<p>I'm back. Brace for impact.</p>
<p>Yes, friends. Zaphod 2.0 was booted up this evening and is running just fine. I've started this thread to get a few things out in the open, both for the benefit of the regulars and for the new folks trickling in who may be a bit confused by the recent events. I didn't want it buried in the wreckage of the other thread where it wouldn't be seen, as a number of perceptions need to be addressed.</p>
<p>First off, I'd like to thank the Mods for their patience and for hearing me out. Being an Admin is a thankless job (I've been one before), and I want everyone here to know that the ones at CC seem to be first-rate. They took a bit of a beating at the hands of my kind supporters, and I'd like those supporters to know that while I appreciate their efforts, the Mods were just doing their job. I hold them blameless in any of this.</p>
<p>Second. Contrary to popular opinion, there are no First Amendment protections here. This is a private site, and as such the owners make the rules. Period. End of story. I was never under any other illusion, and neither should anyone else here be. We are here at the pleasure of the site owners, just as guests in your home are. They can ask us to leave for a given reason or no reason, just as you can to anyone in your home. Let's all keep that in mind going forward.</p>
<p>This corner of the forum is intended to provide applicants to the Naval Academy (and their families) a place to ask questions about the application process, life at Navy, and life IN the Navy. I have always come here to help THEM, and to have some fun with my new online friends. In that regard, a few misconceptions need to be dispelled.</p>
<p>The first misconception is that politics have no place here. I disagree. The Armed Forces are an extension of foreign policy. Foreign policy is established by politicians. Therefore, politics is something that bears directly upon the military, and is a valid topic for discussion. While I agree that it should not be the focus of the forum, it has its place. Of course, political discussions will almost always result in some bruised egos, but if that's a turnoff, then perhaps we're all dealing with the wrong kind of school and career.</p>
<p>The second misconception seems thankfully to be shared by only a small sample of the population here. It is that somehow I'm here for ME. They cite my post count, or my tone, or the fact that I'm 15 years out of the Academy. One alleged long-time lurker even signed up for the express purpose of telling me off (don't know if I should be flattered or not.) They are sadly mistaken. I am here for the applicants and their families, not me. I've already been to the place, and I don't need to do this to relive some kind of Glory Days (my days at USNA were nothing of the kind). I do this because I remember just how useful it would have been in MY time to have had a boisterous, take-no-prisoners alumni telling me the stuff they DON'T necessarily put in the catalogs and brochures, and maybe giving me a well-needed smack across the head. I make no money here, and I'm not looking for fame or glory. The best reward I've gotten out of here is the only one that matters, and that's when the parents have thanked me for helping them.</p>
<p>NOW HEAR THIS: If you don't like my posting style, if it bothers you that I post a lot, if it irks you that I spend a lot of time here, if it galls you that my USNA experience is 15 years old and not getting any younger, if my sense of humor grates across your soul, or if you think it is grossly unjust that I am here at all, then I have one word to say to you: TOUGH! I'm not going to remain silent on things that matter to the USNA because the USNA matters a lot to ME. Either add me to your ignore list or don't read what I post. Either way, at least be an adult about it.</p>
<p>As it has been repeatedly mentioned (You'd think it was part of Reef Points or something), I've been here about 9 months. In that time, I believe I have started ONE thread that could be construed as political. ONE. Meanwhile, others have bombarded the place with article after article about how bad the war is going or how illegal it is, but then acted shocked when called on it. I will ALWAYS respond to tripe when I see it, because I will not stand by and have the military in general or the Academy in particular smeared. If you state your opinion, be prepared to hear mine. I just won't fall into the trap I fell into before by taking it personally (That's what the ban was for, by the way, NOT telling someone "Get a spine, sweetheart!", despite the claim).</p>
<p>This incident has, however, had a silver lining. I am flattered and humbled beyond words at the support, kind remarks, and efforts of so many. I received dozens of PM's, most from known members but quite a few from folks I'd never heard of, telling me to hang in there while they stormed the mods. One group actually had an organized effort going on. I had resolved never to post here again until I saw the responses. I was left feeling s if I had let you all down, and when they told me the Mods were waiting to hear from me, I rather sheepishly obliged. You each have my deepest gratitude, and a solemn pledge: I will remain here until my usefullness is ended, and I will not let you down again. You've made it all worth while. Thanks.</p>
<p>For all the new folks who have read through this thing, please know this: I love the Academy, and it gives me a charge to help kids navigate the rough waters through application and then onward to graduation. I may not be up on the particulars of application packages, LOA's or DODMERB, but I know what I know. I am here to help in any way I can. Others here can vouch for me because they've met me personally and know I'm not some ogre under a bridge somewhere. Don't let some of the nastiness (yes, some from me) you may read in some other threads here turn you off to this place. You'd be amazed at the good stuff you'll find here, as well as the alternative forum, which I won't mention here for other reasons.</p>
<p>So, with all that being said, I'll (finally) shut up. I advise those who may wish to take the opportunity to start another tiff that I will not engage you in this thread. This was to explain a few things, offer an apology for letting some folks down, offer some clarity to the new folks, and to issue a mild warning to the rest. If you're still seething over something, go have a drink because I'm done with the entire episode.</p>
<p>Good night, God bless, and Beat Army.</p>
<p>-Z</p>