Yes, I'm a 14 (almost 15) year veteran of FR, and I love it. I've been around for many milestones, and contributed articles, comments, and cash every time I could, in addition to contributing through my infrequent "musselman marathons". That being said, I love my FRiends, and I love the community, so when Jim tells me to cool my heels, I'll certainly do so.
However, I will say that I am tired of libertarians being bashed, simply because someone thinks libertarian equates with liberal leftist scumbag. Trust me, it does not.
Fact is, I like to tell folks I was a Republican beginning at age 8, when I took my first stab at knocking on doors for R candidates. When I was 8, it was always about that ever important R majority. Of course, when I was 8, we had Reagan.
In 2000, I ran for state office as an (R). I fought hard for W, and continued the fight through the recounts. Sore Loserman, Moose, Cheese, yeah, I've been around for it all.
It wasn't until 2006, after having that ever important (R) majority in the House, Senate & WH that I came to my senses. We had the majority, and out of that, we got the "Patriot" act, ramped up surveillance of American people, no immigration reform, no debt reduction...in plain words, we got NOTHING of what people are saying now that an (R) majority would give us. Forgive me, but I call schaudenfreud (yeah, probably spelled that wrong, but you get the idea). Nothing is going to miraculously change with an (R) majority at this point. Need proof? Boehner, McConnell, et al.
So, my goal is not to offend, but the fact is, I'm going to stand by my libertarian beliefs (yes, I used a small "l", since I don't agree with EVERYTHING the (L)'s stand for), and my beliefs that, just because something is legal, doesn't make it morally right. Likewise, just because something is illegal, doesn't necessarily make it bad.
As Reagan said about the democrat party, I didn't leave the Republican party. They left me. And their continued actions don't leave much faith in me that anything will change, just because we get an (R) majority. In fact, evidence and history shows that we will pretty much head down the same road we're on now.
Appreciate the chance to debate here on FR, Jim. Always have and always will. Likewise, I will always maintain the respect for the moderators/owners.