More later, but for now...

The definition of epic:

Exhausted and cramped, but having won the race home from Boston, a car full of people driving victory laps around campus for the sole purpose of belting along to Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" at the top of their lungs... and dancing accordingly.

At 2am.

Epic.

-Haz

On the recent chaos (and yes, I know I'll be screwed for leaving it public)

Please, please, please tell me what gets accomplished in a situation where everyone involved separates into cliques and points fingers, saying "You're stupid" really loudly. Seriously, how is that moving forward in any way, shape, or form?

---

It's starting to get to me. I'm friends with enough people and closer to more than enough to be bothered and (in some cases) annoyed with the way a lot of people are conducting themselves. It's gotten to the point where a lot of new people are being introduced to me through this conflict, and even though I give people the benefit of the doubt when meeting under less-than-ideal circumstances, I have met/heard the words of some people who have killed any interest I ever may have had in getting to know them in five sentences or less.

And as always, the line between club politics and personal politics is the grayest shade of gray that ever did gray. Why does this surprise people? Why does it upset people? This is not an actual government, and very few people have proven themselves truly objective in the club. Everyone has emotional ties to the group and the different people in it, and so are affected. This is inevitable. This is human nature. Yes, I agree that people's personal feelings should not be their main source of opinion on political issues. But these also happen to be true:

People can be sympathetic, emotional, loving, loyal, compassionate, honest, and genuine.

But people can also be immature, spineless, rude, needy, selfish, and egotistical.

And, sadly, times like these are where all of the latter qualities come out.

There are a lot of people who feel shut out of this, like they don't have a say. And a few are acting like children, from what I've seen. From the people on a power trip telling everyone else how to act, and the people who (after being told that there would be a time and place for discussion to be arranged) continue in public to declare that they want the world to hear their all-important opinion and they want to be heard now.

I like the idea of having a discussion meeting. I don't like the way it was brought about or communicated.

I also think people should read definitions of words before going off the hilt on what they think they mean or using them in sentences where the misused word changed everything entirely.

And I also think it's ridiculous and counterproductive on SO many levels to overdramatize something that needs to be handled in a respectful and official manner.

The basics:
1. A person voices concern about someone's performance in a way that others feel could have been done better.
2. People start lashing out in all directions, factions are being recruited, the proverbial mud is slung, and all attempts at intervention are comparable to lemon juice on a papercut.

Since this whole thing has started, let me give you an idea as to some of the things being said. These are quotes, no word of a lie and taken entirely IN CONTEXT, that I have heard in regards to what's going on:

( A few quotes off the top of my head. Warning: someone mentions Hitler. )

Looking back at those, I can't even believe it. No, if you weren't there for the conversation, I will not tell you who said what. Every person who has stepped in, taken a side, or done anything in any part to perpetuate angst and drama and hold up what should be going on to deal with it is responsible for what happens as a result.

And I mean everyone. Both 'sides.' Both have valid points and concerns, which deserve to be represented. But there's a grand canyon separation between "represented" and "screamed in someone's face." Typing versus fingerpaint here, people. Which one's clearer?

( On the way I've seen groups work, and what's happening here. )

The worst sides of everyone are coming out in an issue like this. I think a lot less of a lot of people, I have more respect for a few others (very few, mind you), and I've come to feel like I really don't know others like I thought I did. There have been many moments of "Wow. I can't believe you just said/did that." and "Do you think before speaking?" and "I'm sorry, WHAT just came out of your mouth?!" for me recently.

What needs to happen right now is the drama needs to stop. People need to stop insulting, whispering behind backs, plotting, whining, moping, etc. and forgive, forget, and move the hell on. Everyone's saying that all they really care about is the welfare of the club. Even though I seriously doubt that as a major motivation, I'll give out some credit here.

You want what's best for the club? Debate it in a civilized, adult manner, and settle this so that a definite outcome is found and the group can move on. Clinging and hemming and hawing is unhealthy, counterproductive, and resembles a tantrum. Find something that works so that the social structure of the group doesn't collapse.

I'm sorry, but right now a lot of people fail.

-Haz

Regarding that last post

I apologize in advance for being overly snappish or condescending or what have you. I'm feeding off of emotions unrelated to the drama. Halfway through writing that post, I got a call telling me that my father was admitted into the hospital. I'll most likely be visiting him tomorrow.

Yes, those are my honest thoughts on the subject, but I'm sorry if my way of expressing them was tainted by my emotional state right now.

-Haz