Back to the peach. Many Saloniks get hurt in the letters area. They try to bite the pit. The harder they bite, the more they hurt their teeth. So they get angry at the pit, and swear at it. The pit is impervious. It just is. It’s nature.

I think I understand the pit. I grew up in the midwest in a family of modest means. We went to church and my parents worked hard. I went through public schooling and worked hard to do my best. I worked fast food jobs, I sold Christmas trees in -10 degree weather, I’ve been on a demolition crew, I’ve worked in a factory with crackheads. And I was accepted to, and attended, the best university in the nation. I learned from the best professors in our country and actually, the best in the world. One summer during college I was a lumberjack another I was a critter-gitter. I know the ivory tower and I know the back alley. I feel like my perspective is better honed than 99% of the people on this site.

So, sometimes, you people say ridiculous stuff, I get worked up, and I poke you with the pit. I just want you to appreciate it.

So, Joan. The next time you’re backing up the peach truck to the dock, know that people are going to have some problems with the pit. I suggest to you to simply drop off the goods, put the truck in drive and take off. Go home, kick back, have a cold one, watch a Reds game. And come to peace with it. Hell, peaches prices are at an all-time high, and the futures look even better.

Me? Naah. I hate peaches. Spent a summer on a peach farm. I’m a nectarine guy.

I'll leave if you ask.

Sorry about rambling on about peaches. It's just that the pit of the peach is the harsh reality of life. Often, we can't wrap our heads around why things really happen. I've spent my time on this website basically trying to tell people, "just come to terms with whatever it is. It's an ugly world, and we're doing pretty well. Think about human evolution, we're doing pretty today. Of course there is a long way to go, but give ourselves some credit and find peace."

To that person two posts ago - I agree. I often look back at what I wrote a few months ago, and I completely disagree. What I write is quick glimpse into my inner dialogue. But, as humans know, that dialogue is a constantly flowing and evolving conversation. Just because we think something for second, doesn't mean that's a reasoned conclusion. It just means that my brain was capable of thinking that particular thought for a second. No more no less. Our DNA is a lot more pit than peach.

Also, I've pretty much viewed these letter threads as psychokinesis. Essentially us reading each other minds. Not necessarily what we would actually say or do in real life. I always thought this was the magic of the internet. A meeting of the minds. A connection which would have been Impossible without the net. I've always thought I've been helping people by pointing out the harsh realities of life to keep them grounded. But, this uproar tells me that I'm probably doing more harm than good. People don't want the harsh realities of life thrown in the face. It's more confortable to ignore them. Fantasy-land. (have you guys seen United 93?)

I don't want to do more harm than good.

This is my last post.

Good luck King - you rock.

Joan: Smile. You're putting the New York Times out of business.

Farhad. Don't post so much. Only do it when you got something cool up your sleeve. (only trying to help)

As for those who are claiming kids would be hurt, how? It'd still be illegal for them and they wouldn't face any more pressure to use them than they do now. In fact with legalization, there might be less pressure as they know that they'll start taking them when it is time and in a safe way.

Thanks for the softball. First of all, there is never a right time to use steroids and they aren't safe. Look at Lyle Alzado's grave and Jason Giambi's stomach. Second, kids would face more pressure to take these things. If they're legal, every high school football player in the country would immediately start taking them (their older buddies would supply em). Doesn't that pressure the jr. high tailback to inject steroids? (sorry, but if you aren't a man, you might not understand).

I appreciate your contrarian view, lynx, but please think.

Just kinda stinks that he juiced. Whatever. The world keeps turning. Sport for the sake of sport.