A Letter to the Forum: So Far, So Good

[CowboyTutt]

Dear friends,

I'm really enjoying the new format and apparent lack of negativity at our new home. Perhaps a change was what we needed. Regarding some of the recent behavior on the forum, I do think its perfectly OK to disagree, but we should do so politely, and if NOT politely then do so via PMs. Most of our disagreements seem to stem from politics and perceptions about government, not firearms. We will never agree about these things. Some of us are much better versed on the subject of government and politics than others, and I freely acknowledge that. It is a volatile election year, and therefore political threads are going to be a hot topic. I understand this as well. I'm glad to say we seem very united in our love of firearms.

If I could offer a perspective about this place and what it means to me via an analogy. I once went to a local church here in Hollister while I was looking for one to call "home". The minister, who is by all reports a fine fellow (and I'm sure he is), happened to go on a tirade about how wrong it was for gays to be allowed to become ministers. I didn't and still don't disagree with him. But that was not the sort of message that I was there for. I don't need anyone else to tell me gay ministers are wrong. I know so. I find it all too easy, being human, to be critical of others, and yes it is FAR easier to hate than to love. I can do that on my own. What I DO need help with, and need reminding of, is how to love others I don't necessarily agree with. I need constant reminders of that. I go to church to hear about the love. Sounds corny perhaps, but that is the fact. I go to help become a better man, better Christian, or a more "spiritual" person-take your pick of words. I don't need affirmation of how to dislike, I need affirmation on how to love and accept people.

Which brings me back to this forum. I don't come here for the negativity. I come here for the enjoyment of sharing my love of firearms, handloading, target shooting, hunting, and maybe once in a while, politics. The latter is my last reason to be here. For others, it seems politics is the bulk of their posts. I've been PMing other members, and the consensus seems to be that a number of people were driven off by the new negetivity at our most recent home. One of these men was even a Shootist. He told me in a PM that "life is to short" for such things, and we lost a good member.

Please remember that the man you are disagreeing with now, is in fact your brother in arms, and certainly agrees with you more than the general populace outside of this forum. 'The majority of the world seems to want to take away our right to bear arms. If we can't stand beside each other, support each other HERE, what chance to we have against those people outside the forum who live in a dream world of security and prosperity and have no idea of what awful fate lies just around the corner whether by natural disaster, crime or just poor health? They remind me of the Eloi in H.G. Wells "Time Machine". All their comfort needs were met during the day while at night they were sacrificed to predators. We all know better than this, and we take pride in learning how to be self-sufficient. It is a common code we all share.

Lets try to remember that were all brothers here, and act like gentleman. I can think of no finer example of this than Bob Baker of FA, who just exudes this quality. The man reminds me of what Abraham Lincoln must have been like. I admire him and want to be thought of in the same high regard that he is. I doubt I ever will, but it is something to strive for.

I hope that some of you agree with me, or at least partially agree with me, and that no one takes offense. I would like this new home to be as good as our "original" Leverguns home where we could all "gather around the fire" for good company. That is what this place should be.

Respectfully submitted,

Tutt

[Grizz]

I hope that some of you agree with me, or at least partially agree with me, and that no one takes offense.

I'd like to be the first to say that I categorically partially agree with you, somewhat, not excessively or compulsively, and not withour caveats and exceptions.

I think the lawyerly could produce an appropriate waiver so that anyone who is partially offended that I partially agree with you will be mollified even if they can't be compensated.

Regards,

Grizz

[Andrew]

That is a good reminder Tutt, thank you. I know I need reminded of stuff from time to time and this was very helpful.

[Blaine]

Lofty goals, but disagreement is impossible to avoid in an exchange of information. When it became apparent that rules were being applied equally, some left. I'll continue to follow the rules set by the owners: Most anything can be discussed politely. Straight out, CBTutt: Why are you insisting that people not go off-topic, even though they are clearly marked and you do not need to open them?

[CowboyTutt]

Grizz, you just CRACK ME UP! By the way, can you "skin Grizz?" And why to you always have that "red X" by your name. Is that some sort of pornographic thing? Inquiring minds want to know! Just kidding buddy.

-Tutt

[J Miller]

Yo Tutt, you keep making posts like this the powers that be might promote you to moderator ......... opps sorry Hobie, I forgot you wuz there......

Oh I can't disagree with you about anything partickular either.

Joe

[Griff]

Tutt,
Love ya like a brother and ain't even met ya, but no... you can't have my beer! Anyway, well said, I agree with ya, and will put up with Grizz, no caveats or exemptions!

[CowboyTutt]

Blaine, I'm not saying anything that hasn't been said before by Ambracol in previous posts. Its not the off-topic posts par se. its the way people handle them. I don't particpate in most political threads as I said. Doesn't mean that the same code of conduct shouldn't apply to those threads. When people start saying, "oh, so now your going to take your ball and go play somewhere else because we didn't like you" or some such, something is wrong. Or if you "can't handle something that's not sugar coated, you must be a "girly man". Stuff like that. I don't think anyone would say the forum is as upbeat as the original one was. But I respect your right to disagree! I just want to take the high road on the new forum.

-Tutt

[Ysabel Kid]

Sounds to me like Grizz may have had occasion to talk with a lawyer or two in his day!

CowboyTutt - excellent reminder. We may all differ on many things, but our common love of freedom, and firearms - and the freedom firearms represent and enable - should draw us together, despite these differences. I will continue to try to bite my tongue, as I know I am one of the occasional offenders!!!

[Blaine]

Blaine, I'm not saying anything that hasn't been said before by Ambracol in previous posts. Its not the off-topic posts par se. its the way people handle them. I don't particpate in most political threads as I said. Doesn't mean that the same code of conduct shouldn't apply to those threads. When people start saying, "oh, so now your going to take your ball and go play somewhere else because we didn't like you" or some such, something is wrong. Or if you "can't handle something that's not sugar coated, you must be a "girly man". Stuff like that. I don't think anyone would say the forum is as upbeat as the original one was. But I respect your right to disagree! I just want to take the high road on the new forum.

-Tutt

Yes, Yes, Yes........jump on ideas, not people. There used to be a crowd that would hollar "Troll" everytime someone disagreed with them. Poor form. I hope that's over with. Please feel free (everyone) if I don't seem to follow my own advise

[Grizz]

Grizz, you just CRACK ME UP! By the way, can you "skin Grizz?" And why to you always have that "red X" by your name. Is that some sort of pornographic thing? Inquiring minds want to know! Just kidding buddy.

-Tutt

I can skin 'em if I have to. I don't know what red X you're referring to, it's not something I see. I suppose it's some kind of secret ID label known only to certain unmentionable agencies.

Hey, just having fun 'cause life's too long not to.

[Ysabel Kid]

Grizz -

I see the dreaded "red x" in your avatar as well!

[CowboyTutt]

Ysabel, I don't think you have ever offended anyone, and you do so much good stuff around here. Your "combo" posts were the stuff of legend.

Blaine, you said in one simple sentence what it took me paragraphs to say:

jump on ideas, not people.

I think I'll just sit back, have you write my speeches, and drink Griff's ice cold beer!

-Tutt

[Blaine]

I will work for BudLite

[CowboyTutt]

Grizz, I have almost never seen anything other than a "red X" by your name. I think the government has secretly marked you to all other forum members for reasons I do not want to know, but you can't see it. Could I interest you in a free ride in a black helicopter???

-Tutt

[Old Savage]

Well, OK Tutt, but Miller is still wrong about the 94 being up to the 88.

[Old Savage]

The red X is a picture that won't show.

[Grizz]

Grizz -

I see the dreaded "red x" in your avatar as well!

Well that proves it !

I'm a MARKED MAN !!

was it something I said about a politician?

did I offend cultists?

have I outraged obama? wait, that's a non-sequetir (sp)

is it camel drivers?

did I fail to genuflect on time?

what can it mean?????????

[CowboyTutt]

The red X is a picture that won't show.

THAT'S WHAT I MEAN! BAD GRIZZ! BAD GRIZZ!

-Tutt

[Grizz]

The red X is a picture that won't show.

THAT'S WHAT I MEAN! BAD GRIZZ! BAD GRIZZ!

-Tutt

Hey, someone has to have the ministry of being the butt of the bad jokes.... it's a mission calling I suppose.....

[Blaine]

Grizz -

I see the dreaded "red x" in your avatar as well!

Well that proves it !

I'm a MARKED MAN !!

was it something I said about a politician?

did I offend cultists?

have I outraged obama? wait, that's a non-sequetir (sp)

is it camel drivers?

did I fail to genuflect on time?

what can it mean?????????

Only the Shadow knows......Bwahahahahahahah

[awp101]

I will work for BudLite

I'll pay in Shiner Bock if you want a raise...

[Griff]

Well, OK Tutt, but Miller is still wrong about the 94 being up to the 88.

And, here I'll go on record by saying, "the 88 is not up to the 94". And probably for very different reasons for why you say otherwise. But, I must admit, I'm very happy someone likes those things!

Hey Grizz:

[Ysabel Kid]

Ysabel, I don't think you have ever offended anyone, and you do so much good stuff around here. Your "combo" posts were the stuff of legend. -Tutt

Thanks Tutt! I enjoyed doing those posts quite a bit. Now that school is over - and my son's punishment is almost over - I'll let him continue his "mini-series" - maybe the end of this week!

Grizz - never heard of him. Don't know who your talking about. Honestly, I thought "leverguns" referred to a sewing site or something like that.... whew, the black helicopters just left and I think they are on the way over to your house!!!

[mescalero1]

Tutt,
Did you do any long range pistol shooting at Billy Dixon?

[Grizz]

Griff,

The mystery deepens...

1. I don't have a photobucket account, and

Secondly, I don't get that with my browser.

So it turns out it's you'all's browsers that'r broke !!

[Old Savage]

Well Griff, I think I agree with you for your reasons. Best to have both and the rest. And, if they do what you want then nothing is better. Let's see .22, 25-35, 30-30s, 444. Do I need more of them. Passed a chance a beautiful 307 BB AE, no safety. Had my eye on other things. Now throw the .308 88 in and I think it pretty well does cover it all.

[Modoc ED]

Well that proves it !

I'm a MARKED MAN !!

was it something I said about a politician?

did I offend cultists?

have I outraged obama? wait, that's a non-sequetir (sp)

is it camel drivers?

did I fail to genuflect on time?

what can it mean?????????

I really wish you guys would quit picking on Camel Drivers. When you do that, it goes against the theme of "Tutt's" post.