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.
You're an SU fan? My hometown. I was beyond thrilled when they won...what... 2 years ago?
You underestimate his compulsive behavior.
He has THREE threads up about this thread!
Only 3?
The loon is slipping huh?
That damn song is going to be in my head for at least 4 days. It took me almost a week last time to make it GO AWAY!
I'm hitting abuse on that.
I like Syracuse, but that is the WORST nickname of all sports teams.
We've had our disagreements, but you were never one of the vicious ones. And I seem to remember a few points of agreement.
Regards and best of luck.
It's just beyond wrong.
Well, in the real world, you'd hardly worry, he lives in a small world. If he went out and stalked you, one good blow to the head with a hammer would do OK. He is a simpleton, JR figured it out and banned him, whereever he posts now, they haven't figured out his illness.
Why would that matter? Why not just not log in ever again?
If you haven't participated much, then yeah, just not logging in again would be the best way to go. But for those folks who have posted thousands of replies through the years, and made dozens of friends here, then some sort of "opus" post makes a lot of sense for a lot of reasons:
1. It lets people know not to expect you to show up to discuss topics you used to be a regular on, and not to spend time pinging you anymore.
2. It keeps folks from wondering "what in the heck happened to so-and-so?", or wondering if something bad happened to you (an illness, death, etc.) causing your sudden absence.
3. It gives an opportunity to say goodbye. For people who have been constant regulars here, it would actually be rude to leave *without* saying goodbye in some form. And the numbers of people you've gotten to know over the years would be too long a list to all say farewells to privately.
In short, people write opuses for the same reasons that they say a round of goodbyes when leaving any group or organization they've been an active part of for years.
I knew Long Cut from many of the science threads, and I'm glad he had the courtesy to say his farewells, and let us know that he was moving on and cared enough to say goodbye. I'd have been worried about him if he had just vanished without a trace. And I appreciate being given the chance to wish him well.
It would have the same effect but without the drama I suppose and without having people plead with you to stay while telling you how much you will be missed.
No.
Never mind - I answered my own questions.
Incorrectly.
Suck it up!
Take my word for it;do! I am NOT making false claims.Though I did NOT post very much to any thread about Terri, I did read many of them.
Don't blame me! It's Petronski and BigSky's fault!
(turns around to see where the *bang* came from and sees Petronski on the ground)
Hey Petronski...(shakes his shoulder)...well there's ONE guy who won't be posting a goodbye Opus....
(wanders off to find some wetwipes to clean up the mess whistling "Hold On Loosely")
Send it to me as well...PLEASE?
Barry Manilow? WTH? :D
LOL!
Yes, it's beyond wrong.
And it's "playing" in my head.
YIKES!
He fights for our right to free speech. I think the least we can do is respect his decision to go elsewhere without calling him names. I think you'll agree with that, won't you?
You hit that nail on the head!!!!!!!!!!!!111
Ops4 God BLess America!
OK,
but Todd missed it.
Dang. It might have stood over there.
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