If those of us on the Right would simply keep this in mind, maybe it wouldn't work anymore.
Posted on 04/01/2005 9:51:33 PM PST by Bob J
For those of you who don’t know, Jim and the mods treat old timers a little different than newbies. They get a little more slack, a few more mulligans than those who signed up in last four years or so.
I always wondered if that was a good policy. After all, why should the crusty buggers be treated any differently than someone who signed up last week? Are they more intelligent, are their arguments more cohesive…persuasive? Do they have any more or less to contribute to this community we call the Free Republic? Not necessarily.
But they do have one thing new participants don’t and that is perspective. In a way us curmudgeons can help provide a sense of continuity and historical perspective to events that newcomers cannot. Sometimes, we are the glue the bridges Free Republic from one crisis to the next. I believe the recent Sciavo issue is one of those times so I am going to ante again and prove to Jim that his investment is worthy of it’s returns. I ask other old timers to chime in and pull their weight as well.
The Forum has a history of going through upheavels in terms of political philosophy and/or cultural standards, this is not unusual for a community such as outs. The first thing we need to understand is that the conservative movement is made up of many individuals with different motivations. For example, some are economic minded, some are culturally based, some are second amendment supporters and others view their vision on religious principles. Sometimes these differences can cause us to reevaluate our alliances. But that would be a mistake. The left is counting on us tearing ourselves apart from within for that is the very philosophy upon which their strategy is based…foment division and hatred then attack at the breach. It has worked well for them in the past and they count on it working again for them now and in the future.
My humble opinion and suggestion to all is in these times of contention and confusion, that we remind ourselves who the real enemy is and where the battles ought to be fought. On more than one occasion I have had firefights on FR with individuals who later I found myself sitting next to in a foxhole when we were fighting the real enemy…the militant left. I berated myself for some of the things I had posted and wished I could take them back. For here was my true brother or sister, sitting in the foxhole with me, taking hits with me, helping to lead the bravest charge at our direst moment. How could I have been so thoughtless in my moment of indulgence?
We may divided, on occasion, but let’s not lose sight of the fact that we are all brothers and sisters fighting the good fight against those who would enslave us and our children into bondage for generations. Argue the good argument, stand on principle, but let’s not forget we are all ultimately on the same team. The man or woman you trash today might be the brave soul who saves your behind tomorrow.
Let’s keep out eye on the ball.
I think he means "Bait and Witch."
The issues we discuss here are often intensely emotional.
A little courtesy and self-control can go a long way...
In context, patriotism or nationalism is not a bad thing.
If those of us on the Right would simply keep this in mind, maybe it wouldn't work anymore.
DOH! Good point.
Might should have pondered why I avoided those threads mostly.
And, many times, it seems like the Rel forum is assaulted more than others. DOH
I think it is hard for even believers to wrap their minds around the fact that the spiritual realm will have proven ultimately to have been MORE REAL than the tangible.
And, that prayer, hiding The Word in our hearts; worship and maintaining clear relationships and being quick to forgive will all be crucial to survival on many levels, fronts and dimensions.
Anyway--I care about our President, our Nation and FR. Prayer doesn't hurt.
Oh, speak for yourself. I've put up with you all these years, haven't I?
(sorry. couldn't resist. Sometimes i miss the old days.)
I LOVE OLLIE!!!!!!!!!
Late to the party as usual, I would just like to say I'm staying and I'm sorry some of those who have been here a while are leaving. I think that discourse has become coarser and I think it falls on all of us to police this site as we would any other playground and to apply correction to other people's children when needed and with love and high regard for the truth which we all seek and serve.
I kindly disagree. The pop-up date is more than a number. To me, it reflects wisdom and experience; time spent paying one's dues. I look up to FReepers who have come before me. They show strength in that they never threw in the towel. They display teamwork for the same reason.
Like any organization one might join, there is a dues-paying time where elbow grease is needed and respect ought to be shown to the oldtimers. Showing a pop-up date identifies who the oldtimers are.
Maybe I'm wrong as I don't fall under the 4 year clause, but I feel that newbies are like pledges. I've been frustrated lately with the influx of mouthy folks...and I am not necessarily speaking about the obvious trolls.
Just my thoughts...
Yes. Also, it helps to count ten when you are emotional. If you are extra hot, back off the keys, stand up, go to another room, take deep breaths; then come back and read what you are posting. I have deleted a LOT of replies off that.
That being said, sometimes one must consider the source and what is going on in their head. One reason I love this place is that it challenges me to improve both my thinking and communication skills. That happened because I have had my sloppy thinking and unclear posts pointed out by others, kindly or not.
I hope it has done some good for me and for the board.
LOL. I thought eschoir went insane
cyclicly as a sort of complex reflex to his breathing when reading certain thread topics???
Oh dear, I do miss the old days. I wonder if I could your most infamous post showing tolerance towards me. You know which one I mean. LOL.
And some of us are more than just a little bit enamored of ourselves.
Let’s keep out eye on the ball ~ Bump!
Be Ever Vigilant!
I'll have to make a "crusty-check" to see on which side of the battle like I sit....
:o
What is with me just jumping past important words when I'm typing? Sheesh!
Then go to his site and donate a few bucks to help him fight the good fight!
Your post didn't ramble and it was too short.
LORDY!!!
FR is not Jim, not "rooting out corruption," not electing the "right" pol, not following the lead of the most ambitious long-time wind-bag who graciously provides twelve paragraphs on every perceived front-burner issue (with links, footnotes, images, and italics).
FR is the found art of a thousand minds responding to a given topic at a given moment. Willy-nilly.
Just because they can.
Art needn't change minds to justify itself, and Instant Karma is not legacy-oriented.
Let it rock.
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