MyDD :: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP

MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP

by BigDog, Wed May 24, 2006 at 07:43:14 PM EST

You saw Gary's upbeat Diary a few minutes ago. Can you imagine?

Gary Boatwright, who almost all of you will know as a diarist here on MyDD and who just posted a light hearted Diary about his 'Camping Trip' is in deep, deep financial trouble as he said. And I can' begin to understand all the details.

But he's in deep shit. He got that post up here before he sells/pawns (?) his G4 laptop for $150! Yeah you read that right....$150 and he's happy to get that. We've been in touch and his spirits are good even though his circumstances could hardly be worse. ( Altho everything could always be worse...trust me...)

He just emailed me a few minutes before I walked in and I tried to call him but just got his VM. He has to sell the Laptop to get the money to buy some time on his phone. Yeah...and that isn't even the worst of it.

Our man Gary, (who so likes to stir things up and is probably one of the most 'progressive' bloggers I've ever known...and we do know one another...he worked the CA-48th last year and never gave up)is essentially homeless and without a car! But he makes light of it in his email to me and in his post to us.

I sure as hell wouldn't if it were me! But Gary does. No car in Southern California is a disaster! And no home anywhere is even worse. Can you even imagine?

So what can we as a community do? HELP HIM with the only thing that will matter today.....CASH.

If everyone trusts the ol' BigDog, I'll take anything into my PAYPAL account and get it to Gary when he next gets in touch. I'm pretty tapped out too from 3 years of little or no income political work but come the first of the month I'll be able to help too.

There is exactly $7.88 currently in that account. The address is at the end of this diary.

Whatever this Diary brings, this outright call for help for a guy that really is a good man on bad times, will go straight to him. He will call me when he gets the minutes on his phone, a location and let me know where he's then located.

He and I talked about this last week hoping it wouldn't be necessary for him to go this direction. And I hoped I wouldn't have to ask all of us to step up.

We all make a big deal about helping the Nation...about helping our Party...about finding a New Path for our Leadership...about fighting for our Candidates....yet here...right here...is a chance to make a tangible difference in one man's life. And you know that man.

So look in your heart...,stare in a mirror for awhile if that's what it takes, and make a decision whether it's all talk or not.

It's unimportant if you give $1,$5, $10, $20 or $100. Gary Boatwright, my friend and your fellow Blogger, needs help. And we are a community.

If you choose to help, go to PayPal and make a contribution to account:
stuart@stuartoneill.com . 100% will go to him.

I can't be more transparent than that....and I'll keep the community updated on progress.

No more talk. It's time to step up. Let your heart be your guide.

Tags: MyDD Community, helping others, no politics (all tags)

Permalink :: 106 Comments :: Post a Comment

What happened? (none / 0)

Why is he in such bad shape financially?

by Newsie8200 on Wed May 24, 2006 at 08:17:43 PM EST

Re: What happened? (3.00 / 0)

He as a diary directly below. He can give us the quick tour better than I can. Read his 'Camping Trip' Diary.

If you've never been on truly hard time it might not make sense that a smart man or woman can get there....but it can happen.

Happened to me in the past. Thank god for friends and good luck.

just a red meat eatin' Democratic Dawg frontpaging at The Democratic Daily...

by BigDog on Wed May 24, 2006 at 08:21:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (3.00 / 0)

Now that I'm home from work I can give, though not nearly as much as I'd like. I hope that this gets the attention and response that it deserves. Hopefully in the next few weeks I'll have a few more bucks to spare, whatever it may be worth.

by Lucas O'Connor on Wed May 24, 2006 at 10:05:33 PM EST

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (3.00 / 0)

Thanks, Lucas and if Boatwright were online I'm sure he'd say the same.

I hope the 'community' takes notice and doesn't think that those who hit hard times do it on purpose. That would betray our party's ideals.

just a red meat eatin' Democratic Dawg frontpaging at The Democratic Daily...

by BigDog on Wed May 24, 2006 at 10:14:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (3.00 / 0)

No thanks needed, it's just what needs to be done.

I know (with all sincere good cheer) that this isn't a community that would leap to my aid if I were to need it, but helping people who need it is supposed to be what we're all about, and I'm not about to ignore that.

by Lucas O'Connor on Wed May 24, 2006 at 10:19:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (3.00 / 0)

I miss Gary when is absent from the Blog. I like the sense of community here when I can debate and interact with people I have come to know. I sent some scratch.

John McCain loves war.

by Winston Smith on Wed May 24, 2006 at 10:58:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (none / 0)

Well if any of you live in SOCAL people I guess you could let the guy crash in your basement or something.

by strrbr on Wed May 24, 2006 at 10:45:13 PM EST

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (3.00 / 0)

I thought about that, and I wish I were in a better position right now to open my door. You reminded me though that it might be worthwhile to check out http://couchsurfing.com/. The network of people there have always been wonderful to me, and they really get humanity as a community.

by Lucas O'Connor on Wed May 24, 2006 at 10:54:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (1.33 / 3)

Ah yes, the same Gary that still has a series of Troll ratings he handed out on his last actions on MyDD. Maybe he's have more financial support if he wasn't busy burning community members over time.

Lotta love for Gary.

Follow Texas Politics at Burnt Orange Report

by KTinTX on Thu May 25, 2006 at 12:18:36 AM EST

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (3.00 / 1)

maybe you should take internet fights a little less seriously (it's like competing in the special olympics after all), consider that nobody deserves to be in his situation, and remember that the whole point of liberalism, progressivism, the Democratic Party and the United States is to help everyone, whether you particularly like them or not.

by Lucas O'Connor on Thu May 25, 2006 at 12:22:43 AM EST
[ Parent ]

my sincere wishes (none / 0)

I gotta admit he is not one of my favorite bloggers. Gary has been less than progressive in spirit in our online discussions with him. He has been vindictive. But then maybe he has had a lot of bad breaks in life leading him to get frustrated with others easily. Despite the animosity that existed between us, I feel bad for his case and wish him well. Even I will admit he has made some positive contributions to this blog.

Even if he didn't, knowing how passionate he feels about participating in online discussions, it would be very cruel for him to lose the laptop on top of everything else. I hope he gets back on his feet soon.

by Pravin on Thu May 25, 2006 at 01:00:41 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: my sincere wishes (3.00 / 0)

I'll agree to that! (except for the favorite bloggers part, there are some front pagers that I think rank higher in my book for sure :)

Follow Texas Politics at Burnt Orange Report

by KTinTX on Thu May 25, 2006 at 01:07:45 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: my sincere wishes (none / 0)

Although he may have made poor decisions in his life, he is at least someone who cares enough to be engaged in the political process. And at least he focuses his frustration in something that contributes to the improvement of our society and our lives. I too will send some money. In cases such as these, one must set aside the small differences that define us and help someone for whom we have enough respect enough to engage online.

by illinois062006 on Thu May 25, 2006 at 02:27:48 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (3.00 / 1)

it's amazing how few people understand Internet repartee.

You gotta love posters like Gary. Truly free speech is what the Internet is all about (imo) .... the wild wild west of the new millennium.

Dare to be free.

by misscee on Thu May 25, 2006 at 07:38:34 AM EST
[ Parent ]

GB: (3.00 / 0)

hate him when he wastes everyone's time with his "troll wars" and other annoyances, love him when he doesn't. The latter wins, overall.

I'll try to help him out.

by NuevoLiberal on Thu May 25, 2006 at 01:22:43 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Gary Boatwright Situation (3.00 / 3)

I know many people want to focus on Gary's flamewars but if you go through his diary pages (27 pages of them!) you'll see that he is a talented writer and he is also a progressive who wants to help change the world.

I first encountered him on MyDD in his previous personna as Jollybuddah. At the time, he was writing his strong objections to torture as a policy of the U.S. and consequently, he was also arguing against the confirmation of Alberto Gonzales. I believe he was personally instrumental in getting many MyDD and dKos readers to take the matter more seriously. Eventually of course a groundswell occurred and the Gonzales hearings helped to bring about a new feeling that perhaps we could have some impact on the Republican juggernaut.

Yes, he's also demonstrated an unhealthy tendency to get too caught up in flame wars and has been guilty of indiscriminately aiming his fire. Heck, he caused me to lose my own trusted user status at one point because I had posted in a diary that ended up being designated a free flame zone by Gary. I didn't like that and I wish he'd stop that sort of behavior. But that's just a blemish that doesn't change the fact that he is someone who can help us online. When he's interested in a topic he'll research it and write about it like few others.

So, long story short. Gary is more than a troll-baiter and I hope he manages to get his personal situation solidified so he can continue to be active in helping progressives become elected.

I'll tell you one thing, I expect to get more value out of the little bit I sent Gary than I did out of the money I sent John Kerry!

by Curt Matlock on Thu May 25, 2006 at 12:50:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Thanks for the love KTinTX (3.00 / 0)

I should point out however that you were the one who started our ratings flame war when you zeroed out a Tryptophan Coma comment that I made on a Thanksgiving gratitude diary.

(I am on a clunky computer at my bank so I cannot provide a link to your ratings offense)

I have never burned anyone who did not both ask for and deserve getting burned. I learned a long time ago that you can´t please everyone so I don´t even try. Thanks for the good thoughts anyway.

by Gary Boatwright on Thu May 25, 2006 at 05:34:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thanks for the love KTinTX (3.00 / 0)

For some reason, the NEXT 30 button doesnt work correctly when I try to browse someone's ratings or comments aafter the first page. So I can't go back that far to see how valid the KtinTx thing was. But I do know I was a part of Gary's troll rating drives.

Gary, as much as I wish you well in your current quest, I am not going to let you get away with bullshit. What you need is cash and encouragement, but not pandering by us to encourage a trait in you that makes you a difficult person which alienates people in life.

You act like you dont attack anyone who never asked for it. I know for a fact that I never attacked you personally in a thread before you did so first. Even then I never troll rated you ever out of spite. I may have given a low rating for a comment that had no purpose but I never went and troll rated a comment just because I disagreed with it, let alone troll rate indisciminately a bunch of comments just to spite you. YOu have done both with me. When I confronted you with the facts and illustrated very clearly what the difference between a troll and someone you have a disagreement with was , you weaseled out of the argument with some disengenuous comment because you knew you couldn't use logic to get in the last word.

Why am I saying this now? You said you were part of AA. I wouldn't know what it is really like, but I would assume they teach you to take responsibility for your actions an not blame others(at least that's what they say in the movies!). I have never seen you do that. You seem to blame everyone else whenever an argument happens and seem incapable of admitting a mistake. With that attitude, you are going to have a hard time succeeding in life. Take it for whatever it is worth. I am not a fan of your participation here. But I do not hate you. If I hated you, I wouldn't even bother saying this. I am not a peace and love guy as one can judge by my Cheney comment in this thread. But I don't hate every person I merely disagree with. And don't mistake my adivice as an attempt to be condescending. I see it as common sense advice we are all capable of giving.

by Pravin on Sat May 27, 2006 at 12:46:46 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Some generous people out here! (3.00 / 1)

There are some generous people out here. Thank you on behalf of Gary. He sent me another email from a Radio Shack and will be in touch soon.

Keep the good work coming. We're doing good so far. But as an old cowboy said....more's better.

Thanks!

just a red meat eatin' Democratic Dawg frontpaging at The Democratic Daily...

by BigDog on Thu May 25, 2006 at 01:01:53 AM EST

Re: Some generous people out here! (3.00 / 0)

Keep it open. I get paid on Friday, so I can chip in a few more bones. Not enough, but I don't make enough to start with.

by Lucas O'Connor on Thu May 25, 2006 at 11:42:58 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (3.00 / 3)

I hate to be callous, because it is just not who I am, but Gary Boatwright is probably the most mean-spirited and petty blogger on Mydd, and that's saying something. He's the first person who will try to attack anyone personally for even using semantics slightly different than himself, much less having different views. Rather than concede a point to anyone, he'll attack someone for how few postings they've had on mydd, as though your point isn't valid until you've posted thousands of crazy rants.

I'm sorry if he's fallen on hard times, as I wouldn't ever wish that on even my worst enemy. Hopefully this community as a whole is more generous than I am.

by mihan on Thu May 25, 2006 at 07:30:59 AM EST

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (none / 0)

then why not prove you are the adult by helping him with a little cash? or do you view his suffering as ample reparations for a comment he may have written months ago?

by illinois062006 on Thu May 25, 2006 at 08:32:40 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (3.00 / 2)

You're not much better, by the way. I have no problem helping people out, as this is a community and helping those in need is a quality that proves we are better than republicans.

However, Gary has earned my indifference by using every posting at every opportunity to attack everyone who disagrees with him even the slightest bit. Not just me, I mean EVERYone. Normally I would help out, but not for him.

by mihan on Thu May 25, 2006 at 09:09:35 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (3.00 / 0)

you've just said that you're no better than Republicans. Say all you want about his demeanor, but at least he shows up, which is more than we can say for most people. That alone makes him worth not losing. It should be enough that he's human, but the last thing any of us should be doing is dismissing committed activists as expendable because we don't like them taking everything so personally. Perhaps there's a reason that these issues are more vitally important to him than they are to you.

by Lucas O'Connor on Thu May 25, 2006 at 11:42:08 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (none / 0)

Look, I feel bad about the situation in which Gary finds himself, and I wish him all the best, but KTinTX, Jay and Mihan all make good points. Whenever I deal with Gary, it always ends badly. Anyone of a different political bent is going to eventually get flamed by him. When the facts are against him, he either doesn't acknowledge them or he attacks the poster debating him. No one deserves what he's been through, and again, I wish him all the best, but I raise the bar a little higher than just showing up to the party. How you act and what you say are also important.

by JRyan on Thu May 25, 2006 at 12:06:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (none / 0)

if nobody deserves it, then why are you trying to convince me or yourself that he doesn't deserve help? Do you think that everyone displaced by Katrina was nice? Do you think that nobody killed or wounded in Iraq was abrasive? Do they deserve diminished support because of it? Are their lives worth less than people who you would get along with better?

by Lucas O'Connor on Thu May 25, 2006 at 12:16:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (3.00 / 2)

I think his point is more like, if I have some extra cash to spare, I'd rather give it to a displaced Katrina victim as opposed to a guy who has taken every opportunity to call me an asshole.

I think it's great that people are doing what they can to help out their co-blogger but really, if someone doesn't want to give then that's his choice. Getting into an argument with him over whether he should give really doesn't serve any purpose.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Thu May 25, 2006 at 12:21:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (3.00 / 1)

That's true. Reviewing my posts, I unintentionally stumbled too far into advocating this specific opportunity to give. I am, nevertheless, uncomfotable with the idea that we don't help people we don't like. That goes against everything that I believe in, and it's distressing whenever I'm faced with the reality that other people are not the same.

by Lucas O'Connor on Thu May 25, 2006 at 12:27:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (none / 0)

Basically, what Steve M said.

by JRyan on Thu May 25, 2006 at 02:10:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (none / 0)

Agreed

by Jay on Thu May 25, 2006 at 04:03:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (3.00 / 0)

Mihan:

Either you are a member of the Party that ended the soup lines of the Depression or not.

Either you are a member of the Party that believes in a hand up to those that need it or not.

Either you believe that everyone, even those that you disagree with the worst, need help in a time of need or not.

Either you have a helping hand for your fellow man, whether he/she is to your liking or not.

Perhaps anyone could walk past people of need and not feel the tug at their hearts...whether they can help or not. I can't. In this case we can help.

Gary's obviously trying to get a better track going and his post was upbeat. He's taking this better than me.

just a red meat eatin' Democratic Dawg frontpaging at The Democratic Daily...

by BigDog on Thu May 25, 2006 at 12:13:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (none / 0)

I AM a member of the party that helps people. People that have fallen on hard times. I hate that I started this part of the thread, basically kicking someone when they are down. But, this someone we're talking about is a person I find particularly objectionable, and I have no problem speaking out in a way that I know a lot of people here agree with but wouldn't want to say.

Its like getting slapped in the face over your mere existence, and then handing over cash to the hand that slapped you just because the awful person slapping you has otherwise fallen on hard times.

by mihan on Thu May 25, 2006 at 01:03:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

The shut up (3.00 / 2)

Fine. Don't help the guy out. You've the right to do so.

But stay the hell off the thread asking for help fo him with your aguments about why you and "a lot" of people here think he shouldn't get it.

If you ain't got nothing good to say, don't say it. Especially when the guy needs the help. You're not helping, and actively not helping. You are actually discouraging help. I find that petty and small.

Witty comment goes here...

by michael in chicago on Thu May 25, 2006 at 07:30:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The shut up (3.00 / 0)

thanks, Michael.

just a red meat eatin' Democratic Dawg frontpaging at The Democratic Daily...

by BigDog on Fri May 26, 2006 at 12:39:23 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The shut up (1.00 / 1)

What is petty and small is the fact that he's homeless and yet he's on here in this thread defending the flame wars he gets himself into as being justified and fair. I don't buy into forgiveness as much as I do karma. Fuck him, and you as well.

by mihan on Fri May 26, 2006 at 12:45:56 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Mihan must mature (3.00 / 4)

You put a ZERO on a comment of mine that talks about Gary? You do realize that has the capability to hide the comment right?

You thought it appropriate to HIDE a comment saying nice things about Gary in someone elses diary calling for help for Gary?

You are behaving like an idiot here my friend.

by Curt Matlock on Fri May 26, 2006 at 09:03:55 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Mihan, what the hell man (3.00 / 2)

Mihan , very uncool. Now you look like a hypocrite for bashing Gary when you have engaged in troll rating people like Matlock out of retribution. We troll rate people when they are trying to interrupt the flow of discussion or when they bring up points repeatedly in different threads without responding to the criticism such points receive.

by Pravin on Fri May 26, 2006 at 03:38:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The shut up (3.00 / 0)

Is it any more petty and small than crashing a positive thread with petty negativity for no apparent reason? Having an opinion is super, but try to have a point when you share.

by Lucas O'Connor on Fri May 26, 2006 at 11:49:51 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The shut up (3.00 / 0)

Well, you sure told me.

And you wonder why Boatright flamed you? If you take this tact when you comment I can see why you'd get flamed.

I'd give you a 0, but I'd rather people see this comment so they can see the person arguing against helping Gary, a long time member of this community, because they felt his comments were out of line.

Pot. Meet kettle.

Witty comment goes here...

by michael in chicago on Fri May 26, 2006 at 05:57:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I would not help Cheney (3.00 / 0)

If Cheney lost all his friends and money and was in a desert desperate for a drop of water, I would not even bother pissing on him to hydrate him.

I would also persuade others not to help Cheney. WIth Gary, I may not make the effort to help him as much as someone I like, but I know enough of him to wish him well and won't begrudge him the help he needs from this community.

I dont think mihan was against Gary receiving help.

by Pravin on Thu May 25, 2006 at 01:22:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I would not help Cheney (3.00 / 0)

I guess being brought up in a different culture, Western, I would approach a Cheney without water differently.

I'd give him the necessary water and see him to safety. Then, when fully recovered, kick the shit out of him.

I believe that everyone deserves help when in trouble. Just my way.....not everyone's.

Each to their own.

just a red meat eatin' Democratic Dawg frontpaging at The Democratic Daily...

by BigDog on Thu May 25, 2006 at 03:14:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I would not help Cheney (3.00 / 0)

Killing people you don't like. That sounds like a Democratic principle. Thank goodness we're all working towards progress.

by Lucas O'Connor on Fri May 26, 2006 at 11:51:07 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (3.00 / 2)

If you treat him with respect, he doesn't attack you. Never been attacked by him myself. Even when I've disagreed with him.

Yet you are taking the opportunity right now to kick him when he's down. You've earned my "indifference."

Witty comment goes here...

by michael in chicago on Thu May 25, 2006 at 07:26:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (3.00 / 0)

I agree, I don't recall ever being attacked. He may challenge the influence of our better angels, but it takes two to flamewar. If you can't handle Gary, then what are you doing in politics?

by Lucas O'Connor on Fri May 26, 2006 at 11:56:43 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (none / 0)

Actually, flame wars with Gary are kinda fun. You've got to admit, the guy can be creative...

Witty comment goes here...

by michael in chicago on Fri May 26, 2006 at 05:52:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (none / 0)

While I did not choose to pile it on because this is not the time to do so, I would hope Gary would give us a more detailed account on how the system failed him once he gets back on his feet because what I read was confusing. How does one get so unlucky that he loses his job, gets kicked out from sober homes twice for no reason at all, goes on a trip which has him fuming that he wants to sue the travel agent. All of this in such a short time span. Is he that unlucky or does he make himself the victim or a combination of things?

But then again, it is clear Gary does not want to be homeless and the system has to provide for a way for even a difficult person to have the basics. I would like to know how these sober homes work, the criteria, the funding, the conditions.

by Pravin on Thu May 25, 2006 at 11:30:03 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (none / 0)

I believe the "trip" was his newfound homelessness.

by Lucas O'Connor on Thu May 25, 2006 at 11:38:14 AM EST
[ Parent ]

you are correct, sir! (none / 0)

I dont know how I missed out on the sarcasm. Words like urban camping trip and that when he gets back, he would sue the travel agent(for some reason, i understood it as he already went on a trip and when he got back, he was asked to vacate). Heh heh. My mistake. I was thinking not onlydoes he have problems with the homes, but even with travel agents and every single person he dealt with in that period.

by Pravin on Thu May 25, 2006 at 01:27:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (3.00 / 1)

And what difference does it make TODAY? Are you one that wants to fix the situation or help him get a room for the next week? I'm worried, more than Gary, about getting his car out of impound and him into a place to stay.

Whatever has caused this is beyond our help. That's between Gary and others. He's a smart guy. He'll find a way through.

But honestly, I never hear comments that question 'how' unless they come from someone who has never hit bottom and seen hard time himself.

It isn't as hard as many think to get there. If you are well fixed and confident remember to give thanks every hour of every day as it can go away in a heartbeat...literally.

This isn't about 'how'. This is about what can we do today to help in some small way as a community to give him the tools he needs to get the car, get the roof, get the job etc. Nothing more...the rest is up to him.

just a red meat eatin' Democratic Dawg frontpaging at The Democratic Daily...

by BigDog on Thu May 25, 2006 at 12:22:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (3.00 / 0)

These are some of the truest words you could have ever written. There but for the grace of God.... I sent you a few bucks for Gary yesterday and recommended the diary so it wouldn't get lost. Good luck to Gary and thanks BigDog.

by Demo Dan in Dayton on Thu May 25, 2006 at 07:25:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (3.00 / 2)

I want to thank everyone...and I mean everyone...who has contributed. This account will remain open for a few days. I'm not selling anything on ebay so it's easy to keep track!

It's especially important to say Thank You to those of you who dug deep and really gave. While numbers aren't important quality is....and it's the quality that is obvious this morning.

Thanks on behalf of an Ol' Dog and Gary Boatwright.

just a red meat eatin' Democratic Dawg frontpaging at The Democratic Daily...

by BigDog on Thu May 25, 2006 at 12:37:08 PM EST

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (none / 0)

If you give a mailing address I could give too. I just got spooked by E-Bay about a year ago, and got rid of it.

by blues on Thu May 25, 2006 at 07:55:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (none / 0)

This isn't Ebay but PayPal WAY different entities.

But if you need one:
76 Flor De Sol
Rancho Santa Margarita,Ca 92688

Hope you respond.

just a red meat eatin' Democratic Dawg frontpaging at The Democratic Daily...

by BigDog on Fri May 26, 2006 at 12:42:55 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (none / 0)

Don't have a heck of a lot to give. But a huge percentage of websters have bolted from paypal (which is run by e-bay). It'll take about a week, since I have to wait for my own meager check. This is darn decent of you, Big Dog!

by blues on Fri May 26, 2006 at 10:51:37 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (3.00 / 0)

In a good cause....and the ultimate in Internet transparency...:))

The negative comments here amaze me. But each to their own.

just a red meat eatin' Democratic Dawg frontpaging at The Democratic Daily...

by BigDog on Fri May 26, 2006 at 02:31:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (3.00 / 0)

Second the thought regarding thanks for doing this.

Witty comment goes here...

by michael in chicago on Fri May 26, 2006 at 05:45:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

My Heartfelt Appreciation (3.00 / 1)

Thanks to all of the well wishers and contributors. I have not had a chance to call Stewart, because last night my cell phone stopped accepting a charge. I went to Radio Shack and bought a new $29 phone and topped it off with $20. The Radio Shack employee programmed it incorrected and it is attempting to link to a Sprint network even though I am a Virgin Mobile customer. Very strange.

Homeless Americans like me are a neglected minority that cuts across all ethnic and social strata. I will be writing some diaries about my experience in the coming weeeks. For now let me say that I saw a brown skinned man pushing a dark skinned woman in a wheel chair through the food line late last night. Elderly white males in wheel chairs are a common sight. I would guess that 25% of homeless Americans have a psychiatric condition that requires psychotropic medication. Yesterday a disoriented woman in her thirties asked me if it was Saturday. Alcohol and drug use are almost as rampant in the homeless community as they are in so called polite society.

If you would like to understand the problems facing homeless Americans allow me to suggest a visit or a short stint as a volunteer at a homeless outreach program.

You get out of life as little or as much as you put into it.

by Gary Boatwright on Thu May 25, 2006 at 05:19:18 PM EST

Re: My Heartfelt Appreciation (none / 0)

Gary:

When you call there is Cash waiting. We'll get together.

just a red meat eatin' Democratic Dawg frontpaging at The Democratic Daily...

by BigDog on Thu May 25, 2006 at 05:32:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Best of luck to you Gary. (none / 0)

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Thu May 25, 2006 at 06:57:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Gary, (2.00 / 1)

Sad is the day when one can't make fun of YOU of all people without getting your comments hidden... If you wouldn't mind, please give bodicea 8 million troll ratings when you get back to the library...

Invest in nature

by NCDem on Fri May 26, 2006 at 10:30:35 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Gary, Mojo (3.00 / 3)

I myself am enjoying the irony of the fact that I've lost my trusted user status in this diary because I wrote a post in support of Gary. ;) Mihan didn't like it and didn't like the '1' and the '2' I gave him either. I guess if you rate someone down you never know when they are gonna snap and start a ratings war so I suppose I've provoked it.

PS. I remember not liking your comment either! Of course, it is invisible to me now so I can't review to see if that was a fair read or not.

by Curt Matlock on Fri May 26, 2006 at 10:39:08 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Gary, Mojo (3.00 / 1)

Well... I'll take that as a "please re-post" because I thought it was quite funny...
------------------
I can't wait to read all about Gary Boatwright's bout with homelessness...

"Day 18... went to public library again, as I did on days 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,1 7... started another flame war... lasted 12 hours... kicked out of the library..."
------------------
In honor of Gary, won't you join me in rating every post on this thread a "troll"?

Invest in nature

by NCDem on Fri May 26, 2006 at 10:43:32 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Gary, NCDem (3.00 / 1)

Ok... on second reading it seems a bit mean. Then again you and Gary have been flaming each other for so long that he might enjoy the ribbing if he could see it. Of course I doubt if he can since it has been zeroed.

by Curt Matlock on Fri May 26, 2006 at 11:22:18 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Gary, NCDem (none / 0)

I think the MyDD Blogmasters should get software to show how many times a user has lost (and regained) this "trusted user clearence." At about five times, I might be a contender!

by blues on Fri May 26, 2006 at 11:41:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Gary, Mojo (3.00 / 1)

You really need to quit your whining. I've fucking had it with your bullshit. I've done little to deserve it and clearly I had expressed remorse that I'd brought myself into talking a guy down when he's clearly got bigger problems. But the truth is, if Gary spent more time finding a job than flaming other people, and writing long-winded rants that don't make any sense, he might not be homeless today. Sue me, dickhead.

by mihan on Fri May 26, 2006 at 10:45:34 AM EST
[ Parent ]

THat (3.00 / 0)

was hysterical...

Invest in nature

by NCDem on Fri May 26, 2006 at 10:47:28 AM EST
[ Parent ]

NCDem - Pot Stirrer (3.00 / 1)

Troublemaker! Is Pan or Loki your idol?

by Curt Matlock on Fri May 26, 2006 at 11:12:54 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: NCDem - Pot Stirrer (none / 0)

what? it was funny.

Invest in nature

by NCDem on Fri May 26, 2006 at 11:15:11 AM EST
[ Parent ]

When Gary (1.00 / 0)

gets to the library... and hogs the computer for 8 hours flaming the likes of you... preventing small children from looking up books on the web... he's really gonna kick your ass.

Invest in nature

by NCDem on Fri May 26, 2006 at 10:48:58 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: When Gary (1.00 / 0)

Yeah, you know, it isn't beneath him to expect that, either. The last thing I'd do if I were homeless is spend time on mydd.... careerbuilder.com and monster.com would be more appropriate. I couldn't imagine being at a place in life where I thought it would be more important to run to the library and radio shack and blog rather than spend all my time trying to get out of the situation I was in. Maybe that's part of the problem.

by mihan on Fri May 26, 2006 at 10:54:14 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: When Gary (none / 0)

Thank goodness you're reached a point of security in your life that flaming mydd is a priority for you.

by Lucas O'Connor on Fri May 26, 2006 at 12:00:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Gary, Mojo, Whiners, Anger, Laughs (3.00 / 1)

Whaaaaa?

LOL! (I really did chuckle at this reply although maybe not out loud)

I think I see why you had such a hard time with Gary.

by Curt Matlock on Fri May 26, 2006 at 11:10:51 AM EST
[ Parent ]

If you had a kid (3.00 / 0)

you'd know that babies don't cry interrogatively, and you wouldn't have had to explain yourself.

(I put a six-syllable word in this post in honor of Metonym-Ph.D.-to-be, who's posting on this thread... I mean... blogging... he considers himself a "blogger").

Invest in nature

by NCDem on Fri May 26, 2006 at 11:20:48 AM EST
[ Parent ]

wait for it... (none / 0)

wait for it...

Invest in nature

by NCDem on Fri May 26, 2006 at 11:22:45 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: If you had a kid (3.00 / 1)

Well I do have a child but have thankfully learned to tune out that sound now that she's no longer in diapers. In fact, I can't even see baby cries when they are written anymore! They just appear as a puzzling white space on the page to me.

Regarding Metonym. I've seen some good diaries come out lately from him so maybe you are being too hard on him? Or are you determined to re-socialize him single-handedly?

by Curt Matlock on Fri May 26, 2006 at 11:27:37 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: If you had a kid (none / 0)

I'm not hard on Metonym. I simply play with him... in a sadistic sort of way... sort of like poking a monkey in a cage and watching it scream with rage... but I'd never poke a monkey, so I get my mild torture-fix by poking Metonym. In addition to the fun I receive, I get a language lesson.

Invest in nature

by NCDem on Fri May 26, 2006 at 11:32:01 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Monkey Torture (3.00 / 1)

Ya know I was thinking it had to be a mild torture-fix kind of thing for you.

by Curt Matlock on Fri May 26, 2006 at 11:47:01 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Mihan being picked on? UNFAIR? - Nope (3.00 / 2)

Mihan,

What I object to most is you handing out zeroes on posts you don't like or on people you don't like. Zeroes HIDE comments are are supposed to be reserved for posts which are truly reprehensible. You pass them out like candy.

So yes, you deserve the crap you are getting because a) you are hiding comments and b) you are being callous. Of course b) is your right but a) is extremely uncool.

by Curt Matlock on Fri May 26, 2006 at 11:40:51 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Gary, Mojo (1.00 / 1)

What a marvelous tribute. I wonder if we could set up a sponsorship program. Everyone chips in a dollar for every irrational troll rating handed out in this thread.

by Lucas O'Connor on Fri May 26, 2006 at 11:58:41 AM EST
[ Parent ]

I'll start (none / 0)

just trying to help...

Invest in nature

by NCDem on Fri May 26, 2006 at 12:01:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

or was that (none / 0)

a rational troll rating?

Invest in nature

by NCDem on Fri May 26, 2006 at 12:30:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: or was that (3.00 / 1)

You're outthinking yourself. That's two steps ahead of what this diary should require.

by Lucas O'Connor on Fri May 26, 2006 at 02:04:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

A request (3.00 / 3)

Mihan:

A simple request from someone who has not, to my memory, crossed swords with you and has NEVER troll rated anyone...

Please take this exchange off this thread and into private emails. It is bringing negativity into a potentially positive situtation.

Since I wrote the original diary and started the effort I feel I have the right to make the request. Post a new gmail address if you don't want to use your own and the other side would as well, I'm sure and you two can have all the fun you want.

This Diary isn't about the past, comments, flamewars, personalities or anything but taking principles and putting them into action....even to help someone you don't like. That's the ultimate demonstration of both being principled and compassionate.

In my humble opinion....which may be worth exactly what you paid for it...nothing.

just a red meat eatin' Democratic Dawg frontpaging at The Democratic Daily...

by BigDog on Fri May 26, 2006 at 02:39:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Maybe campaigns should hire him (3.00 / 0)

What I don't understand is with the overpaid consultants like Bob Shrum and junior Shrums wasting money in this party, why can't a single campaign find space for the likes of Gary who would be more suitable for a position like campaign research and digging up dirt on opponents(I don't mean that as sarcasm, I mean it in all seriousness, everyone has a talent, and his mentality is best suited in such a position more than 9 to 5 job).

Whatever one might think of Gary, he is no dummy and he is singleminded. May not make for a great team member, but I wonder why campaigns in his area won't find a niche for him. This way, he gets paid and adds value to someone's orgaanization.

by Pravin on Sat May 27, 2006 at 12:28:17 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (3.00 / 2)

Gary Boatwright is usually an annoying prick, but as soon as I deposit my latest paycheck (this afternoon) I'll send some cash your way.

Romans 12:20
Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head."

GB isn't my enemy but just in case, I hope he lets me know how those burning coals feel. Ah, the Bible, telling you to help others AND get revenge all at once.

by MNPundit on Fri May 26, 2006 at 11:07:51 AM EST

I thought it went, "If your enemy... (none / 0)

is drowning, throw the son of a bitch an anchor." James (Carville) 3:27.

Boy, this guy has made his fair share of enemies here, hasn't he? I wish him luck, but he might want to reflect upon whether his cantankerous personality might require some adjustment; it might have contributed to his current straits.

by lonemorriscodem on Fri May 26, 2006 at 02:39:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I thought it went, "If your enemy... (3.00 / 0)

If he has 'enemies' here it's in their heart not Gary's.

He's a truly nice person. Hope you see your way clear to helping him get on his feet. Almost people learn from all circumstances and Gary's no dummy.

PS: Helluva an quote to apply to a fellow MyDD'er. This is supposed to be a community.

Of course I could be wrong....

just a red meat eatin' Democratic Dawg frontpaging at The Democratic Daily...

by BigDog on Fri May 26, 2006 at 04:18:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP (3.00 / 0)

Wow....what a verse...great quote.

just a red meat eatin' Democratic Dawg frontpaging at The Democratic Daily...

by BigDog on Fri May 26, 2006 at 02:39:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: MyDD'er Boatwright needs our HELP(UPDATE) (3.00 / 0)

Spoke with Gary today 5/26/06. He sounds upbeat. He's getting settled in terms of a storage area for his stuff and other things.

He's got calls out to people that he knows in his business. He'll have his car out of the blasted storage next week and sell it to generate some cash.

He says he knows where he can buy an uglier, older model that will serve him fine and leave some cash on the table.

Anyone interested in a 2003 Hyundai Hatchback, 45,000 miles, $5,500 book? He knows he'll have to make a good deal off that amount.

I wired him cash today and he's very grateful. There's more coming daily or clearing daily. I've had several people contact me privately that are sending checks as they are spooked by PayPal as one of our friends here mentioned.

(Gary and I have agreed that neither of us will discuss amounts, total or individual, as that was between the individual Giver and the Receiver as a matter of Heart and Principle.)

just a red meat eatin' Democratic Dawg frontpaging at The Democratic Daily...

by BigDog on Fri May 26, 2006 at 04:13:11 PM EST

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