When I first came to INGO, I was a little taken aback by some of the membership. I`m not a savvy internet guy by any means and don`t really grasp most of the internet protocol, and, being new, didn`t understand the ambience of the site. There were times I scolded some for being so harsh sounding, to me as well as to others. Many times, I considered just leaving and not coming back, but I did make a few friends here, although as of yet, I haven`t actually met them in person. I sense there are many here that I wouldn`t have much, if anything at all in common with, and so, I`d likely not meet them. Or if I met them as part of a group, it might just be polite chatter, but not much past that. I feel there are some here however, that I may well find a deep bond with, whether that bond be over firearms, freedoms, the Constitution, a shared faith in our Lord, or any of a dozen other things we could have in common. I can tell you that Church Mouse has been wonderfully patient and encouraging with me, and for that, I will always be extremely grateful.
I know there are some here, who even never having met me, have decided that they`ll not ever be friends, and that`s alright, because that`s how it is in life. I get how intimidating it would be to meet INGO members in person, after some here have given you a pretty good blasting on issues and opinions. And that`s alright too, because that`s also how the world is. I`m a deeply conservative person, and there likely aren`t many who share convictions that are so far to the right as am I. I can`t, and won`t change, or water down my beliefs and convictions in order to placate those who might take offense to my positions. I believe deeply and strongly in what I believe. I`ve been IM`d by a few souls who have agreed with me on some stances when well established members were very openly, and strongly in disagreement, so I know there are those out there, however hesitant they may be to speak up publicly, that feel as I do.
All that just to say, I`ll never have a ton of REP points, because a lot of the established members are put off by my views, but I`ve never in my life been worried about being one of the cool kids. I could care less about REP points. What I do care about is speaking up, speaking the truth as best as I know it, and not wavering, or backing down in the face of vitriol, or perceived bullying. If any here ever share my views, are conservatives and people who share a love and devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ, and want to be INGO friends, add me. Who knows, maybe one day we`ll get to meet and become real buddies.
And thanks again Tim, for being a really, really great guy!
