What I posted on the first RR

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This actually got me to thinking. Not used to that.

I "discovered" the Internet kicking & screaming back in 1997. Back then I thought it was a complete waste of time and money. I wanted no part of it. Then the printing plant I worked at for 15 years closed. I was told that on the Internet I could "Network" with others and it would help in finding a new job. So I bought a modem card and signed up for a dialup connection.

One night a news alert showed up on my Yahoo home page. Diana had been in an accident. When I was poking around looking for more information, I stumbled on a discussion forum on the CNN website. One of the others that was discussing Diana's death suggested I go and try FR. He thought I would fit in there.

Yup, it was Michael Rivero on CNN forums that turned me onto FR. I lurked for a long time before I registered in '98. I loved that it was a gathering place for Conservatives. Back then, before Clinton, close to 40% of the discussions were on the Constitution, Federalist Papers vs. Anti-Federalist Papers, Jefferson's letters, etc. All the founding documents were discussed in depth. I learned a hell of a lot in those days.

Then came Clinton. Slowly, all those high level discussions were dragged down into the gutter. Stains on dresses (and how they got there) replaced the historical analysis of the 17th Amendment. I think that started the downfall of FR.

I used to be a big supporter of that site. I was even a member of the "FAB" Forum Advisory Board. For a time I led the Chicagoland Chapter. In 2002 during a major flame war, a well respected FReeper I was friends with was trashed, discredited, and banned. That was the same time that I had my heart attack. FR was never the same after that. Over time my participation dwindled as I looked for alternatives that were like the '97 version of FR. I still post a little bit on FR. There is the Prayer thread focused on my fight with cancer. And once in a while I will post a smart-ass wisecrack on a thread.

Quix thought I would like TBL. I tried, but I never got the hang of it.

Now, truthkeeper thought I would like it here. Maybe I will. If we can learn the wisdom in the Founding Documents and learn how to teach others, there is a chance we really can save this Country.

I will lurk and see.

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A few things to add:
Over the years I have had 3 screen names at FR.
CitizenX - Original sign up, wanted something kinda anonymous. Ended when 8 versions of Citizen made self search for pings useless. One day at the local range I discovered that with my new glasses (bi-focals) I could either see the target or the sights - not both! So, I re-signed up as . . .

Mr_Magoo. - The underscore was because back then spaces were not allowed in screen names. Over time a plethora of Magoo variants were again creating confusion. I wanted something that would stay unique. So I claimed that Mr_Magoo had run out of pixels due to his penchant of posting with Bold Type. JimRob was kind enough to rename my CitizenX account to . . .

Petruchio. - Lead character in Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. Ever meet my ex? 'Nuff said. I also regained my original sign up date.
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I am discovering I like it here. Safe. This is truly becoming a refuge from the hate elsewhere.
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My one fear is that some here might not "get" my humor. Some think it is biting, or caustic, or odd, or just plain bizarre. That's OK. My size 13s fit very well in my mouth.

Thats it for now. Any questions . . . Just ask.