Let Him Who Is Without Sin Cast the First Stone

When those in the forums criticize my play in a poker game and poke fun at me, I laugh, and am amused by it. As they say, at least I'm getting noticed, and publicity, whether good or bad, is still publicity. When someone first told me about how I was negatively mentioned in the forums over a year ago, I asked Daniel Negreanu how he dealt with some of the negative things said about him. He wisely responded that most of the insulting critical are just malcontent haters, with little skill, and no accomplishments, who should be completely ignored. So far I have followed that advice, which I think was good advice. Over the past week I have received over a hundred emails and text messages from friends and strangers alike, asking why I don't respond to the insulting forum posts. So against Daniel's sage advice, here goes: If you want to call me a cheater for colluding, based on folding a hand to a friend in a somewhat complex dynamic, then you need to be taught a lesson in life. My read on the situation was that ultimetly, I gave him the benefit of the doubt, which is something I do everyday in lots of different ways. If you nameless, faceless adolescents want to challenge my integrity you will have to do a whole lot better then a few insults in a poker forum. It reminds me of what King Henry said in Shakespeare's Henry V in the Saint Crispin's day speech about those who stand and fight, and those who don't and "hold their manhoods cheap."

I am someone who has spent my life standing up and being counted. Even this blog where I sign my name, have my picture, and an email address where you can send your comments. Up until the last 18 months, where I have spent my time traveling and playing poker, I have felt that I have contributed in a positive way to make the world a better place. I have done this through my work as a physician, providing medical care, teaching and doing research. I served in the United States Navy, attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander, and was honorably discharged. I was appointed by the Governor of Georgia to the State Board of Medical Examiners, which is the licensing and governing body for medicine in the state of Georgia, where I worked to provide better healthcare for the citizens of Georgia. I have worked with NASA as a critical care physician on three shuttle launches, have participated in the care of two presidents of this country, and continue to work with and support several charities. I am a man who still feels that words like honor and integrity have meaning. I play poker for the enjoyment and challenge of the game. I write about it because I enjoy that as well. If you don't agree with what I say, or have another point of view I welcome it, but if all you can do is insult me anonymously, then its time for you to grow up. And if I am a "donkey" at poker, at least I'm a happy one, one who has led a good life, one that I am proud of.