In regard to my last post, I want to say that I may not—and in fact, do not—have the whole story. Not that I think John Hartley deserves a pass for questionable public behavior. It’s just that, after reading some of the post-breaking-news news (and the hateful comments to online coverage) following the arrest of the 3rd District candidate, it’s unclear to me whether he actually did what he is accused of; I’m simply unconvinced of his guilt. Details are few and even those are uncompelling, and the last thing I want—even if he did masturbate in public—is to be part of some swirly-eyed witchhunt that demonizes a citizen with an otherwise impressive record when it comes to citizenship. As one of my commenters rightly mentioned, I shouldn’t believe everything I read. And I don’t. Believe me. But I did get so caught up in the eeeewwwww!-ness of yet another public servant behaving badly, that I blew my critical-thinking fuse. It has since been re-set.
My knee-jerk post was a little too knee-jerky, even for me.
I feel badly (is it bad or badly? Grammar pros, help me out here…) about what I wrote and needed to say that here.
8 responses so far ↓
1 Jenn @ Juggling Life // Mar 31, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Everyone makes a mistake now and then.
I believe it is badly. An adverb modies a verb, no?
2 bonzize // Mar 31, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Good for you - fessin up and beingbroad-minded. One of the reasons your fairy godmother loves you so. Ithink badly - but it’s only one vote, and I’ve only won one game of Scrabble with the Gaydi Project. Ever. And I haven’t seen her for seeral years and I’ll never forget BEATING her.
xoxo, YFGM
3 bonzize // Mar 31, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Oh yeah, I should add, I just had a Scott Martini and, by dog, it doesn’t go with proofreading. hee, hee
4 Mrs. G. // Mar 31, 2008 at 5:16 pm
When I read your first post, mainly felt sadness for the guy. Good for you for posting this and not being interested participating in a possible witch hunt. I googled the story and I haven’t found a story with any depth or very many details.
Just exactly how do you make a citizen’s arrest?
5 bordtodth // Mar 31, 2008 at 6:37 pm
It’s bad.
6 bordtodth // Mar 31, 2008 at 6:41 pm
It would be “badly” if you were describing the way you use your feelers… (or fingers?). It sounds wrong, but it’s right… until enough people feel bad about the way it sounds & usage will trump rightness!
7 Jamie // Mar 31, 2008 at 10:20 pm
It’s commentary. It’s emotion. Can’t apologize for that.
8 Deb // Apr 1, 2008 at 9:59 am
The only difference b/w you and me is that I don’t apologize for my knee jerkiness.
AND, thx for your e-mail. Deb is great. Also? Good advice. Thanks Aaryn!
p.s. You’re a great writer.
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