BKP on the Priesthood Ban

[Jeff Lebowski]

Perhaps I got it and pretended not to.

[Solon]

i have, in fact. i'm a man of the oppressed minority. i even tipped the negro boy that shined my shoes the other day. it's a shame that his biologically inferior cognitive capability so limits his potential.

That's awfully big of you.
I would be willing to let every Negro drive a Cadillac if they could afford it.
(barf)

[byu71]

Dang it. You don't even get my insults anymore.

Perhaps I got it and pretended not to.

[old_gregg]

You obviously have never been around gypsies.

i have, in fact. i'm a man of the oppressed minority. i even tipped the negro boy that shined my shoes the other day. it's a shame that his biologically inferior cognitive capability so limits his potential.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Us intellectuals think a lot a like when it comes to these things.

Dang it. You don't even get my insults anymore.

[byu71]

That's about what I expected too.

Us intellectuals think a lot a like when it comes to these things.

[Color Me Badd Fan]

just like those damn jews. what a bunch of hook nosed crooks.

You obviously have never been around gypsies.

[Topper]

thanks for the handy reference. As I suspected I learned nothing new or startling.

It is not anything new, but a startling transition for an organization which had BRM running around justifying the policy. An apology to those negatively affected or shunned might have been better, but given the tendencies of leadership it is certainly a huge step forward. Kudos to them for producing that. Transparency is a good thing.

[Topper]

the romani are an ethnic group.

I know they are now, but didn't consider them an ethnic group back when I lived in Germany. I disliked them not for their ethnicity but for their tendency to be involved in criminal activity. Most Europeans I know, even high minded, intellectuals, have the same opinion of the romani. "Their part of town" was a place I did not visit for fear of my personal safety.

If you wish to escape with your wallet and perhaps your life unharmed, I recommend you not visit the gypsies during the night.

[Jeff Lebowski]

thanks for the handy reference. As I suspected I learned nothing new or startling.

That's about what I expected too.

[byu71]

thanks for the handy reference. As I suspected I learned nothing new or startling.

[old_gregg]

I know it sounds similar but it's not. By saying gypsies, you are referring to the lifestyle. I had no idea that they are kinda a race until much later. If I say Colombian drug cartel, nobody thinks of that as being racist. Think of gypsies as the purveyors of crime throughout Europe and to a smaller extent the US. They are organized crime groups with nomadic communities.

the romani are an ethnic group.

[Solon]

This annecdote will likely blow some minds, but I've actually met several Gypsies who are warm, decent people. Some remain friends of mine to this day from my days spent kicking stray dogs in Bulgaria. We share the same biology, regardless of ideology. Believe me when I say to you, I hope the Gypsies love their children too.

A gypsy named Shoon did me a great service once when I was a missionary in southern France.
We got to know him pretty well. He claimed to be a "businessman" even though he couldn't read or write.
He also had a trailer full of televisions that he was holding "for a cousin."
I really liked him, although I never went to visit his camp after dark.

FWIW, the term "gypsy" derives from the old belief that they came from Egypt. It's probably a derogatory term.
I think they prefer Roma or Romani.

[Topper]

just like those damn jews. what a bunch of hook nosed crooks.

I know it sounds similar but it's not. By saying gypsies, you are referring to the lifestyle. I had no idea that they are kinda a race until much later. If I say Colombian drug cartel, nobody thinks of that as being racist. Think of gypsies as the purveyors of crime throughout Europe and to a smaller extent the US. They are organized crime groups with nomadic communities.

[Topper]

One day in Sofia I snapped a picture of a filthy, barefoot street urchin girl who was very beautiful. Five minutes later I was set upon by two roma men, who demanded $25 US because I took a picture of their relative. I offered to delete the picture but they said I had already taken the picture, and I must pay. They followed me for a few blocks, trying to grab my arm and shoulder and demanding the money.

I had a similar experience in Cordoba, Spain. I was hounded by gypsies who grabbed my hand, read me a fortune I did not understand then demanded 20 Euros. After I failed to pay, I imagine they spouted some gypsy curses.

I have very good friends from Ruse, who want me to visit.