Leverkuhn leaving ... for the moment
By Leverkuhn Posted in Archived — Comments (22) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
Today I'd like to announce that I'm leaving Redstate, but not permanently. Don't take this as a "goodbye cruel world" diary because that's not what it is. I am not leaving because I've been deeply offended by anyone on Redstate, or because I'm tired of conservatism, or sick of the Republican Party. I am not mad at anybody, and I am not giving up on the GOP's chances to win this November. I'm simply giving up blogging for the next couple of months so that I can focus on other, less important things, like studying for my general exams.
I really should have done this a few months ago. As many of you know I'm a full time student working on a doctorate in history. I'm really swamped with work right now, and with a thousand other distractions. I've stuck around until now mainly to see the GOP primary season to a conclusion. Although there are obviously still primaries left on the calendar, it has become 100% clear who the eventual nominee will be (sorry, Mike Huckabee, it's not you). If it wasn't a done deal before this week, Mitt Romney's recent endorsement of John McCain, along with the 280+ delegates he brings to the table, essentially puts a lid on it. I also have no doubt that Romney can sway all, or almost all, of his delegates to support McCain at the convention. So while I don't begrudge all the Huckabee supporters out there the right to follow their man until he is officially out of the race, let's be honest: he's gonna be out shortly after March 4.
Since this race ended up more or less the way I had hoped, you might expect me to engage in a little parting-shot gloating right about now. You would be wrong. I have no ill will for anyone on Redstate, even those who support candidates I vigorously oppose. I honestly hope the GOP can pull together in the next few months and support, not just our nominee, but every Republican candidate for federal, state, and local office. Except Ron Paul. I pretty much want him to lose any way he can, although I'd rather it be to a Republican challenger in the primaries. If anybody from his Texas district is reading this, please vote for Chris Peden. [1] For the rest of us, consider making a contribution to Peden's campaign here. [2]
The truth is that Republicans face a really tough challenge this year, regardless of who the Democrats nominate. We're going to have to work extra hard this year to have a shot at winning. I honestly think that if we run a tough, aggressive campaign and get a few breaks going our way, we can beat either Obama or Hillary. With that said, for those of you Republicans living in Texas or Ohio, it might make things a little easier for us if on March 4 you could, well ... I think you know what to do. (wink, nod)
But seriously, either way the Democratic race ends up the alternatives for conservatives are grim. Several of my friends, and my own brother, will be fighting in Iraq sometime during the next nine months. While that's going on the Democratic presidential nominee will be campaigning across America telling people that the lives we have lost and the sacrifices we have made are in vain. Our enemies will listen to that and take heart, saying to themselves If only we can blow up one more convoy, or kidnap one more American marine, we can still win. At the same time, whoever the Democrats nominate will certainly promote an aggressive, big government agenda of higher taxes, higher spending, less personal accountability, and more federal control for virtually every aspect of American society. If all that isn't enough to get you to the polls, I don't know what will do the trick.
With that, I think I'll wrap this thing up. I will keep my account on Redstate open, even though I won't be using it until at least May. I intend to browse from time to time, but not post any diaries or comments. When I return I will be rested and ready to contribute what little weight my keyboard and fingers can contribute to the cause of conservative ideals and Republican victory in November. In my absence, please be respectful and gracious to one another, and even to our foes on the left. Remember that no American, liberal or conservative, Republican or Democrat, is really our enemy. Europeans are our enemies.
God bless you all.
[1] http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0108/7917.html
[2] http://www.chrispeden.org/contribute.html
and for God's sake do not allow them to find out your political views or you will never pass.
Best of luck, Leverkuhn.
There is more stupidity than hydrogen in the universe, and it has a longer shelf life. - Frank Zappa
good luck with your exams :)
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Molon Labe!
Good luck on your exams. I'll never forget the time you wrote that post on Rombots coordinating. Those were good times. :)
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CongressCritter™: Never have so few felt like they were owed so much by so many for so little.
us a thing or two!
1: Get the degree. The leftist History departments of the world need the balance. Don't be shy about concentrating on that and don't stop until you achieve your goals.
I really should have done this a few months ago. As many of you know I'm a full time student working on a doctorate in history.
2: Ditto. Couldn't have said it better, won't try to.
The truth is that Republicans face a really tough challenge this year, regardless of who the Democrats nominate. We're going to have to work extra hard this year to have a shot at winning. I honestly think that if we run a tough, aggressive campaign and get a few breaks going our way, we can beat either Obama or Hillary.
3: Godspeed. They will have my unconditional support.
But seriously, either way the Democratic race ends up the alternatives for conservatives are grim. Several of my friends, and my own brother, will be fighting in Iraq sometime during the next nine months. While that's going on the Democratic presidential nominee will be campaign across America telling people that the lives we have lost and the sacrifices we have made are in vain.
4: God bless you too.
5: A personal note. I've always enjoyed your writing and especially your efforts to make incisive comments and blog entries that were also balanced and circumspect. I'll miss you a lot but you have more important matters to attend to. Concentrate on those things first and come back when you feel you can. We will need you then as much as we need you and appreciate you now, with no reservations. I wish you all the success in the world. In the 3+ years I've been here at RedState, the Ether knows which people's posts I consistently read, even if I never comment -- and yours are among that elect group.
Support the Patriot Post | Defend Liberty - Join the NRA| Visit me at TMR
You've also been one of the more balanced and circumspect bloggers here. In an environment that can become hyperpartisan, I've always thought of you as one of the moderators, in the sense of control rods in a nuclear reactor. Drop me a line through the comment form if you're anywhere near the East Coast, I'd love to meet you in person when time permits.
and drop by when you've got a moment.
I cannot tell you how envious I am of your pursuit. If I were a rich man, I'd be in school with you. Sigh.
Good luck, and relish your moment.
absentee
busy furthering your educational goals--good for you! You certainly stuck it out through the worst of times around here and you more than earned the time to focus on your own smart self. As c17wife said it best--come back and get ready to teach us stuff. History knowledge is invaluable to everybody--but particularly to those who are enthralled with politics.
I'd wish you good luck, but you don't need luck, you have brains and determination and know how to use both to best advantage. Look forward to your return!
SoapyBaseballCommish's return as Dr. Kuhn!
Mike Gamecock DeVine @ The Charlotte Observer
http://thehinzsightreport.com
www.theminorityreportblog.com
www.race42008.com
Hope to see you with business taken care of and batteries recharged when you return.
---
Finrod's First Law of Bandwidth:
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but it takes the bandwidth of ten thousand.
"Who will stand/On either hand/And guard this bridge with me?" (Macaulay)
(Dang Europeans.)
I took a break from blogging for several months, and found myself out of condition when I returned. I'd been studying and writing papers, and still haven't gotten fully back in the groove.
As your ability is higher (and your chosen field more related), doubtless your return will be more smooth.
Until then.
--
Gone 2500 years, still not PC.
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same." - Ronald Reagan
will be a most welcome addition to the RedState community, so hurry back.
Quentin Langley
Editor of http://www.quentinlangley.net
International Editor of
...a long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right...
---Thomas Paine---
It seems that very few know history with any depth these days. So I leave you with a passage;
We do then most solemnly, before god and the world declare that, regardless of every consequence, at the risk of every distress, the arms we have been compelled to assume we will use with perseverance, exerting to their utmost energies all those powers which our creator hath given us, to preserve that liberty which he committed to us in sacred deposit and to protect from every hostile hand our lives and our properties.
"Nec Aspera Terrent"
bene ambula et redambula
Contributor to The Minority Report
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"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
-Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777