[Cindy]

SNIPPET FROM YOUR POST: "What prompts me to write this is a thread on depression a few months back following the suicide of a Freeper (do a search if inclined). If I remember right, many of the posters agreed that a fair number of Freepers suffer from depression."

Everyone is entitled to an opinion, so I'm going to give you mine Barnacle.

I have been a FReeper for a long time, and have linked to FR since it first began. FR is a great forum for healthy debaters, researchers, and discussing news and views. I have never and I'll repeat this again, NEVER run into "a fair number of Freepers" who "suffer from depression." This is a healthy board with a lot of strong and varied personalities.

As for your statement "following the suicide of a Freeper (do a search if inclined)"... Well, I did a search on the key word "suicide" and found a lot on SUICIDE BOMBERS. Not a lot of FReepers among those guys, I suppose.

As for any FReeper who may be depressed at one time or another; that's normal and natural. As for any Freeper who may have committed suicide; that's sad, but the suicidal attitude does not represent the majority of us and does not represent "a fair number of us", either.

And, that's my 1.2 cents.

[Calpernia]

BUMP!

And for any freeper on antidepressants, ignore all referrences from Barnacle.

Anyone that feels singled out....

You would be shocked to realize how many mainstream, successful people are on antidepressants.

Propaganda comes in all forms.

[Barnacle]

Whoa! Hold on there. My comments have been taken just a bit out of context.

The Free Republic is the best thing on the Internet and Freepers are the best, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera!

What I am saying is that some people may inadvertently substitute it for face to face personal relationships. I think this is especially true for people who come from a liberal background but have no personal friends who have “seen the light”.

That can lead one to the feeling, to quote Rushmore Rocks;

“Sometimes I feel that my FReepers are my only friends. My family and friends keep rolling their eyeballs at me every time I mention these threats. I wonder if they are really aware and awake to what is happening in this world. They seem to think that I am the "goofball" and over reacting to this stuff. .”

It’s tough to be a convert when you are surrounded by “Political Pagans” (that’s an original, how do you like it?). So, rather than relying on Free Republic for Conservative camaraderie, it’s important to maintain personal relationships. Hopefully, with some soft-spoken persuasion, you’ll win over some converts to Conservatism. After all, many Liberals are not necessarily bad people; they just believe a bunch of lies. If you are their friend, you may be their only hope of hearing the truth.

On the other hand, it can be tough being a missionary among the political pagans. I suggest seeking out other Conservatives through your local Free Republic chapter, or a local political organization. Get involved locally! I hear that some universities now have Conservative clubs. If there isn’t one, put an ad in the student paper - “Patriots! Meet at Joe’ Bar and Grill for a beer, Tuesday night, 8:00.” You might be amazed to find how many others are craving conversation with fellow Conservatives.

Now, as to the thread I referenced in my last post, it is titled: "Regarding Freeper Obit. TrappedInLiberalHell and Depression"

And can be found at: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1039659/posts

It just occurred to me the sad coincidence of TrappedInLiberalHell’s handle. Who knows, but perhaps had he found Conservative companionship, things might have been different. He was a good Freeper. I miss his posts and feel quite sad about what happened. May he rest in peace.

Freepers, maintain and develop new personal relationships. This is my message.

[rickylc]

Bump!

[JustPiper]

Adding all my change to back you up ;)

[MamaDearest]

..but the suicidal attitude does not represent the majority of us and does not represent "a fair number of us", either.

At one time I was eliminated on a job bid because the evaluators decided I was too bubbly, optimistic and positive for the position. Now that's a downer! I have never seen depression on FR - in fact, quite the opposite is true. We do, however, face everyday reality.