I might be wrong

but I think that part of the reason that people became so excited about my conversation with Stacy is that they have wanted to say something to her themselves and were unwilling.

So often in life we are complicit in our own ill treatment. I think that there is the hope that the Stacys of the world will some how, over time, realize the error of their ways of their own accord. No one wants to say anything because the "mature" thing to do is ignore other people's bad behavior. While I believe that is often true (there is usually little to be gained from yelling at every rude person who talks loudly on their cell phone at the next table) but I see little honor or maturity in allowing people to insult you. We can all hope that all individuals mature beyond catty sniping but the honest fact is that they don't. You find the same behavior at all ages and education levels ... at 13, 25, 40, and 80 there are those who want to be one of the "cool kids." That "High School" behavior is in no way limited to High School or even limited to those sad and sorry people who could never grow beyond High School rivalries.
We all like to think that we are taking the high road by ignoring verbal barbs and sometimes we are. And sometimes we are being cowards. We ignore it because then the smooth flow of our social world can be maintained. We ignore it because we are all just a little afraid that if we oppose those who malign us we will discover that everyone we care about likes them just a little bit better than they like us. We ignore it because there is something embarrassing about admitting that such a small thing in the world really does bother us.
Yes, it is silly and small but it is there in life until you die. Death, Taxes and Snotty Gossip are all assured parts of the human experience.

In further news I was recently asked to quantify "LOVE" ... I responded that I would have to think on it a bit. If I am able to come up with anything that even approximates an answer, fear not! I will share it.