IN MEMORY OF JOHN ELIE (US WEAPON); THE FOUNDER OF SUFA:

USW created this blog to openly explore his misgivings and thoughts about American politics with complete strangers. It did not take long for him to gather together a rather large group of people willing to do the same. Unforeseen by him, or any of us, was that this group would become one big eclectic family.

Those of us who comment each day have changed over time. But the discussions that USW encouraged and participated in will have everlasting impact on the lives of not only those who participated, but those who watched from the gallery. That is because ideas, once released are very hard to hide or ignore. They will affect anyone exposed to them. We will not all react in the same way, but they persist in having an “impact” on us. In short, the family he created with SUFA and thus the lives he touched, numbers in the tens of thousands.

USW first found me at the Huffington Post, doing my absolute best to maintain my good manners in the face of overwhelming head winds. At that time I was exploring the web for much the same reason he started SUFA. He sought me out, as he did with others, because he thought I had something to offer and would appreciate a “less toxic culture”, as he put it. It was in essence an offer to come join his family because he thought I would fit in. As it turned out this little family of his was so diverse that virtually anyone could fit in. Unless, of course, they were obnoxiously rude to others in the group. Civility was the rule, even if it was sometimes very hard to enforce.

Most of SUFA only saw a portion of the discussions USW and I had with a certain Pirate about how his effectiveness would be enhanced with more civility and a less acidic tone. These talks would have some effect, for a time. But as we all know, Pirates will be Pirates. No matter what the color of the flag they fly.

He offered us all a place where diversity of thought, experiences and opinions were welcome. A place where civil discussion, and disagreement, was the rule. This in turn allowed us all to gain greater knowledge and understanding. A place where we could expand our minds and improve our thinking and argumentation skills. I think it was his underlying purpose for SUFA. I do not think he realized the extent to which achieved this goal nor how much he was appreciated by most of us. I think Mathius captured that with his tribute:

“What a tragic loss. He was a man who wanted to do good and who valued kindness. He was open and evenhanded and intellectually honest. This is, as many of you will know, perhaps the highest praise I can offer of a man.

I often disagreed with him – but never once did my respect for him falter in the slightest. I wish his family well in this time of grief.”

His desire to keep this a place for civil discussion of dissenting opinions was noble, timely, greatly appreciated, and needed now more than ever. As you all know, USW left me with the keys to his kingdom when he decided he needed to attend to other priorities. SUFA had grown so big and demanding of his time it was becoming overwhelming. He dropped in from time to time, and I know was often watching from the gallery. In his absence we did pretty well, for awhile. But it has, to say the least, been a challenge for us all, me included, to maintain the culture he built. Frankly, sometimes we have not lived up to his expectations. We identify many reasons for this, but the real point is that no garden may flourish without constant attention and care.

USW’s passing has caused me to reflect on what he hoped to create with SUFA and to commit to trying harder to maintain his legacy. But, no matter how hard I, or anyone else, tries to live up to his expectations for SUFA, none of us will ever be able to reach the standards set by one Mr. John Elie, our very own US Weapon.

In closing I have copied one of the first articles by USWEAPON on the status of the various Political Parties. Oh the irony it being his critique of the Republican Party in 2009. This was soon followed by a series on the Libertarian Party, and was about the time he brought me to the family. The reason I coped it, however, was to remind us of the tenor of his articles and the essence of the man who built SUFA.

The Direction of the Republican Party

FEBRUARY 22, 2009 BY USWEAPON (EDIT)

By request I have bumped this post back up towards the top of the page. The discussions have been good thus far and I want them to continue. I originally posted this on February 3, but will try to keep it closer to the top as long as people like. As those who have been along for the last four months know, this journey started with my realization that the Republican Party no longer represented to me what the Party used to. I was feeling a bit neglected by my party and embarrassed by their actions. So I left them and began seeking a better way forward because I felt that a better way forward was not what they were interested in. We have explored the Libertarian Platform, which seems pretty solid to me. But I can’t get the Republican disappointments out of my head. The selection of Michael Steele as the new Chairman of the RNC got me thinking…. 

So here is where I am sitting these days. The Republican party for me used to represent the good guys. It was the christian party. Family values and cutting taxes. National Defense and smaller government. Sure the party had its share of bad guys, but the party always seemed to hold just a bit higher moral ground than Ted Kennedy and the Democrats. I was talking to one of the few people I trust to discuss politics intimately with tonight and she reminded me of what I used to like about the party. They weren’t perfect, but they were certainly better than the democrats. 

That is certainly not the case any more. The party has slipped into the abyss and now find themselves on equal moral ground with the Democrats. Republicans have just as many crooked politicians as their opponents. They seem to find ways to justify expanding government’s role just like the Democrats, only from the opposite end of the spectrum. They vote for the same pork laden bills and take the same kickbacks. Realistically the only thing that makes them better than the Democrats is that they don’t have to admit to having that crazy bitch Nancy Pelosi in their party.

The last couple of weeks have found me discussing with my many politically minded friends what the direction of the Republican Party needs to be in order to get better again. Should the Christian Right be given far less say in the party agenda? Should they remove the abortion debate (which they will never win out on) go away and stop polarizing moderates with it? What about gay marriage? There are so many platform issues that are out there for the Republicans. So I am asking all of you for your input and opinion. What should the Republican party change in order to “fix itself” and get back on track with its many disenfranchised voters?

So no issue is off limits here. I want to hear from everyone. If you are reading this you surely have an opinion on at least one thing the party should do differently. What are the issues that you don’t like in the party? Not sharing it would be a neglecting of your purpose for reading this blog in the first place. Most of America is somewhere in between the two party platforms, so let’s here where you think the party should go if they want your vote.

Your service to our country was and remains immeasurable. I look forward to the day we can sit at the table in Valhalla, sharing Tankards of Ale and our thoughts on the musings of the universe. Until then, God Bless You my friend and thank you for all you did. May nothing but peace and loving memories be with your family. JAC