My suggestion:

a self-imposed posting moratorium by all posters except Jack (Dallas), Irkwad, and Skeppy.

Then, at 1201am on July 5th, spool the resultant day's worth of threads onto a jump disk and bury it in a time capsule at the foot of what used to be 1 WTC.

At least there'd be some laughs for some future generation.

Plus. perhaps the three of them would come to realize that they need the rest of BotF far more than the rest of BotF needs them.

If future generations get a laugh out of senile dogs barking at the walls, you might have something.

I haven't been here for quite a tad, so I know nothing of Irkwad (which is WAY too close to "Dickwad") or Skeppy...and am certainly disinclined to, as you have lumped them in with the One-And-Only Mr. Dallas.

However, Jack has earned my respect for being consistent, having a sense of humor, being able to laugh at his own expense, and being an apparent true believer of his non-stop nauseating nonsense.

Albeit diametrically opposed to everything I consider fair and fair-minded, his is a voice I've always wanted to hear: a true idealistic opposite. Not some FoxNews "reporter" or White House Press Secretary who would change from Con to Lib overnight for more money.

I wear no kid gloves stating my views, and allow and expect from him the same.

Just that he's wrong and never has his facts straight, and I'm right and always do.

Simple, no?

GOW

I've heard of you, GoW.

Because of the respect in which you appear to be held around here by old-time posters, I should warn you never again to respond to my posts.

I am the pariah and Judas Goat of the Fray whom right-thinking posters have tried to keep in Coventry here for nigh onto three years now.

In any event, Irkwad is the poster Urquhart - a garden-variety Young Republican who doesn't realize how ridiculous it is to be one if you're out of college.

And Skeppy is Skeptical (now Skeptical3), a poster whom Michael Ryerson has called "an automaton with a remarkably large vocabulary."

Lol...

I'll just call you by your acronym, TNT, for short. Based on your posts I've delved into, it is an apt nic...lol.

Alas, fighting amongst the unwashed by thine own self.

I know the feeling. I think I'll stick around and join you for your plethora future battles. It IS an election year...lol.

Mr. Ryerson must surely be a beacon, ally, and safe harbor for you - one of the best writers/thinkers on the Fray...and, do not dismiss Thrasymachus, (also one of the very best writers/thinkers on the Fray) or misinterpret his learned sanity and pragmatic articulation regarding geopolitics and governments as indicating an ideology in direct opposition to yours. Or mine.

I believe he focuses on what does work, as opposed to what he wished worked. And, it's been a long time to remember, but I do believe he's employed (high-rank) in that capacity.

And, oh, I know Urq and Skep. (Sorry about the 'dickwad' comment Urq, but it is a pretty bad handle).

Lastly, TNT, I am flattered by what you said of me, and equally appreciative of any and all who have continued to speak well of me on the Fray.

GOW

Ah, glad you're back.....these leftist morons need all the help they can get. I just about have them surrounded so you might want to cover their flank.

Jack

There's only one thing you got surrounded.

Lucky for you, that still leaves you nine fingers to work the keyboard and mouse.

Do any or all of the following:

Find your Kids and Grandkids. Invite them over for burgers, dogs or veggie salad with humus. If they say no, ask if you can drop by sometime that day. If you show up, bring cookies and ice cream.

Call old friends and invite them over for the day.

Hug Grandkids Kids and wife or husband as much as possible. If there is a ball game take all to it. If not, buy a whiffle bat and ball and start one. Find a baseball game on the radio and listen out in the yard. Cheer whenever a good play results, regardless of the team.

Laugh and slap your knee in simple joy, if possible.

Drink lots of ice water or tea. Leave the beer, spirits and wind alone for one day. Make orange koolaid and have a glass. Lime or grape koolaid would be nice, too.

Buy several types of old fashioned (cheaper the better) cookies and keep plate 3/4 full all day.

Make peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream for mid afternoon.

Make a pallet or position lawn chair in shade and read a book.

Tell your wife and kids and grandkids that you love them. Hold hands or touch them whenever possible.

Find a shady park and go.

If she or he is alive, call your mom or dad. If you are able, tell them thank you for life.

Put flowers on a grave of someone you love and sit and talk to them about good things. Tell them you miss them and wish you could be together again. Save a flower for a grave that looks lonely in the cemetery. Tell that person that you did this for them.

Unplug the TV on July 3rd. Plug it back in on July 5th.

Find old records, tapes or CDs and keep music going all day. Keep volume low enough to not bother neighbors.

Find someone willing to take a short walk with you. Talk to then as you walk.

Find shade and put five or six chairs in it. Invite anyone to come and sit. Talk to them about good things.

Do not put your shoes on for the entire day. If you have them, wear shorts and a cool non-political shirt.

Feed your dog a little table food at each meal.

If you can, buy a watermelon or two and cut it/them at 2:30 pm. Invite every one to share a slice. If you have a neighbor, call them before lunch and invite them over for a slice.

Try to do as many worthwhile/good/unselfish things as possible that day.

If there are fireworks close by, take everyone out for fireworks in the evening. Take Popsicles with you and treat all to a Popsicle during display.

Do not tun on computer at any point during day or evening. Leave this soul sucking place (Slate) alone. Understand that if you are doing any of the above mentioned, or a thousand other things not mentioned, none of what will be posted here will be of greater value.

Plan now. Do it then.

You, artandsoul, and DT2 should definitely get together for the 4th.

There'll be so much schmaltz dripping off the picnic table you can use it to baste the chicken legs.

around family.

They are better than this place (any place) any day.

Sorry if you don't think that.

I'm going to a private celebration at Lummi Nation, the Indian Reservation - fondly known as The Rez - across the water from me here.

Three live bands, food, fun, and tons of fireworks. And Indians... can't have a real 4th without them.

Won't be a chicken in sight. The only birds at this shindig are the bald eagles soaring above and perching in the trees.

Well now, that was a pretty good comeback. I'm almost impressed. I didn't think Boo Radley could think that fast.

Jack

You are kind of awesome for that post!! Would you mind if I copied it and sent it to my Dad? He's a real sucker for that kind of stuff - and I'd love to send him something he hasn't seen!!

DT2 - that sounds wonderful!

and I responded to Col. McPhee before I even read your response! That is so cool!

Last 4th I hugged all the kids and told 'em I loved 'em. But then their parents threatened me with litigation so I stopped.

This year I'll just sit in the shade...by myself...cause of all the restraining orders. Maybe I'll have some watermelon.

I hope there's fireworks!

Gosh I love the 4th.