Posted on 09/29/2007 11:22:01 PM PDT by Jack Black
After 9 years, 9,217 postings and 158 original threads I have decided to leave Free Republic.
I haven't arrived at this decision lightly, FR has been a huge part of my life for a decade.
I've learned a tremendous amount from interacting with people here. A lot of my beliefs have been challenged, and I've had to rethink things I on many occassions. There are not too many places where you can learn from sincere people in an atmosphere of open discussion.
My reasons for leaving are twofold.
First, and most importantly, I think I'm graduating. I've probably gotten whatever I am going to get, in the way of education and, hopefully educating others, out of this place. But, after a while, it seems that a lot of the old discussions come around again.
Every day is precious, and in some fundamental way we are what we do. Being a total newshound, and knowing everything about the latest ins-and-out of the issues is gratifying. But, at this point in my life, I think I just need to let go of some level of obsession with it, and do other things.
And, in the second place, I feel that we've used whatever opportunity we had to influence things and our country is just not destined to go in the direction I would like.
The original charter for Free Republic talked about "restoring the Republic" (if I'm not mistaken) and the current one speaks of moving conservatism forward. Sadly, I don't see these things happening, and I don't see internet discussion as being a key, for me at least, to helping them happen.
At some point the 'education and discussion' phase of any political program needs to give way to the activism part. I have deep respect for the activists who have done so many great events, particularly the Gathering of Eagles. I have had the privilige of participating in a few FR organized outings and they are the highlight of my time here.
At this point I think I need to seek more harmony with the world around me, and that has to include coming to terms with the fact that I live in a very socialist state, run by many corrupt individuals. For me, given where I am in my life and the burdens I carry, it just isn't working to care about these things quite as much as I do.
Looking back, I would rate our greatest accomlishment as a group the impeachment of Bill Clinton. Perhaps it is the spector of his wife becoming President that has soured me on the future of our country, and on internet activism as a way to influence it.
Our greatest failure has been the inability of the Republican majority, which many of us worked for decades to achieve, to even attempt to implement any of our key issues. This is both sad, and pathetic. I cannot accept it, but in the end I have no choice.
I fear that if I stay engaged I will become cynical an bitter. These are not traits that I consider admirable, and taking a harsh and honest look at myself I think I'm already slipping down that path.
In large part leaving here is an attempt to re-orient myself around things I can control, around areas I can be successful in, and around things that will make me happy.
I've made a few on-line acquaintances who I hope to keep in touch with, hopefully you feel the same, and I'll be sending you Freep Mail with my contacts, if you don't have them already. I'd love to hear from you at any time.
I've been co-owner of the Civil War II ping list. This has been a great list where we have discussed the most disturbing trends, events that have caused some authors or posters to think our country may suffer again as we did in the 19th Century when visions of the future diverged so completely. I don't know what the future holds but it is my most sincere wish that as a nation we find some way out, some way to come together. Sadly, I'm sceptical about our ability to find that way. The list will now be maintained and run by Archy and Travis. Once could not ask for better owners than that.
I'd like to thank Jim and the staff for everything they have provided to me and thousands of others. I think they have done a lot for the country with this forum. My last act here will be to send Jim a few more checks. I'm probably way behind on what I owe, and will try to make good on my debts to the forum. I urge any of you who are not contributing enough to try to do a little better.
This is a very special place, and I will take solace every day knowing that it is here, filled with good people putting up the good fight. You will all be with me in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you will think kindly of me.
Thank to everyone for making FR what it is. May each of you follow your dreams and find success in your lives.
Goodbye.
-J.B.
As the only vegan, supporter of war on terrorism, 2 time voter for GW, anti-shamnesty, pro-animal rights, Republican on FR, I too am a bit pessimistic of converting the unwashed freeper carnivorous hoards.
But I stay tuned in! (if I didn’t, I wouldn’t post an opus)
Where else???
Free Republic or Bust!
I feel that way also. The GOP is about to go hard socialist, and sadly many here don't care as long as it wins the election. Those of us who long for the restoration of the Republic soon must realize, as Cicero did, that it is gone for good. And God help us for what darkness will befall this land after that.
Best wishes sir.
I'm with IslandJeff on this one. Take a breather, step back, take some time, then reconsider. Your voice is needed here, too.
Just for the record, I don't "call people out" on the internet. I just pointed out the disconnect between what you were complaining about and what you were saying.
I had actully written this... "I assumed you would be smart enough to figure it out, but you may yet prove me wrong."
But even though you contend it is not an insult, it still sounds like an insult to me, and I'm not going to play that game.
Good luck and take care of yourself.
Many thanks to all the friends and freepers for the many kind words. This place means a great deal, and your comments are ones I will cherish.
My apologies to those of you who hate vantiy / opus threads.
Many others seem to have been down this path and survived a sabatical, so I’ll keep that option in mind.
Thanks again! FREEP ON!
Its telling threads like this are reposted on websites that routinely bash Free Republic, run by those banned from Free Republic.
Very telling.
Not accepted
I just saw this bump. Goodbye to a lucid mind.
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