Gary, sorry I missed your birthday. I haven't been able to catch up on blogs yet. Happy belated Birthday. Hope it was a great one.

Blogs are a sounding board. You, like me, are an opinionated bastich. I mean that as the most sincere complement. I say chit that I wouldn't say in real life because I don't want to get shot or my teeth knocked down my throat(even though I'm a big guy and could kick most people's a$$.) It helps me to sound off and you need to do the same.

There are two sides to every story. I know you in real life too. And those who have read your blogs for years here and on Blogster know you in real life too. Your life and posts speak for themselves.

Gary you is what you is. And there is not much wrong with that. When you write good stuff it is that good stuff. You are always welcome at my blog. All I ever ask you to censure is some language not thoughts.

As for honesty, there are at least two sides to every story. A rational person takes this into account when considering whether something is true or not. Because someone states something and says that it is true does not make it true. You do offend people, whether you intend to or not. If you choose to say things that you know may be offensive then you should be prepared for whatever comments come after. They have the right to express their feelings also. Including those that you do not agree with. And by your very own words in past blogs, it is obvious that you are out to hurt others at times. Your own words have made it quite clear that you are more against me than for me. Again, a rational person will recognize this. As for being open, I believe that is up to each individual who posts their writings. There are parts of most everyone's lives that frankly is no one else's business. One who keeps these things private is exercising discretion. Popularity aside, people pay close attention when driving past car wrecks too.
If you find any of this offensive or hurtful, I will say that that is not my intention to offend or hurt you. And I can say in all honesty that nothing I have said is either offensive or hurtful. Just good old fashioned common sense.
As a person whose character you have attempted to defame by your "honesty" and "openness" with "your feelings" I will comment on this post. Some food for thought, other than birthday cake.

I like what you write, even though sometimes it is rough, but you know, you're just speaking your mind. NOthing wrong with that and unless I am mistaken -- aren't we still living in a free country?

thanks for that. I may not alwasy like what you write but really you seem like a nice guy.

hope you have a very happy birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!

i know that you honest in your blogs. keep writing as you do if people didn't want to hear what you have to say they wouldn't keep coming back. i read alot of people blogs but there are 3-4 i have to read everyday. and yes your is one of them. Butter

Well, *I* like you, Gary.

As one blogger who has been accused of not being upfront about what they feel(that would be myself)I will explain my blog rationale in my own blog.