I would be very interested to hear your definition of the word “facts.” Are facts spectres that dwell exclusively in the domain of the courtroom? Do newspapers contain facts? Which ones? Do speculations BECOME facts when uttered in a courtroom? Do the facts presented by the losing side revert to hearsay status when the verdict is read?

You know what, instead of answering those questions, perhaps you’d simply like to take us on a whirlwind tour of the “Reality of Ford” in which observations only become facts when stamped with the proprietor’s seal of approval. (Whirlwind tour in video only, please. None of this “he said, she said”!)

Given that we are both human beings (presumably) and possessed of the knowledge and ability to post comments on this blog, let us say that we are, for all intents and purposes, equal (leaving aside for the moment that I lack that ignorant douchey edge you seem to have perfected). Ergo, that mysterious power you wield over the observations of others declaring them definitively “factual” or “non-factual” must be one with which I, too, am endowed.

Seeing as you have made some observations here, trite though they may be, I, exercising my aforementioned power over the observations of others, hereby declare everything you have said or will ever say in this comments section UNTRUE, NULL and VOID.

Obviously everything you have typed has only made you more of a jackass. You can call that unfair or untrue, but really, until we have the opportunity to have this conversation in a court of law, who can say?

Finally, in view of your unwillingness to comply to my command that you die soon, I must conclude that you are a social delinquent and will therefore not tire myself trying to explain to you how racism operates in American society. You’re just not at that reading level yet, sonny.

Peace and Love,

-Don Bito.

Absolutely, Doug. Absolutely. Hindsight is 50/50.

But, having said that, I do agree with you (and I suggested as much in my previous post) that Phillygrrl’s group should have registered a formal complaint with an appropriate agency (perhaps the PA. Human Relations Commission). Thunderbird Lanes should have been placed under a much broader public microscope.

As for all the rest, it seems pointless to argue the permeant existence of both subtle and active racism with someone who subscribes to your more or less naive beliefs on the topic. Suffice to say, that I know Phillygrrl to be a person of impressive intellect and laudable integrity – as well as a hell of a reporter, so I’m willing to accept her account of what happened that afternoon, as you, of course are entitled not to accept it.

Regardless, I’m now going to sit back and eagerly await for the inimitable DonBito to respond to your post in that writer’s equally inimitable style.

As heartwarming as your “league bowling” tarradiddle might be, it has nothing to do with a group of people – who just happen to be, people of color – being told one thing regarding TB’s customer policy over the phone (where, and in TB’s defense, skin color can be difficult to identify), then having that “one thing” contravened by a representative of TB, when those very same people appear – live and in color – at the lanes. But I’m certain you don’t see that action as being racist, do you Ford? (You wouldn’t, by any chance, happen to be a board member at The Valley Club, would you?)

My only regret is Phillygrrl’s group didn’t get all legal and shit with TB lanes. A little national publicity along with a discrimination law suit, might have been just what the doctor ordered for you TB league bowlers – as well as your swell oiled spiffy bowling lanes, of course.

And for reference, us 24-year-olds don’t really think of ourselves as kids. Because, you know, we’re not. And, as a group, I would say we’re pretty capable of not running up and down bowling lanes and messing up your oil.

Please die soon,

-Don Bito.