XMTS Motto

[pwyll]

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I'm diving into a kettle of fish--my first post on Xmarks is in a "political" discussion 8-o

I think, but am likely wrong, that some of the contention is based on an initial reaction to semantics. I know that many people reply to a post without reading follow up posts and that some of the argument *may* come from that practice. Here is why I believe that may be the case in some instances:

For my own part, my reaction to the initial post in which the English version of the motto was stated as "By Choice, Not by Blood" was negative. Semantically speaking, in English that does exclude blood-ties. While the argument is made that the motto is regarding membership in the forum rather than a statement on culture or heritage, the fact is that I joined the forum *because* it is for the education and support of a part of my cultural heritage. The fact that no one needs to claim a genealogical connection in order to participate in and/or celebrate that heritage is a plus. But the fact that Hamish is looked to so often for advice and opinion, and the fact that tanks are, in general, "the" kilt to aspire to, only reinforces the point that the culture and heritage *is* a part of this forum. I could not support the phrase "not by blood" as it does, semantically, exclude my genealogical ties to this heritage.

Panache's "clarification post," on the other hand, seems fine to me. "By Choice, not Blood" semantically only means that Blood is not an issue, and I can support that phrasing whole-heartedly. It does not exclude anyone, it only excludes an exclusionary tactic ;)

I realize that many people will point out that the Latin may be translated either way, but the two relevant (to me) points about that argument are:
1) wars have been fought over translations
2) the poll does not mention a Latin (or Gaelic) phrase, the poll is for the motto in English

And the poll specifically lists the phrase "By Choice, Not by Blood."

I understand that most people who support it won't see a difference between that and "By Choice, not Blood;" but I do. I understand that many people who oppose it won't see a difference, either; but I do. And I know that many people may see the poll as stated actually being for the phrase as "clarified" by Panache; but I have lived in this great land of ours, the US of A, for far too long not to realize that the letter of the law has more impact than the intent, and that what you *say* often has much more effect than what you mean.

I cannot, in good faith, vote 'yes' to "By Choice, Not by Blood" as the English phrasing quite clearly excludes genealogical ties, though I do recognize that not everyone will agree. I could enthusiastically endorse "By Choice, Not Blood," however, as it dispenses with the negative connotations, though evidently not everyone agrees.

But that's kind of the point. We are, after all, trying to make a choice ;)


Scott

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