How did we ever get to this place? (That's rhetorical.) Even when I was actively participating as a daily poster on FR and a weekly protester at the White House, I never bothered following the soap opera-like flame wars that occurred every couple of months. (I guess that's because I did all my freeping at work and most of the flame wars happened at night.) After the shame trial in the Senate, my level of enthusaism dwindled and all but dropped off the face of the earth. I lurked most every day for awhile but then found myself no longer visiting the site (and I was on the FAB!). I believe it was the election debacle that brought me back to Free Republic as the latest and greatest news site. I was a little more vocal for a bit before reverting back to lurking mode where I have remained ever since and have avoided flame wars to this day.
I learned of the whole Cal incident probably a month after it happened and I still don't know the whole story. I've been trying to piece together what happened during the last couple of days (and please, nobody offer to tell me their version) and it saddens me that people who were trusted friends only several months ago could treat each other like bitter enemies now. Given my history with the chapter--as the freeper who gave birth to the DC Chapter back on Saturday, September 26, 1998--I was hoping I might be able to help but it appears to be way beyond that at this point.
Rodger, you mentioned on a thread yesterday to Kristinn that you hoped they worked things out as the DC Chapter had much to offer the Network. While I certainly agree the DC Chapter has much to offer the Network, the acidic tone of the comments from various chapter members sprinkled throughout the threads yesterday left me pondering how wide the chasm has become and whether it can ever be bridged.
Angelwood and Kristinn, if I may be so bold as to offer you both some advice, or at least an observation. Now that I'm stuck at home all day long with a high speed internet connection and have been doing a lot more freeping, I've noticed during the past couple of days / nights the tone of your posts have changed quite a bit since the old days. You've earned your reputations with four years of good, solid, hard work. I hate to see either of you tarnish them. I'm not suggesting you should run away from a fight, but you guys (and other members of the chapter) seem to have axes to grind with people on this site and at times appear to be instigating trouble.
One more thing, then I'll get off my soap box, I hate to state this publicly...but has the DC Chapter simply considered severing it's ties with Free Republic? I mean, let's face it, while the FRN says it's an indepedent entity from the FRR, in reality they may as well be joined at the hip. If the chapter has so much disagreement with the FRN, can't this logically be extended to the forum? Couldn't you simply rename your organization and then post after-action reports to the site or something? Food for thought.
Finally (okay, two more things), I want to make clear in case it already isn't that I don't have a dog in this race. Unfortunately without being in this from the beginning, I have to remain neutral. I'm not siding with the DC Chapter on this and I am not siding with the FRN on this. (Yes, I realize my opinion on this means dittily-squat to freepers at large. This is meant mainly for Angelwood, Kristinn and Bob J who I still consider as my friends.)
All right, let me have it. In all honesty, I'm not trying to be antagonistic here. Hopefully, just helpful. Joe (MCM)
What I said in post #838 bears repeating, IMHO:
Yo, FReepers! Can we move on now to Taking Back Our Country?
As you wish
APPLAUSE, APPLAUSE.
BTT
Although I disagree with the DC chapter changing their name. Joe, take care you trend setter, you.