[MadIvan]

Now for some analysis...I do believe that Blair will stand down in about a year. He is likely to work out an arrangement by which he can depart office on a positive note - i.e., enacting some form of legislation of which he can be proud - and then he'll retire quietly to the back benches.

So apart from Charles Kennedy, it appears to be "all change". Michael Howard is leaving, Tony Blair is leaving...as such, it seems an ideal time to walk away from Free Republic.

It's not my intention to write a magnum opus, but to put it very simply, it is extremely difficult to be a patriotic British person on this board. I thought that the brotherhood as expressed on September 11th and during the War on Terror, and the War in Iraq, would cement the bond between our two countries. However, it appears that this has had the opposite effect in so far as this site is concerned. 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.

A few of you have been kind enough to assist me in trying to set these people straight. However, I do not sign online to find more heat than light. I am not interested in long, protacted struggles with the ignorant and the bigoted. I have better things to do with my life, and much more enjoyable ways to spend my time than deal with flame wars in the name of my country whose blood sacrifice should put its character and reputation beyond the question of simple minded miscreants. To my horror, I've also found that some of these miscreants were actually former friends of mine who have stabbed my country in the back.

So, enough. It's been a good run of nearly 7 years. But it's time to walk away before I see a site which I have loved, laughed with and enjoyed greatly, degenerate any further into a propaganda outfit against my first, truest love, the country in which I live.

Farewell.

Regards, Ivan

[Antoninus]

However, I do not sign online to find more heat than light. I am not interested in long, protacted struggles with the ignorant and the bigoted.

Come on, Ivan. You've got to have a thicker skin than that! I've been on here as long as you have. Have I been occasionally dismayed at the activities of some people on here? Yes--but guess what? That's life! People are jerks on and off Free Republic. The key is to converse with the intelligent and well-informed, correct those who are simply wrong but otherwise reasonable, and ignore the invincibly ignorant. This last group makes up about 15% of the posters at any given time, but they're often the loudest, most frequent posters. Idiocy has a hard time keeping its mouth shut.

That said, I hope you will reconsider. You perform an extremely valuable service here. Your posts have helped keep me well-informed about politics on the ground in the UK and Europe and I really appreciate them.

And I sympathize with your plight. In a country where 60%-70% of the populace is voting either outright socialist or socialist-lite, election day can be a depressing time for a conservative. Stay in the fight, though.

[auboy]

I do not sign online to find more heat than light. I am not interested in long, protracted struggles with the ignorant and the bigoted.

More and more, I hold my tongue and cancel some comments before hitting the post button. Hornet nests are best left alone. As with road rage, many people are taking out the frustrations of their miserable lives on anyone in sight.

May God bless England, America's best and most loyal friend.

[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

[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.

[savedbygrace]

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

[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.

[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.

[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

[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,

[Cooter]

You will be missed.

[VadeRetro]

You'll be missed, Ivan. You fought the good fight here.

[wolficatZ]

[painter]

I hate seeing you leave.I really enjoyed reading your perspective from across the "pond".You need to read my reply to cyncooper.

[BonnieJ]

Many of us here appreciate your country and your contributions too, MadIvan. Please reconsider. Although I do understand your reaction, this can be a vicious place but those who speak out that way do not represent the majority. Thanks for all your insights.

[mombonn]

This makes me very sad, MadIvan. I do hope you reconsider.

[TheBigB]

Don't go!!! Stay with us!!! Please!!!! :(

[Eepsy]

As someone who has half her family on your beautiful island, I have greatly appreciated reading your insight into all things English.

Please do not go. If you feel you absolutely must, do not go far. Start a weblog. I, for one, would be a frequent reader.