Blair may decide to quit sooner than expected

The Daily Telegraph ^ | May 6, 2005 | Rachel Sylvester

[Mo1]

I understand your feelings, Ivan ... but I sure hope that you will reconsider and stay

You are a great asset to FR and will be surely missed if you go

[cyncooper]

I think you're wrong. And I know for fact that many others see it the way I do.

There is a disagreeable aura here now. Evidently you don't perceive it.

[Right_in_Virginia]

You will be missed, FRiend.

And hopefully, we'll have the chance to welcome you back.

Godspeed.

[dighton]

Unavoidably, a site this large will have its share of people with issues.

I hope you'll reconsider.

[prognostigaator]

add another 98 lurker in support ,Ivan.............

[Praxeus]

By the by, Ivan..

It is beneath your patriotism to cut and run from this forum on the account of the miscreants you mention.

You KNOW the potential power to influence foreign policy that resides here at FR. To cut loose because of frustration when there is even an ounce of possibilty that you could have an impact, however small, on the course of politics that could affect your nation, is remiss on your part.

You should reconsider.

[Right_in_Virginia]

I am right on the edge of calling it quits. Don't like what I have seen for the last 18 months and it is not getting better. When Freepers like Mad Ivan are leaving, have to ask myself why I am still here.

You're not alone ;-(

[1066AD]

Here's the UK Red/Blue map..

Remember Blue = Conservative/Tory.
Red = Labour.
Orange = Liberal-Democrat.

[savedbygrace]

Nooooo, Ivan, don't leave. Please, just ignore the troublemakers. We need you here.

[Heatseeker]

I can only echo TexanTransplant's words. There has definitely been a deterioration in the S/N ratio around here lately and since this is usually my primary source for news, it is very distressing.

When some of the FR 'big names' began to leave I wrote it off as normal come and go, but if you go Ivan, I will have to reevaluate. I second the idea of a blog.

[propertius]

Sorry to see you go. Like you, I have noticed how xenophobic towards all Brits many on FR have become and have been considering doing the same for some time. Perpahs you are right, now is the time to bid farewell.

Anyway all the best mate and hope you find somewhere to go where you won't be flayed just for being British.

[cyncooper]

We've been at it a long time old friend. The way I see it all forums worth their salt have intense debates, back and forth, especially forums this large and successful.

There's a difference between spirited, informed and intelligent debate and mindless bashing.

FR has degenerated into the latter after a long run of hosting the former.

[ohioWfan]

There is a coterie of irrational, bigoted and downright slanderous individuals who are trying to convince the good people of this board that in spite of all that Britain has done and all the gestures of friendship that we have shown, is just as bad an ally as say, France.

Oh, IVAN! You are SO right about what has happened to FR.......even since I joined slightly more than four years ago.

Why is this bigotry and evil not controlled? Why are these people allowed to post their vile, hatred without consequence?

There are many fine Freepers who are either leaving or hiding because of the mindless vitriol and hatred.

THINGS ARE OUT OF CONTROL!

Ivan..........you live in a FANTASTIC country (our daughter is living there now, and loves it). Britain has been a staunch ally, and a good friend to us. It is not perfect.....BUT NEITHER ARE WE!

Thank you, Ivan, for your incredible contributions to this site.

It is poorer for your loss.

[snugs]

Howard did not oppose the war, nor play on anti-American sentiment, and he in fact supports EU reform and lessening of its powers including the opposing the new Constitution which Blair supports.

Please get fact straight about my country before posting comments about what people are supposed to have done comments like yours I am sure have added to Mad Ivan's frustration.

[Kitten1]

While I seldom post here, I have enjoyed reading your posts. Your love for Britain and support of the USA is much appreciated.

I am another who totally understands your desire to put your energies to better use than sparring with perpetual malcontents. Deny them an audience. Negativity, diviseness, and rancor appear to be their 'oxygen'.

I send prayers and good wishes in all that you do and wherever you're led.

K1

[MJY1288]

Don't let them get to you, I hope you reconsider

Mike

[prairiebreeze]

Ivan, you were the very first poster I ever posted to on FR. I asked you what a ping list was and after receiving your typical gracious explanation, asked to be put on yours. I loved the articles you posted and insights you brought to the forum. Still do.

I understand your criticisms and also believe they are valid. I do ask you to reconsider or at least try just a temporary break, though.

I'm afraid the dark forces that are at work on FR will win if enough of us leave. And they don't deserve to win.

Regardless of your decision, I am proud to call you FRiend. Changing taglines back to one of my early ones just for you Ivan. Meant it then, and still do.

Prairie

[dirtboy]

Why are these people allowed to post their vile, hatred without consequence?

Well, that is allowed from many directions.

There are many fine Freepers who are either leaving or hiding because of the mindless vitriol and hatred.

Like that which was directed at those who thought Laura Bush might have been out of line with her comments? A couple of those posters took their comments too far, and that somehow seemed to justify open season on anyone who thought Laura crossed a line.

From Terri Schiavo to immigration to Laura's jokes, folks now seem to believe that the end justifies the means, and anyone who disagrees with them is a closet Democrat who needs to be shouted down like a conservative speaker at a college campus. I feel strongly about immigration, and think Bush is dead wrong on that subject, but I will listen to arguments on the other side made in good faith - as I also try to keep those on my side of the debate within the forum boundaries.

You want civility to improve? The best way is to demand it of those who are allied with you. Mobs form when no one in the crowd arrests the transcendence into incivility and then thuggishness.

[snugs]

Britain is not a socialist country we have a socialist government at present and certain aspects of our society such as the NHS is a socialist concept but we are very much a free market free economy capitalist country.

[hedgetrimmer]

Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.
--Sir Winston Churchill,