[mkjessup]

Even though we continue to contend with one another, I do want to mention that I do appreciate your kind words back up the thread.

They were written sincerely. I have always held you in great respect, make no mistake about that. The only thing I am 'contending' with at this point is the tendency of some purist FReepers to point their fingers, second guess the motivations of other FReepers as to why they did thus-and-so, when that train has left the station, once again - the past is past, and the most important thing now is to focus on the present, which is still dynamic and is something we can influence, nothing more and nothing less.

[EternalVigilance]

Thanks again.

Look, at least speaking for myself, these sorts of reviews of the recent past may be a bit harsh at times, but they are not personal.

However, we are talking about fundamental approaches to how we do politics that are going to determine whether or not the republic is ever going to be revived and preserved for our posterity.

As they say, ‘politics ain’t beanbag.’

I’m getting old. In the great scheme of things, I won’t be around that much longer, no matter how you cut it.

But I’ve got nine kids and three grand kids so far, and what is going to happen to them matters a whole lot to me.

And so, I continue in my firm belief that the only way to save the republic is to reestablish the plumb line of principle that made the greatness of this country possible in the first place, and to then convince my fellow Americans that they must stop compromising the things that should be beyond political compromise.