Did I forget to say “Welcome back”? Consider it done.
Dr. Collounsbury, report to GD. Code Blue.
You said *spanking *. Heh.
And who is this Mea Culpa? Didn’t she win an Oscar a couple of years ago?
Good to hear from you. A thoughtful voice is always appreciated.
Lord…especially now.
I find myself split almost exactly down the middle on this war thing.
Which means I have a 50-50 chance of getting spanked by you. (If memory serves, this happened at least once at your hands along the way, so it’d just be deja vu anyway.)
Not sure if I’m looking forward to that, but I don’t post that often anyway, mostly I read.
Welcome back!
This is the first time I’ve ever posted in this forum–and only the second that I’ve visited it–so the timing is rather interesting.
A warm welcome back, Collie.
But at least one person needs to tell you that you were abusive and vindictive far, far too long. While we are impressed with your erudition and world experience, the truth is that you bullied people for months and months. Bad form, even if some of those posters were deliberately provoking you. Yes, you added immeasurably to many discussions, but you also stiffled dissent and used the Board to relieve your sadistic impulses, situational though the precipitating events may have been.
It’s good to hear you’ve got your house in order. You had/have major anger issues and could use some counseling. Life is too short to be so angry and hateful. (I should know. I’ve been rude to a handful of posters and I regret it. I have apologized, but there really is no excuse.)
Please understand that I say all this with affection and respect. You are a good man with a fine mind, and I wish you a great, happy life. Take care.
It is right that you were banned, C. But I am very glad you’re back. Welcome welcome! 
Collounsbury, you were always one link to a pit thread from not being in trouble. Glad you found it. Remember, it’s always here when you need it. 
I am happy to see you back. Your voice will make the board a richer place.
Good luck on not fucking up again.
Welcome back, Collounsbury. I’ve always admired your fine mind, and am glad you are open to sloughing off the detritus of some wayward anger. I look forward to your posts from here on out.
Well, as he doesn’t use a computer that seems highly unlikely.
However, given the extent of feelings here, I also believe that it would not be helpful – although on the other hand it might put paid to the self indulgent navel gazing that characterizes Western commentary on this war.
As to the charge of bullying, yes. You are very right, and my representations cover such. Hateful, on the other hand, no I don’t think so, but bullying, yes.
I will say in my own defence that I have always respected the well-informed and logical argument against my own position, but I have nothing but contempt for the ill-informed idiocy that often passes for argumentation on things the arguer clealry knows nothing about.
However, the contract is, contempt in the pit, GD is for the meat. I expect myself to abide by that contract. If I don’t, if I blow, well, I would only ask that, as I said in the OP, you give myself and the Adminstration credit for sincerity.
That said, I consider it a matter of prestige and ego, and you can be sure I do not lack ego, to abide by my clear representations above.
Now, I want to tell you all that my interaction is going to be limited. I have neither time nor patience to fight the stunningly wave of stupidity in GD. The war has many non-trivial impacts on my work right now, so… My intention is to make a few initial comments and then confine myself to one GD thread, which I will name in an egocentric manner for your collective amusement. I am sure many will take it wrong, but I’ll say in advance the wording is tongue in cheek.
Ah yes, and no cheese making quite as yet. The signature is not a grammatical error.
Now then… off we go.
I applaud your newfound sensibilities, Collounsbury, and hope that you have truly dealt with your anger problems. However, I also hope that you have gained a greater appreciation for other people’s opinions, and understand that they too have value in this great forum. These are Great Debates (or at least try to be) and not simply a place for Collounsbury to lecture and inform.
That being said, I’m sure your knowledge will add greatly to fighting ignorance. Especially if you keep your mind as humble as your intentions.
Welcome back, C.
I hope you’ve been well and have regained your balance. Looking forward to your contributions, GD or otherwise.
Hey, you’re back and the information is flowing. Anyone got problems with this?
One of the great lines in SDMB history!!!
I just wondered what your thoughts were on al Queda?
No explanations are necessary, Collounsbury - I’m just glad to have your knowledge and insights available once again at a time when they’re sorely needed.
And people think I don’t have a sense of humour.
Pleased to see you coming back, Collounsbury. Though I understood the reasons, I regretted your banning since you clearly are one of the most well-informed and insightful posters about arabic countries, and I was always hoping to read some post from you (or Tamerlane) when I noticed some irritatingly ignorant comment in GD or GQ.
Ya know, this condescending attitude is partly what got you in trouble in the first place. There are plenty of intelligent people, and intelligent posts in GD. Your expertise, although welcome, ain’t the only cat’s ass around here. Your arrogance is, at times, overwhelming and for one who claims to be reformed, I’m afraid this bodes ill. That’s regretful as I do think you have a lot to add to certain discussions here.
Disclaimer: This post is made as a board member, not as a moderator, and is in no way to be construed as representative, or unrepresentative, of the opinion of any member of the staff of the SDMB. I say this so that you’ll know you may respond (if you so desire) in whatever manner you see fit without fear of repercussion or penalty.
Collounsbury, welcome back. I have no criticism of the administration for your banning, and I offer no criticism for your reinstatement. I fully support equal and consistent application of the rules.
Your knowledge and experience are needed here. I implore you to stick with your commitment.
I respect your intent to remain active in only one GD thread, despite the need elsewhere, be it from limited available time, or whatever. Even that provides an excellent cross reference for statements of ignorance in other threads.
As a quasi-newbie, I feel a certain obligation to pay dues in fighting ignorance in GD (and testing my knowledge to fight my own). It ain’t easy, and as they say, “it’s taking longer than we thought”. But the goal is worthy. I have no doubt that my patience to continue to do so will eventually wear thin, and I hope I can learn from your experience to step away before requiring the admins to take extreme action.
In the meantime, there will hopefully be other newbies to step in and take my place.
Oh, and btw, that GQ thread that Michael Ellis referenced regarding the pronouciation of Qatar was mine! Proof that we did cross paths…