Basically, a repost from 2017...

I have been a contributor to OPP for going on nine years now, and continually question what power this forum has over me.

It is true that I have made numerous OPP friends over time...even having met over twenty of them personally in my travels across the nation. Even more friends have been established through PMs and e-mails in open and friendly exchanges, along with publicly expressed exchanges on the forum. As I have stated in previous posts, those friends range from possibly the most zealous of conservative ideologues to varying levels of progressive or liberal individuals. Keep in mind, I am not necessarily putting those labels on them so much as they have been pigeon-holed, IMO, by the majority of OPP posters. And yet, as once again as stated in previous posts, all appear(ed) to be red-blooded and true blue, patriotic Americans. The only differences were in their ideological or political perspectives. I was raised in an America taught to believe that something conceded to all citizens of this great nation is freedom of thought, speech and expression. I maintain that belief.

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were two of our most beloved and respected Forefathers. Yet, in lifetimes and careers that crisscrossed one another's, they often had the most vile and bitter of political disputes. Still, neither of them could remotely be considered any less than two of the most influential Founders of both our country and its Founding Documents. Their latter years (with political disputes behind them) were spent in steady personal dialogue and communication which exposed their respect for one another and their love of country. Why is it that, today, those of us who differ in our approaches to honoring our country can't find a way similar to those two great men in reaching an accord with honor and respect for opposing opinions?

There are many Veterans on OPP and I respectfully honor all of them for their service and sacrifice. Yet, I have had and read many exchanges between Veterans, some of whom shed blood for our country disparaging/disrespecting other Veterans simply because of opposing political or ideological stances on matters subject to discussion on the forum. One side or the other often lambasts the other for, according to them, lack of proper respect or love of country. I ask: At what point has one paid enough for an honest expression of their patriotism and love of country? I doubt that any service member, in a past firefight or foxhole, questioned the compatriots alongside them their political party or ideology. Why would any question the patriotism of a Veteran in a political discussion when each has served and often fought for the right to express an opinion? And, better yet, why would anyone question a Veteran as to their patriotism, especially when they have earned it with their allegiance and service to country while, as stated, oft-time...with their blood?

Getting back to my original premise: I find myself continually questioning why I stay on this forum. I guess it is because I am in constant search of the common thread that may, once again, bind us all: The eventual hope and belief that the best within our Forefathers will emerge once again and we will begin to re-affirm ourselves as the greatest nation to have ever graced this good earth. I don't think that this will come about by steadfast devotion to any political party or ideology, but by the belief in ourselves as a nation of Americans, one and all.

Salty, I share your sense of disappointment and frustration. Several of my friends (some of them O**h K****rs) conflict with me on matters. Still, we enjoy times together on our private firing range, while enjoying BBQ and beer. But, as Son of witness stated above, we avoid political discourse that would bring chaos to our get-togethers. I value friendships more than trying to aggressively alter another's opinion.

I can't answer for you. I can tell you why I come to this great time waster. I find it to be fun. A lot of fun. Back in the early 2000s there were a lot of these type of forums. This is one of the few around anymore.

It is boring to only talk to those who agree with you. There are a lot of echo chambers where anyone who disagrees with the host is soon thrown off. Conflict as long as there are enforced rules is quite helpful. Your friends will not point out the weak points in your thinking and arguments. Your enemies are always happy to do that for you.

It is also a good way to work off steam. I find it much better to work off my anger against a bunch of anonymous strangers than to engage in political debates with friends and relatives at family gatherings or on social media. I get along great with my uber ultra liberal younger relations because we avoid politics like the plague when we come together. And it's because of OPP.

Upon reading your words, I realized they were almost spot on as to why I keep returning to OPP. Your comments actually describe my own usage of the forum, and several reasons for staying on. With regards to our history of exchanges...even when we have conflicting views, you have generally been very respectful and courteous. That is always appreciated.

Basically, a repost from 2017...

I have been a contributor to OPP for going on nine years now, and continually question what power this forum has over me.

It is true that I have made numerous OPP friends over time...even having met over twenty of them personally in my travels across the nation. Even more friends have been established through PMs and e-mails in open and friendly exchanges, along with publicly expressed exchanges on the forum. As I have stated in previous posts, those friends range from possibly the most zealous of conservative ideologues to varying levels of progressive or liberal individuals. Keep in mind, I am not necessarily putting those labels on them so much as they have been pigeon-holed, IMO, by the majority of OPP posters. And yet, as once again as stated in previous posts, all appear(ed) to be red-blooded and true blue, patriotic Americans. The only differences were in their ideological or political perspectives. I was raised in an America taught to believe that something conceded to all citizens of this great nation is freedom of thought, speech and expression. I maintain that belief.

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were two of our most beloved and respected Forefathers. Yet, in lifetimes and careers that crisscrossed one another's, they often had the most vile and bitter of political disputes. Still, neither of them could remotely be considered any less than two of the most influential Founders of both our country and its Founding Documents. Their latter years (with political disputes behind them) were spent in steady personal dialogue and communication which exposed their respect for one another and their love of country. Why is it that, today, those of us who differ in our approaches to honoring our country can't find a way similar to those two great men in reaching an accord with honor and respect for opposing opinions?

There are many Veterans on OPP and I respectfully honor all of them for their service and sacrifice. Yet, I have had and read many exchanges between Veterans, some of whom shed blood for our country disparaging/disrespecting other Veterans simply because of opposing political or ideological stances on matters subject to discussion on the forum. One side or the other often lambasts the other for, according to them, lack of proper respect or love of country. I ask: At what point has one paid enough for an honest expression of their patriotism and love of country? I doubt that any service member, in a past firefight or foxhole, questioned the compatriots alongside them their political party or ideology. Why would any question the patriotism of a Veteran in a political discussion when each has served and often fought for the right to express an opinion? And, better yet, why would anyone question a Veteran as to their patriotism, especially when they have earned it with their allegiance and service to country while, as stated, oft-time...with their blood?

Getting back to my original premise: I find myself continually questioning why I stay on this forum. I guess it is because I am in constant search of the common thread that may, once again, bind us all: The eventual hope and belief that the best within our Forefathers will emerge once again and we will begin to re-affirm ourselves as the greatest nation to have ever graced this good earth. I don't think that this will come about by steadfast devotion to any political party or ideology, but by the belief in ourselves as a nation of Americans, one and all.

Regarding your paragraph about veterans.

Being a veteran does not exempt one for being called out when they outright lie.

Compare it to the salute: One is saluting the uniform - not the man in it. Because they served with honor does not mean they get a pass. One claiming to be a veteran is held to the same standard as anyone else - in my opinion, a higher standard.

And being a veteran certainly does not mean their political stance is 'patriotic': Veterans are humans and have the same foibles as everyone else. So, when one throws their hat in the ring, expect punches back.