Goodbye.

F.R. ^ | 9/29/2007 | Jack Black

[Jack Black]

After 9 years, 9,217 postings and 158 original threads I have decided to leave Free Republic.

I haven't arrived at this decision lightly, FR has been a huge part of my life for a decade.

I've learned a tremendous amount from interacting with people here. A lot of my beliefs have been challenged, and I've had to rethink things I on many occassions. There are not too many places where you can learn from sincere people in an atmosphere of open discussion.

My reasons for leaving are twofold.

First, and most importantly, I think I'm graduating. I've probably gotten whatever I am going to get, in the way of education and, hopefully educating others, out of this place. But, after a while, it seems that a lot of the old discussions come around again.

Every day is precious, and in some fundamental way we are what we do. Being a total newshound, and knowing everything about the latest ins-and-out of the issues is gratifying. But, at this point in my life, I think I just need to let go of some level of obsession with it, and do other things.

And, in the second place, I feel that we've used whatever opportunity we had to influence things and our country is just not destined to go in the direction I would like.

The original charter for Free Republic talked about "restoring the Republic" (if I'm not mistaken) and the current one speaks of moving conservatism forward. Sadly, I don't see these things happening, and I don't see internet discussion as being a key, for me at least, to helping them happen.

At some point the 'education and discussion' phase of any political program needs to give way to the activism part. I have deep respect for the activists who have done so many great events, particularly the Gathering of Eagles. I have had the privilige of participating in a few FR organized outings and they are the highlight of my time here.

At this point I think I need to seek more harmony with the world around me, and that has to include coming to terms with the fact that I live in a very socialist state, run by many corrupt individuals. For me, given where I am in my life and the burdens I carry, it just isn't working to care about these things quite as much as I do.

Looking back, I would rate our greatest accomlishment as a group the impeachment of Bill Clinton. Perhaps it is the spector of his wife becoming President that has soured me on the future of our country, and on internet activism as a way to influence it.

Our greatest failure has been the inability of the Republican majority, which many of us worked for decades to achieve, to even attempt to implement any of our key issues. This is both sad, and pathetic. I cannot accept it, but in the end I have no choice.

I fear that if I stay engaged I will become cynical an bitter. These are not traits that I consider admirable, and taking a harsh and honest look at myself I think I'm already slipping down that path.

In large part leaving here is an attempt to re-orient myself around things I can control, around areas I can be successful in, and around things that will make me happy.

I've made a few on-line acquaintances who I hope to keep in touch with, hopefully you feel the same, and I'll be sending you Freep Mail with my contacts, if you don't have them already. I'd love to hear from you at any time.

I've been co-owner of the Civil War II ping list. This has been a great list where we have discussed the most disturbing trends, events that have caused some authors or posters to think our country may suffer again as we did in the 19th Century when visions of the future diverged so completely. I don't know what the future holds but it is my most sincere wish that as a nation we find some way out, some way to come together. Sadly, I'm sceptical about our ability to find that way. The list will now be maintained and run by Archy and Travis. Once could not ask for better owners than that.

I'd like to thank Jim and the staff for everything they have provided to me and thousands of others. I think they have done a lot for the country with this forum. My last act here will be to send Jim a few more checks. I'm probably way behind on what I owe, and will try to make good on my debts to the forum. I urge any of you who are not contributing enough to try to do a little better.

This is a very special place, and I will take solace every day knowing that it is here, filled with good people putting up the good fight. You will all be with me in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you will think kindly of me.

Thank to everyone for making FR what it is. May each of you follow your dreams and find success in your lives.

Goodbye.

-J.B.

[IslandJeff]

Don’t go, Jack. Just step away from the Internet for a couple weeks. Works wonders.

If I can’t change your mind, I’ll FReepmail you my e-mail address.

Don’t do it - you are far too unique a FReeper and a tremendous ideological and pragmatic resource. Reconsider.

-J

[Jack Black]

Thanks to all of you on the CWII ping list. You are the elite of the elite. May you soar with the eagles!

[RushCrush]

Godspeed. Next time put ‘opus’ in your title so it will come up in searches.

[FreedomCalls]

Our greatest failure has been the inability of the Republican majority, which many of us worked for decades to achieve, to even attempt to implement any of our key issues.

So true. Drop in every so often when things heat up and you feel a need to help steer the debate. I lurked for TWO years before I couldn't take it anymore and just HAD to reply to someone. And since joining I've taken sabbaticals myself. It's good for the soul.

[cherry]

"At this point I think I need to seek more harmony with the world around me, and that has to include coming to terms with the fact that I live in a very socialist state, run by many corrupt individuals. For me, given where I am in my life and the burdens I carry, it just isn't working to care about these things quite as much as I do."

I struggle with this too.....but what I have done over the years is really eliminate talk radio.....very little Rush, or Micheal, or Sean......its all just too much.....

instead, I listen to a little of them, a lot of financial talk....the "stock doctors" are just plain funny, not political, and are light hearted in their financial advice...its refreshing....

but to find out the real news, the real angles, I could never give up FR...

[givemELL]

I am new and did not know you Jack, and I will look up your posts and threads because of the fine farewell you posted just after my post. Godspeed.

[ConservativeMind]

I understand what you are saying, but I suggest what is needed, in the words of the man Buckhead helped bring down, is “Courage”.

You need not get bitter about anything. I don’t see Free Republic making people bitter. You have a community talking about news events. News items will always happen. They shouldn’t bring us down because we talk about them.

I encourage you to rethink your indefinite absence.

[My Favorite Headache]

Jack..I came onto FR in 99...you are one of the originals around here...we can’t afford to lose someone like you. Take some time away and come back after the holiday’s.

2008 is the year where we need more voices like your own out there and FR is leading the way for those kinds of voices to be heard...more than ever we are making an impact.

I know you will be back...so I won’t say good bye.

[Cowgirl]

Where else are you going to find up to the second reporting of towers falling, earthquakes, etc.
There’s no place like FR for info.

[IslandJeff]

Bump to #9

[ValerieTexas]

bye

[JerseyHighlander]

We haven’t crossed paths here in a while, but still remember you from the years past. Good luck in your endeavors.

Do yourself a favor and write down your FreeRepublic password on a piece of paper, and hide it somewhere.

[endthematrix]

“America is at that awkward stage. It’s too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards.” — opening lines of 101 Things To Do ‘Til The Revolution by Claire Wolfe

[steelyourfaith]

Put your hands up where I can see them and slowly step away from the keyboard.

Take a break.

Changes move at a glacial pace . Your input remains important hereabouts --- unless, of course,you've found a better way to spend your time.

[endthematrix]

Bitter? Spend a few hours on the prayer threads....that will humble any hard ass.

[Global2010]

Take a break.
I am homebound do to being KV’s 24/7 careprovider and FR has been wonderful.

However like you I needed to do other things so I bought a Brunswick Pro Pool Table (LOVE IT) and next week a basketball (portable hoop).

But there are dayz that due to reasons I am not able to do other things and FR is here to read or post.

Think of it as moving away from home but coming back for the visits.

[fish hawk]

There is life outside of FR? You can't quit like this. You have to rant and rave and make a scene and we have to say something like, "don't let the door hit you on the way out. One would think you would have known this by now.

Seriously, the best of luck to you and God be with you. Aloha

[JennysCool]

While you have very good points, the second some MAJOR news happens — and it will — you’ll be right back here.

Meanwhile, have fun out there ...

[Prince Caspian]

I’ve never understood these OPUS things. It’s just a web site. A forum where news and viewpoints are shared. Do these dramatic goodbyes mean the person no longer believes in the substance of current events or the value of opinion? Or did they think they were going to change the world on their terms and their schedule? And, eventually, they tire of the effort? Did they think everyone was going to come to see things in the same way as themselves? Whatever happened to balance and perspective? I don’t get it. It’s just a web site.

[dixiechick2000]

You are a smart person to look up his posts.

He’s a smart man.

Welcome to Free Republic!

[CaliGirlGodHelpMe]

While I understand and agree that every day is precious, I don’t think it’s necessary to leave because you worry about becoming cynical or getting tunnel vision. A nice long breather might be just the thing. This forum is filled with good people fighting the good fight, and you’re a part of it, a seminal part. With another Clinton trying to cajole, bamboozle and B.S. their way into the White House, you’re needed perhaps more than ever.

Please do reconsider. For now, I won’t say goodbye, but au revoir.

[fr_freak]

What is is with people who feel a need to announce to the entire forum that they are leaving? You feel the need to explain it to everyone?

Also:

1) FR is a tool. It is a tool for gathering and disseminating information. If the nail that I'm trying to put in a board gets bent, I don't throw away the hammer. Why throw away FR? If the discussions are starting to irritate you, don't participate in them, but to decide that you don't want accurate news and insight because the world isn't changing the way it should is ludicrous.

2) If you are going to give up on one of the best tools for getting the country going the right direction just because of a little irritation, how the hell were we ever supposed to believe that you would have done what needed to be done when the chips were really down? Our forefathers, as well as some guys even today, risked their very lives to make and keep this country, and you can't even deal with a little frustration? Maybe you weren't really all that valuable to the conservative movement after all.

[Berlin_Freeper]

Take a vacation from it all. I hope you don’t fall victim to the MSM that reports everything in negative viewpoint because they do it on purpose. According to the MSM, we are not allowed to be happy when there is a Republican President. Have fun, cu.

[Mark]

I have decided to leave Free Republic.

WAIT A DAMN MINUTE! Is this allowed? I have to study the rules. It's like that war hero, John Kerry who discovered that three purple hearts and you're out of the war. I did not know that. I was there, but did not look at that rule book.

When I get frustrated, I spend about two minutes at DU and that cures me of any notion of leaving FR.

[celtic gal]

Wish you would rethink this..I too get frustrated with the way of the world and what is happening in this nation. When it gets to be too much I just back away from the site, or refrain from posting for awhile and then return to FR refreshed.

[pissant]

Enjoy. You’ll be back.

[Brad from Tennessee]

I think it’s easy to get addicted to this site. But like others have said, take a break for a few weeks or more. Walk the Earth for a while. When you come back things will be fresh again. God Bless You, Brother.

[CAluvdubya]

I’ve never understood these OPUS things

I'm with you. Why the drama thing? For attention? For all to beg the person not to leave? If one wants to quit posting, then just quit posting.

[Finalapproach29er]

quitters never win; winners never quit.

Take a break and let your eyes heal up for a few months.

Stop back for the primary season.

Regards.

[Lancey Howard]

Perhaps it is the spector of his wife becoming President that has soured me on the future of our country, and on internet activism as a way to influence it.

That's a thought that would make anybody throw up in their mouth a little.

Here’s the good news: Hillary will not be elected President of the United States. Not in a million years. Not ever. When Americans walk into their polling places in November, 2008 - - when it is time to cast their votes FOR REAL - - they simply will not be able to vote for Hillary Clinton.

I predict the biggest GOP Presidential landslide in history.

Hope to see you back the second week of November, 2008 if not a lot sooner!

FRegards,
LH

[Bryan]

Hey Jack, you’ll be back.

Seriously. I was gone for a while but I came back. You will too.

[Jeff Chandler]

I don’t think this post belongs in “News”. This post belongs in “Breaking News”.

[LowOiL]

Classy way to shut the door sir.

[Steve Van Doorn]

The best part about FR isn’t the babbling that we do it is the resources that are not archived anyplace else.

Besides if you brake from the union we will have to kill you. :)

[expatguy]

"Do these dramatic goodbyes mean the person no longer believes in the substance of current events or the value of opinion? Or did they think they were going to change the world on their terms and their schedule? And, eventually, they tire of the effort?"

I believe the answer to that question is yes and no.

"Did they think everyone was going to come to see things in the same way as themselves?"

Allow me to answer this...

For me this is really the first time participating on a forum such as this. What amazed me the most though was the issue of debate. In all honesty, I never came here to debate, but rather to inform.

FR is a wonderful place - there are people here who are experts on a variety of subjects and there can be a lot to learn - There is also a propensity here for almost everyone to argue and debate, often about subjects that many times the individual knows nothing about other than what they might have read on the internet. This in itself can be frustrating for many.

Reading what Jack Black wrote - I sense that Jack felt a similar frustration and decided that instead of simply rehashing the same issues over and over he would just leave.

[Lancey Howard]

By the way, you have been one of my favorite posters here over the years. I’m sure you’ll be able to laugh along with (most of) the rest of us at the handful of posters who don’t know the difference between an angry, juvenile, foot-stomping “opus” and a polite “goodbye” to a community in which you have participated and made friends.

Personally, I appreciate your courtesy and your comments.
That said, I am pretty sure you’ll be back, and I sure hope so.

Regards,
LH

[Brad's Gramma]

God bless you, Jack, in your endeavors...thank you for the contributions you’ve made to FR.

[fatima]

bye Jack,take a few days off.Maybe a few weeks.From FR of course(((Hugs)))Fatima

[Yaelle]

What if one of our Founding Fathers took a “break” or gave up for a while? Please make your break short. We need people like you in the fight. The USA is not a Republic in Stone but in Blood, Sweat, and Tears. We have to be able to Keep it, as Old Ben said.

[weegee]

Our ability to influence the GOP may be limited but a fake but accurate reporter lost his longstanding spot as America’s leading “truth teller” of the day’s events because he caught promoting a deliberate DNC leaked lie and refused to acknowledge there were serious flaws in the documents he was provided.

He stuck by his-story that it was “accurate” even if the Hitler Diaries themselves were fake. Er Piltdown Man’s bones were fake. Er the Bush National Guard Memos were fake.

The sleeping public has been lied to. Just as the Soviets lied to the citizens of Russia for decades.

Will it change the government? It’s chaning the unofficial forth branch, Big Media which has colluded with the DNC on a number of big stories in recent years.

The shadow government operatives who work within their agencies to thwart the policies of the sitting administration are also being exposed.

And slowly people are looking back at the past 50 years with the details provided by KGB files.

Much of what we know of the present and recent history is a lie.

Waking people up to the fact that they’ve been deliberately lied to by demagogues in the media is the first step.

People are tuning them out. Tv news ratings are down. Newspaper subscription rates are down.

The old methods of charting the course of human events isn’t working for them anymore.

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

Fair Winds and Following Seas.

[wardaddy]

pissed off and bitter ain’t so bad jack...

it’s hard for an aging realist not to see how far we’ve fallen.

[LeoWindhorse]

Do they make a ‘patch’ for weening off of FR ?

That’s about what it’d take for me to kick the habit...

[Figment]

“Our greatest failure has been the inability of the Republican majority, which many of us worked for decades to achieve, to even attempt to implement any of our key issues”

So, you thought the slim Republican majority could reverse 50 years of Democrat socialist programs in about ten years. You were delusional from the start. This is a marathon, not a sprint. We have to take it back the same way we lost it. It’s like eating an elephant, you do it one bite at a time.Rethink and rejuvenate, we need all the soldiers we can muster

[yorkie]

As a ‘noobie’, we don’t know each other.

As a conservative we are looking at what is happening to our ‘Land of the Free and Home of the Brave’ today.

I go to sleep every night - praying we won’t lose more sovereignty tomorrow.

Tomorrow comes, and yet another ‘increment’ has been ‘slipped in’ without my having any say in the matter.

I see the people I voted into office allowing our sovereignty to slip away, and it breaks my heart.

I think I know how you feel - as I feel the same way.

Why hash over and over what we hate/despise/deplore/abhore, and do nothing to stop or alleviate it?

But, then - what CAN we do?

I think I understand, Jack. Blessings to you. I may be joining you soon in a hiatus. yorkie

[chasio649]

ditto...i can’t add anymore.

[backhoe]

Well said, especially this:

Our greatest failure has been the inability of the Republican majority, which many of us worked for decades to achieve, to even attempt to implement any of our key issues. This is both sad, and pathetic. I cannot accept it, but in the end I have no choice. I fear that if I stay engaged I will become cynical an bitter. These are not traits that I consider admirable, and taking a harsh and honest look at myself I think I'm already slipping down that path. In large part leaving here is an attempt to re-orient myself around things I can control, around areas I can be successful in, and around things that will make me happy.

I go back to Barry Goldwater, and all my life, I've heard from The Stupid Party ( when asking, "I want this changed, why can't you... " )

"Yeah, you helped us gain the ____, but we need to control the ___, then we can change things..."

So I helped 'em.

Soldiered on.

Sent money.

Walked the streets.

Watched the country go to Hell, then go farther.

Worked to get the House, Senate, and Presidency under Depublican, err, Remocrat, err, Stupid Party control.

And they taxed, and spent, like Democrats.

Any wonder the voters preferred The Real Thing in the last election?

Best regards, and best of wishes to you and yours, JB...

THEG ( the heavy equipment guy )

Gating out into cyberspace and the Dreamtime...

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

Sorry to see you go. Hope you change your mind.

[the gillman@blacklagoon.com]

Cynical and bitter have always worked for me, Jack.

Goes well with biting sarcasm.

I agree with your opus. Online discussions are not going to save us. The impeachment of Clinton proved that the PTB will circle the wagons around one of their own, to save all their hides.

They don’t give a damn about the citizens, except to try and figure a way around having to keep getting re-elected by them. Hence the invasion that they refuse to admit to, never mind stop.

Recently, there was a discussion of the “old list” that is forbidden posting here. I looked it up and couldn’t help but notice that it had pretty much been fulfilled.

Enjoy your time Jack, while you can. Good luck and Godspeed.