'Preciation

[JoeyKnothead]

Every now and then you're supposed to carry on about the folks ya care about, and I can't help about all that. For this'n I'll concentrate on the site members who've most influenced me. I'll try to keep it brief so we don't all end up on Oprah. In alphabetical order cause in spite of common belief, I do know some math...

cnorman18
Your wisdom, charity, and willingness to share such compels me to greater good. You've talked me down from many a mental precipice, and I love you for it.

goat
I will never, ever, and I don't care if grandma and all them tells me to, but I will never present you a reference to rip to shreds (or place into context). Your (silently) correcting my behavior, and leading by example has taught me civility is an asset.

Joer
I miss you like you'll never know. You were one of the VERY FIRST theists I felt compassion for. I seek to live by your Christian principles if only in the HOPE of meeting you.

Joker
You have shown me that compassion, respect, and dignity for one's opponents means far more than any disagreement I may have with them. You've also shown me that recognizing my errors, and retracting them, are an important, and noble part of the debate process.

Jrosemary
I love you for your willingness to listen, and to teach. Y'all Jewish folks are some good folks and I'd be proud to call y'all family.

McCulloch
I'm smarter'n you and Data put together, my only problem is I can't convince folks of it. You've a sharp, slicing wit and are a mentor of highest caliber.

Grumpy
There is a certain legitimacy in not "holding one's tongue", legitimacy in speaking straightforward and without worry about who might carry on about it. Back it up with sound knowledge and respect is the order of the day.

micatala
Perspective. There's much to be said about being well versed in a broad array of subjects, and knowing those arguments pro and con.

My son. Even if he ain't on the site, danged if he ain't a model American, and I'm gonna count him and I don't care if it gets folks upset.

myth-one.com
You met me "full force", constantly, consistently and politely explaining your position, even though I railed against you. By your patience I learn to exercise my own, and by your example I learn that I must see my way through my opponent's misunderstanding.

Zzyzx
Your style, methods and encouragement are without parallel, and among the highest authority. Really though, I only feel a bit bad about plagiarizing you at every opportunity, if we can keep this all off the record'n all.

There's more of y'all, but the alcohol and marywantsta is really starting to kick in and it wouldn't be fair to clog up otseng's intertubes with my ramblings.

Speaking of which, if it weren't for otseng we would'nt have a site where we could all holler back and forth and carry on and let the observer decide.

So...

Hey debaters, who is your daddy?
otseng is your daddy.

With apologies to all those who had to holler such out in AIT.