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.
Of course, I could always post the words to THE PURPLE PEOPLE EATER. LOL
Now there's a funny song! Yes it was a fun song to sing along with back in the day. Heck, I didn't even pay any attention to the words.
The song with the salutation "May the Bird of Paradise fly up your nose"... now those words stuck in my mind...
We have a FReeper who uses the first letter of each
word! mtbopfuyn
Goodbye, you will be missed. And this is one of many lately.
Well, what can I say? I wish you & yours the very best life can offer.
May the Good Lord bless you & keep you safe!
Tom
BUMP.
But I do believe he's had it.
At least for a while.
I am seriously worried that the Crevo threads are a major reason for LC's leaving. For those not familiar, Crevo threads as described by me (a scientist) are a fight between scientific rationality and facts against cold, naked "belief". It's a fight that neither side is likely to ever win, but it does have significant political rammifications. There is always a lot of e-blood on the floor before those threads are put to bed. They can and will leave you drained. I hope that the Crevo people on both sides will take a lesson from this. Who wants to log on and spend a few hours with people who are supposed to be your political friends and then go to bed exhausted?
When LC showed up on Crevo threads and posted, I knew that the post was likely to not be Earth shattering, but it was very likely to be well thought out and something to pay attention to. On threads where some really "strange" (there are so many better words, but this is not the time) things are posted, that rationality will be sorely missed.
I continue to be amazed that people will give up and bolt so easily.
LC let us know when you find a better forum.
My Grandson (age in the single digits) was here the other day and had me play some old vinyl; Elvis in fact.
He picked up a small record with a big hole in the center and said "Grandpa, what's this?"
Now he knows.
I don't have a 45 player anymore, I have to use one of those little inserts!
May an elephant caress you with his toes.
May your wife be plagued with runners in her hose.
(Little Jimmy Dickens)
Onyx, Thank you for writing (back) to me. I sincerely hope that he reconsiders. That is my HUGE wish.
I don't think that it was the "Crevo threads" were the cause of LC's leaving. I got the impression it had to do more with some of the ideas being espoused since the Terri Schiavo case.
I hope your wish comes true.
I already miss him too.
So funny, warm, witty, and INTELLIGENT.
Yes, the results of the freepers are disappointing. I'm sad to see people stomping off the board.
But this is a personal passionate issue. It is not just about Terri (and I will safely assume this was about Terri since Long Cut used WPPFF. If I assume wrong, apologies). Terri is the one that brought the emotions out in the open. And it is very hard to discuss what happened without emotions flairing.
It touches everyone.
Everyone here has had family members die. Everyone here has had to decide when to let a loved one go. Facing what happened to Terri brings doubt that people made the right choice on their own.
Terri also brings up the abortion issue. Another HOT topic. No one has the right to tell a woman they have to carry a baby when they have been raped. No one has the right to write a law to decide for a woman to choose to carry a baby or choose her own life when medical issues are involved.
But, choosing for a relative to live when they are sick or choosing to carry a baby should never have become a government matter. But the left have pushed the envelope there. And they know it.
Yes to ALL, onyx.
I'll second the other poster - as a regular player on the crevo threads, I highly doubt that they were the cause. They're not nearly as nasty now as they were back in summer 2003 ;)
It's a shame you're leaving. Right-wing extremists seem to be determined to push common-sense Republicans out of the GOP.
I was discussing with my wife how the Talibornagain constantly threaten to leave the GOP if they don't get their way.
We came to a simple conclusion: The rest of us should call their bluffs. We should tell them: "Fine, stay home on election day. Let Hillary Clinton get elected President. The rest of us would be unhappy with the Hildebeast in the White House, but she would make your life a living hell. Government-paid abortions on demand. Public health care. Outlawing of home-schooling. Gay marriage. Go ahead. Leave the GOP if you want these things to come to pass."
Good luck on all your future endeavours.
NOOOOOOOOOO! PLEASE don't go away, Long Cut!
See you 'round LC.
Will miss seein' you in the Canteen and during troll paving.
You won't mind if I leave you on my copy of 'the list'?
LOL
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