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.
Well said Bob.
Amen...
I believe a sifting out has come, however, over the issue of life. There are a sizable minority apparently doggedly wedded to the idea of "life unworthy of life."
There's no way a sane soul can fail to see that this leads to an enslavement to forces far worse than mere political oppression.
That sounds like newbie talk to me, Bob.
In all seriousness, I think you make a good point that bears repeating every once in a while. It's easy for those of us here to lose sight of the real enemy while we debate our petty differences. Those differences are worth debating, but in the end we cannot forget that we are all on the same side.
I honestly think most of those espousing those views are disrupters.
I don't see how anyone could be a conservative and not value life. To me that is part of the definition of a conservative.
I hope others will read this and consider what you've said.
Then refine your argument and convince them. If you cannot move sentimets here on FR, what chance do you have against the legion spurged out every year by our socialist education system?
amen
You are right on the money as usual! Thank you.
Let’s keep out eye on the ball.
traitor lmao
Hail to the victors!!!
i guess ohio finally got somethin right hehe
You trivialize the opinions of some good conservatives here on FR. Everyone has an epiphany, be the catalyst, not the catapult.
How did we deal with that jive?
number
*5*
Yes, all on the same side. We should stop beating the piss out of each other when we disagree and discuss things like reasonable people. There are just some people who resort to name calling right off the bat.
How dare you say that you #*)%@
Excellent essay Bob - I was thinking the same thing....
It is a very controversial situation, and even though I'm pro-life - I would not want to live like that - however, since there was no concrete evidence of Terri's wishes, of course one should side on the side of life, especially since her parents wanted to take care of her.
In any event, I want to express my outrage at the Berger slap on the wrist? WHERE IS THE OUTRAGE?????
The Clinton's garbage and stench remains even after they've been gone so long....
But don't call me crusty. I shower
once a month whether I need it or not.
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