Why I’m a Reagan and You Should Be Too…

 

Approximately two months ago I sent a personal message to our beleaguered administrator @max that was short and to the point: “How do I cancel recurring payment for Ricochet?” The reply I received was equally short, and due to the internet’s inability to convey tone I read it as curt: “In your profile, click on Settings, then Billing.”

Fearing that Max had mistaken my PM as an indication that I wanted to quit Ricochet in a huff, I quickly assured him I simply wanted the chance to change my membership level if I so desired. I didn’t think much about that conversation until this morning when I received an email notifying me that my membership was set to expire in four days.

Perhaps it was the chance to actually meet the great @PeterRobinson on Thursday evening that got me all fired up to renew today, but when I really stop to think about it, the real reason is that Ricochet is something worth supporting.

Ricochet is the place where I can meet people like @jamesofengland — a man who frustrates me in these pages on an almost daily basis, but whose knowledge, intelligence, patience, and kindness have won me over on more arguments than I care to admit. I’m proud that I can call him a friend.

Ricochet is the place where I can start off in incredibly heated arguments with people such as @ryanm or @rachellu and yet, in the end, we are able to find common ground on more issues than on those we disagree.

Ricochet is the place where I can learn new things every day on a wide variety of subjects from very knowledgeable members like @brentb67, @katebraestrup, @docjay, and anonymous.

Ricochet is the place where I can disagree sharply with members like @tkc1101, @bryangstephens, or @rico on an ongoing basis, always coming away enriched by the experience with sharper arguments and a better understanding of the breadth of our coalition. In the end, I know that we are all traveling in the same direction.

Above all, Ricochet is a community. It is the Member Feed. Yes, the podcasts are great. Yes, we have some first class contributors. Yes, I love it when I get a like from @jameslileks, but what brings me back, again and again, is you, my fellow members, colleagues, and friends. We are one of those little platoons standing between the government and polite society. We stand athwart history, alongside other older and more august institutions, yelling stop! We are what is necessary for our shared ideals to thrive again.

I re-upped at the Reagan level this year because I love this community and because this community deserves all of our support. Old members, new members, long-time members that have never commented before, everyone: I implore you to join our little community, join the conversation, and support it as much as you are able.

I’m a Reagan, and you should be too!

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  1. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Jamie, I’ve grown to really enjoy your posts! You’re such a good ambassador for Ricochet. And I’m glad you’ll still be with us. I love the community and the people; I’ve made some real friends in my exchanges, and I feel like finding you folks has been such a blessing in my life: the chance to write, dialogue, laugh, argue. It’s all good.

    Although I was kinda sad that you didn’t mention my name in your credits . . . ;-(

    • #1
  2. Jamie Lockett Member
    Jamie Lockett
    @JamieLockett

    Susan Quinn:Jamie, I’ve grown to really enjoy your posts! You’re such a good ambassador for Ricochet. And I’m glad you’ll still be with us. I love the community and the people; I’ve made some real friends in my exchanges, and I feel like finding you folks has been such a blessing in my life: the chance to write, dialogue, laugh, argue. It’s all good.

    Although I was kinda sad that you didn’t mention my name in your credits . . . ;-(

    That’s only because you’re so pleasant to talk to that we don’t interact as much as I would like. You may not have noticed but I love a good scrap.

    • #2
  3. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Jamie Lockett:

    Susan Quinn:Jamie, I’ve grown to really enjoy your posts! You’re such a good ambassador for Ricochet. And I’m glad you’ll still be with us. I love the community and the people; I’ve made some real friends in my exchanges, and I feel like finding you folks has been such a blessing in my life: the chance to write, dialogue, laugh, argue. It’s all good.

    Although I was kinda sad that you didn’t mention my name in your credits . . . ;-(

    That’s only because you’re so pleasant to talk to that we don’t interact as much as I would like. You may not have noticed but I love a good scrap.

    Excellent point. Sorry I’m not a bruiser . . . ;-)

    • #3
  4. James Of England Inactive
    James Of England
    @JamesOfEngland

    In the tags, you say that you’re #DoingRob’sWork. I feel like the text here was heavier on the expository stuff and lighter on the humor than Rob would have been. Indeed, since you’re essentially explaining Rob’s jokes, the tag might be more appropriately rendered #DoingRyan’sWork. This would also highlight the service that @ryanm provides the site.

    • #4
  5. Jamie Lockett Member
    Jamie Lockett
    @JamieLockett

    James Of England:In the tags, you say that you’re #DoingRob’sWork. I feel like the text here was heavier on the expository stuff and lighter on the humor than Rob would have been. Indeed, since you’re essentially explaining Rob’s jokes, the tag might be more appropriately rendered #DoingRyan’sWork. This would also highlight the service that @ryanm provides the site.

    I thought the humor was covered when I talked about what a good person you are…

    • #5
  6. DocJay Inactive
    DocJay
    @DocJay

    Glad to see you supporting your/my  hobby so vigorously.   There’s really no better place to have a good conversation in spite of how stinky this year has been.

    • #6
  7. TKC1101 Member
    TKC1101
    @

    Well said. Sharp conversation is like a video game with multiple lives. You can always start over on the next post.

    The value of Ricochet for many of us is the community of members. A community is like a fine meal, it needs many flavors and spices, and we seem to have that here.

    I leave it to you to insert the gratuitous fruit and nut joke here….

    • #7
  8. Randy Weivoda Moderator
    Randy Weivoda
    @RandyWeivoda

    The Reagan level is more than I really can spend, but I can tell you exactly what made me upgrade from Coolidge to Thatcher.  It was this post by@fredcole, as well as the accompanying pieces by @whiskeysam and @franksoto.  I laughed so hard I felt like I was being a moocher by paying a lousy $40 a year for something this enjoyable.

    • #8
  9. Matt Upton Inactive
    Matt Upton
    @MattUpton

    Okay, I give. I just upgraded to Thatcher. I easily get as much value from Ricochet as I do Amazon Prime. It’s my sole outlet for politics, and one of the better ones for philosophy, theology, and all the other fun topics it can be difficult to find others to talk to about (without sounding like the crazy guy in the barber shop).

    Some of my best experiences have been reading truly great original posts from members I often disagree with. Within a thread, there are lots of arguments, some joking and occasional sniping, and you think you get a picture of how a member thinks. Then they come out of with a thoughtful post that makes you realize how much deeper is their well of reason and understanding. It’s delightful.

    • #9
  10. Jamie Lockett Member
    Jamie Lockett
    @JamieLockett

    If I didn’t mention you in the OP it was only because I wrote this quickly and wanted to hit post, but among others I left out

    @fredcole – prickly purveyor of the wonderful Daily Shot and my ally in all things libertarian.

    Our other fantastically patient community moderators @midge, @skipsul and @mikerapkoch

    @majestyk – Fox News star and insightful data analyst

    @balldiamondball – my frequent sparring partner and whetstone for arguments

    @ejhill – the best photoshopper in the business

    @Spin – who taught me I can fix my own printer

    Really there’s just too many to mention. I love this place.

    • #10
  11. Majestyk Member
    Majestyk
    @Majestyk

    Jamie Lockett:

    @majestyk – Fox News star and insightful data analyst

    I was so awesome that I got Gretchen Carlson fired… and then Roger Ailes!

    • #11
  12. Jamie Lockett Member
    Jamie Lockett
    @JamieLockett

    Majestyk:

    Jamie Lockett:

    @majestyk – Fox News star and insightful data analyst

    I was so awesome that I got Gretchen Carlson fired… and then Roger Ailes!

    Where did the bad man touch you, Maj?

    • #12
  13. Majestyk Member
    Majestyk
    @Majestyk

    Jamie Lockett:

    Majestyk:

    Jamie Lockett:

    @majestyk – Fox News star and insightful data analyst

    I was so awesome that I got Gretchen Carlson fired… and then Roger Ailes!

    Where did the bad man touch you, Maj?

    Everywhere… :(

    • #13
  14. C. U. Douglas Coolidge
    C. U. Douglas
    @CUDouglas

    I can’t afford a Reagan, but I recently upgraded to Thatcher and now I abuse that word count with wild abandon and drink so much coffee from my new mug that I’ve discovered Earth-2.

    • #14
  15. Bryan G. Stephens Thatcher
    Bryan G. Stephens
    @BryanGStephens

    Well said. When I had the money, upping to Reagan was the first thing I did.

    • #15
  16. Tom Meyer Member
    Tom Meyer
    @tommeyer

    C. U. Douglas:

    I recent upgraded to Thatcher and now I abuse that word count with wild abandon…

    @jamielockett, we hold you entirely responsible for this. ;)

    Great post.

    • #16
  17. C. U. Douglas Coolidge
    C. U. Douglas
    @CUDouglas

    Tom Meyer, Ed.:

    C. U. Douglas:

    I recently upgraded to Thatcher and now I abuse that word count with wild abandon…

    @jamielockett, we hold you entirely responsible for this. ?

    Great post.

    If I’ve learned anything from modern Progressivism, being able to scapegoat someone else for my excesses is the same thing as getting license for said excesses. Everything’s coming up CUD!

    • #17
  18. RyanM Inactive
    RyanM
    @RyanM

    James Of England:

    Those jokes are made even more funny by being clearly explained.  Perhaps Rob needs me around to press the pause button, grab the white-board, and explain what makes him so funny.

    “Jean Luc Picard is so darned serious all the time.  On the one hand, he expresses a deep concern for the prime directive and a willingness to make great sacrifices even for non-human sentient beings.  Yet, when a group of battered and bruised settlers goes hobbling by, he stands there talking to Riker while showing not a hint of concern for those so deeply effected. The statement, ‘I’m fine, thanks for asking,’ serves a dual purpose.  On the one hand, it exposes the impersonal nature of the disturbingly fascist-seeming federation and the elitism of Picard.  Alternatively, it exposes a flaw in the writing and character development of Picard, who will wax philosophical with Troy or Dr. Crusher, but who fails to show even basic human compassion for the hobbling extra.  Patric Stewart, if he stays in character, would take the comment with some degree of embarrassment (or horror at being exposed for a fraud); while Stewart the actor would surely react with a certain degree of embarrassment at the writing (or horror at being exposed as somewhat neglectful).  Either way, it is funny because it is just as true (and deeply so, on a number of levels) as it is unexpected.”

    • #18
  19. RyanM Inactive
    RyanM
    @RyanM

    And FWIW, I used to be a Thatcher, until my wife saw the bill for my soundcloud account.  I said, sure… sure…. [click, click, downgrade, click, coolidge, confirm] but it only costs me like $36 to be on Ricochet, and what a service it provides worth of venting and political conversation that we all try to avoid in decent company.

    Now, the accounts receivable that @max Ledoux has built up for legal services would more than cover the cost of a Reagan, if that cheapskate would ever pay up!

    And we have reached out to cosbaby.com, dating site for nerds, to sponsor Flyover Country, so we’re hopeful that Terry and I will both soon be proud Reagans.

    • #19
  20. Jamie Lockett Member
    Jamie Lockett
    @JamieLockett

    If you think this post is light on the comedy you should have seen the original title:

    Ricochet – the most fun you can have without being forced to cuddle after.

    • #20
  21. DocJay Inactive
    DocJay
    @DocJay

    Majestyk:

    Jamie Lockett:

    Majestyk:

    Jamie Lockett:

    @majestyk – Fox News star and insightful data analyst

    I was so awesome that I got Gretchen Carlson fired… and then Roger Ailes!

    Where did the bad man touch you, Maj?

    Everywhere?

    Show me on the doll Majestyk, show me on the doll!

    • #21
  22. GLDIII Reagan
    GLDIII
    @GLDIII

    Welcome Jamie to the Reagan tier, because we know There is no Higher Level (™) .

    Reagan level is for me, who while opinionated, and is not of the erudite caliber that haunts the hollowed member feed, but one who still wishes to feed the fires. My vocabulary and language skills may not be on par with this collective community, but my skill set have enable me to keep you all at it.

    You all collectively offer a refuge, and source of soothing, for this poor soul who lives within the belly of the beast, in the blue, blue, state of Maryland, right outside the source of our angst.  Silenced by my geography, and my employer, Ricochet has become my touchstone of sanity.

    I thank you all for this community, Reagan seems the least I can do….

    • #22
  23. James Of England Inactive
    James Of England
    @JamesOfEngland

    GLDIII:Welcome Jamie to the Reagan tier, because we know There is no Higher Level (™) .

    In case you were wondering, there is no truth to rumors that there is another, secret, higher level, but that in order to keep it secret members at that level cannot post in their own names without running the risk that some server bug displays [XXXX]* on their avatar and that they thus have to resort to second, sock puppet, accounts to actually engage with the site.

    *Insert whatever mascot you think would be funniest, be it Clinton to represent establishment control, Solomon to show that you know that we’re really a front for the Masons, Trump because the site is secretly run by populist progressives, Ba’al, Murphy, or Wilson for obvious reasons, or something more creative.

    • #23
  24. Majestyk Member
    Majestyk
    @Majestyk

    DocJay:

    Majestyk:

    Jamie Lockett:

    Majestyk:

    Jamie Lockett:

    @majestyk – Fox News star and insightful data analyst

    I was so awesome that I got Gretchen Carlson fired… and then Roger Ailes!

    Where did the bad man touch you, Maj?

    Everywhere?

    Show me on the doll Majestyk, show me on the doll!

    I need a map as well…

    • #24
  25. Cato Rand Inactive
    Cato Rand
    @CatoRand

    Jamie, I’ve thought about it plenty of times, but can’t bring myself to pull the trigger for a site that I want to quit two days a week and am in danger of getting booted off of three.

    • #25
  26. Cato Rand Inactive
    Cato Rand
    @CatoRand

    DocJay:

    Majestyk:

    Jamie Lockett:

    Majestyk:

    Jamie Lockett:

    @majestyk – Fox News star and insightful data analyst

    I was so awesome that I got Gretchen Carlson fired… and then Roger Ailes!

    Where did the bad man touch you, Maj?

    Everywhere?

    Show me on the doll Majestyk, show me on the doll!

    Eeeew

    • #26
  27. RyanM Inactive
    RyanM
    @RyanM

    Cato Rand:Jamie, I’ve thought about it plenty of times, but can’t bring myself to pull the trigger for a site that I want to quit two days a week and am in danger of getting booted off of three.

    Seems like too much money for two days of good amicable conversation?  I suppose that’s probably worth the coolidge, but I see your point about Reagan.

    • #27
  28. Concretevol Thatcher
    Concretevol
    @Concretevol

    I hate all of you and to get my revenge I will Neeeeeeever Quit!  Wait…..is this the PIT?

    • #28
  29. Phil Turmel Inactive
    Phil Turmel
    @PhilTurmel

    Maybe my loose funds will rise to Reagan levels, but it’s not there yet.  I haven’t bumped into the word count enough to suffer for it yet.  (-:

    • #29
  30. JimGoneWild Coolidge
    JimGoneWild
    @JimGoneWild

    Majestyk:

    Jamie Lockett:

    @majestyk – Fox News star and insightful data analyst

    I was so awesome that I got Gretchen Carlson fired… and then Roger Ailes!

    And you want to be invited to everyone’s birthday party?

    • #30
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