[redwitch]

I didn't want to get off topic again on the thread in the new members forum, but I gotta speak my piece.

I do flinch when I see that phrase. I lost two friends and their families, including a precious 5 YO that I babysat and a 17 YO that I taught to drive, at Jonestown. It was pretty near impossible to not know someone who died there if you lived in San Francisco during that time. So, yes, saying you drank the Kool Aid (or however you want to spell it) is painful.

One writer, whom I personally know and respect, stated it was okay because it brought back memories of his childhood when drinking the stuff was a treat. I can remember a candy that had a cream filling and chocolate cover that I was told was an "N-word" toe. I have no idea what the real name is but I can guarantee you that if I saw that candy today there is no way on God's green earth I would call it by the name I learned. Times do make things of the past unacceptable today. I don't think this phrase is quite in that category, but some sensitivity would be nice.

As to the other poster who felt he had to make a point by capitalizing and repeating the phrase, not sure what to say. You had a point and I guess you made it -- other people's feelings be damned, you were going to say what you wanted.

When I meet someone in person and they use that phrase, I ask them as nicely as possible to not use that phrase because it does bring back some very painful memories. Not because the phrase is wrong, it is just a personal pain to me. I really don't consider the F word all that objectionable and do use it. However, if someone says they find it objectionable, I do my best to respect their wishes and try not use it around them.

So, use the phrase if you wish, but do understand that it is a painful reminder for some of us. The connotation to an innocent childhood were lost when it became a means for mass suicide and murder.