Yes I Shot That Kid - Brian Cloninger

[Sanddog42]

30. Please tell me

Can you quote anything I've written that is an allegation or an insult?
I take great care to avoid those things.

You simply repeated what the media story said, and I simply pointed out what the media didn't say and advised that we reserve judgment because some people might be inclined to hear "yes, I shot that kid" with a certain intonation or demeanor that is not described in the story and not realize that were projecting a tone of voice onto the quote and then inferring a motive or a level or remorse from their own projection.

We're all subject to such psychological quirks, just as we're all subject to confirmation bias or seeing only evidence that supports what we already believe. When we post the beliefs, contrary evidence puts us in the position of having to defend them. Pride gets involved and we tend to become more deeply entrenched in what may be a faulty conclusion. There's no judgment here. Just an opportunity to avoid some of the pitfalls that come with having a human intellect.

I wouldn't expect anyone to apologize for an opinion about a shooter, and never implied such. When I said I wouldn't hold my breath for an apology it was in reference to the mis-characterization of my motives. As you pointed out, you don't know who I am. Maybe you shouldn't assume the worst about me.