Someone please pipe me over the side....

Zaphod
Thu, 12 Jul 2007 20:23:45 +0000

“Dean and I have a lot in common. About the same size. We both like horses, like golf. Of course, we both made a lot of movies. Only difference is, I knew when to quit.” - Ronald Reagan

This has been coming for a while, now…

When I first came here almost two years ago I was eager to help in whatever ways I could and had all the time in the world to do it. I made a good number of online friends, some of whom I even had the pleasure to meet in person. I posted what I knew and what I thought I knew, and defended that which I believed needed defending. I learned to look at things differently, argue more effectively, and was even persuaded to reconsider some things. Such is life in a forum.

Time passed and circumstances changed. I have found myself spending less time here due to other commitments, and being far more careful in answering questions simply because a lot has changed at USNA since the good ol’ days, a fact that has been rightfully pointed out to me more than once.

But today came the realization that not just USNA has changed, but the Navy has as well, so much so that I doubt I’d recognize much of it anymore. Reporting for duty as a DIVO without SWOS first? Huh? DCA’s are now second-tour billets only? Say again? Have things changed THAT much?

I felt much like what a 16th-Century Indian from Manhattan Island would feel like if he was suddenly dropped in the middle of Central Park and asked if he recognized the place. Yeah, it’s the same place, but… :eek:

Call it the straw that broke the camel’s back. I had been considering backing out simply because of the constraints of time, but this little incident made me conclude that maybe there were also other reasons to call it quits.

I have been honored by the friendship and confidence of so many members here, and it has been a pleasure to frequent this forum, even during the darker times. I recognize that I have been both an asset and a liability to the place, but I hope I’ve helped more than I’ve hindered.

So, in closing, permit me to offer some final tidbits:

To the candidates: Go for it! I can tell you one thing that no amount of time can change: IT IS ALL WORTH IT. Trust me, all the BS you put up with to get in and all the other BS you put up with to get through and graduate is WORTH IT. Hang in there and don’t take “no” for an answer. The only person who can stop you is the one staring back at you from the mirror.

To the parents: If your kid is even remotely qualified to attend USNA, then that alone should be a source of immense pride for you. You have raised a real winner, and they’ll be OK whether they go to USNA or not. The simple fact that they are willing to apply speaks volumes for your efforts and sacrifices to get them to where they are now. Bravo Zulu. :)

To the current Mids: I love you guys, and I am both proud and jealous of you. You really have no idea just how good you have it; all the options and opportunities in the world are spread out before you on a platter. PLEASE take advantage of it! STUDY! HARD! Chase your dreams, earn your commission, and serve with honor. You’ll be forever glad and proud you did! I thank you for your commitment to serve, and will ensure my children appreciate it, too.

So there it is.

Many of you already have my phone number and/or e-mail, and I am always available to you if you so desire. I will be remaining at the other site, but mostly to help keep the place going. So, if for some bizarre reason you should want to get a hold of me, you know where to look.

It’s been a hell of a ride, but I need to get off now.

My God richly bless you all, and yes, I do mean ALL of you.

GO NAVY! BEAT ARMY!

Zaphod out…