Lando 
Posted on 10/06/2005 12:38:56 PM PDT by Pukin Dog
A few days ago, after I created a thread expressing my disappointment in the selection of Harriet Miers for the Supreme Court, a fellow FReeper asked me if there would be an “Opus” coming from me in the near future, to which I expressed bewilderment. Obviously that FReeper understood how things work here better than I do.
This is NOT an ‘Opus’ as some might call it, but a final opportunity to share a few thoughts and feelings with some of you who have welcomed and befriended me before I say a final goodbye. I hope this won’t be seen as some sort of exercise of ego, when in reality, I think it would be rude not to mention anything about leaving Free Republic or why I am choosing to do so.
So since this is the last vanity, I hope those who have objections to my various rants or other posts will just bear with me, or deal with it, knowing this is the last one they will need to endure.
Those of you who have known me on this forum know that my tenure here has been rocky at times, where I expressed anger often and tact much less often. I even at one time banned myself from this site until I could find a way to better deal with my ‘issues’. Some of you also know that I spent time fighting depression, stemming from my unsuccessful attempt to get back in fighters as a member of the reserves, and finding that my (considerable) flying skills were not as important to those who would decide as my (barely noticeable) political skills would be in getting a flying slot.
As much as I love the 777, something about flying a jet that really doesn’t need me around to do what it does, leaves something to be desired. I often wished I could roll the thing just once to give my passengers a lasting memory, but then there would be the problem of the other jerk sitting next to me who would probably tell on me.
So many of you found yourselves conversing with a perpetually pissed-off Pukin, and it wasn’t pretty. I hope it is noticeable lately that I have calmed down and rediscovered a sense of humor, though there are still those who might take personally some of the slights, slings and arrows directed at them from the formally-angry me. Due to my choice of employer, I have had lots of idle time to chat with you folks, even though I have twice accepted pay cuts from the wounded-duck of an airline that I only occasionally work for.
So, why am I leaving?
One of the things that I think most of you know about me is that I have always been optimistic and hopeful about the Conservative agenda. I have spent hours here, trying to encourage Freepers to keep the faith, stay positive and keep working hard in the support of our President, our Soldiers, Sailors and Marines, and most of all, our beliefs. Two things have occurred which have lead me to the conclusion that much of my efforts have been wasted.
The first was the President’s selection of Harriet Miers; the second was the reaction of Freepers to those of us who oppose that selection. I find it unacceptable to be labeled both a “Bush-Bot” and a “Bush-Hater” within a three-day time frame only on the strength of a single opinion. I clearly remember my early days as a FReeper after a long period of lurking where most of my posts consisted of an “agree with me, or you are a jerk” attitude. I became so disgusted with my own behavior that I banned myself from the site for quite some time.
At this time, I have to say that the President has knocked the positive winds from my sails, and I don’t have the energy or inclination to try to understand some of the decisions being made. I remember early on lots of posts defending the President’s immigration plan. Upon further review, I no longer can. Indeed, I can’t fathom why he has not taken a more proactive approach to border security. You folks already know my opinion on Miers, so I won’t belabor the point.
The reason that I am writing this note to Freepers is that I believe that the level of calumny over disagreements has reached a new and dangerous low point. At times, I think we forget that we are to an overwhelming degree on the same side of the fence in our attacks. Last night’s Ann Coulter thread should be an embarrassment to all of us.
I want to thank Jim and John Robinson for providing a forum where we have the opportunity to share our ideas, and discuss events of the day. This place is addictive, and I will not stop coming here to find out the latest information in our political world. I am going to rejoin the world of the lurkers and no longer post or respond to pings directed my way.
Free Republic plays a very important role in our society. This is the place that keeps the bastards worried on the other side. This is the place where politicians and their staffs come to get the pulse of the Conservative movement. But lately, this has also become the place where disagreement is not tolerated in a respectful way. Again, I have been guilty of this myself, but I have worked hard to be less abrasive and disrespectful to other Freepers. I only used the word ‘idiot’ twice last week, and trust me, that is major personal progress.
I am standing with Conservatives who love and respect our President, but when disagree feel compelled to say so, and to say so with respect. I will not join the chorus of Freepers who suggest that Bush is not a Conservative. I will not join those who believe Bush does not care what we think. I believe that often there are reasons why Bush does things that are based on facts and information that you and I are not privy to. I wish he would explain things better to us, but then again, his job is to lead, and not to make me feel good.
I also want to thank those of you who have befriended me. I would name names, but I would be afraid to leave someone out. A special thanks must go to Rokke, Arasina, Peach, Long Cut, Grandma Pam, and others who have been in my corner all along, but also told me when they thought I was wrong. If I did not mention your handle, it aint because I don’t remember you, trust me.
Do me a favor, Freepers?
Remember, no matter your level or version of Conservatism, try harder to remember who your friends are, and don’t stoop to calling your allies your enemies just because they might not agree with you on a particular issue. Don’t let your zeal cause you to resemble the nuts on the other side of the political aisle, for which disagreement is tantamount to betrayal.
I will continue to support Conservative principles in all that I do, and I will not turn against George Bush when he disappoints me, and I hope you wont either. Bush is not perfect, nor is he the Ronald Reagan type that I hoped he would prove to be. There will never be another Reagan I fear, but we can hope, dream and pray for a close approximation.
Anyone wishing to contact me may do so by sending me Freepmail, and requesting my personal email address.
Be positive, Freepers. Our agenda is correct, our mission is clear, and our task is to support and defend the Constitution of the United States in our votes, our actions and our prayers. Now as I leave you to sit by the phone hoping that JetBlue has not lost my phone number, I ask you all to respect each other, and play like a team.
Pray for our President that God guide him and keep him.
Your friend always, Pukin Dog.
You too, Pukin Dog.
Sorry to see you leavin', pukin'. Hope you return sometime. Best to ya.
Damn right! There's only one FreeRepublic!
Don't go. How will others learn if those who lead by example are not around to set an example?
Please reconsider.
With all due respect...Prost1
Don't go. How will others learn if those who lead by example are not around to set an example?
Please reconsider.
With all due respect...Prost1
bttt - I'll be back!!!!
I have to run...but see ya!
See you later... you can't fight the addiction, just give in, it's inevitable so make it easy on yourself!
And let me go on record as saying that while I am not too happy about the Miers appointment, the FReepers who have used this screwy appointment to badmouth and bash the president using the exact same rhetoric ("Dumbya", "Bush lied!") that the left does are beneath contempt.
Lando
As for rolling a 777, why not solo one and DO IT.
As for the government, I'd shut the entire friggin' "enterprise" down with the exception of the United States Military. I'd pay the "civil servents One Dollar a year and have term limits of two terms. There would be ZERO benefits! /rant
"Back to you Chet."
Say it ain't so PD! Don't go! We need you here!
You've posted two too many "goodbye's" already.
Grow up.
Turning and leaving after making a statement is far too metrosexual for FR. Works for teenage girls, I guess...and cheap TV sitcoms. Dramatic exit and all that...
I expect more, though...especially from "former military."
No good can come of this.
Powder..patch..Ball FIRE!
Pukin don't go!!!! Thanks for the good fights....
You kidding me?
This squabble is not much different than the hearty squabble we had earlier this year when we all witnessed and discussed the excruciating two-week-long murder of Terri Schiavo and wondered why Jeb Bush and so many others in power just stood around wringing their hands while some county probate judge laughed in their faces and told them to go play in the street.
Okay, so now we are all discussing why Dubya ran away from a fight and betrayed us by selecting a Supreme Court nominee who may or may not be another O'Connor - - or Souter - - when there are so many good judges out there who are certifiable warriors of the right, fighting the good fight every day on the front lines, paying their dues and then some, and leaving a "paper trail" a mile long. Everybody is wondering, "why did Bush have to come up with two stealths in a row?", and leave us conservatives no choice but to keep our fingers crossed for a few years and hope for the best.
These kinds of topics (and arguments) are fun and are what energize this place.
I sure hope you aren't running away now, too.
Best regards,
LH
Take a break and come back...you'll be astounded at the colossal change.
In you, not the forum.
perpetually pissed-off Pukin ?
I, FoR one, find it refreshing.. ;-)
as many "critics" as one may have, they likely have 10-fold who are supportive, maybe not of every item railed over, but of the zeal and energy and thought put FoRward in putting "it" out there for all to see and examine.
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