Thanks for this dose, Wolfie.
Posted on 05/27/2006 5:19:39 PM PDT by Wolfstar
Thanks for this dose, Wolfie.
A very touching part of the President's speech dealt with Patrick Dowdell ... it's a touching tribute to family, duty and determination:
"I have confidence in the final outcome of this struggle, because I know the character and determination of the men and women gathered before me.
We see that character and determination in a cadet named Patrick Dowdell. It was Patrick's dream to attend West Point, and he applied straight out of high school, but did not get in on his first try.
After being turned down, he wondered if he was cut out for the Academy. His father, New York Fireman Kevin Dowdell, encouraged Patrick to apply again. Kevin wrote letters to his congressman on behalf of his son. And he spent long hours working with Patrick on his application -- right up to September the 9, 2001.
Two days later, Kevin Dowdell raced across the Brooklyn Bridge with his fire rescue unit to the burning World Trade Towers -- and he never returned.
After the attack, Patrick spent months digging at Ground Zero, looking for his dad -- and thinking about the dream that they had shared about his future. He was determined to fulfill that dream. And in the summer of 2002, Patrick arrived here at West Point as a new cadet -- and today he will receive his degree and his commission. (Applause.)
A few weeks ago, Patrick's mom, RoseEllen, attended another graduation ceremony -- at the New York City Fire Academy, where her other son, James, followed his father's footsteps as one of New York's Bravest. And today, RoseEllen -- (applause) -- is with us to see Patrick join the ranks of America's bravest, as an officer in the United States Army. (Applause.)
We live in freedom because young Americans like Patrick, and all the cadets here today, have stepped forward to serve. You have chosen a difficult and dangerous vocation -- and America is grateful for that choice.
Today, you will accept a sacred trust: You will lead America's sons and daughters on the battlefield in a time of war. Our nation is counting on you as we count on no other group of young leaders in our country. The last four years have tested you in ways you never imagined -- and you leave here well prepared for the challenges you will face. "
Kevin Dowdell:
Pray with me about it, if you would. I'm busy these next few days with family, but I have some serious things to say about what has become of this forum because of these sick, sick people.
You got it, oWf.
I'm with you. I admire you for soldiering on on those threads. I can do it about once a week, and that's it.
It's too depressing.
I agree that (in principle) we should hang in and give rational views, but it just gets too ugly.
I'm the same way, altura. Anything rational said to those people just invites more nastiness. I have given up trying to argue with them. Once in a while I will go post on one of those threads for the benefit of the lurkers, but that's about it.
I don't mean to beat the term into the ground, but what is going on here is demonic.
As I said, we've got two kids home for the weekend (one for the whole summer), so we're doing family stuff, and I won't be on much for a couple of days, but I'm seriously considering a formal farewell to the rest of FR, other than the handful of sane threads.
I love getting my info here, but the thugs are invading the prayer thread, and even Ken Blackwell threads, as well as every single thread about the President. What used to be great verbal brawls are highly abusive now. There's a sickness here that I have never seen before, and frankly, it frightens me.
There was a thread about Katherine Harris, who was going to an auto race.
There are a couple of posters, so I learned, who invade every Katherine Harris thread and castigate/ridicule anyone who bothers to support her, because of her low standing in the polls. (The Mods finally told them to stay off those threads.)
In addition, there were the usual Bush bashers, of both the President and Jeb, only these weren't quite as much illegal immigration bashers on the Harris thread (altho some of the same ones do that on other threads) as they were claiming that lack of support from the Bush brothers for Katherine was just one more reason to knock those two. One even got in a bash at George HW, having nothing to do with the thread.
The two FReepers who regularly ping for Katherine Harris seem okay with the Bushes AND Katherine. That was the point I made...that I support both brothers AND at the same time I've sent money to Katherine Harris.
I had nothing in common, though, with so many Harris supporters who just came on there to bash the Bush brothers, nor with those who ridiculed anyone for supporting a "sure loser".
There is something truly wrong. And I agree with you that it's scary.
As long as we don't lose you on the DOSE and other "safer" threads... but I agree with you about the evil here.
But even now, I'm in a 'discussion' with a person who is distorting and basically lying about what I've said in order to accuse me.
I need to pull out NOW!
Remember the definition of "insanity" -- doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.
Sounds a lot like FR these days.
I've read the exchanges. Some posters are not worth your time. I spotted three in that category.
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