Well, I intentionally decided to sit on the controversy for days without replying. I just didn't want to react emotionally to this again because there has been a bit too much of that from both sides of the issue but especially from me. I also sat on it because I have too much respect for Harley, Papa, and Mr. useR to continue debating this in an aggressive manner. So I am going to give this one last shot and hope that everyone can see this for what it is... my opinion... and also know that I am clearly imperfect and I don't expect that everyone will agree.
I have read and reread what Mr. useR wrote numerous times now. If I read it with the assumption in mind that this was the sole communication from Mr. useR to Harley, that he was leaving the site, then I can see how the reader could take it as something that should be private or even how some readers could see it as acting out passive aggressively. I, on the other hand, simply do not believe that Mr. useR made this forum post his sole farewell to Harley. My assumption to the contrary is based on my knowledge of the content of Mr. useR's character, his devotion to Harley, and some conversations I witnessed while in Harley's room just days before his post. So from my point of view, his message was heartfelt and sincere. When taking his post at face value, all I see is a series of very high complements and a farewell.
So was this Mr. useR's sole message to Harley? Nobody here except Harley knows that for sure and she is probably prevented from disclosing the answer to that by model's rules and etiquette. So I ask, is it fair to burn Mr. useR in effigy when he is not here to defend himself, based on our assumptions? I think not. Hell, even if it was the only notice that he gave to anyone before leaving this site, what is so wrong with what he wrote? Why should he only confess that he thinks highly of Harley and regrets having to leave via a private e-mail? Are we so shallow that we must push our ideals of what is appropiate behavior onto him? I think he deserves better than that. I think he deserves to be remembered as a true and loyal fan of Harley Marie whether you believe he committed a forum faux pas or not.
Also, with all sincerity and due respect to Papa, I fail to see how I dragged this issue out by replying to Mr. useR. My reply to him was a simple farewell to a fellow fan, someone I considered to be a fine human and a friend. I can not see how my bidding him farewell can be construed by anyone as controversial or how you can consider me saying goodbye to him to have dragged this out into the drama it became. The issue of whether or not his message should have been private instead of being posted here did not come up until Easyfellow (who has never posted in this thread before) came here and displayed his knack for stirring the proverbial pot. I probably should have just ignored him and iDude but I couldn't sit idly by and watch useR go down in flames like that. That is my fault and my responses to Easyfellow and iDude did prolong this agony. Perhaps, that is what you meant to say Papa.
Harley you know that you are far more than a cute ass and a laugh to me. The reasons you are the best to me transcend your ass and sense of humor by far. But I do admire both of those assets in you and agree with Papa that they are great. Nuff said.
Quote