Posted by Arne G (64.207.56.30) on December 01, 2004 at 13:08:45:
In Reply to: Re: The Texas Mountaineer - Nov/Dec 2004 Issue posted by Paul on December 01, 2004 at 12:49:49:
Paul -
thanks for actually taking the time to read my long article. I know it's opinionated but I had to get it off my chest. I think it's clear that I am not speaking for all Texas Mountaineers:
Quote: "This is my shameless personal opinion."
I respect your opinion just like I respect that of all the others that have weighed in. I would even admit that maybe one day I will feel differently about it. But I don't think my opinion is any more crass or clumsy than many of those posts arguing to the contrary. And I would appreciate anyone's effort to convince or convert me rather than shut me up.
Juxtaposing my personal "diatribe" with Duane Raleigh's point of view only serves to demonstrate that the largest "division" in the community is between those who have been there since the Pleistocene and the relative newbies. That's not a bad thing as long as we strive for consensus. Duane is a really cool guy, and I am very grateful for his taking the time to contribute to this discussion. I respect and admire him for all he has done as a climber. To say that I think that "soloing is stupid" doesn't demean that respect.
Thanks for your response, Paul. What matters most is that we can talk about these issues with mutual respect and a minimum of courtesy which - to my delight - you did.
Arne