FREEDOM

This word has a different meaning to all of us, while it is easy to understand our own interpretation...it is often difficult to understand another persons definition. But this should be expected of such a powerful word, the very idea of true FREEDOM lends itself to what we have been experiencing here on the Strike Point. We all want the personal FREEDOM to live our lives as we see fit, and that includes the FREEDOM of speech. Personally, I have always believed that FREEDOM is the very core of the American way. I also believe that an individuals personal FREEDOM ends at exactly the point where another individuals FREEDOM begins. FREEDOM does not, in my opinion, give anyone the right to bash others or for one individual to DEFINE another persons idea of what FREEDOM is to them. I hope we can all agree that EVERYONE has the FREEDOM to express their opinions, and each person receiving that opinion has the FREEDOM to agree...or disagree with an expressed opinion. If we stifle an individuals ability or desire to express their honest opinion, we all lose. While I have read many recent posts on the Strike Point that I agree with, I have also found many that I whole-heartedly disagree with. BUT, what I do appreciate is that people are speaking their minds...this is America at its finest.

It may seem like FREEDOM is a double-edged sword, and it is in a way...but the alternative can be devastating. The advantages out-weigh the dis-advantages by a huge margin. There is a positive even within the negative: we get some insight about others when they are FREE to speak their minds, we begin to formulate opinions of people that we have never even met...some more positive than others. I for one, feel like I know many of you through what I have read...and each year as I meet more and more of you at the conventions and shows, I realize that you are all very much like how I had envisioned. The internet is a very powerful tool, and yes...some have used it as a weapon. But when I look at it as a whole, it is a great thing. It's all about information, and when it comes to information...the more the better. Even in the negative posts, we all learn something about the writers of these messages.

While we are all individuals, but as collectors, we do share a common passion. And we certainly express our feelings on the Strike Point...and sometimes with a great deal of passion. Personally, I simply love the format of Greg's BB's...it allows a certain FREEDOM to our community, and it allows people to express their individuality....even to the point of going over-board. On one side, we have those that shoot directly from the hip, clearly speaking their minds without even a hint of hesitance. Then we have others that want to dictate their personal beliefs to others...we also have those that prefer to read rather than post, (as evidenced by the huge amount of "hits" that nearly all the posts receive)....and we even have those that have expressed that they are still neutral.

What we have here is a real community, and even those that want to dictate how others should or should not act...are able to do so because of one simple idea.....FREEDOM. I respect that FREEDOM, and I respect all those that have used it responsibly. No, I don't like seeing all the name-calling and arrogance...but just like a puppy on a long chain, we get to see how far they will go. And we have the right to perceive a persons character by what they show us of themselves. Those that present themselves in a respectable manner will be respected, those that do not...will not receive that same level of respect. Of course, we each have the FREEDOM to respect the values we choose.

I truly hope that FREEDOM is allowed to live on the Strike Point as well as on the Chip Board...the hobby needs it, and as Americans...we deserve to have it. I commend Greg Susong for having the insight and courage needed to keep this forum FREE...thank you Greg...and thanks to everyone simply for being yourselves. Like it or not, we are all in this boat we call life TOGETHER...but thankfully, we are in the ship called AMERICA!

Respectfully,

Dan Mills

Chip Collector

Silver Strike Collector

AMERICAN