Posted on 04/04/2005 8:07:34 PM PDT by Long Cut
Well, that time has come for me. I’m leaving FR. However, I do not consider this an “opus”, as I am NOT going to use it to rehash old slights or arguments, or to give my personal opinion of what “should be done around here”. As has been so often pointed out, this is Jim Robinson’s site, and he runs it as he sees fit. Rather, all I’m going to do here is give a general reason for my departure, and say a hearty-but-sad “GOODBYE!” to all the folks here who have enriched my life in the past four years.
I am a small-government, national-security and military supporting, pro-gun, economic conservative who also likes to enjoy the life I have to its fullest. I believe that the government does its best work when it restricts itself to the things it is supposed to do vis a vis the Constitution. That is, it should restrict itself at this time to shooting terrorists and delivering the mail, as well as doing its level best to ensure that the rights of one citizen are left untrampled by another. I hold that the government should stay as far as possible from any entanglements with religion, organized or not, save to ensure that ALL are treated fairly by the law. I also hold that the government should NOT be in the business of making laws regarding the personal, private behavior of its free citizens, so long as such behavior harms no other.
In these past months, it has become plain to me that this position is NOT that of a majority of FReepers, nor of the management itself. So, rather than “tilt at windmills”, I shall simply go my own way. I have no comments about this circumstance or its origins; it is simply the way I see things.
Also, I have grown as a person on FR. When I first joined, I’d be right in there flaming with the best of ‘em. As the years have past, I have come to realize the value of simple, civil discourse, for it is in that sort of discourse that a man may actually learn things, both about the topic at hand, and about himself and what being a true gentleman means.
As before, in the past months, the majority seems to prefer it to be otherwise. Again, no comments, just stating what I see.
Before I leave, however, I wish to do two things.
First and foremost, I wish to thank Mr. Robinson for providing this site…despite the necessity of leaving now, I have truly learned a great deal here, too much for words. I was able to “vent my spleen” on issues that mattered to me, talk about mutual interests with like-minded people, and get to know some absolutely terrific folks. Mr. Robinson, you did a good job. Sorry indeed am I that I must part ways. Nonetheless, as one old Sailor to another, “Fair Winds And Following Seas, Shipmate!”
Second, I wish to thank, and bid farewell to, some of the most outstanding people it has ever been my pleasure and honor to know.
- The folks over at the FReeper Canteen, shepherded by 68-69tonkingulfyachtclub. I was drawn to the Canteen almost on my first day here, as there exists there an outpouring of support and affection for this nation’s military (of which I am a part) the likes of which have seldom seen equal. From the first, they took me in as if I were one of their own families, and the regular posters there were with me with prayers and support, as well as joy and salutes, through many dark days indeed, and many bright ones.
I am an agnostic, religiously, but that did not matter to my Canteen Friends…they were there with prayers and, well, love when my wife and I lost our first baby. They shared in the joy we had when we finally had a healthy son. They prayed again, selflessly, for me when I went on deployment. Then, they welcomed me home again with open arms, and more prayers, as I came home to bury my dear mother. In doing this for someone they knew was not religious himself, and in doing it without any hesitation, they showed a non-believer the BEST side of Christianity one could possibly ask for. To the Canteen, including Ms. Behavin, Ms. Poohbear, La diva loca, trussel, Tonk, Spotsy, Bentfeather, KathyinAlaska, and all the rest too numerous to name, I say without any sense of irony at all, “BLESS YOU”.
- The many unbelievably intelligent scientists and science-lovers over on the Crevo and science threads, ably pinged by PatrickHenry. From you ladies and gentlemen of BOTH sides, I have expanded my scientific knowledge and thinking by an order of magnitude. Ichneumon, Vade, Junior, Radio Astronomer, Right wing Professor, Betty Boop, Alamo-Girl, and all the rest of the maniacs over there made it an edifying experience that could never have been acquired in a school.
- The HTT list. I thoroughly enjoyed the times we spent “raisin Hell”. Gabz, Formermilitarychick, exnavychick, and the rest shared many a laugh with this old Heathen.
- Archy, Squantos, Travis McGee, Glock Rocks, Joe Brower, criminall number 18f, and all of the guys and gals on the gun or “Bang List threads. I learned a ton of good gouge from you guys over the years. I’m gonna miss you, but with your advice I shan’t miss much else with a pistol!
- The Republican Party Reptiles. The Big B and company showed quite well that not ALL conservatives are stick in the muds. Many of us actually LIKE looking at pretty women in few clothes. B, I hope the party lasts a bit longer fer y’all.
- The WPPFF. Y’all know who you are, and why. All I can say is, we tried. And we tried long past what any normal person would have, to our credit.
- My individual Friends…DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet, Veronica, peach, the incomparable PukinDog, Wild Turkey, and about a hundred others I could take a couple of days naming. I’ll miss y’all sumpin’ turible.
Anyhoo, this has gotten longer than I ever thought it would. Anyone with me on their ping lists can go ahead and remove my name, if you wish. Those whose wish it is to gloat, say “good riddance”, and other such juvenile nonsense are welcome to begin, thus confirming my reasoning.
‘Bye, all. Godspeed.
I agree with my friend, onyx. You will be missed, Long Cut. Although I fully understand why you and several others have left recently, voices such as yours (and ours) must not be driven out of "the public square" that is the internet and forums like FR.
Man, don't leave, I just got here. sigh.
Bump.
Good luck, Godspeed, and hope you are back one day...
That line was trundled out fairly often once upon a time. It has kind of died on the vine. :)
"WWPPF"
What does this mean?
I don't get this long farwell stuff and I never will.
Just leave,it's only a website.If I don't like one I just log off and never log in again.
I like it here,so I'll stay a while.
Good Lord,such drama!
I think it is the result of the elections, and all of us having no one in common to attack or defend. We seem to have turned on each other with every ounce of zeal we once had towards the Democrats and John Kerry.
So for you and me, this aint goodbye, just another road. Continue to kick ass and take names at your job. You do me proud.
(((HUGS)))
I won't think any less of you if you reconsider and decide to stay.
Boone: "Germans?"
Otter: "Forget it. He's rolling."
Once again, I'm left wondering who left the door open.
The smoking lamp is lit. Smoke 'em if you got 'em.
I do hope the title is some indication that you'll be back (the sooner the better). We will be missing you, Long Cut!
Some folks want to say good-bye to their frinds. But if it is too much for you, you could just pass on by without a comment. Easily!
Remember the motto of the vinyard: We dry no vine before it's time.
Bye Navy, read your profile...
Sorry, you're Long Cut...and not allowed to leave.
To hell with "the majority" as you see it. This changes, and they hopefully wise up, then others join in, and it starts all over again....but that graduating class is somewhere...making things better...because, well, because of you and folks you mentioned, and countless others..."iron sharpened iron."
You really don't want Muttly to follow you...do you?
Didn't think so.
Me wouldn't either.
Torie,
The thing is, you debate in a level-headed, reasonable manner. So, you probably find that you are generally treated with respect by those with whom you disagree. Now, I personally don't know this particular poster, as FR is so big nowadays that there are people you just don't run into much. So, I don't know if he's gotten a lot of grief lately, or has given others the same in the past.
But, at least one of the others who have recently opused was not exactly among the most, err, well-mannered, members, at least in certain topics and threads.
I probably go over the line sometimes, but I make a particular effort to try not to get too personal.
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