Had paulsamuel not wished death upon a member of this forum whose mental health may or may not be able to withstand the jibe, and had whatever moderator(s) my "report post" message went to edited the offending remark, I would not have felt compelled to present such a one-sided and admittedly biased interpretation of paulsamuel in this post.
I was previously neutral with regards to PS vs. WCF, but no more. PS deserves little respect after the comment he made [1] in this very thread. As one who has seen first-hand what the ignorance and lack of compassion can result in when dealing with someone who has had suicidal ideations, I will not remain silent. WCF has made some mistakes in his choices of words in these forums, but who among us can say we are innocent of this? Certainly not paulsamuel.
Interestingly enough, paulsamuel has demonstrated some lack of consideration for the personal information of others [2] with the posting of Professor Jeff Connor's email, telephone, website, & fax numbers. Even though I agree with his decision to do so (it was in regards to Michigan's creationist curriculum) as method of disseminating a means to protest governmental/academic policies that were questionable, it still remains that he was implying that contacting this individual in a manner that this individual would not approve of is acceptable, perhaps even honorable under the circumstances.
But one has to consider that what is most important to paulsamuel isn't necessarily whether justice is served. Perhaps a creationist-tolerant professor that may or may not have the political capital to influence a school district or state academic policy is fair game to such tactics. Perhaps the poor sod is merely attempting to hold onto a job and effect change slowly from within. It seems, however, that such tactics, whether they actually occurred or not, is taboo to use on Dr. Armstrong. Personally, I think it's likely that the calls never occurred and that Armstrong/paulsamuel is responding to bruised ego.
He's demonstrated that ego is important to him, after all. In the Remember thread [3] of the Free Thoughts forum, paulsamuel hijacked the topic to blast Xev's position on race. And he didn't miss an opportunity to announce his qualifications: "an evolutionary biologist, a geneticist, a Dr., a scientist, a university level teacher" while insulting Xev (who's issued her share to be sure) as an "insolent teenager."
Indeed, paulsamuel crossposted his rant to Xev on several occasions in a most annoying manner such as the one in the Obligatory publicity whoring post thread [4] begun by Zero, announcing his return. Paulsamuel's aggravation with Xev reached a critical mass in the On Race thread [5] when he attempted to place her on ignore. Because of her moderator status, this failed leaving him to announce "[w]ow, a loudmouth racist I can't put on ignore. Well, the KKK can have this place! They can make up their own science." Paulsamuel then posted a request for instructions to "unsubscribe" from the sciforums [6]. Perhaps he simply meant that particular thread. I doubt it, based on his frustration level. What drives a person with a Ph.D., "a geneticist, a Dr., a scientist, a university level teacher" to continue to participate in forum and interact with those that cause him such grief? Could it be the same motivation that such an alleged intellectual would hope death upon a student? His ego?
But what began the WellCookedFetus vs. paulsamuel feud? They both appear to be amicable and agreeable in the threads On Race [7], where paulsamuel even commends WCF for standing up to a racist, and in How does evolution actually happen? [8], where they trade perspectives on the Punctuated Equilibrium theory of Stephen J. Gould.
It appears that the rift between the two started with a post by paulsamuel in the thread How can Humans be Primates? [9]. Paulsamuel criticized, albeit mildly and perhaps justifiably, an article posted by WCF. The link no longer works to the article, but paulsamuel posted one of his own. Perhaps this appeared to be a "one-up" gesture to WCF, because his response was soon to point out paulsamuel's tendency to frequently make mention of his CV and Ph.D. within the forums. Uncharacteristic of what one might expect from "university level teacher," paulsamuel immediately retorted, "sorry to embarass you, but i fucking hate know-it-alls."
And so it began. After a brief exchange, which included an I-know-you-are-but-what-am-I leveled response by WCF, paulsamuel finally listed his academic credentials, punctuated by "I reiterate; DumbAss!" Directed to WCF, of course.
Paulsamuel's arguments and responses remained civil and on-topic until WCF questioned his qualifications on the subject. At that time, paulsamuel began resorting to ad hominem remarks (as did WCF, though not as severely at that point). On page two, the esteemed professor informs WCF that he was teaching him humility. This gives one pause to wonder what lesson is being taught on page 7 of this thread [1] when he stated "i want him to commit suicide, one less asshole in the world." Emphasis is paulsamuel's as is the capitalization. Indeed, it is this omission of the capitalization of "I" that indicates that paulsamuel was angry and rushed when typing. But he doesn't appear to regret the words since he hadn't edited them as of 9:19 am on 7.26.04.
And so it continued. With paulsamuel's ego, the same man that instructed another member [10] to "Screw You! From now on you must address me as Dr. Armstrong. Mister Tetraneutron (emphasis paulsamuel's), it easy to see that the feud continued. And paulsamuel has history of badgering members, particularly moderators. His Xev/racism crossposts are evidence. Continuous, ad hominem jibes at WCF [11] when he could simply have largely ignored him are as well. It's no wonder that when WCF attained the status of Moderator that it would have an affect on paulsamuel. This, the person whom he detested since the very moment he questioned Armstrong's credentials. And now he wishes death upon him.
Shame on you paulsamuel/Paul Armstrong. What a blight you are upon the academic community and the university you work for (if, indeed, you do).
Shame on us all for perpetuating this nonsense of a discussion thread (and I include you, WCF, as well as I).
After reviewing WCF vs. Paulsamuel in the sciforums archives, I think a couple of things are clear. WCF wasn't exactly nice to paulsamuel, but the level of ad hominem attack was certainly more severe from the "esteemed professor." WCF and Xev have gotten under his skin. One must wonder about a professor that allows two internet strangers to bother him so. One must wonder about a professor that wishes death upon a student.
One must wonder if the telephone calls to this alleged professor's alleged place of business actually occurred.
If indeed paulsamuel is a professor at a university then perhaps a telephone call to the university is warranted. But not to speak with Dr. Armstrong. I'm sure that someone within the university faculty would find it interesting that a professor of their institution stated that he hoped a student committed suicide.
References
1. paulsamuel. (2004, 25/07). Strip mod status/ban WellCookedFetus. sciforums [643123]. Message posted to SF Open Government, archived at http://www.sciforums.com/showthread.php?t=38648&page=7&pp=20.
2. paulsamuel. (2004, 3/19). Creationism taught in michigan schools. sciforums [537392]. Message posted to Biology & Genetics, archived at http://www.sciforums.com/showthread.php?t=34059.
3. paulsamuel. (2004, 02/04/04). Remember? sciforums [545869]. Message posted to Free Thoughts, archived at http://www.sciforums.com/showthread.php?t=34443&page=2&pp=20.
4. paulsamuel. (2004, 3/31/04). Obligatory publicity whoring post. sciforums [544905]. Message posted to Free Thoughts, archived at http://www.sciforums.com/showthread.php?t=34427&page=2&pp=20.
5. paulsamuel. (2004, 3/29/04). On Race. sciforums [543541 & 543543]. Message posted to.
6. paulsamuel. (2004, 3/30/04). Help unsubscribing. sciforums [544148]. Message posted to Site Feedback, archived at http://www.sciforums.com/showthread.php?t=34412.
7. paulsamuel. (2003, 15/02/03). DNA,and GENETIC information. sciforums [263926]. Message posted to Biology & Genetics, archived at http://www.sciforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17377.
8. WellCookedFetus & paulsamuel. (2003, 02/03/03). How does evolution actually happen. In sciforums (18194) (Forum Thread). Retrieved 25/07/04, from sciforums: http://www.sciforums.com/showthread.php?t=18194&page=1&pp=20.
9. VitalOne. (2003, 03/07/03). How can Humans be Primates? sciforums [387455]. Message posted to Biology & Genetics, archived at http://www.sciforums.com/showthread.php?t=25020.
10. paulsamuel. (2003, 29/03/03). Supernova From Experimentation At Fermilab. sciforums [302276]. Message posted to Astronomy, Exobiology, & Cosmology, archived at http://www.sciforums.com/showthread.php?p=302276#post302276.
11. paulsamuel. (2003, 7/7/03). Sufficient humans to repopulate? sciforums [387778]. Message posted to Biology & Genetics, archived at http://www.sciforums.com/showthread.php?p=387778#post387778.
I was previously neutral with regards to PS vs. WCF, but no more. PS deserves little respect after the comment he made [1] in this very thread. As one who has seen first-hand what the ignorance and lack of compassion can result in when dealing with someone who has had suicidal ideations, I will not remain silent. WCF has made some mistakes in his choices of words in these forums, but who among us can say we are innocent of this? Certainly not paulsamuel.
Interestingly enough, paulsamuel has demonstrated some lack of consideration for the personal information of others [2] with the posting of Professor Jeff Connor's email, telephone, website, & fax numbers. Even though I agree with his decision to do so (it was in regards to Michigan's creationist curriculum) as method of disseminating a means to protest governmental/academic policies that were questionable, it still remains that he was implying that contacting this individual in a manner that this individual would not approve of is acceptable, perhaps even honorable under the circumstances.
But one has to consider that what is most important to paulsamuel isn't necessarily whether justice is served. Perhaps a creationist-tolerant professor that may or may not have the political capital to influence a school district or state academic policy is fair game to such tactics. Perhaps the poor sod is merely attempting to hold onto a job and effect change slowly from within. It seems, however, that such tactics, whether they actually occurred or not, is taboo to use on Dr. Armstrong. Personally, I think it's likely that the calls never occurred and that Armstrong/paulsamuel is responding to bruised ego.
He's demonstrated that ego is important to him, after all. In the Remember thread [3] of the Free Thoughts forum, paulsamuel hijacked the topic to blast Xev's position on race. And he didn't miss an opportunity to announce his qualifications: "an evolutionary biologist, a geneticist, a Dr., a scientist, a university level teacher" while insulting Xev (who's issued her share to be sure) as an "insolent teenager."
Indeed, paulsamuel crossposted his rant to Xev on several occasions in a most annoying manner such as the one in the Obligatory publicity whoring post thread [4] begun by Zero, announcing his return. Paulsamuel's aggravation with Xev reached a critical mass in the On Race thread [5] when he attempted to place her on ignore. Because of her moderator status, this failed leaving him to announce "[w]ow, a loudmouth racist I can't put on ignore. Well, the KKK can have this place! They can make up their own science." Paulsamuel then posted a request for instructions to "unsubscribe" from the sciforums [6]. Perhaps he simply meant that particular thread. I doubt it, based on his frustration level. What drives a person with a Ph.D., "a geneticist, a Dr., a scientist, a university level teacher" to continue to participate in forum and interact with those that cause him such grief? Could it be the same motivation that such an alleged intellectual would hope death upon a student? His ego?
But what began the WellCookedFetus vs. paulsamuel feud? They both appear to be amicable and agreeable in the threads On Race [7], where paulsamuel even commends WCF for standing up to a racist, and in How does evolution actually happen? [8], where they trade perspectives on the Punctuated Equilibrium theory of Stephen J. Gould.
It appears that the rift between the two started with a post by paulsamuel in the thread How can Humans be Primates? [9]. Paulsamuel criticized, albeit mildly and perhaps justifiably, an article posted by WCF. The link no longer works to the article, but paulsamuel posted one of his own. Perhaps this appeared to be a "one-up" gesture to WCF, because his response was soon to point out paulsamuel's tendency to frequently make mention of his CV and Ph.D. within the forums. Uncharacteristic of what one might expect from "university level teacher," paulsamuel immediately retorted, "sorry to embarass you, but i fucking hate know-it-alls."
And so it began. After a brief exchange, which included an I-know-you-are-but-what-am-I leveled response by WCF, paulsamuel finally listed his academic credentials, punctuated by "I reiterate; DumbAss!" Directed to WCF, of course.
Paulsamuel's arguments and responses remained civil and on-topic until WCF questioned his qualifications on the subject. At that time, paulsamuel began resorting to ad hominem remarks (as did WCF, though not as severely at that point). On page two, the esteemed professor informs WCF that he was teaching him humility. This gives one pause to wonder what lesson is being taught on page 7 of this thread [1] when he stated "i want him to commit suicide, one less asshole in the world." Emphasis is paulsamuel's as is the capitalization. Indeed, it is this omission of the capitalization of "I" that indicates that paulsamuel was angry and rushed when typing. But he doesn't appear to regret the words since he hadn't edited them as of 9:19 am on 7.26.04.
And so it continued. With paulsamuel's ego, the same man that instructed another member [10] to "Screw You! From now on you must address me as Dr. Armstrong. Mister Tetraneutron (emphasis paulsamuel's), it easy to see that the feud continued. And paulsamuel has history of badgering members, particularly moderators. His Xev/racism crossposts are evidence. Continuous, ad hominem jibes at WCF [11] when he could simply have largely ignored him are as well. It's no wonder that when WCF attained the status of Moderator that it would have an affect on paulsamuel. This, the person whom he detested since the very moment he questioned Armstrong's credentials. And now he wishes death upon him.
Shame on you paulsamuel/Paul Armstrong. What a blight you are upon the academic community and the university you work for (if, indeed, you do).
Shame on us all for perpetuating this nonsense of a discussion thread (and I include you, WCF, as well as I).
After reviewing WCF vs. Paulsamuel in the sciforums archives, I think a couple of things are clear. WCF wasn't exactly nice to paulsamuel, but the level of ad hominem attack was certainly more severe from the "esteemed professor." WCF and Xev have gotten under his skin. One must wonder about a professor that allows two internet strangers to bother him so. One must wonder about a professor that wishes death upon a student.
One must wonder if the telephone calls to this alleged professor's alleged place of business actually occurred.
If indeed paulsamuel is a professor at a university then perhaps a telephone call to the university is warranted. But not to speak with Dr. Armstrong. I'm sure that someone within the university faculty would find it interesting that a professor of their institution stated that he hoped a student committed suicide.
References
1. paulsamuel. (2004, 25/07). Strip mod status/ban WellCookedFetus. sciforums [643123]. Message posted to SF Open Government, archived at http://www.sciforums.com/showthread.php?t=38648&page=7&pp=20.
2. paulsamuel. (2004, 3/19). Creationism taught in michigan schools. sciforums [537392]. Message posted to Biology & Genetics, archived at http://www.sciforums.com/showthread.php?t=34059.
3. paulsamuel. (2004, 02/04/04). Remember? sciforums [545869]. Message posted to Free Thoughts, archived at http://www.sciforums.com/showthread.php?t=34443&page=2&pp=20.
4. paulsamuel. (2004, 3/31/04). Obligatory publicity whoring post. sciforums [544905]. Message posted to Free Thoughts, archived at http://www.sciforums.com/showthread.php?t=34427&page=2&pp=20.
5. paulsamuel. (2004, 3/29/04). On Race. sciforums [543541 & 543543]. Message posted to.
6. paulsamuel. (2004, 3/30/04). Help unsubscribing. sciforums [544148]. Message posted to Site Feedback, archived at http://www.sciforums.com/showthread.php?t=34412.
7. paulsamuel. (2003, 15/02/03). DNA,and GENETIC information. sciforums [263926]. Message posted to Biology & Genetics, archived at http://www.sciforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17377.
8. WellCookedFetus & paulsamuel. (2003, 02/03/03). How does evolution actually happen. In sciforums (18194) (Forum Thread). Retrieved 25/07/04, from sciforums: http://www.sciforums.com/showthread.php?t=18194&page=1&pp=20.
9. VitalOne. (2003, 03/07/03). How can Humans be Primates? sciforums [387455]. Message posted to Biology & Genetics, archived at http://www.sciforums.com/showthread.php?t=25020.
10. paulsamuel. (2003, 29/03/03). Supernova From Experimentation At Fermilab. sciforums [302276]. Message posted to Astronomy, Exobiology, & Cosmology, archived at http://www.sciforums.com/showthread.php?p=302276#post302276.
11. paulsamuel. (2003, 7/7/03). Sufficient humans to repopulate? sciforums [387778]. Message posted to Biology & Genetics, archived at http://www.sciforums.com/showthread.php?p=387778#post387778.
