Goodbye.

F.R. ^ | 9/29/2007 | Jack Black

[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.

[IslandJeff]

Don’t go, Jack. Just step away from the Internet for a couple weeks. Works wonders.

If I can’t change your mind, I’ll FReepmail you my e-mail address.

Don’t do it - you are far too unique a FReeper and a tremendous ideological and pragmatic resource. Reconsider.

-J

[Jack Black]

Thanks to all of you on the CWII ping list. You are the elite of the elite. May you soar with the eagles!

[RushCrush]

Godspeed. Next time put ‘opus’ in your title so it will come up in searches.

[FreedomCalls]

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.

So true. Drop in every so often when things heat up and you feel a need to help steer the debate. I lurked for TWO years before I couldn't take it anymore and just HAD to reply to someone. And since joining I've taken sabbaticals myself. It's good for the soul.

[cherry]

"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."

I struggle with this too.....but what I have done over the years is really eliminate talk radio.....very little Rush, or Micheal, or Sean......its all just too much.....

instead, I listen to a little of them, a lot of financial talk....the "stock doctors" are just plain funny, not political, and are light hearted in their financial advice...its refreshing....

but to find out the real news, the real angles, I could never give up FR...

[givemELL]

I am new and did not know you Jack, and I will look up your posts and threads because of the fine farewell you posted just after my post. Godspeed.

[ConservativeMind]

I understand what you are saying, but I suggest what is needed, in the words of the man Buckhead helped bring down, is “Courage”.

You need not get bitter about anything. I don’t see Free Republic making people bitter. You have a community talking about news events. News items will always happen. They shouldn’t bring us down because we talk about them.

I encourage you to rethink your indefinite absence.

[My Favorite Headache]

Jack..I came onto FR in 99...you are one of the originals around here...we can’t afford to lose someone like you. Take some time away and come back after the holiday’s.

2008 is the year where we need more voices like your own out there and FR is leading the way for those kinds of voices to be heard...more than ever we are making an impact.

I know you will be back...so I won’t say good bye.

[Cowgirl]

Where else are you going to find up to the second reporting of towers falling, earthquakes, etc.
There’s no place like FR for info.

[IslandJeff]

Bump to #9

[ValerieTexas]

bye

[JerseyHighlander]

We haven’t crossed paths here in a while, but still remember you from the years past. Good luck in your endeavors.

Do yourself a favor and write down your FreeRepublic password on a piece of paper, and hide it somewhere.

[endthematrix]

“America is at that awkward stage. It’s too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards.” — opening lines of 101 Things To Do ‘Til The Revolution by Claire Wolfe

[steelyourfaith]

Put your hands up where I can see them and slowly step away from the keyboard.

Take a break.

Changes move at a glacial pace . Your input remains important hereabouts --- unless, of course,you've found a better way to spend your time.

[endthematrix]

Bitter? Spend a few hours on the prayer threads....that will humble any hard ass.

[Global2010]

Take a break.
I am homebound do to being KV’s 24/7 careprovider and FR has been wonderful.

However like you I needed to do other things so I bought a Brunswick Pro Pool Table (LOVE IT) and next week a basketball (portable hoop).

But there are dayz that due to reasons I am not able to do other things and FR is here to read or post.

Think of it as moving away from home but coming back for the visits.

[fish hawk]

There is life outside of FR? You can't quit like this. You have to rant and rave and make a scene and we have to say something like, "don't let the door hit you on the way out. One would think you would have known this by now.

Seriously, the best of luck to you and God be with you. Aloha

[JennysCool]

While you have very good points, the second some MAJOR news happens — and it will — you’ll be right back here.

Meanwhile, have fun out there ...

[Prince Caspian]

I’ve never understood these OPUS things. It’s just a web site. A forum where news and viewpoints are shared. Do these dramatic goodbyes mean the person no longer believes in the substance of current events or the value of opinion? Or did they think they were going to change the world on their terms and their schedule? And, eventually, they tire of the effort? Did they think everyone was going to come to see things in the same way as themselves? Whatever happened to balance and perspective? I don’t get it. It’s just a web site.