Around 1996 I discovered a sight on the web I just could not stay away from. It was exactly what I'd been looking for, a patriotic, conservative, pro-American, should I say Republican ?, Web sight. I loved it! I followed the "Whitewater" thread from beginning to end, making comments from time to time but never had posted a subject. I was hooked , so fascinating, so fast and interactive. I was a Naval Intelligence Specialist and Underwater Warfare Technician, I often worked in conjunction with the Navy SEALS , other branches of the service, Universities doing research and development, and foreign countries, among other things. I led a very exciting , often dangerous and high adrenaline, multitasking life until in 1998 I came down with Multiple Sclerosis. They (D.O.D.)took me off Subs and Special Projects and wanted me to sit behind a desk,.... right, so being in a "grey" area between the military and civil service, (yes, there is one) a small group of about 14 of us on the west coast and I'm not sure how many elsewhere. I was allowed to take an EARLY out with 20 years (considered military) No, NOT a disability retirement, FULL retirement with all base and V.A. privileges. It took seven tears of rehabilitation to get back to nearly normal. I always considered my self a Freeper. I'm a member of V.F.W. post 7498 Port Hadlock Washington and an artist hoping to open my own art gallery someday soon. what a change of lifestyle, but I love it. I miss the "inside information" though, but I have had plenty of good times and memories. When I retired, I was 40, now 48. I Have my own huge old Victorian home, (my future art studio) and Just have fun, Fish , camp, play, water-sports, although I no longer dive..but I still love the saltwater and live within feet of it. Spend most of my time on the water or the beach with my husky dog and friends. Life is Great! Praise the Lord! Free Republic has changed quite a bit over the years. There are more Uptight, Judgemental, Irreverent and Disrespectful people online than I remember, maybe it's just the times. I tried to post something today and really stirred up a hornets nest because I didn't do it "just right", Boy , are some of you people so... gosh the closest word I can think of to describe some of you (a very few)the only word that comes to mind is,... Constipated ??? MOST of you are VERY nice and seemingly warm and intelligent people and it's O.K. to be thin skinned. Lets see if "they" (and I think they know who they are) are thin skinned away from Cyber-space. For many people this is probably their whole life so in respects maybe I should feel sorry for them and apologize if I offended anyone recently, but some of you just need to lighten up! I know you take this sight seriously as well you should because I think it's one of the best on the Web. But what happened to civility? Take a break. Go outside, Go fishing or something for crying out loud. Get some exercise and don't let the computer run you life or give you brain embolisms. I love you all, despite what some of you say. I'm going to continue to learn proper "post" etiquette, stay on top of my favorite subjects and make a comment or reply (maybe not a post!) whenever I feel compelled to do so. It's my right as a patriotic "Freeper" since 1996, even though I've been away for a long time, I'm back....."Rainwaves" Roger Stanley Davis Jr.