Howdy.
I looked around for a "New Members Introduction Thread" and, not seeing one, decided I had to post one of my own.
Lemme start by telling my story.
I'm a younger fellow who, while over in Afghanistan, began to think about moving to the Rockies for some peace and quiet. I was raised in Chicago and then Tennessee (near Memphis). Then I moved to Kentucky for college, to a town of about 3500 people called Grayson. So in that respect, my life has been one move after another away from urban sprawl and toward the countryside.
I had recently gained a fascination with the West. I confided in my best friend (a Coloradoan) that I was wanting to move out west to less populated locales. He recommended Wyoming. I did my research, and it seemed to speak to me deep down.
Then I read Molon Labe.
I'm pretty Libertarian in nature, and the idea of a "Free State Wyoming" speaks to my very soul. I've believed in my country, and I've fought for freedom(you may, of course, disagree-- it's your right). But more and more it seems like my country is slipping away from me.
I didn't want to get involved in politics. But it seems that while the good men and women slept, or found real occupations, the slimeballs and statists and parasites all jumped in to the drivers' seat. And this nation is moving further away from what it was meant to be.
I'm tired of being treated like a child by a government that finds me capable of fighting for my nation, but incapable of deciding how I spend my money, or what arms I bear, or what I put into my body (not that I do drugs; I'm talking food!).
I'm tired of being looked at funny or mocked for bearing arms openly.
I'm tired of people looking at like I grew two heads when I turn down "free" money out of principle.
I'm tired of having to explain why I'm ashamed that I have relatives on welfare-- who have stopped looking for jobs because they'll get benefits cut.
I was born, more or less, free. I want my sons and daughters-- when I have them-- to be free. I want to exercise Liberty as the Founders meant it, not as some government stooge explains it to mean. I want to surround myself with others of common ideals-- people who believe in personal responsibility; who believe in less government, not more. If there is a chance--the barest, slimmest chance-- that we can go to such a place and make such ideals stick, I must be part of it. You have my hand, my arm, my voice, my mind, and if need be, my rifle.
...wow. Didn't mean to rant.
Anyways, that's the appeal of Wyoming to me. That, and I want to be able to step off my back porch and shoot a 300yd target. LOL.
I haven't been, except to pass through Cheyenne on my way from Fort Collins to Scottsbluff.
But when I get back from the sandbox (for the 2nd time- Ha!) and I finish my remaining two semesters of my Bachelors, I'm gonna visit. Not sure how many times. And eventually, move.
So, that's about it. Hope I didn't take up too much of your time.
And Boston-- your defense of the pro-life position in Molon Labe was one of the most articulate I have ever heard. Not trying to kiss arse, cause I've heard some great arguments. But it is very good.
