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.
Those Veterans are left-winged nutjobs that belong to the leftist group Veterans For Peace. If you want to support a bunch of John Kerry wannabe's, knock yourself out Tonk. Me? No dice.
"Calm down, Tonk. They just misunderstood your post."
They misunderstand the enemy that's within.
The traitor in the US Senate likes it that way.
I don't, not one bit!
Oh, is that how you're characterizing it? We hid in the backroom and you're saying WE are the ones who are splitting the forum?
Perhaps you should look around and notice not only who's leaving, but how many are NOT posting.
Then read the threads where people talk about it and see how many people say "I thought it was just me."
The whole world isn't about YOU and that issue.
No, no...he's calling for opposition to them! Story at link!
Lisa, I totally agree with you.
I don't know who these people are who have arisen and are attempting to hijack this site.
I'm almost afraid now to get on any thread because immediately people show up to bash Bush about EVERYTHING.
I got on a thread about Sandy Berger...I've been very interested in that. 3 posts down, someone came down hard on the President because Sandy Berger was allowed to plea bargain and was not stoned to death.
That was followed by other Bush bashing posts. Are these people ignorant, or what?
Do they think Bush is a dictator? One who will follow their own ideas about everything.
We have a great president, not a perfect one, but a great one. The MSM media constantly takes shots at him. The democrats do as well.
One would think there would be a haven here against that stuff.
I'm not saying no one should mention points of disagreement, but sheesh.
You may have noticed that the pledge drive is going very slowly. I intend to contribute and I will certainly stay, but I hope things settle back to what they once were.
At least they did have brains to throw away.
I do hope I'm not being too insensitive.
That's why I was asking Sink -- made no sense.
NO NO NO! It's a Kerry like group..Tonk doesn't support it!
Excuse me, but so do you. You're the one that continually rants about Bush not removing Kerry from the Senate and/or prosecuting the Clintons?
All right, get off your high horse, you! =)P They misunderstood your post about the group, that's all. No taking sides against you, no misunderstanding the enemy within. They didn't go to the link. That's it.
I haven't read what caused this sad end, but I have noticed that most of the true dissension the past year has come from 'old timers'. Occasionally they pipe up and nothing is ever done about the dirt they sling. It is very disheartening.
If it isn't apparent to you yet...you are well liked/loved here. Please reconsider staying a helping fight the necessary fight!
If you still decide to leave, then know that I will keep you and Mrs. Cut and baby cut in my prayers. (I would keep you in my prayers if you stayed too!)
Thank you for all you have done while you were here, and for serving our country. Hugs to you!
Tracy
I found that out from the Big B. When I went to the link I didn't scroll down far enough.
Which post of yours was deleted? What did you say?
Did you call another FReeper a name or not?
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