Posted by Todd (208.251.130.233) on July 19, 1999 at 00:18:31:
A group of diverse outcasts once came together, outraged at being treated as insignificant rabble. They were a minority, looked down upon by those who knew they were superior. They had endured untold trials, tribulations and hardship, all in a desparate and often futile attempt to survive. Their needs were dismissed as whining attempts to suckle from the teat of the patriarchy. The fruits of their struggles were stolen by those who had much more and deigned to sell to them only at tremendous cost. Their livelihoods, homes and very existances were often taken, with no explanation, no compensation.
Unwilling to tolerate this inhumane treatment, they banded together, with but one thought-toss off the bonds of oppression and establish their right to live.
A group of them volunteered, some with the encouragement of their neighbors, some individually, some under impressment. Once together, they began to discuss the situation in which they found themselves, and the possible alternatives open to them. They initially agreed on only one point-things must change. Many long discussions, debates, arguements and even, in a few cases, fistfights ensued. Some left. Most stayed.
After much turmoil, they forged an alliance, which was followed by a document of their intent, purpose, beliefs and faith. From this, an alliance was eventually formed. This alliance was based upon fundamental rights. Rights which can trace their lineage many thousands of miles and many hundreds of years.
Life. Liberty. The pursuit of happiness.
Nothing worth achieving is ever accomplished without dissention, discussion, disagreement and debate. Nor is it accomplished through divisiveness.
We must stand united, for divided we surely will fall.
In case my tendency towards literary obfuscation has overwhelmed me, the document they created was the US Declaration of Independence, and the alliance they formed has evolved into a nation which allows all of us to say whatever we wish on this board. It also serves as a model for us. We have one specific mission here--to serve the needs of clusterheads. That's why DJ created this place, it's why all of us came here. Though we have empathy for migrainuers, chronic headache suffers and all others, and surely encourage them to read,learn and hopefully use the information here, just as each nation, compassionate though it may be, must remain true to it's principle, so too must we remain true to our common objectives-the increased awareness of, focus on and research into Cluster Headaches. We exist for no other purpose.
Just my opinion. I could be wrong.