Posted on 04/04/2005 8:07:34 PM PDT by Long Cut
Well, that time has come for me. I’m leaving FR. However, I do not consider this an “opus”, as I am NOT going to use it to rehash old slights or arguments, or to give my personal opinion of what “should be done around here”. As has been so often pointed out, this is Jim Robinson’s site, and he runs it as he sees fit. Rather, all I’m going to do here is give a general reason for my departure, and say a hearty-but-sad “GOODBYE!” to all the folks here who have enriched my life in the past four years.
I am a small-government, national-security and military supporting, pro-gun, economic conservative who also likes to enjoy the life I have to its fullest. I believe that the government does its best work when it restricts itself to the things it is supposed to do vis a vis the Constitution. That is, it should restrict itself at this time to shooting terrorists and delivering the mail, as well as doing its level best to ensure that the rights of one citizen are left untrampled by another. I hold that the government should stay as far as possible from any entanglements with religion, organized or not, save to ensure that ALL are treated fairly by the law. I also hold that the government should NOT be in the business of making laws regarding the personal, private behavior of its free citizens, so long as such behavior harms no other.
In these past months, it has become plain to me that this position is NOT that of a majority of FReepers, nor of the management itself. So, rather than “tilt at windmills”, I shall simply go my own way. I have no comments about this circumstance or its origins; it is simply the way I see things.
Also, I have grown as a person on FR. When I first joined, I’d be right in there flaming with the best of ‘em. As the years have past, I have come to realize the value of simple, civil discourse, for it is in that sort of discourse that a man may actually learn things, both about the topic at hand, and about himself and what being a true gentleman means.
As before, in the past months, the majority seems to prefer it to be otherwise. Again, no comments, just stating what I see.
Before I leave, however, I wish to do two things.
First and foremost, I wish to thank Mr. Robinson for providing this site…despite the necessity of leaving now, I have truly learned a great deal here, too much for words. I was able to “vent my spleen” on issues that mattered to me, talk about mutual interests with like-minded people, and get to know some absolutely terrific folks. Mr. Robinson, you did a good job. Sorry indeed am I that I must part ways. Nonetheless, as one old Sailor to another, “Fair Winds And Following Seas, Shipmate!”
Second, I wish to thank, and bid farewell to, some of the most outstanding people it has ever been my pleasure and honor to know.
- The folks over at the FReeper Canteen, shepherded by 68-69tonkingulfyachtclub. I was drawn to the Canteen almost on my first day here, as there exists there an outpouring of support and affection for this nation’s military (of which I am a part) the likes of which have seldom seen equal. From the first, they took me in as if I were one of their own families, and the regular posters there were with me with prayers and support, as well as joy and salutes, through many dark days indeed, and many bright ones.
I am an agnostic, religiously, but that did not matter to my Canteen Friends…they were there with prayers and, well, love when my wife and I lost our first baby. They shared in the joy we had when we finally had a healthy son. They prayed again, selflessly, for me when I went on deployment. Then, they welcomed me home again with open arms, and more prayers, as I came home to bury my dear mother. In doing this for someone they knew was not religious himself, and in doing it without any hesitation, they showed a non-believer the BEST side of Christianity one could possibly ask for. To the Canteen, including Ms. Behavin, Ms. Poohbear, La diva loca, trussel, Tonk, Spotsy, Bentfeather, KathyinAlaska, and all the rest too numerous to name, I say without any sense of irony at all, “BLESS YOU”.
- The many unbelievably intelligent scientists and science-lovers over on the Crevo and science threads, ably pinged by PatrickHenry. From you ladies and gentlemen of BOTH sides, I have expanded my scientific knowledge and thinking by an order of magnitude. Ichneumon, Vade, Junior, Radio Astronomer, Right wing Professor, Betty Boop, Alamo-Girl, and all the rest of the maniacs over there made it an edifying experience that could never have been acquired in a school.
- The HTT list. I thoroughly enjoyed the times we spent “raisin Hell”. Gabz, Formermilitarychick, exnavychick, and the rest shared many a laugh with this old Heathen.
- Archy, Squantos, Travis McGee, Glock Rocks, Joe Brower, criminall number 18f, and all of the guys and gals on the gun or “Bang List threads. I learned a ton of good gouge from you guys over the years. I’m gonna miss you, but with your advice I shan’t miss much else with a pistol!
- The Republican Party Reptiles. The Big B and company showed quite well that not ALL conservatives are stick in the muds. Many of us actually LIKE looking at pretty women in few clothes. B, I hope the party lasts a bit longer fer y’all.
- The WPPFF. Y’all know who you are, and why. All I can say is, we tried. And we tried long past what any normal person would have, to our credit.
- My individual Friends…DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet, Veronica, peach, the incomparable PukinDog, Wild Turkey, and about a hundred others I could take a couple of days naming. I’ll miss y’all sumpin’ turible.
Anyhoo, this has gotten longer than I ever thought it would. Anyone with me on their ping lists can go ahead and remove my name, if you wish. Those whose wish it is to gloat, say “good riddance”, and other such juvenile nonsense are welcome to begin, thus confirming my reasoning.
‘Bye, all. Godspeed.
Been there many times, Phuket and Chiang Mai too.
The scooter is the only way to see it.
I have tons of photos underwater, haven't even processed the good ones yet.
It may be time for a group hug!
lol, "toga!!, etc..."
Wasn't our weather beautiful today? I mowed lawn and worked outside most of the day. After what I have witnessed recently from fairly new posters, will be working outside a lot.
And I would agree with you. ;o)
Sorry to see you go: more people like you are needed.
If I start a thread consisting of nothing but naked-lady pictures, will you change your mind? 'Cause that will cost me, bigtime. I won't even get the chance to opus my way out, I bet.
I can't believe that it seems to have to come to just plain leaving the board. There are all sorts of people on FR that I disagree with, that I find annoying, or even silly, but I'm able to look past it all and just enjoy what I take from it.
I agree... I really enjoy this site, and I don't understand how people can try to generalize about it with so many diverse members and threads. The Schiavo case is the perfect example. The nature of the debate attracted only the people who felt strongly that she should be saved or people who wanted to be contrary and attack some of the logic of the 'Save Terri' position. I imagine that many people, like me, just stayed out the whole thing. The idea that some of the core site members would be offended by the tone just seems ridiculous. They always knew that there were a lot of devote Christians on FR.
The cliquish aspects are important. They make the site interesting and help drive some its most interesting features and threads. But the egos get way out of hand.
You, too? Let me guess: you're just as disgusted with Michael Newdow as you are with Roy Moore.
Emphatic BUMP for your tag.
There was a time when convictions meant something, where understanding and intellect ruled. But, evidently, if you feel reallly strong about your religion and your "morals" are better than anyone else, you can just toss the rule of law.
After all, we only used it and professed to follow it when it suited us during the impeachment.
I'm nasuated by the know nothings that are willing to to throw everything away on the way to a theocracy.
Sometimes folks here at FR put a little too much emphasis on seniority.
AQGeiger is held in very high esteem by NC and SC freepers.
Me,too ;)
You will be fine, and I wish you well.
Trust your instincts, but look to the Lord for guidance.
See- there is no reason for all of this bickering. People can get along just fine if they put their minds to it! I say Lets have a group hug! (((BIG B))))
Also will go back to Koh Samui. We had a good time in Bali as well, but the water is not clear like Thailand.
I hear ya...I suppose it should be said that the issue of the sanctity of life is so fundamental, that it's harder to have dispassionate disagreements.
I read some of what caused this. It wasn't an '04 sign on that did it. It was a 98 sign on.
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