Re: Fred has a valid point of view.

[jbuf@ix.netcom.com (John Irvin Buford)]

You wrote: 
>
>Friends,
>
>I did not find Fred's comments offensive. He spoke the truth and that 
hurts.
>I do not believe for a minute that Fred wanted to offend anyone.
>

    Even if he did not intend to offend, if he did in fact offend then 
it is offensive.

>We should be men enough to listen and present alternative points of 
view, as appropriate. 
>
    I have no problems with his view, just with the harsh manner in 
which he presented them.  BTW, I agree with some of what he said.  But 
in his personal response to me he went so far as to imply that only 
those chosen few ( like himself) ever really need a Leica. 

 less-famous
>people I know use the 35mm Summicron to great effect. I try to 
concentrate on
>their technique, which is sometimes aided by the quality of a 
particular
>Leica lens.
     I agree wholeheartedly

>Instead of being critical of Fred, let's try to learn from him.

    On this point I have to disagree.  I am willing to discuss anything 
with anybody at anytime, this is what social intercourse is all about.  
I have a degree in philosophy, sometime I will even argue for the side 
I disagree with so that I may understand their thinking on the subject.
IMHO if you are are of an opinion that I happen to find faulty.  The 
worst possible way to persuade me, is to explain that since I was not 
the first photojournalist allowed in Tibet in so many years.  That I do 
not really need Leica equipment.

    I think there needs to be a moratorium, on Fred.  He said a few 
harsh things and got his feelings hurt.  ITF, he should be more careful 
about the tone of his of postings.  
 

John N3BVH