It took me a long while to figure out what BB meant by his post. I posted the above in that time. Then over an hour later it hit me. My face turned red and my ears felt like they were on fire. How could I have been so misinterpreted? After a review I perceived. Such was the depth of my infantile naivete. I had forgotten one of the basics of people skills. I had not put myself in the shoes of another person to see whether there was a chance at misunderstanding. It would have taken only a slight tweak of my awareness to see from a different angle. I was arrogant and thoughtless and have caused inadvertent pain. Now , because of this at least two guys I like and respect think that I am something that I have always loathed. I am not a racist, I wasn't raised that way and never learned it afterward. There were a lot of different people in my neighborhood, but the kids were all the same, it just never was there. Later in high school and college I espoused the high-minded ideals which were prevalent. In Nam those ideals were turned to concrete fact 24 hrs a day. These weren't hyphenated-Americans of different cultures, backgrounds or regions. They were Clay, Gary, John, Bob, Fuzzy, Mack, Bill and others. We were a brotherhood of man. When one would get wounded or killed we wept bitterly. We also developed a very dark sense of humor. But then your brothers are there with you so we all "Got" the joke. When i found Limestone I thought , great, another band of brothers and sisters. Not so great. I made a risque joke without realizing its import. I was so sure of my "cleverness" that I thought it was OK to push the limits. It wasn't OK. My intent was mirth , not the display of malice. If I can create laughter then alright. Its the best medicine and BB will heal faster. How could I have been so stupid? What I did was to not consider the feelings of others, a trait I have always found in those I call the enemy. Now I found it in me and I was the enemy. This is a frightening thing to realize. The needs of others should be considered. Fool that I am I overlooked this. I have transgressed and caused pain in those I would befriend. My good intentions don't cut it. I extend apologies to all and hope they are accepted. I crave forgiveness but know it may not be forthcoming. If you can see it in your hearts to give me another chance I will not be so boorishly inconsiderate and foolish again. I mean this sincerely, SLOWEDDIE