Though my profile information says member since 2014, I've actually been on this forum since well before September 11th 2001. That was a day and event in this country that got me more politically active than ever before, both locally out where I live and nationally where I could contribute money to support specific candidates for office. Politics has never been my forte. In fact, I've always loathed the political process and never really had a high level of confidence in politicians from the very start back when I was in High School, which probably where most of you got your first dose of real political insights from events on Campus to Student Marches, etc. Lately, I've been thinking about the current state of affairs in this country and have come to the conclusion that it is going to take something massive to pull People together before they do something real and permanent about the way by which they are being led by their elected officials - often right over the edge of a cliff. Between $22 Trillion to $200+ Trillion in real debt (depending on what sources you subscribe to) there is no question that real, lasting and permanent change in the way we govern ourselves must come, before we throw ourselves to the wolves and vultures of History's Future. What is "History's Future?" It is a state or condition of a People, whose perpetual refuse to deal honestly with History, results in the demons History making themselves manifest in the People's Future. Students of History, which I am and will remain for the rest of my life no doubt, understand this all to well. They've seen this script before and they know what comes next. I used to believe that We The People of the United States, had the internal moral fiber to defeat just about any foe. That was decades ago when I was a young active Combat Pilot who had quite a different world view than I have today, especially after September 1tth, 2001 - a day which will no doubt continue to ring out in my mind as eternally transformative for this Country. Love of Country is one thing. But, excusing Criminal and Homicidal conduct exhibited by those with whom The People, have deposited their trust and faith is not what I signed up for. That's not the Oath I swore to defend and I have been dramatically changed as a direct result. Still having love of country, but never again willing to trust a Government that failed The People, for which I spent a significant amount of time preparing and training to defend. My personal "politics" changed over the course of my time here and my personal beliefs changed over that same period of time with respect to whether or not The People, are ready for real change. I have concluded they are not ready, unfortunately. I wish I could report a different observation than that, but it is what it is as the saying goes. Too many People, seem to enjoy delusion and rail against reality. I think the real truth is that too many People, fear what reality tells them - so they decide to live in delusion as a coping mechanism of sorts. The truth is that there is nothing to fear. You have the Numbers, you have the Mass and you have the Power. You just don't know it, nor do you understand how to effectively use it for real, positive, systemic and lasting change. It is my sincerest hope that you The People, gain a level of consciousness and awareness about WHO you are and WHY you have all the tools, authority and power at your collective disposal to make the corrections necessary in our country to bring about the change you say you want. That is my greatest hope for you the American People. As for me, I've cast my last vote in this current System of Government. I no longer wish to participate in damaging my Country by way of supporting a failed and highly flawed process that delivers a constant and never ending trail of set-backs and tremendous hardships for the American People in the aggregate. So much so, that I feel compelled to do something and that something is to no longer participate in the destructive process. Some may see this as failure in itself, I don't. My Genuine Conservative Moral Compass will no longer allow me to pour fuel on an already blazing hell storm fire now raging completely out of control in Washington. I will however, continue to participate at the Local Level of Government - when and where most appropriate to do so. Should there be a time in my lifespan when The People, decide to do the work that Thomas Jefferson gave us to do with his guidance and bring into existence a new Government that was truly of, for and by The People, one that restores the Republic and its old Constitution while retaining all the Bill of Rights and one that moved real governance closer to The People for safe keeping, then I will be there to Defend and Support The American People at all costs in their endeavor to restore the Republic and to preserve the Constitution. That is the true role, the true nature and true heart of a Patriot. This is what Patriots do. They do what they believe to be the right thing at the appropriate (designated) time. However, it is up to you The American People, to decide what is right and to act upon it with unwavering conviction. Do what desperately needs to be done American People, to rescue our Republic. Saying farewell is not saying goodbye. I will always be here in spirit - wondering to myself, what the hell did that person just say!!! With that I bid you adieu, farewell, peace and prosperity to all Members of this Forum! Regards, Primus Epic
