In Reference to the Recent Posting and BN

[Athan]

Hi Everyone,

 

I just wanted to say, Thank you for all your support and loyalty. I really got present to the caring and love that was here for me during that recent thread about me. I apreciate all of your kind emails and the stand you all took for my well being. I was really moved by it all.

 

But I would like to address one thing.

Though I do not condone gossip and do not like when anyone talks about someone else in anything resembling a negative context that is being made 'true'...I do support their freedom to say whatever they like.

 

So, I just want to share that in no way do I hold any resentments to BN or MrSilentStar. They have the freedom to say what they like.

 

I do, however, wish that when people spoke that they would make it clear that in no way is what they are saying absolutely true but is in fact their own personal point of view.

 

That's why I think "Freedom of Speech" should be changed to "Freedom of SELF Expression". The Freedom to express your Self as a point of view but not the freedom to insist that you are right or try to convince others that you speak the truth. Because in this relative world where we all have our own subjective points of view, it is impossible to even experience anything objectively or absolutely, let alone speak objective or absolute truth.

 

But, since we are living in times where we all have the freedom to say what we want and be "Right" about it if we choose to, all I can do is allow everyone to say what they choose. Nothing anyone says can change Who I Am.

 

Who I Am is the Possibility of Posibilities. And the Possibility I am creating for myself and my life is the Possibility of Forgiveness and Open, Fearless SELF Expression.

 

I invite you all to try on these possibilities with me and give up trying to make anyone wrong for what they say or do and take on viewing the world from what works and what does not work.

If you find it doesn't work for you then you always have the freedom to go back to your orignial ways of being.

 

Again, I thank you all for being Who You Are for me and being such a great contributon to Who I Am.

 

 

I Love you ALL,

Athan

[Guest empire]

And Thank YOU for such an insightful, thought provoking post.

[Boston Guy]

Very nice post. My best to you.

 

BG

[bigguyinpasadena]

The above post really shows why Athan is a star-and has people(like me)who have only met him in person once are totally besotted with his charm and wit.

To paraphrase another posters tag line

Bigggggg Hugs to you Athan!

[+ deej]

You don't visit us often enough, Athan, but when you do you prove what a class act you are.

 

My hat is off to you!

[jackhammer91406]

A very classy response Athan. Others can make the choice for themselves to wallow in gossip and innuendo. I like it that you have taken a higher road. It will stand you in good stead for the times ahead, and sets a gold standard for how to handle these kinds of people who only live to tear down others.

Blessings

[Guest PWIT]

Athan,

I read your posting and I could almost hear you saying it. I thought it was a typical response for you. Very positive. And though we were not able to meet up on my subsequent LA visit, I still hope to see you again somewhere down the road.

Oh...and please update your listing with some new pics - only because you are so hot and I wish everyone to see the hot guy that I saw.

All my best to you.

------

HooBoy readers,

For those that do not know Athan, in our short time together I found him to have a unique spiritual layer. Definitely not the traditional spiritual background to which I am more familiar. I am always fascinated by interesting people, and Athan's views made for great conversation over dinner.

Though we only met once (28 July 2005), as I read Athan's posting I thought that was typical Athan. He really makes a great first and lasting impression. Now it is possible I am just totally enamored with him as he was my first escort experience, but I am more inclined to believe he is truly a great person.

 

PWIT

[bigguyinpasadena]

You started with one of the best-no doubt about it!

[+ glutes]

Athan, you are the best! Not only do you deserve high marks as an escort, but as a person.

How you and 'Hugs Chuck' forgive, you are both up there with Mandela.

[KY_TOP]

Amen to that deej

[OneFinger]

I stayed out of the original thread because I didn't want to get caught up in the controversy. But, Athan, I've got to agree with the majority of previous posters that you've responded with class.

 

I especially liked your comment:

 

[ol]I do, however, wish that when people spoke that they would make it clear that in no way is what they are saying absolutely true but is in fact their own personal point of view.

 

That's why I think "Freedom of Speech" should be changed to "Freedom of SELF Expression". The Freedom to express your Self as a point of view but not the freedom to insist that you are right or try to convince others that you speak the truth.[/ol]

 

What a great concept - Freedom of Self Expression with responsibility for what you say. Boy, I sure have no disagreements with that.

[jawjateck]

What class, maturity, and wisdom. Athan, we have never met, phoned, or emailed, yet you have been on my radar for a long time. You remain on my short list of escorts to meet before my hiring days come to an end. I rarely get to the left coast, but you will be my top priority the next time this Jawja boy goes west. My best to you!

[SmallTownJohn]

Athan,

 

Thank you...excellent post!

 

And allow me to add from my perspective...

 

I don't like gossip. I don't read gossip. I believe it's hostile and destructive. And we have so many daily struggles as gay men that I just don't understand its purpose.

 

It keeps us down.

 

 

John

http://www.stj1.com

[Houston Bonfires]

Athan:

 

You respond to hostility and hatred with grace and wisdom...wisdom way beyond your years. You and your beautiful spirit are missed in Houston and I'm sure you have enriched Southern California, our loss. I wish you only the best and blessings piled high, running over and too numerous to consider.

 

HB