An olive branch yesterday, just outside Blackburn.
Earlier this week I read a post in our comments section from GoonerKam, which got me thinking. Sadly that means you are going to have to read my incoherent ramblings on the subject. But have a read of his post before we meet that challenge:
“At the pub this past weekend there was no room to sit so I asked to please share a table with three other Gooners.
They were kind and told me to bring a chair and share the table with them. Very nice guys, all in their red/white copies and spirited too. The early early goal relaxed them a bit and the high fives were flying left and right. The conversation started at half-time and they were talking about AW, Stan, Ivan and the team – individual members and as a collective.
Dear me, all in all they shared the same opinions on most topics. AW’s last year, more investment, Stan-not-the-man, yarayarayara. I kept my cool and stayed out since it was just the media BULLSHIVEK being repeated and rehashed. Like Stew I have run my course and have no patience getting into this line of talk again and again.
Then they asked my opinion on things discussed. They were amused then shocked and interested to here more. To make a long story short by the end of the game they were not talking the same bollocks. All three were saying what I said made sense and they left the pub uplifted by the win and more hopeful than when they had come in. They had a different perspective on Stan, Ivan and AW; they are looking forward to the future and a successful run at winning titles. The black cloud around their heads had lifted significantly. All it took was a little talking in a logical and calm tone and all the crap they had been reading was suddenly not the gospel any more. There were other versions of goings-on out there.
Made some good friends and they got me to promise them that I’ll watch the last game of the season at that pub on the same table with them. So all I’m saying is they are not diehard moaners and born doomers. They had learned this way of thinking and they are now on the way of unlearning what they had read and accepted as the truth. I’m so glad I met them and changed their thoughts on things.
Especially regarding Sagna. I mean, all three wanted to sell him in the beginning. Not any more.
Keep the fight alive… Tnx PA.”
Whilst in the process of deliberating what Kam had said, I happened to be on the phone to Stew, he mentioned that he too had seen this post. I would like to say “great minds think alike” but I think that would be piggy-backing Stew’s mind somewhat. But still, it indicated that I was right in thinking the subject should be explored.
For some time now the battle lines have been drawn. On one side the righteous, clear thinking, informed and enlightened( that’s is us in-case you were wondering). On the other, the ill-informed stupid idiots.
Right there we have the problem. That is how I have seen it and how I think of them.
All I know of these people is what I see and hear in the media, in blog comments and on Twitter. I don’t like them, in fact I dislike them. I have no time for their ignorance and stupidity and I tell them in rude and no uncertain terms. Anyone who knows me, knows I would say the very same to their faces. A characteristic that has led me down some paths I wish I had never trodden.
The problem with this is I don’t differentiate between outright idiots and the misinformed. My first response is to treat them all the same.
Kam’s post suggests that I am making a mistake in doing so.
Other than ourselves and Untold Arsenal, I am struggling to think of any constant source of support for the club. I can on the other hand, sadly think of a multitude of outlets that seek to de-stabilise and stir up trouble for the club.
Of the two extremes the negative camp greatly outnumbers us.
The problem is that the vast majority of fans are occupying the middle ground.
If politics has shown us anything, it is that you must take the middle ground if victory is to be achieved. Every party is fighting for this middle ground.
I am of a mind that rather than fighting with the utter idiots, we should do a Kam. Educate the reasonable people who have based their opinions on what they have been told by the halfwits. They can be persuaded. The people like Le Grove can not. So why bother?
Easier said than done for an argumentative old curmudgeon like me, but try we must.
Also we don’t have any personal relationships with these people, so our level of of tolerance is reduced. Take John Cross for example. He comes out with some things that had someone else said them I would go straight into attack and abuse mode. All the usual tools, bad language, mocking sarcasm – all would be brought to the fore. But because I like to think I have some sort of a friendship with him, this never happens. We debate and disagree. I have to think that more would be achieved if I remembered that disagreeing with me does not make someone a bad person.
If you need some pointers on how it should be done follow @GeoffArsenal. The man is informed, knows club business that we don’t, and is unbelievably patient. He engages with both ends of the spectrum and all stops in between. I now feel that this is the way forward.
If we stick to a combative tone, the middle ground will simply see us as a bunch of extremists. Which of course some of us are.
We are outnumbered by the negative sources and if we don’t adapt, the battle will be lost, and Arsene with it.
History proves that once the majority of fans are against the manager, he is for the off.
It’s up to all of us to turn the tide while we still can.
So my disciples. Go forth and preach my word.
I really have to get out more.
Positively Arsenal 
Amen
I’ve been up since 6am I also need to get out more…today I will.
Nice post George…..my experience is that most football fans at just not interested in a global view of football matters…many can’t cope with the interplay of factors that determine success…it’s about bragging rights….
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Aha, I am the FIRST…..
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That’s it PG you have it. We mustn’t just assume that the idiotic views spouted are deeply held and entrenched. Many just assume that’s how football fans talk because they’ve never heard the alternative.
Georgaki-pyrovolitis – I hoped and prayed this blog would never descend to that.
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That is the right way and I used to try that when I posted elsewhere, but I’ve lost the patience I once had and now just walk away before my blood starts boiling. I’m happy to talk to real people in the real world that you can have a civil debate with, but the Internet brings out the worst in some people who hide behind their keyboards to spout utter nonsense because they basically have an agenda and in many classes are being paid to create discontent to allow a hostile takeover. Life is too short and I will not allow them to make it even shorter for me. For those of you with the stomach for the battle, I wish you well and you have my unwavering support and admiration.
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Good morning PG & GP. goodness me, way to be put on the spot but I feel a tad naked. Its around 3 am losangeles time and I just got back home from a night out. A band playing clearance Clearwater revival on the stage and doing a damn fine job of replicating the original band. Feeling buzzed on the tequila shots and the beer chasers so maybe I shouldn’t be posting right now. Only one thing. The majority of ARSENAL blogs and other outlets might have sadly turned their backs on this great organization and manager but don’t assume the majority of fans are squarely on their side. Squiking wheels might make the noise to draw attention to themselves but the majority of the TRUE boomers out there are still loyal to the ways of this club and footballing philosophy that is ARSENE WENGER. The don’t forget the challanges
put forth in front of this great club in the midst of suffocating economical conditions all around the globe. Deep down they all know that if it was any other club or manager undertaking those challanges the final outcome might very well have been administration or relegation or possibly both. Again they all know the club has weathered the major storm and its on its way to the safety of the promised land. It is our time and our turn now, having fasttracked a transition that should easily had taken twice as many years as it has. This is nothing short of a financial miracle or at the very least a job very well done. In doing all this and doing it the right ARSENAL way, the club and the team expect understanding and loyalty from the very best of their fan base. Now is not too late. Get behind them and in any shape or form make them understand the sacrifices and the blood & sweet are appreciated. It won’t be forgotten and that you are with them in their thinking and methodology. Give them heart and send them on the pitch as warriors to do us proud time and time again. And for gods sake make the NEW HIGHBURY a fortress so daunting for the opposition that they will dread coming there for years to come. In other words , DO YOUR DAMN JOB..
bring back the home court advantage and you will truly see the potential this crew has and marvel at their achivments. Finally
UP THE GUNNERS OF ARSENAL!!!!!!!!
UP WITH THE RED & WHITE…
phew… Now for some shut eye and dreaming of KANU and his marvellous moves on the pitch..
Slips to sleep with a banned smiley on his face……..
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Great stuff George, if anyone gets the chance, listen to the ‘Steve bald’ podcast from a couple of weeks ago (wenger in wenger out-I think it’s called) in which GeoffArsenal debates the manager with an anti-wenger merchant called @shewore ( no relation to the handsome, hilarious, wenger loving @40shewore) – by the end of the debate the AOB (who can’t even pronounce the great mans name properly)is coming with stuff like ‘he buys a load of old shit!’-as George says for the likes of this simpleton and Le Twat,there’s no middle ground- they are either too stupid or in Le Twats case have alterior motives (building a media career), the guys that sat with Kam in the pub that day are the majority as Arsenal fans-the likes of us and the numnuts at the other end of the argument are in the minority, I happen to think if Arsene spends well this summer that ‘middle ground’ will move towards our end, I mean what will Dimophy or Gareth from ‘the office’ have to moan about then?
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Goonerkam, your in LA? I’m out there in October 2014- a pint and a game?
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George my old mucker – a revelation.. Quality my friend, quality..
Never a truer word spoken.. We’re being atacked from all sides of the media and cyber-space. I personally don’t see why they are so afraid of doing things properly. Does it stem from the credit card era etc, the boom, the wall st. yuppies, that instead of going out and working and saving to buy something or to get that holiday at the end of the year, all we had to do was put it on credit and worry about it later – mission accomplished, no graft needed…
I for one love the fact we’re not going with the status quo.. and believe that victory when achieved our way will be so so much sweeter than just flashing the cheque-book and expecting the pots of silver at the end of each and every season..
Just look at Wigan yesterday and the quotes the commentator said – “look at those Wigan fans.. Lets be honest,had City won,yes they’d celebrate,but would it truly mean that much to them?” – Spot on if you ask me…
Brilliant piece mate… and your so right about Geoff too.. i too have alot of respect for the guy.. he says what he hears, and gets shot at for doing so, but never reacts – Quality ..
But if you look George there are other positive types out there too…
Keep it up…
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Nice one George.
Goonerkam is Rock n Roll. I remember those days. I salute you sir (with a nice mug of cocoa).
Congratulations to Wigan (here’s hoping they are still at the beginning of a well deserved, and almighty bender, lasting until about 7pm Tuesday). To be honest though, the City players didn’t really look they gave a f*ck either way. There’s a moral in there somewhere.
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Good God George – if you did the Church of England rather than Arsenal you would be up in the pulpit this morning as Archbishop of Canterbury reminding the faithful of the true path to salvation.
In Nomeni Arsene, Et Poldi, Spiritus Santi
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george you are right of course but im done being a diplomat. ive been doing it for the last 7 years …i will remain in the sabotage unit and sniper mode …..its all about the distribution of workforce.. lol
goonerkam May 12, 2013 at 11:04 am – oh captain my captain
” This is nothing short of a financial miracle or at the very least a job very well done. In doing all this and doing it the right ARSENAL way, the club and the team expect understanding and loyalty from the very best of their fan base”
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Nice one George.
Stoke hellbent on gifting this one to Spuds; Adam gets a red card, at 1-1.
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I didn’t expect anything from stoke to be honest Andrew. It’s down to us now. No one is going to be doing us any favours. In fact they’ll be hell bent on screwing us anyway they can.
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George – A brave post. Why? Because you have been self-critical. You may no longer be, erm, abrasive but I am sure you will stick to your footballing convictions which a number of us share. The tricky part George is not watering down your views simply to appease those in the middle simply because things don’t go in our favor in the short run. There was an interesting conversation on Twitter between our B7 and PIMP about everyone having the right to an opinion but some opinions are based on fact and expertise while others are simply based on belief (my take). The latter it seems is the problem with a lot of Arsenal blogs; an abundance of belief but short on facts and expertise and a chronic lack of maturity to know the difference.
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…. it seems is the problem with a lot of Arsenal blogs; an abundance of belief but short on facts and expertise and a chronic lack of maturity [and humility] to know the difference.
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Who doubted Hotsum would score? Adam made it that much easier for them.
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I’ll listen to someone with an informed take on things and will let them voice their opinion even if it’s different than my own. The key word here is informed. If you’re regurgitating what some plundit says and are a dick about it, I have no time for that.
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HotScum even.
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If we get maximum points from our next two fixtures we pip Spurs for fourth.
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Yup G-69. All in our hands. We will do it. This is a stronger, more resilient team than early season.
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Thank god we face Wigan at home and not in their pumpkin patch.
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I predicted Spuds and Chavs would drop points. Funny that it took two stupid red cards for them to get all the points.
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Think the stoke game was fixed. Watch Adams for 50 mins. Also Crouch.
When idiots refer to rednose as the great man, I want to puke.
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Keysna,
Not fixed per se, just Stoke are a bucket of shit.
They are just lucky to be one point above the death zone so the didn’t give a toss today.
And Charlie Adam is a moron.
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Very impressive performance from Swansea – they can take the points here
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Rio f******** Ferdinand
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George, a very interesting post today.
I don’t feel ready for peace with the WOBs just yet,
I read one of the regular fuckwits on le groan calling our friends at Untold the ‘Westminster Baptist Church’ of arsenal blogs.
I shit you not – look it up.
I will not be satisfied until I see their rotten carcasses hanging from lamp posts outside the Ems. Sort of metaphorically speaking.
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Nothing has changed. It is in our own hands, and we don’t need favours. We may well end the season in third position because Everton will stuff Chavski.
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I will not be satisfied until I see their rotten carcasses hanging from lamp posts outside the Ems. Sort of metaphorically speaking.
no no you meant it literally its just that the hypocritical society of today only allows the freedom of expression to the antis….
that “sort of” is the key ….and im with you all the way!
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..with crows pecking their eyes out, h13? And maggots residing in their scrotums or is it scrota? What is the collective noun for ball bags? Or is it bags of balls?
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Interesting that in both key games for us this weekend the best player for the team supposed to ‘do us a favour’ got sent off. Even more interesting is that not one of us is surprised….. and some even predicted it.
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It is clear that the football establishment fucking hate Arsenal which is only fair because we fucking hate the football establishment. I love my club for that.
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If politics has taught us anything it’s the country is drifting more and more right wing led by the press, much the same here really the country of gooners is drifting more and more aob led by the press unfortunatly the majority of people in all things are ignorant sheep sounds arrogant but that’s how it is
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Frank May 12, 2013 at 6:30 pm ..while dipped in a pool of acid with their wives and children watching for effect. doubt they have wives and children really 🙂
or if they do the wife slaps them when theyre home so they release their frustration at the stadiums…hehee…
your 6.36 is the biggest truth ever told in football.
arse or brain ..i agree 100%..steal a quid youre a thief, steal a country you get a bonus, run over some guy in your car youre a murderer, you slaughter thousands with helicopters and youre a freedom fighter…win the lot with the bank of england and webb dowd bennet and co youre a genius, work your arse off building stadiums academies and world class football teams and youre a loser
as for this right wing thing again i agree…in holland them right wing bastards are trying to shut down coffeshops….. my hope lies on the fact that right wingers are capitalists to the death and when they see the financial loss of their decission they will sort it out.
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To his credit, Frank, Benteke got himself two yellow cards for being a fucking idiot. Charlie Adams’ two bookings, however, were incredibly soft, as if the referee wanted to nudge Spurs past the finish line.
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as if….
🙂
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you suggesting that the establishment would prefer to promote the very english totenham instead of the very foreign arsenal? ts ts ts oh we have a conspiracy theorist here ..burn him with the rest…
” but theres nobody else left after him…”
” ahhhh job done…lets go screw them french poofs now”
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Newcastle can’t go down now.
Will hate to have to be the ones to drop the axe on the ‘latics on Tuesday.
War is hell.
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Yup dc @ 7:15pm. “War is hell.” Like it or not this is a high stakes competition. The job of our boys is to put Wigan out of their misery. No two ways about it. Them or us. I know Arsene and the boys can do it. Two months ago, the boss said we cannot afford to drop any points and the team has responded. I am confident we will win.
Afterward we will comfort the Latics.
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@G69
I can’t remember the last time Stoke had such a strict referee when playing at home. I am confident that whenever we visit the Orc Bastion, Stoke players don’t see a yellow every couple of minutes.
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In somewhat Arsenal related news: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmXws9r3c60
Brilliant double save from Almunia after the other team dived to win a last minute penalty. I hope Watford go up, Manuel deserves it!
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Fair enough, Serge. Though it is probable that some players like to earn an extra bob or two now and again. Not just referees who are it at.
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George,
You really pissed of the unscientifictologists at the groan club today.
Apparently we’re all joining you at your compound in Waco.
Will there be biscuits? I like biscuits.
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Frank
Conspiracies can go many ways.( yes we are getting Darth Dean on Tuesday)
This might piss the spuds off
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2013/05/12/3974043/-?
But I’ve aways felt Pardew was a Wenger hater, maybe he hates the spuds more.
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I never read Le Shite.EVER.
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they talk about pa at lemoan?
ahhhhh right when i was running out of targets for the day…
love the smell of napalm in the evening.
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It is not a conspiracy theory, double canister, it is a conspiracy fact. We have been plotting against the football establishment for years. We have sworn an oath that we won’t even mention that the conspiracy exists……………….oh fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck.
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..unfolding as predicted.
Charlie Adam’s on the take f’sure…useless moron.
AW did say it would go to the wire.
Been cocked & ready since then.
Sadly Wigan will be the latest Birmingham aka Portsmouth.
Its a hard, hard, hard, hard world.
Without the dam that was Red Nose,
I expect a period of increased lunacy…
from fans, hacks & pretenders
Feels really great to be a gooner
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You and me hunter13!
Purification through Fire
We’ve got some souls to save, but I doubt we will be able to deprogramme
their corrupted little minds anytime soon.
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heheh dc im in deep undercover infiltrating a dent of lying saboteur scum but surely as a member of our platoon you’ll recognise the trails i leave behind… 😉 ..ive seen yours …nightvision…
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