Okay help me out here, DUers. Larry needs a gift basket.

[proud2BlibKansan]

I am going down there on Tues. Looks like the neighbors are a bit steamed. So I am thinking of putting together a nice gift basket. So far, I figure Preparation H, Tums, flowers, Keystone Light and a nice thank you note. Any other ideas for Larry's gift basket?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4349845

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4349713

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4348240

[cloud75]

1. sorry out of the loop going down where?

[proud2BlibKansan]

16. Crawford, TX n/t

[Catshrink]

2. Advil

[proud2BlibKansan]

18. check

[Cleita]

3. A manual of responsible gun ownership?n/t

[ohio_liberal]

8. Print this out

http://www.texansforgunsafety.org/Firearm%20Safety.htm

[proud2BlibKansan]

21. got it

[Bluebear]

4. .

.

[Catshrink]

5. A WWJD bracelet

[htuttle]

6. Don't you mean a "gift bucket"?

:evilgrin:

[proud2BlibKansan]

39. LOL

nah, don't want to upset Larry anymore.

[DistressedAmerican]

72. Five Gallons Of Goodies For Larry The Gun Nut!

[Just Me]

7. Seriously, maybe we could send some appreciation cards or,...

,...something a bit constructive. That may make him feel like a part of something wonderful. Jus' sayin' :shrug:

[GreenPartyVoter]

10. I am with you there. This guy, while maybe unbalanced has been very

nice up until this point. He hasn't trashed Cindy or her cause that I know of, so why push him in that direction?

He is not the enemy, ** is.

[Bluebear]

26. I agree GPV, I wouldn't do ANYTHING regarding him now.

Let the people down there gauge what needs to be done. He just invited every redneck in Texas to come to his land and start shooting, I don't think a pick-me-up bouquet from FTD is going to make him feel any better.

[Bluebear]

13. I do understand he is over the edge...

I don't think by his shooting and tone today that anything is going to make him feel part of things at this point. The shame is, if Bush took a weeklong vacation "like everyone else" this would all be over now for poor Larry.

[Just Me]

67. His "tone"? He want's his "life" back,...the "life" BEFORE Bush.

I thought he made that VERY clear on his media appearances. He must be incredibly torn (intimidated) with the POTUS sitting on one side of his property and assertive, pro-democracy/truth citizens on the other side. Why be so punitive against a man who is obviously frustrated with changes and turmoil he NEVER invited?

Do you REALLY believe it would be better to agitate this human being rather than send a message of understanding? :shrug: I just,...don't think so. He wants his peaceful pre-Bush life back.

[Bluebear]

75. I don't want to be punitive, I just don't feel like sending him gifts.

Fair enough?

[havocmom]

17. makes more sense

No point getting b*sh neighbors pissed off enough that they do his fighting for him. He has pulled that Chicken shit trick once to often already!

[proud2BlibKansan]

28. I am serious

seriously :)

I will leave a gift basket at his gate, honestly. I will even take pictures.

[Just Me]

68. 'Kay. Sorry. I was a wee bit concerned that this was a provocative,...

,...poke at someone who no more wants uninvited disruption in his little world than the rest of us have experienced in our own. :hug:

[proud2BlibKansan]

74. No problem

and I understand why you would think that. We have been having a little fun here this afternoon with Larry.

[acmavm]

9. Valium and a few thorazine. If he doesn't understand that it's his

neighbor who could put an end to this in a minute, then he should just take a few and go to sleep until its all over. They guys not smart enough to have an opinion in that case.

Plus lets see how this shakes out. On the one hand there is a grieving mother and her fellow protestors who are there to ask why Americans are dying and want to know why bush** lied vs. an objection to port-potties. What strikes you as being more important?

Now I'll admit they probably aren't doing a lot for the scenery on that particular road in Texas, but what's the deal? Is there crap all over the place? Is the smell wafting into their living rooms? I doubt it.

[havocmom]

Getting the local neighbors pissed at the protestors is how the junta will

manage to clear Camp Casey AND save face. Please remember these bastards live by dividing and conquering. They pit people against each other - somebody else ALWAYS does the fighting for them.

Why antigonize the locals? What is gained by that? Get them more upset and they call the cops to complain, cops crackdown... not a grand idea.

[proud2BlibKansan]

37. I have no intention of pissing Larry off

besides, I think he's already so pissed off - it can't get much worse.

I am seriously wanting to thank him. My goal here is to get that gun of his put up till the end of the month.

I will just put the basket at his drive. I won't even bother him by ringing his doorbell.

[seabeyond]

if you are serious for a postive gesture i am all for helping out

i dont want to see this explosive. as you. and it is going to be for a while longer. i dont know if the old fart could be reasoned with, or others that may be becoming frustrated, but i dont think it hurts to be understanding. pm me if you are seriously putting effort forward. and.......i would like for you (if someone from camp hasnt already chatted with the man) to offer peace pipe, break bread. sometimes they just need to talk.

[proud2BlibKansan]

57. I don't want to bother him

by knocking on his door. I really think we should just leave a peace offering at the gate to his property.

[seabeyond]

50. this is what i am thinking, but when i talk of finding a peaceful resoluti

and not just attack this man and call him enemy, try to find a way to mellow things out i am a traitor to the cause, not willing to think about cindy. i think we need the town and neighbors to be ok, to make them feel like it will be over soon and while we are there, though it is important to stay, we know it is hard for them too.

sometimes, people jsut need to be heard and understood. all it takes. if that is all, shouldnt we at least try. wouldnt that be better than to have anger, with guns......

[tjdee]

11. Why incense them further? Why not give them actual nice baskets?

Sarahlee has a post about this in one of the other threads.
Why ramp up the negative feelings? Why not squash that with a big dose of niceness?

If they then make asses out of themselves, it's not on us.

I'll be back to link to her post, it was great.

[proud2BlibKansan]

33. Gotta link

to Sarahlee's post?

[tjdee]

36. Here you go....

I also posted some of it below in this thread under "calm down and make some lemonade", which is what her post in the other thread was called:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=4347367&mesg_id=4349678

I think this is a really good idea.

[Synnical]

12. Air Freshener

Since he's so upset about the porta-potties.

[kentuck]

14. A nice religious card.....

in Spanish...

[ohio_liberal]

29. Oh fuck

that would be priceless!

[Bluebear]

32. LOL!!!

[uppityperson]

15. How about a nice baseball cap to keep the sun out of his eyes

Be nice, he is frustrated and it sounds like the frustration is with Mr.bush. Sounds like he was there long before Mr.bush was, and resents all the people coming because of him. Give him a preprinted card to send to Mr.bush that says "Please talk to Cindy. These porta-potties are driving me nuts." or some such. And tell him we appreciate all his patience.

[Just Me]

30. That's all I saw,..."frustration". Why not send a card acknowledging,...

,...his frustration and thanking him for being as tolerant as he has been to date? :shrug:

[Generic Other]

19. It's not a bad idea at all We need to offer an olive branch.

Because we are the good guys.

[tjdee]

20. "Calm down and let's make some lemonade."

Hope you don't mind, sarahlee.

"First, Larry Mattlage is NOT a (rabid) Bush supporter. He is just an average country loving guy living on 98 acres of land (I think that is correct) and given that 98 acres ain't much in TX, and I understand that he raises goats, not cows. He was NOT happy with Bush moving in next door. "

...

"After 11 years of not having any neighbors within eyesight, I found myself really irritable when someone I kind of liked moved within view of my little patch of land. After 2 years, it still irks me to walk out and see their residence where I used to only see hills and trees. I got some empathy for this man though I think the cause is worth his displeasure.

Solution:
If what I have read about him is true and he is typical of the folks I knew when I lived in the Texas Hill Country, then someone like Cindy or a key spokesperson going over with a gift of some baked goods, (pecan pies are usually hits) or some thing like that, and just having a nice chat, listening to his frustration, explaining that they are not leaving until Bush does - gently, and promising to try and leave the land as they found it, could possibly make a friend. Ask him what he thinks they could do to try and make the time less unpleasant for him and listen carefully to what he says and do as much as possible and within reason to fulfill his requests. Then make sure trees are not damaged and that the place really is clean when everyone does leave. On a selfish note, there is the possibility that it could be turned into GREAT PR if managed carefully and properly. And if we want to learn to make peace in the world, why not try and start with this little conflict."


http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=4347367&mesg_id=4349678

[fortyfeetunder]

27. I agree, peace offering is appropriate

Maybe some supportive letters for Larry and his family for the inconvenience of being in proximity to his home.

I can understand the man's angst. Best to show some empathy for him. Can tell he's not thrilled about being a neighbor of the guy up the road...

[uppityperson]

34. Exactly.

He sounds frustrated with Mr.bush moving in the area 5 yrs ago and upsetting his peaceful life of sunrise watching. I would be also. Be tolerant and understanding and perhaps he will even contact his neighbor about the neighborhood problem he (bush) has caused.

[Desertrose]

64. This is our chance to make things BETTER not worse

It might be fun to be snarky & a smart ass but that is NOT what this situation calls for .

I agree...this could be an opportunity to make someone feel a bit better or at least help him see we are trying to see his point instead of getting all pissy. His life is being disrupted, can't blame him for being cranky...and cranky with a gun is NOT GOOD.

It is not worth risking the safety of those there fighting for us.

I really like your thinking tjdee and sarahlee.
Excellent idea!

DR

[Beaver Tail]

22. How about a can of MIXED NUTS

Seems more appropriate. Or maybe a bottle of Jack or Wild Turkey

[Cleita]

38. I think he already has had enough of the spirits. The nuts are

a better idea.

[Cleita]

41. Don't forget a brochure to the Betty Ford Clinic to treat

alcoholism.

[TechBear_Seattle]

23. If you are going for sarcasm, how about...

* A nice religious plaque bearing the Word of God: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. (Matt 5 : 9)"

* A small, illustrated copy of Mark Twain's "The War Prayer."

* A voucher good for a one month supply of Prozac, for when reality hits.

[Maru Kitteh]

24. Decaf, a copy of the constitution, a leaflet explaining what PUBLIC

land means, a book on anger management.


Oh, and an explination of the law of gravity might be helpful also.

[Journeyman]

25. Great idea. And do make it a true gift basket . . .

. . . a "peace offering" to a neighbor.

Give him flowers and fruit, maybe some movie tickets so he can get away from the crowds. Gag gifts are fun, if tastefully done: earplugs and eyeshades, posies to cover smells, and maybe a loud, distinctive whistle so he can get everyone's attention and won't feel the need to shoot a shotgun. But with any sort of gag gift, you'd have to explain it to him so he gets the humor and doesn't see it as a slight.

After all, he didn't ask George to move next door, he certainly can't be happy at the sight of hundreds camped seemingly at his doorstep, and though his ordeal will be over when George leaves the Pig Farm it's definitely going to be an ordeal for him.

[tjdee]

35. This is a great opportunity to show that *we* are the compassionate people

here.

Instead of making fun of this guy, it would indeed be the nice, kind thing to try to make some kind of peace with these people.

It would also show others just what kind of people we are.

[Journeyman]

42. Definitely, tj. Better to light a candle than curse the darkness. . .

[Horse with no Name]

31. Midol?

Seriously though...I agree with the other posters. If you are going to get him something make it nice.
I'd say buy him meat! Seriously!
In Texas, the way to a redneck heart is with beef.
http://www.lobels.com/store/main/beef.asp
http://www.qvc.com/asp/frameset.asp?class=3225&ref=GLB&cm_ven=GOOGLEPAID&cm_cat=COOKINGANDDINING&cm_pla=FOODMEAT&cm_ite=STEAKGIFT

[proud2BlibKansan]

66. Beef?

I have a friend who is a rancher and I never thought of giving her family beef. They have tons of it. In fact, they usually give US beef.

But that is an idea.

Hey are you planning on going to Crawford?

[Horse with no Name]

76. I would sooo love to go

but I have had such a bad flu that I can't shake.
Hopefully if I am feeling better will make it out there before the end of the month.
Keeping fingers crossed.

[Straight Shooter]

40. We can be compassionate progressives, or "compassionate" conservatives.

What will it be? We've been given an opportunity to set an example here. And remember that what we do will reflect on Cindy Sheehan and on Camp Casey.

It's sometimes fun to poke people with a sharp stick to get a reaction, but the man probably held his temper too long and then blew it. Not nice to do that, definitely not smart, but he has a point of view which bears respecting. Let's meet him halfway, please.

Peace.

[proud2BlibKansan]

48. Agreed

A peace offering seems most appropriate.

[Libby2]

43. I know you're serious

but this thread cracked me up.

[Generic Other]

44. DUers are the greatest!

group hug for Larry.

:grouphug:

[Cleita]

45. Sure. Wait a minute until I put my kevlar vest on. n/t

[in_cog_ni_to]

46. An Olive Branch and some candy "kisses."

Maybe a gift certificate to a restaurant in Crawford or Waco? A gift card at a store in Waco? Maybe a giftcard to spend a few nights in a hotel in Waco, away from the protest and have CINDY take it to him and talk to him about why they NEED to be there.

[nosmokes]

47. great idea proud2be. maybe some home-made treats?

or a pie or sumpin? or if there's a roadside stand you pass by some nice ripe peaches or a watermelon or some such? bless y'all that can be there, wish i could make it. be careful.

joe

[Bluebear]

49. He would be a fool to eat anything homemade

Frankly, I think anyone would in this atmosphere. But I now have a craving for nice ripe peaches!

[0rganism]

51. Perhaps some porcelain miniatures of porta-potties are in order?

Check with the Franklin Mint. They'll make a porcelain miniature of damn near anything, AFAICT.

[marions ghost]

52. I think it's a good idea

Food, flowers, something red, wh, blue--and maybe some things to make him laugh. Excellent idea proud2belib !

Suggestion--get a large piece of paper and have people at the camp write some conciliatory things on it--ie. we understand how you feel, let's talk, let's be friends, whatever. It'll feel like sending a valentine to the class bully probably...and some will not want to participate, but others will. This act would be in the true spirit of Peacemaking. If he rejects it, you tried.
(nothing inflammatory, no point in that)

I saw Larry on CNN--I think you might find some way to soften his heart since he's not a rabid wild-eyed B* worshipper. Mainly just a grumpy landowner that has his own little statement to make --everybody's got their eye on him by now. If you go to this trouble and he doesn't come around, well then...you know you're dealing with a real tough nut. I say it's worth a try.

[ClassWarrior]

53. Make it sincere though. No Preparation H. "Kill 'em with kindness"...

...as they say. Lar won't know what hit him.

NGU.

[Bluebear]

54. I still think your sympathy $ would be better spent on flowers to families

of loved ones killed for this war.

[seabeyond]

55. olive branch. i like that. yes proud.

but then, cindy and her group might be working on this now as we speak. i dont think she is one for stepping on others toes, and i am thinking this probably matters to her, that her group there may be causing frustrations. maybe they are well on their way to resolving. i would check with peace hosue first

[Generic Other]

56. Will you seriously collect some money and do this?

By Tuesday, Larry will have been made the butt of a hundred jokes on Daily Show, Letterman, Leno...

A token little gift could help to smooth ruffled feathers.

[Bluebear]

59. He is being paid by NBC news for access to his property!

He is profiting from this tooo.

[Generic Other]

60. A token gift

A jar of honey or something with a flag on it.

[Bluebear]

61. That sounds appropriate.

[blogslut]

63. I don't know the NBC situation but

From the photos taken of Mr. Mattlage's gate, he's got a HELP WANTED sign posted.

Somebody should go an apply. It's probably day labor and it sure would benefit the situation to make friends with this man.

[FredScuttle]

58. How about a new wallet....

to carry around all that filthy lucre he's collecting from NBC for LEASING ACCESS TO HIS PROPERTY

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4350398


Fuck him and his victim act.

[DS1]

62. Steak, beer, and charcoal

[seabeyond]

65. that is a good one. a couple good steaks from the butcher

this is a good idea. proud, i will send ya 50

[Stil]

69. Honestly

The peace gifts would help. Bring him a iced down watermelon, etc. This may really sound warped, but dove shot? This is talking from experience. Even sitting out there just talking to him will help. Nod your head some. Don't escalate it any. Hell, you may even talk to him about being able to use a small corner of his land by the road. Getting him mad will just increase the chances of someone getting hurt. And I'm not talking about Larry doing it. Neighbors, towns people may get an attitude. Just driving down the road kind of stuff. People do get mad and drive faster. When you have that everybody around is in risk.

The people from Crawford did not ask to be put in this place. * did it when he decided to move there and stay on vacation for 5 weeks. Focus your frustations on *.

[seabeyond]

73. excellent post i agree

just listening to town people, will alllow this to go on longer, just listening to them. shaking head. good post. this is about safety and about being able to stay the full time.

[City Lights]

70. No peace offering is complete without chocolate.

Kinda hard to keep it from melting though.

An apple pie or some cookies might be nice.

Great idea, BTW. :-)

[Maru Kitteh]

71. Exlax AND Pepto-Bismol and some bottled water

All that Keystone is going to give him the shitts something awful, then he'll be backed up from dehydration.

Poor drunk redneck.