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.
This very thread has been illustrative, in it's own way.
Would it have made you happier if people just hadn't responded to those insults? Would it have just been fine and dandy with you if those out and out lies went unchallenged?
What am I saying; of course it would. After all, you and you alone had the truth.
(((((((Big Sky Freeper))))))))) It does indeed..
The posts of Terri on the cross were way over the top,
as were the various threats to Jeb, POTUS, the judges
involved and the judiciary as a whole.
The US is not a theocracy and we all must work within ours
laws or strive to change law we don't believe representative
of our values.
Tonk, that doesn't suit me. In fact, it makes me think less of you to even propose such a thing.
Who played a seniority card? Certainly not me.
I play the "let's tell the truth" card and it obviously struck a nerve.
How many posts of yours have been deleted in this thread?
Long Cut, I am very sorry to see you go. We haven't talked much but I have enjoyed reading your posts.
I'm keeping a low profile right now myself, because of the crazies. I'm tired of messing with them.
Hope you return someday.
Tammy (WPPFF)
Made you look!
I disagree...I think you don't see it that way because you were likely in the majority on that issue. McClintock supporters were mercilessly ridiculed, name-called, etc., throughout the election process. In fact, one recent opuser was one of those doing some of the ridiculing and name-calling, as I recall.
Do you remember the one in the middle of the night from the Recall? I had several of the guys tell me to quit posting so I didn't get banned. I was in all of those and you know what -- the last few weeks were nastier. Maybe it is because we all knew each other for the most part.
Never saw so many vanities in my life!
He's not supporting it, Sink. He's calling for opposition to it. Full story at the link.
Exactly.
Right backatcha! (((((((MEG33)))))))))
We got called quite a few names as well and I was on the Arnold side -- RINO became my middle name! :)
indeed... as are the keywords some lovely folk have seen fit to add.
I'm keeping a low profile right now myself, because of the crazies. I'm tired of messing with them.
Completely understandable.
I didn't get to the Terri threads until the last couple of weeks. Along with my support for Terri, I supported the rule of law in this case. I especially didn't want my politicians breaking the law and I made that opinion known.. I also spoke out against the parents who allowed their children to get arrested in a protest when they encouraged them to break the law.
On one long thread posters immediately started calling some good Germans. So I asked them why they weren't down there as a private citizens breaking the law. I asked them why they had to rely on politicians to do what they weren't willing to do. I asked them are they good Germans too.
I wasn't called a Nazi once.
Cheers!
Discussing politics and religion is bound to generate a little heat now and again.
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