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.
Over a year ago I too got a little fed up with the general discourse and even pulled my measly monthly contribution. But I did it totally in PRIVATE and let only those I respected the most know I'd be off for a while if not forever.
Fortunately I calmed down, got over myself and jumped back in simply because I know I'm not the problem. I'm a freaking genius and I have good points to make. Besides, I like to mix it up as good as the next person. Do I get disappointed? Sure. Who doesn't? Do I wonder how Republicans and conservatives will ever be able to govern given the fact we fight hard amongst ourselves? Of course. But it beats standing in line going off a cliff bleating "baaaaaaaa" like the left does.
We argue, they fall in line and eat their own. Just read some of the sick crap at DU. Hell, I'm mad at my own mother right now because she's an envious crap head that actually believes it should be against the law to own an SUV or a big house and still treats me like I'm a child. I won't talk to her for 60-90 days (again) but it will pan out in the long run.
After reading yet another "I'm leaving so there" thread I'm starting to wonder if there is a sucicide pact going on we should investigate! lol
Read more, post less, and Freepmail your friends...but don't go. Works for me.
If so, and I'm told by a few people that you did, then why not acknowledge the truth?
Your sarcastic post 262 directed to me (one that was not deleted) - "you and you alone had the truth" is remarkable. I am willing to acknowledge the truth; you remain unwilling to do so. Speaks volumes.
I used to absolutely LOVe the black helicopter threads. The wonderful imaginations.....
This group is a Kerry like anti war group..Tonk criticizes over Kerry not being thrown out ..I said it wouldn't happen..but
I appreciate Tonk's Swift Boat Vet support and anti Kerry info..He may not be a big Bush supporter but he sure worked hard to get him elected! Thank you,Tonk!
I'll take it..You can't get all you want!
Do you agree with me that it is our duty to work within the law and strive to change laws that do not represent our values?
I was mixed on Elian.
Still am.
Hated to see him go to Cuba,
but father's rights won the day I reckon.
As for Terri Shiavo. POTUS was right: err on the side of life, but from everything I have read, the courts followed the law... it was Attorney Gibbs who should have been more clear.
Most religious folks around here didn't go nuts. Just a minority of them who were very vocal -- they went nuts.
But look what you've done. You've painted all religious folks as nuts. You've done exactly what you complain about.
Now that's just plain nasty....
I am still upset that Jim showed Rivero the door before he explained to us why it was that he and he alone knew that JFK Jr. called into the tower at Martha's Vineyard....I wonder if I can find him on the internet?
You just have to ignore it. There is too much work to be done to let this place go. Just think "President Hillary" that ought to put things in perspective :o)
Since you said this is not an "Opus", I, for one, hope you will return and will welcome you gladly.
Your's is an important voice and, in this case, silence is not golden.
Did you call another FReeper a liar in your post in the 90s which was deleted?
NO! Vietnam Vets are our heroes. Y'all saved our country this past election!
Amen!....Ditto..Right on!
Ah yes, Michael Rivero! Who was the other guy who used to stir things up around here? I've been trying to remember his name for weeks. The one Jim finally opened up his own seperate forum for (remember, it had a link at the top of the page). I think he eneded up starting the first anti-freeper site.
Somehow I can't get it out of my mind that this is some kind of slap down from elements of our opposition for our part in Rathergate. This site gained credibility over the years because of long time posters like you and other long timers who have left here these past few days. Every one such as you who leaves takes a little more of that credibility with them when they go.
No opus for me. Just disengagement for a period of time.
If you already KNOW what I said, why are you continuing to ask me about it? I said it; it was pulled; I've stated very plainly in other posts what I thought about what she said.
Since you already KNOW what I said, one could presume you are baiting me.
And even more people feel the necessity to be SO obvious in their exits from FR and confirming their self-centered nature in print.
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