I think I understand your point when you're trying to defend with respect to AustinTink's overall comment. Unfortunately, AustinTink made a huge mistake IMO with a very overt and rude attack to what she perceived was an attack from SmallTownGirl (subtle, but yes I can see how AustinTink was offended). It still didn't give her any right to be so blatantly rude IMO in the response. Two wrongs don't make a right. She could have responded with a bit more kindness or logic to explain rather going out shooting with both guns blazing. They both made an attack (one subtle and one obvious) that the other person felt they needed to defend. I will apologize for neither attack, but will comment that both made some good comments too even if I don't agree completely with them.
Not one person who attacked SmallTownGirl has seemed to acknowledge that she not only expressed her gratitude for the kindness she experienced at WDW, but also that she never expected a seat. Isn't that what so many on this thread are trying to achieve? Don't expect a seat. She didn't, but yet she has been portrayed terribly by several on this thread. Did she go a bit too far and and say that "some" people who don't give seats live by their own concsience? (i.e. a judgement). Yes, she probably shouldn't have judged as that tainted her entire post, but I will point out that she didn't say "no conscience" as was interpreted by AustinTink, but a "different conscience". There is a difference IMO.
I don't know your profession, but it does seem like you see more kids affected by poor circumstances than the average person. You don't seem to apologize for your judgments you make about others and that's fine. I understand you are advocating personal responsibility, which is very admirable, but I think it's a winless battle when you're talking bus etiquette at WDW. Just not something worth getting so worked up for me.
I don't think anyone was purposely trying to put words in your mouth, but your post was inadvertently quoted instead of the AustinTink's. Sorry you had to get thrown into this when I think you only intended to defend the comment about personal reponsibility, not the comments about "having kids too close together" or "breeding". Unfortunately, when you praise an entire quote, it is easy to interpret that you are praising both the good and bad about it. That's why I usually try to stay away from truly inflammatory comments, but sometimes get sucked into the fray as can be seen with this thread. I do regret some of what I have posted today as it was more out of frustration rather than trying to use logic.
I do agree that I go with instinct and not judgment. We were at the DMV this afternoon and gave our very low number to a family who looked like they needed it more than us. The daughter (about 4 or 5) had a broken arm, black eye and fractured face as she had recently fallen from a second story window. The son (under 2 years) was just full of energy. Who knows if it was right to do that or not, but they seemed like they were more frazzled than we were. Sometimes I think we're too nice to strangers, but I doubt if we'll change.
