Dear Jon,
I'm rather sorry (of course) that you feel I was "having a go at you", in public - or, in private, for that matter! That really wasn't my intention; I should have preferred to think of this as a respectful difference of views, and, with your kind permission, so I shall, still.
Let there be NO quarrel between us, regarding my singularly deficient rhetorical skills - not at all! I am quite ready and willing to confess my utter incompetence, whether to deliver a grand peroration at a political convention; or the simplest toast at a WEDDING. I know that I am just not so good at these things ~ but I do my best, as circumstances dictate.
And, as regards Sir Winston: as you (I surmise) are an Englishman, and I (obviously) am not: I do proffer my apologies. There is no doubt that Western civilization could NEVER have been saved by MY words (as it was, by Sir Winston's) ~ and it may well appear to you, that my appropriation of the great man's image is (in itself!) an act of sacrilege. Sincerely, it was not meant to be so. My use of this image is three-quarters whimsy, and one-quarter, silliness: since I do, in real life, look rather like Sir Winston. And my friends in REAL life, find it amusing. But, Jon, I would never, ever be so brash, as to compare myself, even for an
augenblick, to the great man in ANY real, or substantive, way.
And - I am sure that you are correct that, had I been charged with sounding the call to arms, in the Second World War, the cause might well have failed, and England perished. However (admitting fully my own deficiencies) I must protest that numbers of my poor, provincial, Canadian forebears (several of whom were excellent marksmen) perished to save England, at both the first and second outing: and I must insist upon THEIR honour in this enterprise. (I, of course, have none, whatsoever ~ and, I'll gladly grant you, that!!! ;-)
Most respectfully, Jon, I must disagree with your assessment of
my assessment of, and comments regarding, several previous models. I will confess to you (honestly) that I was a little uncomfortable with some of Spencer's words and reactions, but I did say, in my post on this subject: ". . . I am OK with whatever happens with Spencer, either way. If he returns and is a little happier to be here, that's fine!" As regards Carson - I am quite a fan of Carson's! In fact, I said, ". . . Carson did very well! He is a really cute guy, and I wouldn't mind him topping ME. . . "
I think and hope and TRUST, in fact, that neither of these comments is the mark of a "hater", or someone determined to force ANYONE's favourite model, from appearances, or employment, here. I will grant you, freely, that I am VERY effusive in the praise of models I appreciate (whether they post on the forum, or not - and likely, SOME or ALL of my effusions make some members, who are not like-minded, very queasy) ~ but, Jon, the one thing I have ALWAYS tried to do (on this or any other forum) is to hearten and
encourage people: both members, and models.
You see (if I may give you a little of the back-story, and I know I am already taxing your patience): one of my BEST friends in this transitory life was, once, a very celebrated (and much-loved) French-Canadian model. On another site far away, and (oh, I suppose) a decade, ago. From HIM I heard, first-hand, the whole story from the models' perspective (and I think my friend was not treated nearly as honestly or kindly, as are the models at
Broke Straight Boys) My friend was (and remains) a VERY nice guy, who was kicked out of his home for being gay, and had to work his way through college. (And I know that is a
cliche, and a common X-Tube tagline ~ but, it was true.) My friend worked for numbers of years in this industry - giving kindness, friendship, conversation, and yes - often sexual impetus - to men JUST like you, and me. (Although, I guess, I ought only to speak for myself, in this regard.)
Over those years, my friend encountered an absolutely variegated array of humanity. I suppose a good majority simply wanted to use his beauty, as a means to an end. A significant minority wanted to ABUSE his good nature, and criticise him constantly, to elevate their own sagging egos: and, though my friend was too bright and well-adjusted ever to take such comments seriously, it was always HURTFUL to him, and it took a toll. He would telephone me, crying, sometimes, after. Thankfully, there was always ALSO a significant minority of very kind and GOOD human beings, who made him feel BETTER, about life.
All this is simply to say, Jon: if you think I am a "do-gooder" for liking and caring about the models, I'll plead guilty, as charged! Life is difficult enough AS IT IS - but then, just IMAGINE subjecting oneself to EVERYONE's
gaze, judgement, and comment. It is a truly difficult position to be in, but there are some guys who
figure it out, and HELP US OUT, by sharing not only beauty, and passion - but also
kindness, friendship, and conversation ~ which are, I think, things that most good people really NEED. I appreciate, so much, EVERYTHING these guys have done.
And I will tell you one further thing, Jon, which I know will be repugnant to you, because you are a calm, pragmatic surveyor of the whole Internet scene: and I am a wild, emotional, Celt. I went through a whole decade without having a boyfriend - or ANYONE I could call my own. And I was so lonely, I thought I would absolutely DIE - every DAY, for ten years.
Jason Matthews kept me
alive and HOPING, through that whole, dark, decade. This is the reason I love Jason so much. And it is the reason I came back to
Broke Straight Boys Now, I am happy to say, I have a guy by my side, who is SO BEAUTIFUL, most of the members here would drop DEAD in their tracks, if they ever saw him!
BUT - JASON pulled me through the worst period of my life. And that is why I like him, so much. And I think BLAKE is absolutely sweet and kind, as well ~ and, Jon, I simply don't concur, with what you have said about Blake. Perhaps he wrote to you in a moment, or several moments, of "pique" - but, I think Blake is a very nice guy, and, if there was a misunderstanding, it would be very kind and decent of you, as the older and wiser party, to offer the hand of friendship, and forgiveness.
Jon, I am certainly willing to offer the very same, to you. It seems that we have had some misunderstandings, of late: and I regret these, as you are a fine, and always interesting, correspondent. However, I plead that - despite all my rhetorical deficiencies - I said NONE of the wicked things of which I was accused. And - even though I am demonstrably stupid, and everything I write is garbage! - I am ALWAYS willing to have a laugh at the past, and just let bygones, be bygones. Totally up to you, dear J.
All the best,your favourite garbageman~
"A" XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
"My Old Man's a Dustman" ~ The Irish Rovers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYytP3SXJY8