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.
"Tonk, that doesn't suit me. In fact, it makes me think less of you to even propose such a thing."
I guess you never read the thread!
Guess you DON'T want to help DEFEND the President!
Report back once you actually read the thread!
Fabulous. Longcut contributed...where I don't remember, but these opuses are simply ridiculous and nothing but self-serving. I'm sure by now you can find where all of my posts are. If you want to vanish..go right ahead. I'm sure there are many people who leave FR and come back b/c there is simply no other place like it when it comes to fuctionality and research of issues...plus unlike nexis it's FREE! What are you going to do? Donate to DU so you can use their search function. Oh whaaa my contributions to FR must be so slim by now. Sure, whatever you say, b/c I ain't keeping track.
I've been here four months longer than you have; believe me, I *know* what it's like to be in the minority; think Elian.
We STILL never called names like this group did/does.
Free Republic is NOT only a website.
One.
Why?
I've been here a while, and have managed to stay somehow blissfully ignorant of every type of intrigue on FR. That's fine with me. I never was a cliquey sort.
You apparently weren't trying hard enough or had not shined your jackboots.
It was rampant.
That's his group to impeach Pres Bush and VP Cheney? If that is the case, what is this site coming to?
I hear ya! I could disappear from FR forever, and I doubt that anyone would notice or care.
My gripe with FR lately has been the Bush bashing threads, and the selective censorship of other posts and threads. They are biting the hands that feed them.
FR is going to lose alot of good folks.
That said, if I started an "Opus" thread, it would probably get pulled by the Mods for whatever reason, so I guess I'll stay until a better site comes along...:)
Why people feel the need to engage in this "LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME!" business is beyond me. If you don't want to be here anymore, just quit posting. I left FR for a bit myself once - and I didn't make a post announcing it - I just quit posting.
Now Pay Attention
Hanoi Kerry's groups are active!
Veterans Group Calls on Congress
to Impeach George W. Bush and Richard Cheney
04/03/2005
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1376873/posts
I'll miss you, LC. Thank you for your service to our country.
Thank you -- I thought I was going totally nuts if Tonk was involved in that group -- you have restored my sanity!
But that is, I think, was a temporary change, not a permanent one. I urge you to check back in a month or so. I think you will find FR more as you first experienced, and want it to be. If so, you may come back.
I for one would welcome that wholeheartedly.
Congressman Billybob
Latest column, "The Fatal Attraction of the Inside Straight"
Few people are so obvious in displaying their ignorance. And confirming it in print.
We've been through this over and over, as long as I've been here.
Remember the CONTRAIL and other tinfoil threads? :-D
I kinda miss those...I even started a "tinfoilhat" keyword list.
I still like it here, was banned once for being too non FR PC, I post for fun, not for any mission, but honestly, the religious folks went nuts and threw their brains away.
BTW, to keep it honest, I wasn't on those recall threads very often; I *try* to make it a habit not to put my nose in other state's business, as I don't want others repaying the "favor," if you get my drift. :-)
Which post # was it and what did it say before it was deleted?
He got your attention to look at the rest..Tonk would not associate with that group. Sounds a lot like Kerry's group..and believe you me...that isn't Tonk.
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