the people they led. In fact, I don't think you can name any world historical leader that does not have blood on his hands. Why?
Because...
...Man either builds or destroys.
So, lets not destroythis forum with equating the fun of collecting toy soldiers to that of a direct attack on you and yours. Lets not get into the murky waters of passing judgment on anyone who collects, builds, buys, sells, covets, hates, this line or that line. Now, if a dude on this site says "hey look at my dio and all the red injuns that I am depicting kilt" then that is in bad taste. Or, "check out My Lai re-enacement of US Soldiers killing those gooks" then I would personally contact Treefrog and say ***?
In other words, what I am saying is lets all get along here and build a better forum. Do unto others and you would do unto yourself. Keep your sneezes to yourself and cover your mouth. Speak as if the microphone is always on. More than just collectors read this site because IT IS PUBLIC and don't forget that. Nobody here is out to "get you" and remember that this site is a privilege for us to use as a resource in this fun hobby. People start acting silly here and Treefrog will shut it or shut you down...mostly likely you. It costs money to run a website this big and you ain't paying the bill, so show a little respect. I don't know the Treefrog folks, but I am sure they are wonderful. So, again think before you type.
Lastly, I am not singling anyone out here, just speaking in general terms and if you don't like it...well then stop reading.
Later,
John