Official Luthiers Forum!

[QUOTE=Terry Stowell] One of the likeable things about (a guy like) Bruce is he encourages so many. Good attitude and all. He really never needs to defend himself, because his integrity does it for him. He stands for truth. I would entrust him with my children and wife. He's got discernment, and graceful with his speech, so as not to make a mockery of his realtionships with God, or people. I think he makes every attempt to live above reproach. He's mature enough to avoid harmful vices that have devastated his family members, and cares enough to help others avoid the pitfalls.   

Those are things that make the list for my friends. I spoke with Bruce for only 75 minutes on the phone recently, and found him to be a great guy. His legacy will be one of faithfullness, Godliness, and true character. No backpeddling necessary here.

I hope that all that I say, write, believe, and act out is a blessing to others. I'm sure Bruce desires the same.

Happy luthiery to ya Bruce. You deserve all the favor that God sends your way. Wish there were more folks that take a stand for righteousness. Peace 2 U

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I could not have said that better myself!

The questions raised by the problem here were not based in what was right, moral, pornographic ect.

I have communicated with Bruce and he expresed to me his concerns, dissapointments, and reasons for his actions. His explainations were sincere, heart-felt, and firmly based in his religious beliefs.
I related to him that none had expressed deregation of his right to state his opinion. The problem, from my point of view was his dimand that the offending graphics be removed. That his approach led others to believe that he felt that his judgement should should be taken for the judgement of all. The action was seen, correctly, as censorship.

Bruce, I believe, reacted in a 'knee-jerk' manner to the post based on his deeply felt religious beliefs. I believe that deep down Bruce now believes that the appropriate actions were to contact Lance and or the prsons who posted the picture by private messenger to voice his concerns and the remedy he felt was appropriate. The reaction by other members to Bruce's post was also a knee-jerk reaction to his request for censorship. He and others must remember that American's (and even before we were a country) reaction to sensorhip has been, and still is, vociforous, angry and indignent. The spectre of censorship has always been like the hound who has a juicy raw T-bone snatched from its' jaws.

For myself, I will attempt to refrain from any post that conveys noral or religious beliefs and hope others will find that the OLF was created for luthiers or wanabe luthiers, like myself, to discuss issues related to lutherie or luthiers and personal beliefs, in any form or for any reasons not related to luthiers or lutherie
will be directed to another, appropriate forum.

I strongly requested hat Bruce return to the Forum. I appreciated his responses to posts and his humor. I end this missive to you in the manner I ended my communications with Bruce, learn and forgive.

Just one man's opinion,