I think I’m having a quarter-life crisis – or maybe a quarter-life paradigm shift to use corporate lingo.
First I turn twenty-five. Then, the next day, Ronald Reagan dies – the man I remember vaguely from my childhood when I first learned what a president was, the triumphant warrior of the Cold War, the symbol of what you want a politician to be. He gets his burial with proper honors, more smiles than tears as we remember who the man was and his cheerfulness as he faced down what at the time seemed to be an insurmountable enemy.
So I get to thinking: What am I contributing?
I work a 9 to 5 and try to take some pride in my work, I participate in our economy and plot for financial freedom and riches, and I write this weblog.
I started nearly two years ago because I had funny things to say and wanted an audience to read them, and I feel so blessed to have found one. There never seemed like much of a higher purpose, though; if I ever made an enlightened point on an issue, it was purely accidental. When I started having t-shirts and ads, it helped pay the bills which is always welcome. I just seemed to give a smile to some people and that seemed like enough.
It was the crazy-left, the muckadoos, that made me realize the higher purpose of political humor. The reason they get so riled up to the point of insanity, of not just disagreeing with their political opponents but also comparing them to Nazis, is because they take partisan politics too seriously. And it is a very silly thing. You have a bunch of people trying to act and talk a certain way because that’s how a politician is supposed to talk and act. Unless they screw up, they don’t give straight answers, they don’t say how they really feel, and everything they do is nuanced. It’s childish playacting, and it always will be. So laugh at it, and don’t think because the other guy gets in office the world is going to end. If you do, you’re silly… and probably a butt of some of my jokes.
The only problem is that there are some thing in this world that I want to help do something about, but there is nothing funny about them. Because of people like Reagan, the Soviet threat is gone and no one fears the world exploding; instead we’re left to deal with simple barbarians, and there is nothing funny about the things they do to their fellow man.
Sure, I’ve made plenty of jokes about Islamist, dancing around the brutality they do, but never about the brutality. They kill men, women, and children. They behead innocent people for their idiotic view points. And they want us all dead.
And it’s not just the terrorists. There are people beaten and oppressed throughout the entire Middle East, abused by governments we call allies… governments so childish in nature they won’t even recognize the state of Israel. There are people running whole countries who would have gotten chased town if they ran for dog catcher here. There are millions of lives at stake, and our goal must be to take this whole radical Islam system down… not just the terrorists who threaten us and our allies personally.
What we need for that, though, is resolve, something the media, pretend allies, and too many of our own politicians are trying to fight against. Some woman with a cigarette dangling from her mouth embarrassing our po’ enemy gets tons of press coverage and the outrage of the world while the torture that went on in Abu Grahib under Saddam – the real torture – gets barely a mention.
Yeah, I know, I’m just repeating what a lot of people in the blogosphere and elsewhere are complaining about, but what I want is to do something about it. I tried before with the website Front Line Voices to get the story out of the heroism of our troops, but I know that isn’t going to do it. The sad fact of the human condition is that people respond much more to pain than pleasure. Thus, the way to get people motivated, to keep people focused on the goal, is to show them the barbarism of our enemy. And I don’t mean the horrible pictures of the beheading – that’s just shocking people. Show the jubilation of the terrorists over their killing. Show the writings of the enemy in praise of death. Show everything we can about who these people are, because the fact is that all except the most morally forgone of our society will recognize evil when they see it staring in his or her face. Shades of gray won’t hold up when people see just how black the depravity of the terrorists are.
If I had my way, the head story of every newscast would be about what these brutal thugs are up to, what they’re thinking, what their desires are. And not just focus on the terrorists, but also the brutality of all the government in the Middle East. No more root causes, no more blind tolerance, no more thinking that religious beliefs that involve violence and oppression should have any cultural respect. Every day the American people and the rest of the world would see how horrible the terrorists and the tyrants are, and every day they would get madder and madder.
So why can’t I have my way?
There are some efforts here in the blogosphere to do this – Little Green Footballs the most notable – but we’re still a small force in the media. MEMRI translates Islamists so we can see them in their own words, but what they come up with never makes headlines. There has to be something more we can do.
Are there little things we can do such as writing letters to the right people? Are there big things like making a movie or somehow taking back more of the media from those who use it – unwittingly or not – to help fight the enemy’s fight?
I wish I had some hard answers of things to do right now, but, I’m a decently smart guy, and I’ll work on it. You people all need to think, too. Together, we have the power to make a change. We’re Americans, and that means something to me. It means we’re warriors who fight – if not with guns and sword then with deeds – for liberty and justice above all else. It’s a large responsibility placed on us by all those who sacrificed before us, and thus there is no such thing as an “average” American.
Our duty now is to make sure everyone understands the evil we’re up against.
And then we’ll destroy it.
TO: Frank J
RE: Hey! You! Almost an Adult….
“I think I’m having a quarter-life crisis – or maybe a quarter-life paradigm shift to use corporate lingo.” — Frank J
Not to worry. You’re probably just growing up. And maybe a tad pre-maturely at that, 25 and all. Most people don’t fully mature to their adult form until they are 30 years of age. Then the brain finally completes it’s growth.
Keep up the good work. And enjoy the interesting things in your life. If there aren’t enough of them, make some more.
Remember…
If you had a life in the first place, you’ll never have a mid-life crisis.
Personally, I recommend becoming an airborne-ranger.
Regards,
Chuck(le)
[God is alive….and airborne-ranger qualified.]
TO: Frank J
RE: Other Fighters
You mention LGF as a notable source of information about this war.
Donald Sensing is bringing the same sort of thoughts forward over at One Hand Clapping. Albeit, that is not his full time interest.
Others are beginning to catch on as to the nature of our enemy. No thanks to the so-called major media.
As some wag put it, the war is won, one person at a time.
Regards,
Chuck(le)
Frank, Chuckles got it right, you don’t get to be serious until 30.
Check out Northeast Intellegence Network for translations of jihadist websites and security alerts.
Now this might get you a shot at Jonah Goldberg’s job.
But I would miss your funny.
Some of the postings at Islamic Forum (linked from LGF) were pretty shocking to me. And I’m not easily shocked. But what I am is an Evangelical Christian, and there was a comment about the Korean fellow being one also. Someone responded that “if so then he deserved to be beheaded.”
I’m with you FrankJ. We always knew they were at war with Israel. When 9/11 happened, we realized they were at war with America. I hope we finally get it that they are at war with Christianity and Christianity’s God. They will lose, of course. I’ve read the final chapter, and I know how it ends. Its getting there that worries me.
This concerns me in multiple ways. My wife is a Messianic Jew, and as such my children are all technically Jewish. So, I have a family that are all both Christian and Jewish. Paint a big Islamic Bulls-Eye on my house!
So, ask yourselves this question which Jesus asked Peter: “Do you love Me?” This is not an academic question anymore. This is the United States of America in 2004, and Evangelical Christians are being beheaded because they are Evangelical Christians. If you love Christ, then count the cost.
Thank you, Frank.
We need more young people like Bryan Henderson. Go support him.
http://hq.protestwarrior.com/?page=/featured/PHS/PHS.php
There are plenty things to do. If you really want to keep writing, try to get more involved with the conservative press (in those samll pockets where they exist.)
You may also consider running for local office with an eye toward larger office later. State level elections aren’t too complex.
To really have a lasting effect, go back to grad school and start teaching so you can have a direct effect on the academic community. As the boomers all die off we need to replace them with rational people instead of letting reactionary liberal twits fill in the vacancies.
Finally, you could always create a secret millitant group that goes around blowing up terrrorist organizations. Make the terrorists constantly look over their shoulders. Make them distrust each other. They know someone in one of the groups is a Frank J infiltrater and painful death is just over their heads. Imagine their horror as a pirate television broadcast shows masked Frank J Ronin forcing one of the terrorist leaders being fed a ham sandwhich, washed down with beer, befoer being dressed in a flowery shirt and then beaten to death (starting with the feet.)
There are plenty of things a young fellow like you could be doing. (In reality, the NSA is usually looking for intelligent people.) Just keep up your imao duties and you’ll be fine.
I really want to say something deep here…
But all I can think is.. wow
Thanks Frank, that was a great way to start the morning…. “Kick the mind into gear, and the rest will follow”
Yep, that about sums it up.
I’m tellin’ ya:
ASAT missile up the pipe of Al Jazeera’s satellite.
Excellent post.
The most important thing for all of us is to live a life that is an example: believe in what is right and act on it. My idea of an Evangelical Christian. That book of 5 Rings and other Ronin quoted here talk about following the Path, not seeking a moment of glory.
“I work a 9 to 5 and try to take some pride in my work, I participate in our economy and plot for financial freedom and riches, and I write this weblog.”
Work hard, bring people together, make them laugh.
It sounds like you are on the right path.
Extremists & nutjobs will always get press coverage but are eventually forgotten (what are the names of the 70’s Berlin Olympic terrorists?). Ronin Reagan had some shining moments but his most powerful messages came from how he acted day to day. Let’s fight his way and not stoop to the ways of the crazy folk, muckadoos, etc.
http://hq.protestwarrior.com/?page=/featured/PHS/PHS.php
Just went to the site, Terry.. It’s incredible! Loved It! Thanks for the info.
Frank, let me tell you, you do make a difference… Because of you:
1. I am probably the only 15 year old conservative male in New York. (Used to be a liberal like the rest of the muckadoos)
2. I created my own blog, it’s supposed to be funny, like yours!
3. I want to go to Carnegie Mellon.
4. Some news gets into my life (Your links, your stories, stuff like that)
5. You were the first blog I ever saw, and now I am informed without any crappy NY Times bias.
6. I spread the words of wisdom to my friends and people I meet, in fact, I’ve made strong arguements to crazy leftists that have actually convinced them, and though they are too stupid to realize that they are really conservative, they agree with the conservative view point.
7. Because of you and other bloggers, I know that my brother (currently in Air Force Basic Training) is fighting for a good, legitimate cause.
Frank, blogs do make a difference, may it be small as of now, but a difference nonetheless. You’re my first permalink on my blogroll thing.
-Reed the Viking.
Frank, i honestly do think you make a difference. If it weren’t for you and a few other conservative humor writers, i would have been in jail for strangling a liberal a long time ago.
Our duty now is to make sure everyone understands the evil we’re up against.
Amen, Frank.
All successful politics is conducted at the grassroots. Tell a neighbor and ask him or her to tell their neighbor. It’s not sexy but it works.
I’m Filled With Boundless, Visceral Hatred (Bumped to Top)
… for the mainstream press.* Cliche, right? Misdirected? Well I am. I do. I hate them. I’ve turned. I’ve finally been tipped from severely annoyed skeptic to bottomless font of white-hot, impotent wingnut rage. Yesterday the WaPo’s Dana Milbank (who…
Reed, you may be the only 15 year old conservative male, but i’m pretty damn sure i’m the only 25 year old conservative female. put us together with my friend michelle and this russian cabbie i once knew, and we could start our own club!
…..or not.
b
If you feel that way now, wait till you have kids! Since 9/11 I have taken the time to know what is going on in the world around me and urge my friends and neighbors to look past the liberal media. But your right, Frank, now that Reagan is gone, I also feel like it is time to do something more important, bigger, and lasting. Thanks LibertyBob for some great ideas. I have already started to raise my own Ronin Reagan’s (my second son is named after him)so that the good fight will go on and on.
Just keep doing the funny Frank, you are keeping a few hundred conservatives from spontaneously combusting due to all the anger. Even ronin need R&R, lest they burn out and start dating women half their age, driving sports cars, and growing pony tails and stuff.
And what is this “can’t be serious till you’re 30” B.S.? I argued my own mother into changing her political registration when I was freaking TWELVE! Some of us are just on the ball, I guess.
Frank J. Is Not Laughing …
… and when a guy with that many guns suddenly turns serious it’s probably a good idea to pay attention to him. In this post the Grand Poobah of blogosphere funnymen wonders what ordinary citizens like us can do to wake the rest of the nation up to …
Yeah, I’m with you Frank. But don’t sell short your gift of mirth. Keeping up morale is paramount.
Miss Becca, that sounds like the making of a movie that will get you 10 – 20….
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!
Chris V.D. – if you aren’t there yet, never let people who work for you know you are less than 30. Instant loss of respect no matter your level of performance.
Frank,
Be like me. Walk away from the techno-corporate world, say goodbye to paychecks, welcome massive student loans, and say hello to college again, get a poli-sci degree and head for law school, then fight the system from within the system.
It’s a rough life, and I’m still only halfway there, but I think in the end I will make a difference.
No way, there’s a conservative lady in my state?! So whatcha doin’ this Saturday Eve, Ms. Beca?
Double date sound good? Michelle and Travis Bickle(Taxi Driver) and us. We could go to this real nice place in the city; Friendly’s, you may know of it.
Frank your posting really hit home with me. My brother and I started the site swornenemy.org because we just wanted to get some of the rage we felt from watching the news and current events off our chest and hopefully so someone might learn the truth.
When I first started searching on the net for the type of page we wanted, I happened upon IMAO and other blogs in the Alliance. I had never really read any blogs before, and after reading some, including IMAO, I knew we wanted something similar.
Well we just started it about four weeks ago and have already learned alot. I have been in Islamic chatrooms, viewed beheadings, listened to Arabs who want to kill us, etc…. I have seen many things i wish I could forget but shouldn’t. We are struggling to find the format we wish to pursue for this page. I have a dark sense of humor and wanted to approach our page with humor.
Many things I have seen and read for material for our webpage, in recent weeks,has made it hard for me to be funny. I think I use the page both to inform(hopefully) and for therapy. (Lot cheaper than the legal fees for strapping on my AK and walking into a mosque.)
I sponsor this webpage and a couple others with an ad for our blog because I believe in supporting those wih similar viewpoints. I am not wealthy but do it because blogs like IMAO stand for many of the things I believe.
I think all of web blog owners should take a little of our fast food, movie, etc. money and sponsor the blogs we enjoy reading. Buy and ad, or a tshirt, or donate or something. Lets pull together to be a media force that can compete with media empire of the left. None of us can do it alone but maybe together.
Sorry for taking up so much space for my spouting
This Article Sums It Up
I was over at IMAO and read this posting by Frank J. I think the article sums up how many of the writers on man onservative websites feel about current events and our place in reporting and shaping them. So if you get a chance, give it a read. als…
Frank if your only 25 why are your guns antiques?
I’ve paid a lot of taxes in my life for America to build nuclear weapons. Why can’t we use them? Why should some American solider die in a coventional war?
–Laughter is so incredibly vital to our cause… just imagine how important to our people were the visits that Bob Hope made during WW II, Korea, and Vietnam!! We have to look at things and laugh sometimes… or we will surely snap.
–As far as “making a difference”- remember that EVERYONE sets an example… one way or another. Setting a good example for our friends, our kids, and our fellow human beings is the SINGLE most important thing any of us can do.
–Second most important thing is to start the militant organization that Liberty Bob wrote about above!! That sounds like something I would sign up for in a heartbeat!!
There’s a lot going on in this post, and it hints at several things I’ve been thinking about for some time. I could write an entire essay, or maybe a book, on the anger of the Left alone. There’s not space to talk about it here.
Frank, your post has given me a glimpse, for the first time in a long time, of the possibility of making a real change for the better in this country, at least politically. It’s exciting. I hope you keep up the funny stuff like you always have — In My World is comic genius — but you sure aren’t bad when you get serious.
Also, as a 28-year-old Catholic EE (sorry, thought I’d mention it), I’d like to welcome you to the second quarter. The fun’s just beginning.
I am a proud american. I say this without any convictions or any other factors. I am also a Jew. There is a very small movement of Jewish conservatives in my synagouge (about 6, but considering before 9/11 there were only 4, we are making progress). The rest of the members are liberal, leftleaning, and full out leftist, (also known as Communist lite). So weekly, at service, I hear a lot of Bush bashing. Before stumbling accros IMAO, these people used to really get to me, but now, I realize that in fact they are just ignorant and are not evil, but simply miss-informed. We had a guest speaker a few weeks ago, on Anne Frank’s birthday, talk about the “holocaust of Abu Grahib” and compared Bush to Hitler. Becasue of this site, I stood up, said “how dare you compare our fine president to Adolf Hitler.” and stormed out, promising that I will change synagouges if he is ever invited to speak again. He has not been to service since.
Thanks, Frank.
Frank: I just want to agree with a couple of earlier comments about the importance of humor. I like your serious posts, so I’ll be happy to see more of them. But, whatever you do, do NOT under any circumstances denigrate the importance of your humor. You’re a funny guy and we need that humor. The ability to laugh is one of the many differences between us & the Islamofascists. Often, humor is the best way to change peoples minds or get them more involved. And it keeps us faithful ones from strangling liberals as Rikor mentioned above.
Keep up the good work. I don’t miss a day of reading your site OK, I miss one here and there, but you get my point.
This Will Be On The Final Exam
This Will Be On The Final Exam Here’s a great post by Frank J.
This was a great post Frank, and thanks to the others who provided links to other sites.BTW the correct URL for one of them should be http://jihadwatch.org/dhimmiwatch Good stuff and it will be a cold day in hell before I become anyone’s Dhimmi!
I do the same as you, get up, work my arse off, try to get the word out, support the Military in any way I can,worship at the altar of Rummy five times a day with my arse facing Mecca…..but it still doesn’t feel like enough.
I am a 45 yr old woman who has mad fantasies of parachuting into Iraq and Afghanistan and taking out some of these fools with large weaponry, but no-one seems to want me to join up.
We are armed to the teeth at the house and have enough canned Spam to see us through any invasion of al-Qaeda….
Seriously though, I am surrounded by demented Liberals and it sure feels kind of lonely sometimes.I am willing to fight, but who?
Frank,
No moral compass points exactly perfectly straight. We all have some flaws. And also, we all have somewhat different sets of flaws.
So when you write about what you’re best at, it will help a lot of your readers to improve, and straighten their moral compasses. This applies even if they don’t notice, and even if you don’t notice.
So know you have done and are doing good, and feel proud.
diana–right there with you. i can say “you have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about, do you?” to college-age protesters only so many times before it gets frustrating. my husband has heard it all already.
but maybe it’s not the big changes that are so important, but the small ones… call me a terminal optimist but i have to believe that every fact presented wears down a muckadoo’s cocoon of “feelings”, even if only a tiny bit. maybe eventually we will be able to get through. right?
i’ve been at work too long. i’m starting to sound like the next-to-last-scene of some 80s flick.
b
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why the long face? lemon face.