Song in My Head: Do you Know the Way to San Jose?

In Season: Democracy in Iraq, shasta daisies, skepticism

As I read commentary, from more prolific bloggers than myself, regarding Sean Paul Kelly's recent plagarism, I shake my head at those more anal than myself. The harpers scream copying peoples work is a rip off,while more relaxed observors agree and disagree since they often download mp3s off of Kazaa and love what technology can provide. I agree with the basic premise that work should be cited using italics or quotes. On Kellys site, The Agonist, I noticed that he often cites his sources and I noticed almost all were from Straffods. A regular reader of his warblog would also be aware that the guy got married during this "incident" and resulting hullabaloo. Would it be possible that he was umm pretty busy, distracted, traumatized, by the onslaught of marriage and a barrage of war news. Instead of ripping him a new asshole...empathize...understand.

I have done my share of technical, scientific writing to be scrupulous in acknowledging other's work, but blogs are different. I feel mine is anyway. Although I comment on the news that concerns me... isn't a blog a diary of typing...a rambling of possibly mudddled minds like mine? My brain/mind is befuddled and tired, questioning, curious but medicated, open and inquisitive but less from perfect. I'm lucky if I remember where I'm driving. I get my kid's names mixed up constantly. Remembering where i park my car is a constant problem: funny because I can remember my friend's license plates.
Now if I had a blog whos intent was to provide breaking news and had a PayPal icon on it I would lean towards the scrupolous, with learning opportunities (mistakes) forgivable and reprochable.

Go easy and be kind on each other. We're all just trying to get through life.