My Explanation........... Grey Owl

[GREY OWL]

I would like to state a few points, ask for your attention and readership.

First of all, when I first read Hoss's post I really didn't know what to make of it. I just didn't think that a Xbow bow for a good friend (Jack) was appropriate, even if Jack faced huge difficult challenges. There's no doubt Jack's a great man, he has all these problems and still has time to donate to big brothers, work 2 jobs, spend time at the hospital with his daughter, hunt, etc., etc., and still have a smile on his face. If it would of been for himself, well that would be a different story, after all he is a member of the forum, or as many have put it (family).

I did come out with strong words, but I didn't mean for it to offend forum members, ( HOOK LINE AND SINKER). I was actually looking out for your best interests. I AM SORRY THAT IS MY MISTAKE. As far as Scam Artist, I believe in my thread, I stated that it COULD be a scam. My reasoning for that is, whats stopping anyone on the forum, asking for donations for friends, buying a Xbow, then disappearing forever, after all no one knows your name, address, phone number or anything about you. But as this story unfolded it became very apparent that Hoss has a very close bond and friendship with his buddy Jack, and believes he deserves a little something.

I also want to state that it is in no way a get even tactic because of our last squabble. Its just coincidental.

I would like to also share with you what's been going on in my life. This is in no way complaining, whining, or an excuse.

Here at work there are Shift Engineer's with 2nd Class tickets, and us Boiler Operators with 3th Class tickets. Since we all get sh%$%t wages Human Resources were unable to fill a postion. Therefore the Shift Eng. got a $5.00/hr. raise, which they already make $5.50/hr more than us. Now there up $10.00/hr more. But nothing came for us Boiler Operators. This was a slap in the face for the 5 of us, especially when we do roughly the same work. There is tons of stress in the plant, and very hard feeling now at work.

But here's the interesting part. We (all eleven of us) got together and had a meeting. The Shift Eng. realized that this was not a good thing to have dissention amongest the group. So what they did was reject the raise and told management that if we all didn't get it, no one would get it. That's right they rejected $10,000.00/year. With overtime, Stat holidays, shift diff. even more than that. But the money still appeared on their cheques. The Union is now handling it, with our lawyer.

The point I'm making here is, when we all stand together, we stand united and strong. This is what I would like to see with this forum. Even though I don't agree with Hoss, the majority of forum members have no problem's kicking in money. We can defeat the Anti's and Guest's who come on this forum to try and wreck things for us, if we stand together side by side.

Although I have received some private P.M's of members backing me, I am by no means coping out on you guys. I was very moved by the people who responded on my post when I said I was leaving forever. Believe me I was actually going.

I also believe this forum is not dying, but gaining in strengh, because of the caring nature of you members. I do not want to see this turn into what is happening at my place of work, where we could have been divided.

I would also like to give $20.00 Can. to the Jack Fund, to show solidarity, to this forum, and also to the Red Cross for the Tsunami victims.

Let's make 2005 the best year this forum has ever seen.

Glad to be back, and a big thank you to everyone with their words of encouragement.

Grey Owl

P.S. Anyone know how to use Paypal?

[Fur & Feathers]

Grey Owl,
I am glad to read you are staying. The Jack fund stirred emotions & when emotions are involved things can get heated. I give you alot of credit for putting your name to your post. You have character.
This last post says it all about your integrity. You didn't have to explain, but you did. You didn't have to contribute, but you did. All for the good of this forum & solidarity. You are a heck of a man. Glad you stayed.
Problems at work seem to extend into other areas of a persons life. Believe me I know. I hope things work out to your satisfaction on the job. I look forward to reading what you have to say in the future.
Regards

[maple]

GREY OWL,

Thanks buddy.

You've made my day.

Maple

[Woodsman]

Grey Owl, it is in times like these, during moments of conflict, that we can see of what some of us are made of. It takes a big man to post your mind not hiding behind a "guest" handle and an even bigger man to do what you have done here. I'm glad to see you are staying on.

Money is tight for us after the holidays( I am a commission sales rep) and we have already given to the Tsunami victims. However, you have inspired me to give to the Jack fund($20.00 Can.). I will send it Paypal to Wabi.

[GaryL]

Grey Owl,
I am glad to read you are staying. The Jack fund stirred emotions & when emotions are involved things can get heated. I give you alot of credit for putting your name to your post. You have character.
This last post says it all about your integrity. You didn't have to explain, but you did. You didn't have to contribute, but you did. All for the good of this forum & solidarity. You are a heck of a man. Glad you stayed.
Problems at work seem to extend into other areas of a persons life. Believe me I know. I hope things work out to your satisfaction on the job. I look forward to reading what you have to say in the future.
Regards

Fur & Feathers has stated it as well if not better then I could GREY OWL, i sure am glad you are sticking around as you have very much too offer this great FORUM... Regards

[Boltejector]

Good to know you are going to be around Grey.
Your knowledge is always useful and wanted.

[Sliver]

Welcome Back Grey Owl,, I'm glad you had a change of heart,,, and decided to stick around..

& I hope things come around for you and your co-workers...

Happy New Year to you and your family Grey Owl!!

Harry

[wabi]

Grey Owl,
I think many of us have been upset enough to leave the forum at one time or another, but it seems like we cool off and come back. I'm glad you decided to stick around. I posted some comments about the negative replies to the thread, and I hope you don't take my comments as a personal attack. I also worded my post poorly, sounding like I was telling anyone that couldn't afford to donate to be quiet, and have already (hopefully) corrected that mistake.
I think we all could use some lessons in tactful presentation of our points of view at times, but we somehow work out the difficulties and move on.
Gald to see it happening with this topic, too!

[Shakky]

Welcome back

[Duey]

Glad you stayed on.

Duey

[stump]

Thank you Gey Owl, we're a much better forum with you as a member.

[axis]

Gray Owl. Glad your sticking around!! You bring balance to the forum. It make us stop & think, before we jump.



Aloha,Axis

[patmax]

Grey Owl, it is in times like these, during moments of conflict, that we can see of what some of us are made of. It takes a big man to post your mind not hiding behind a "guest" handle and an even bigger man to do what you have done here. I'm glad to see you are staying on.

Grey Owl, Woodsman said it very well. You are a very "big man" in heart and honesty. I congratulate you. It means a lot. The world needs more like you.

patmax

[(THE BLUE STAR)]

Gray Owl I glad your still here. Frederick

[popeye]

Grey Owl, to use paypal, I believe you log onto www.paypal.com and set up an account using either your bank account or a credit card, then you can transfer funds to anyone with a paypal account through his email address. Hope it helps.
Popeye