I sincerely

[The emperor has no clothes]

hope my last post doesn’t turn to crap. I want to first thank all the members who have befriended me here over the years. It has been unbelievable the friendships I have made because of this club. For that I will forever grateful. I also would like to apologize to the members I have offended, pissed off, ridiculed in the past. I am certainly not perfect and it has shown. But sadly the time has come for me to depart. I am just not capable of sticking my nose into a current event or political post. The most I’ve been able to withstand the temptation has been 3 or 4 days. I don’t expect at the age of 60 I am going to change much now. This has been my first and only forum. I have much to learn in these regards.
 I requested a quick and silent departure from Willow. And now here I am writing a dumb good bye. I truly wish the best for all of you and this club. I’m sure I will come back and read what you have say. But no more posts will be spewed from the meathead. In parting I would like to steal a line from my friend O2S, and add something of my own.
 


Ride Safe, and may you all be blessed with the friendship I have found here.
         

                              Rob (meathead)

[Oss]

Some would want me to say ' dont let the door hit your ass on the way out ' but that is not how I feel.

your friendship has been appreciated and you are welcome to come out here again and contribute to our bridge fund in the future as long as you bring Brenda with you

Just no more fornication in the back of the van as alas it has been sold

Next time I am out your way I will give a call

Oss

My money says like DDT (in his posts) you will respond to every post in this thread even if just to say thanks

[Reb]

Ive never found your posts offensive. You reply to more than just political BS arguments, which cannot be said for other members. I hope you retract your decision to depart. Good luck and ride safe.

[Oldfishguy]

This forum is a microcosm of America these days; it is incredibly polarizing and in many ways disheartening.  I watch and listen, the negative tone at times I can do without but the opposing conversation is needed.

Best of luck.

[Hook#3287]

Ive never found your posts offensive. You reply to more than just political BS arguments, which cannot be said for other members. I hope you retract your decision to depart. Good luck and ride safe.

exactly 

Rob, take a step back and think on it, you're contributions to this board have been great and varied.

I try to stay out of the political crap that goes on here, but I do read some , if not most.

I've learned much from them because of the different opinions.

That's the beauty of being American, it's ok to disagree.

I too have gained friends from this board, you being one of them.

I truly hope you reconsider, as I enjoy your input on all things that matter.

Pm me your email address, so we can keep in touch.

Your friend no matter what your political affiliation is;
Bill

[Rams]

Honestly, I hate to see meathead leave, I would prefer a more open mind to certain realities or at least acknowledgement that others have valid points but, I can't control that.  I suppose the same can be said of myself.

Regardless, I only wish the meathead safe travels and smooth asphalt.

Be safe out there.

Rams

[Psychotic Bovine]

No hard feelings, dude.

[f6john]

My only interest in my back and forth with Rob has been an attempt to understand him better. Alas, I’m sure I know more than I did at first, but the workings of his mind mostly escapes me. That could be as much the density of my skull as any fault of Robs.

Meathead knows what’s best for Meathead, so I wish you well and appreciate your giving us a chance to say a parting goodbye.

[Gavin_Sons]

It's  no secret we don't  think much of each other.  That being said, I don't  want you to leave but if you feel that's the only way for you to keep from stirring the political pot I understand. Maybe you could just adopt a rule to stay out of political posts. I guess I don't understand why you chose now. Other threads have got more out of hand than this recent kavanaugh thread.

[Chrisj CMA]

I did the same thing a few years back.  I can understand where you are right now.  You will be back and people will treat you the same when you do.  That may be good and bad news however. 

Good luck to you either way!

[Moonshot_1]

Do what you feel you want to do here.

You have thoughtful postings outside of the political. The reason we may seem a bit hard on you in the political postings is because we see a really good guy heading down the path where the bridge is broken and on fire and don't want him to go down that path. So we yell.

It isn't the necessarily the liberal or left leaning policies that are the problem, those can be respectfully discussed. it is the Democrat leadership that is corrupted and has become diabolical in their tactics and strategies. And it is hard to see a great guy buy into what the Democrat leadership is selling.

Stick around. Avoid the political posts. This is first and foremost a Valkyrie site. You know the value of this place. You know the value of the information and experience of fellow riders that is shared here.

Just take break from the political stuff.

[Jersey mike]

Hey man, where ya goin?!

Don’t do this.

Your thoughts, values and principles are valid and are not disrespectful or wrong.

Stick around your posts are appreciated.

One thing I’ve learned is that some people speak with eloquence and others write with it. One thing that gets pushed aside is that there is no verbal inflection with the written word so it’s open to too much interpretation, it can be so impersonal.

Stick around, it’s important.

[Pete]

One should do what one wants to do. Over and above everything else.
If that is what this is, then good luck, and watch out for those swinging doors.

And one other polite request can we get you to please stop voting in US elections?

Best wishes that this action does what you want it to do, whatever that is.  

[Serk]

Take a break. Don't call it forever.

I've had to walk away for an extended break a few times myself when I get too emotional about things.

[baldo]

Hey man...you got to do what you got to do. Obviously, I'd rather you stay. I for one enjoy your bulldogged tenacity on many a subject.

I'm going to stick around for awhile, these guys need me.

And, last but not least, I want to be here for trump's perp walk......

I'll talk to you tomorrow.....

[J.Mencalice]

I believe this may sum up your tenure in this coliseum (sorry about the ad):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-guv9Pd_RA

Best wishes to you, sir.
Always be wary of lurking coyotes.

[f6john]

Hey man...you got to do what you got to do. Obviously, I'd rather you stay. I for one enjoy your bulldogged tenacity on many a subject.

I'm going to stick around for awhile, these guys need me.

And, last but not least, I want to be here for trump's perp walk......

I'll talk to you tomorrow.....

This is the most comforting news so far, we couldn’t lose both of you at the same time!

[Kidd]

I think you're being a little sensitive , maybe a lot sensitive .

I would of chosen a less  self deprecating name/handle

Why do you need to broadcast it , your leaving , but still coming around to read post ?

Is this like when the little  boy pretends  to run away from home for attention ??

 

hope my last post doesn’t turn to crap. I want to first thank all the members who have befriended me here over the years. It has been unbelievable the friendships I have made because of this club. For that I will forever grateful. I also would like to apologize to the members I have offended, pissed off, ridiculed in the past. I am certainly not perfect and it has shown. But sadly the time has come for me to depart. I am just not capable of sticking my nose into a current event or political post. The most I’ve been able to withstand the temptation has been 3 or 4 days. I don’t expect at the age of 60 I am going to change much now. This has been my first and only forum. I have much to learn in these regards.
 I requested a quick and silent departure from Willow. And now here I am writing a dumb good bye. I truly wish the best for all of you and this club. I’m sure I will come back and read what you have say. But no more posts will be spewed from the meathead. In parting I would like to steal a line from my friend O2S, and add something of my own.
 


Ride Safe, and may you all be blessed with the friendship I have found here.
        

                              Rob (meathead)

[DDT (12)]

Rob,

I've come to respect you immensely, to appreciate you hugely, and to value your friendship tremendously! To say I hate to see this kind of talk is like saying I'm not particularly fond of a stick in the eye... Take a deep breath, my friend!

You asked me once about my own political thoughts and affiliation... I told you then that I'm basically a 'political agnostic', as I have no affiliation or affection for either political party or close connection to any political ideology. My liberal friends think I'm conservative, my conservative friends think I'm liberal. I am neither and I am both... to some degree on any given issue... I refuse to buy into any label or to 'join' any cause, however! More than that, I refuse to become an 'evangelist' for any group... I think for myself, and I acknowledge that right for everyone else.

What I've come to respect about you are not the conclusions or opinions you harbor, but the sincerity of effort to be objective, disciplined, and reasonable in your thinking. That you see things similarly or differently than I do has no bearing on my reaction to you... I respect sound judgement and sincere effort, not rhetoric or 'group think' buy-in.

None of us are perfect, and to a large extent we are all heavily influenced by the programming we've received throughout our lives, as well as by the personal observations we've made and by the conclusions we've drawn from our own experiences. To the extent our paths have been different, it seems illogical not to think our perceptions would then be different!

It matters little, to me anyway, whether or not I agree or disagree with another person... only that they be reasonable and sincere in trying to forge a path forward in search of truth and the best solutions to problems. Politics works to divide and conquer... to galvanize emotions and 'get folks into line' for the sake of gaining power. Responsive government can only come from cooperating, reasonable people with no ulterior motives...

I've been wrong before in my life... No doubt you have too, as have all human beings who've lived more than a few minutes! I don't want to be wrong any more than any other sincere person, but I recognize others don't necessarily have the answer either. Together, however, we can reason together and come a lot closer to finding the best answer than either of us could alone or by 'defeating' the ideas of those with whom we might think we disagree... Honesty and trust are required, however, and those don't come easily...

Please don't pull the trigger on this important decision in haste. You have much to contribute... I say that because I do trust you, and I believe in your sincerity. Come, let us reason together...

DDT

[MarkT]

Well Rob I can't say "good riddance". Though we are on opposite sides of the fence I hold you are well spoken and generally fair with your expressions.  Do what you think you must but I say we are all losing if you take yourself elsewhere.

[Valkorado]

I had to back away from the political posts.  Not that I don't have some mighty strong opinions.  It's better on the blood pressure.

[cookiedough]

do what you feel you need to do, but no one should talk smack about you if you decide to return and post.    A few have not agreed with my postings always, but they have their opinion and I have mine each of us in our own circumstances that others may not know the entire truth of what is going on.  I doubt like said at our ages that we will change our viewpoints or beliefs much and that is o.k. as well.    WE can agree to disagree.

[hubcapsc]

Remember that nobody who has ridden with you is sending
out bad vibes and the rest of it is just Internet nonsense...

-Mike

[John Schmidt]

Rob, remember.....politics, education, and vocation disappear at the twist of the throttle. I'd like to prove that to you sometime in the future, but until then do as others have suggested; step back, take a breath, leave the political scene for a time, and remain involved in areas less volatile. I found it worthwhile as I'm sure others have.

If either you or Baldo want direct communication: stuffy402@gmail.com
Just identify yourself in the subject line so I won't inadvertently delete it.   

[Bigwolf]

Rob,
I don’t think I can put my thoughts together any better than Bruce has already stated from his perspective.  

I can understand a need to step away from the fray sometimes.  We all need to take a break from time to time, when we get too tired and worn down or life has slammed us to the mat.  I know that you have often been taken to task for your views and statements and hammered by overwhelming numbers of opponents.  So take a break if you must, but please come back when you are feeling refreshed and ready.

Even though I have found myself on the opposing side of you on some issues, I have respected....no, make that admired, your ability to stick to the issue and state your thoughts clearly without personal attacks.  Polite and humble discussion is the best forum for learning that we have.........but an extremely small number of people can actually do that.  I believe you sir are among those few.

As you once told me “we are probably not as far apart as it might seem”.  I choose to believe that to be true.  I sincerely hope that you will keep in touch, if not through this board, then personally through message or email or........

Bigwolf

[Leathel]

I hate the fact you feel the need to step back and I also firmly believe politics have no place on a hunting/fishing/bike or any other interest forum.....

I hope to see you appear back on the forum after a good break as you are one of the good contributors with replies to most ride reports and stories

Have sent a PM Rob and I hope you get it

[JimC]

hope my last post doesn’t turn to crap. I want to first thank all the members who have befriended me here over the years. It has been unbelievable the friendships I have made because of this club. For that I will forever grateful. I also would like to apologize to the members I have offended, pissed off, ridiculed in the past. I am certainly not perfect and it has shown. But sadly the time has come for me to depart. I am just not capable of sticking my nose into a current event or political post. The most I’ve been able to withstand the temptation has been 3 or 4 days. I don’t expect at the age of 60 I am going to change much now. This has been my first and only forum. I have much to learn in these regards.
 I requested a quick and silent departure from Willow. And now here I am writing a dumb good bye. I truly wish the best for all of you and this club. I’m sure I will come back and read what you have say. But no more posts will be spewed from the meathead. In parting I would like to steal a line from my friend O2S, and add something of my own.

Ride Safe, and may you all be blessed with the friendship I have found here.
        
                              Rob (meathead)

Meathead,
I learned a long time ago to bite my tongue (or fingers) when I read posts on this or other forums when I feel that my thoughts and values have been challenged. I spent 25 plus years in law enforcement. How hard do you think it is for me to not respond to certain members that constantly malign and slander the profession every time the law enforcement is brought up?
I have learned to stay out of the conversation, or to to say my peace and leave it at that, sometimes it worked, sometimes it did not.  

Look back on your history with this board, almost 20,000 posts in 6 years. How many of those posts were intentionally divisive, challenging, or condescending toward the poster or the subject, or the general view point of the post? I am going to be nice to you here and say half of them, the other half were very constructive and helpful to the board or member.
You do not have to leave, what you need to do to eliminate a massive coronary, is lighten up a little. Say your peace, and move on. I very seldom agree with your viewpoint or ideals, but I respect your right to them, and I think most others on the board believe that also.

I actually believe that people need to hear the other side of the story in order to make an educated decision. I regularly watch MSNBC and CNN just to hear their outlook, I do so knowing that I will not agree most time, and I read your political posts for the same reason.

What ever you decide,
Ride safe

Jim

[Robert]

You said you have made many friends, yet are departing.

You said Willow said to make it quick and fast, yet your drama gets the better of you, again.

I doubt Willow said to leave but you have a hard time complying with what he told you.

I have seen many come and go in my years here.

To me personally it doesn't really matter either way go, or stay, its your decision. But I would think if all that you said was true you would be cutting off your nose to spite your face.  

Like I have said before I employ many types of people and even a Muslim and he is one of the best guys I have. We all need to work together to achieve a goal.

 If you cannot get along here what are you going to do in other situations?

We are on totally opposite sides of the fence but I have no ill will to you, without meeting you in person it would be ridiculous to base an opinion of you on this board or have any kind of bad feelings for you.

This board is a glimpse of people, not the whole person. You may hate their ideas but love the person, that only comes by meeting face to face and spending time.

For your sake I would think you would want to reconsider.

I wish you well in your travels if you decide to go.

One more word for you dont forget to lube the clutch bushing 

[DirtyDan]

I still would like to buy lunch

Dan

[NewValker]

Oh Crap!!
Every day I come here to see what’s for sale & see what Meathead had to say...
Wonder what’s in classifieds today...

Really Rob, hate to see this, and as others have said, opposite sides of the fence but I enjoyed meeting you and Brenda in Roanoke and hope to share the wind again.
Craig

[Mr Whiskey]

Ahhhh, I don't read the political post, any of them, so that leaves me alittle confused here.
You're leaving? Caint say I really get it.
I mean...you do still own a Valkyrie, don't you?
Jus' doesn't make sense, ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Well, where ever ya go, here's hope'n ya enjoy the view

[rocketray]

Meathead I've never been on a forum before but you were a bit more than caustic to some of my comments to the point I have declined to opine my view much anymore....I still think a butcher with a top secret clearance still sounds like you have some stuff you aren't allowed to say.. your Valkyrie motorcycle  related posts were spot on !!!! Took the wife's Indian Chieftain out for a 5-6 hour ride thru the east texas piney woods today----perfect weather--great roads and all the cages were nice..the torque of the 111 c.i.  is awesome--the cruise control and electrically controlled up/down windshield was super nice

[Bighead]

Top secret clearance? 

[Pappy!]

Hey.l........
We still owe each other a beer and a cold one at that!
How bout the next Eastern Inzane? PM me your answer if you wish or clynn68@comcast.net if you prefer.

[3fan4life]

There have been some here that have left that improved the community by doing so.

I would not lump you into that category.

You can be overtly tenacious about a subject and hang on like a snapping turtle.

To be honest that trait can be very frustrating when we're on opposite sides.

But, I don't think that makes you a bad person and it doesn't make me not like you.

It does force me to give you a little more grace at times.

But, then we all should give each other a little more grace at times.


So, I would say stick around you do make meaningful contributions to this board at times.

Just try to give a little grace once in awhile and agree to disagree.



Since the current issue is the Kavanaugh vs Ford thing I will say this:

You believe her, I don't.

The fact is that neither one of was there in 1982 and neither one of us knows what the truth is.

What we both have is an opinion and you know what they say about opinions.

I had pretty much backed out of the threads about them because it was becoming obvious to me that they were at an impasse.

Allow me to share three things that I think are important when posting on a forum such a this:

1) Never say anything to someone that you wouldn't say if you were sitting with them drinking a beer.

2) Know that you can disagree without being disagreeable.

3) Sometimes you just have to back out of a thread without attempting to get in the last word.


I'm not saying that you have to follow these rules to Stay. 

I'm just saying that you'd probably be much happier if you did.

[larue]

Rob I personally enjoy your contributions to this board in general.
You oppose the vast majority of political posts here and that what makes you who you are. Those who have met you seem to like you and respect you outside the realms of politics and that what really matters. The rest of keyboard quarterbacks you don't need to worry about. It's your decision in the end but I'd say stay the course, be yourself that's what makes you the  meathead we've come to know here.

[Pete]

Contrary to any opinions:

Rob should do whatever is best for him. Period. No exceptions, no buts, and with no recriminations.
And whatever that is, I hope that he does that.

The world and VRCC and politics will continue either way.

[Savago]

I hate to see you going, but I completely understand the feeling.

Safe rides and hope to see you soon (when you happen to be around the SF Bay Area let me know).
 

[Skinhead]

Well Meat, now you will have to change your handle to Felicia.  Do what is right for you.  I'll miss your sense of humor, your political views, not so much.  Good luck and ride safe.  I'll do my best to console Gavin.

[Gryphon Rider]

So, meathead, who's going to take over your role of getting under Willow's skin?  Baldo's usually playing 100% anyway, and Rams is on the injured list, though he's more of a "special teams" guy in that department anyway, and I probably agree with Willow more than I disagree with him, so I'm not a natural contender.

Feel free at any time to let your homesickness get the best of you so you come running back here.  The people who really can't stand you have you blocked anyway, so they don't even know your gone unless they've gotten second-hand notice.

And why would you change your handle to Felicia?