Although I have never met Franc Rausher, I have come to respect and know the man for what he is and what he stands for. It is thru his musings on this forum that I have come to identify him as a person, just like so many others. All with the commonality of the Crossfire I know of John (JHM2K) and his unbending faith. I appreciate the grounded common sense shared by Mark (mdaniels4). And the foresight Chuck (czalack) puts into historical reference every day. All of these people, known only as a screen name, I have come to know and understand. TiredRetired; maxchion; oledoc2u; pizzaguy and all the others; A daily dose of polictics and life seen thru the perspective of so many other men ... men I could only hope to one day meet and call a friend.

All on a website designed around an attractive, funky little car ... a website graciously allowing a discussion involving the politics of the day.

And just as we have come to know and respect characters on the right, we share the same respect for those on the left. We come to understand the ideology, conviction and humility of guy known only by a screen name radmanly. We understand him as a person; maybe even as a friend we may someday meet. Because radmanly has the knowledge and ability to treat all others with the same measure and respect, regardless of our differences. A wise and honorable man indeed, sharp and keen with the keyboard. In jest I call him a commie. But there should be so many more like him.

But what we all risk losing today---- more than anything including friendships---- is the trove of research, historical knowledge and wisdom set to type by so many diversely wise and respected people. Years of ideological perspective, store of learning and wisdom-----once set thoughtfully and intelligently to print---- gone. Gone forever.

And that would be a shame.