Let me preface this by saying this is nothing personal to you, the B&R readers. In some ways you’ve been more loyal than my real family.
It takes a lot of time to maintain what I consider an obligation to share insights on the events of the day. This I do without any ulterior motives of gaining some kind of fame and fortune. Whether it be to the people who come here daily or members of a party or the citizens of a statewide district, I’ve always tried to be giving of myself while not expecting anything in return.
Professionally, this has been one the most humiliating month of my life and I have to reassess whether this is something I even want to continue doing. I’m not the type that goes through the motions and you’d be the first to correctly call me on it if I were to do so.
Thus this this the perfect time to step back, look at who I am, decide if I even like this person, and whether it’s in my best interest to do so much for others and seemingly get so little back in return.
This is beyond simply needing some time to recharge.
We’ll see what Monday brings.
bp
Bob, we’ll miss you if you step away from this but you know what’s best for yourself. Have a peaceful and uneventful weekend.
Bob, I have wondered for a number of years how you did it all — both a full-time job and doing this gift of love you present to us each and every day. I am actually pleased you are going to be taking the time to re-evaluate. I will remember you in my prayers (it feels so good that this is one place I can say that and not be ripped into) as you have given so much of yourself for my education and enjoyment. On the selfish side, how will I now begin my day without B&R to jump-start it for me.?
I’m in complete agreement with Palmetto on this one, Bob!
My heart is sinking with just the thought of you going away after so many years of knowing you.
But do what you have to do and know that you will always be in my prayers!
Bob,
Do what you need to do.
Take care.
Good luck in your soul-searching, Bob; but, I will be selfish and say that I hope you come back to us. You’re one of the first individuals I go to for opinion and insight. Not that I’m bestowing sainthood upon you, but it is voices such as yours that make me think of what is said about prophets: they afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted.
Being a very “white bread”, middle-aged woman who has taught in public schools for over 25 years, I need your perspective and those of other Black conservatives when I am inundated with the PC crappola that is rampant in my profession — it’s tough living and working among White liberals who believe they know what is good for all. Your voice is like a safe harbor in a storm of insanity.
Peace to you, Mr. Parks!
Bob -
Take all the time you need. We will still be here when you get back.
Be well.
That pretty much sums it up for me too.
Bob, you gots to do what you gots to do! You and your readers have been one strong source for me in this f*cked up world and for that I thank you so much! Best wishes Bob!
Yep, sometimes it all seems uphill. This is especially true if you are one of those who stand out. Do what you need to do. In my mind your site will always be “Parks and Recreation”.
To Bob,
Take care and for selfish reasons, I want you back. But only if you want to be here.
To the rest of the group,
What was humiliating (if it wasn’t personal)? I know of Bob having to send audition tapes to FOX, but was there more public issues I might have missed?
Bob, I am not religious, but the one source of advice is in Ecclesiastes:
“I have found something more bitter than death -women.”
“Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.”
“A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil.”
500 miles from you, here at my house in the mountains, there is 16″ of fresh snow on the ground and the sun is shining and I’m putting on my snowshoes and climbing to a mountain by my home. Were you here, I would ask you to join me in the clear fresh air and the hard work in the fresh snow and then enjoy some bottles of wine and a great dinner later. That is what I’ll take as the toil and satisfaction of my life, today. Carpe diem.
Whatever you do, Bob, you have lots of real friends here. Friends who respect you, your work and your opinions, and who will want to stay in touch with you in the future. From time to time at least.
If I ever take to wandering again, I fully intend to drop in on you some time. We can swap sea stories.
Richard White
Austin, Texas
What can I say that hasn’t already been said? Nothing, really – everybody here is rooting for you, whether you decide to stick around and give us more insight, or whether you decide to bag it for a while. You’ll be back, even if we have to “nail your fins to de floor”…
You and Cory stay sane, whatever it takes. We’re rootin’ for ya, pardner! Have a good weekend and know that you ARE, indeed, in our prayers.
Self-preservation is the first rule of nature. If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of anyone else. Take as much time as you need Bob – a complete overhaul if needed – sleep ’til noon, have some cookies & milk, go to the gym, go for a run/bike ride, get a massage, do whatever it takes. I hope you return newer, improved-er (is that a word?), and better than ever. If it seems like you’re getting so little in return, I know this isn’t much, but I nonetheless offer my deepest, heartfelt thanks for keeping us apprised of the events of the day, and sharing your insight thereon.
It does sometimes seem as if conservatives are lone voices in the wilderness, but I always try to remember that’s what the lamestream media wants us to believe, but it’s not true. Conservatives must stay the course and stop the liberals’ persistent attempts to infringe on our rights and property.
“Illegitimus non Carborundum!”
Sometimes it seems the worst enemies we have are the people who claim to be on our side Bob. You know that from your years up here with the RiNO-laden MassGOP.
As an old sailor – you know you’ve gotta chip rust and repaint on a damn-near daily basis.
Sometimes it helps to shoot something . . . .
In the end the only ‘humiliation’ will be what you feel as a really old man – if you let these bastards win now.
Besides, if you quit, where will I get good material to ‘borrow’?
/s/ Iron Mike
Bob, consider this an enormous cyber hug.
When you have a bandage on your head or a cast on your leg, people immediately know you’ve been injured and need a little extra care. A shattered soul doesn’t present these handy visual cues. Thanks for trusting us with the knowledge that you’re suffering right now and know that we’re all thinking of you and praying for you.
I’ve been visiting Black and Right for over three years, and the time spent here has made a difference in my life. I will always be grateful for that.
I wish you courage and strength. Keep in touch.
Bob,
Yours is the first site I go to every day.
You need to do what you need to do for your sanity and that of your loved ones. But please know that you are a valuable and insightful blogger, and a great voice for the right. I often quote you and have talked up your site often over the years.
Best Regards,
Kevin
Bob,
Your impact on my knowledge and view of this world has been profound. For this, my gratitude will be without end, I’m sure.
I do not, in any way relish the thought of not having B&R for your reliable aggregation of information as part of my decision making.
All of this to say, that like some have noted above, I have often wondered how you keep this pace up. I wish you and yours well in taking the time you need, even if that means a permanent departure from this forum you so ably and effectively provide for us.
Bob, even if you no longer produce B&R, your influence on me has taken root (Thank the lord…), and I will continue to search for real information without such nasty leftist bias, and continue to make up my own mind.
Lastly, I obviously don’t know of the specific troubles you are currently experiencing, but I can say in my own life, successes and failures, triumphs and ignominies have been but temporary, and I have done myself many disservices for not quickly recognizing this as fact. My subsequent choices have had the power to make things better or worse.
Come back to us when and if you can, and Godspeed,
GM
Bob, There is not much more to add to what has already been shared … your blog is also my first pitstop in the day when I log on to my reader feed, or when I see sh*t hitting the fan in the news world, I come here to get your take on what is really going on … your insight, commentary and eyes wide open view is something that I find myself saying “yep, I agree with that” … then off I go to share your wise words and thoughts with like minded friends and those who need to open their minds to what is really going on …
Take the time you need, but know that there are many here who will miss you if you decide to follow a different path … I think it is truly a gift to be able to bring so many together with the words and video you share, and I am so glad I found your site however many years ago … I do hope to be visiting it for a long time to come …
Bob,
We’ll support whatever decision you come to. You have to do what’s best for you.
Bob, have you been offered the job of being Obama’s “Body Man” since the incumbent resigned last week? Or maybe you are considering throwing your hat in the GOP ring as the only true conservative?
As I mentioned privately, our thoughts are with you. Just trying to make you laugh. Steve
Bob
I heard an old preacher say one time to a group of pastors-to-be: The people that will hurt you the most are other Christians. I believe that’s true. If a random stranger comes up to you and calls you a rude name, it means nothing. If your loved one says the same thing, it’s very hurtful. BUT…this, too, shall pass.
I wish to thank you for this site and your fighting for what’s right. Take care, be safe, and hopefully you will feel like coming back soon.
Best wishes always
Steff
As has often been stated, there’s not much left to be said than what has been mentioned here.
Bob, if you decide you need to step back and take a breath, or whatever…please know that you’ll be missed. Your Blog is a bright point in the day of many…certainly not limited to myself. But I completely understand if you need to reel it in for a while or (…selfishly, I admit, because I don’t want to see you go, either…I really like it here) permanently, you’ll always be a factor in the lives you have touched.
I’m fortunate to have been part of what there is to see here, and it’s given me tremendous insight (and resources) to use in dealing with certain ideologies on the Left side of the spectrum. You’ve touched lives.
Whatever you decide, like so many have said (and with which I wholeheartedly agree), you’ll be included in our prayers. Recover quickly.
((((((((((((((((((((((((Bob Parks)))))))))))))))))))))))))))) < –”Chat huggs”!) (Oh, that was so girly!)
Keep your stick on the ice…we’re rootin’ for ya.
Much respect!
Bob, I’m not going to pry, but it’s been a tough 3 years to be black and conservative. I don’t blame you for stepping back, but for purely selfish reasons I’ll miss not reading you every day.
Stay well. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Son, go have a good rest. You deserve it but I will miss you. Like most of your fans here this is the first place I come to in the morning. A hot cup of tea or coffee with Black and Right on the computer. I have learned a lot, Bob, thanks to you my eyes are more open and my thoughts more discerning.
May you be blessed with a good understanding woman, supportive friends and the respect of your peers.
Bob, although I have not been commenting I continue to come by your blog frequently. It is a good one and offers a needed perspective in my opinion. Whatever you decide, I certainly wish you the best and trust you find the right course.
Keep the faith!
Oh damn! You do what you need to do for you and Cory. Like everyone else said…we’ll be here.
Bob,
I was floored when I read this post this morning, I had not a clue. Even your bitchin’ about an entry-level twenty something Fox producer wanting to see your bona-fides couldn’t explain this. If it happens again, just send them a link from the Limbaugh clip.
I knew when I first stumbled upon your blog that you were real people, good people. And your hundreds of stand-up video commentaries are without equal, before or since. Here’s a guy who tells it like it is, as they used to say in the 60′s, “tell it all, brother!” And tell it all you proceeded to do, lovingly, without expectations of fame or fortune, even though you deserve both.
Shoot from the hip, without spin or pretension. Bob Parks is an open book, we need more like you Bob.
I pray that everything will work out for the best, and *if* one door closes, another will soon open. You just can’t keep a good man down!
All the best from Karolyn and me, Bob. If there is ever anything we can do, note me at FB. My contact info there is correct too.
Bob, enjoy reading your blog in the morning, but I do realize it is alot of work outside of your job, so I do understand if you need to back off for awhile or shutdown. You gotta take care of yourself first.
Bob, you’ll always be on my favorites list. I wish you the very best, because you deserve it.
A couple of years ago I asked if you were a pretender. Since that time you have revealed and confirmed your principles time and again. The individual of integrity recognizes that there is no instant gratification. There is only the perpetual effort to promote positive behaviors toward ourselves and others. It is not easy to accept the limitations our world imposes on us; and it is not easy to describe, let alone establish an optimal compromise between individuals who do not always share the same dream. However, until we know otherwise, it is a worthy goal and I appreciate your effort to encourage others to follow your path.
In the meantime, your life will continue, and you must prepare for and enjoy what remains. If you decide to sign of “black-and-right.com”, it will be a loss for all in your virtual community. However, there is another world, and there you cannot be negligent of your family, friends, and acquaintances. It is in that world that you must focus your attention and do your best to improve the immediate surroundings. Remember and respect your circle of friends and that positive development will spread and grow.
Thank you for sharing your insight and part of your life. It is people like yourself that inspire confidence we will eventually discover a mutually acceptable compromise to accommodate all people in this world. Remember, patience is a virtue.
Good luck!
If I don’t hear from you before the end of the year, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Take care, and God bless.
Thank you for the time you have given us and inspiring us with your courage to stand before the beast (liberalism). You and the regular posters here will be sorely missed. My day will have a hole in it. There are not many I call friend but you I would like to call friend. You and yours are in our prayers, Peace be with you. GOD bless.
It’s obvious you haven’t been reaching for the popcorn lately. I’ll be selfish and say I want you come back to us recharged with the humor of a couple years ago. All the best in whatever you do Bob.
Bob,
Much encouragement has already been shared, so I’ll just say, “ditto” to all that.
I, as many have said, turn to B&R as one of my daily items to see what’s up. Your consistency and stamina have amazed me! That said, there is only so much energy one has to accomplish all that faces us in a day. I encourage you to do what your heart leads to, and what your well-being requires of you. If that is to button up B&R, I’ll miss it, but you’re worth whatever it takes!
As much as you and the work you’ve put into this, I appreciate the community that has gathered around you and this site. The insight, thoughts, and humor are also what I come for. Bob, you have gathered a group of people who, while like minded in many ways, have arrived through an amazingly diverse set of paths. You are known by the company you keep; Bob, you got some awesome peeps!
Corey, take care of your dad! He’s one helluva guy, as much as I can know, seeing through this small window of a web site.
Best wishes to you, Bob, whatever path you choose from here,
Peter
Damn! Ditto what everyone else said. Take care of yourself and we will be here if you decide to come back.
Bob,
Thanks for all you’ve done – and the laughs.
God Bless.
Mike Ryan
I don’t often post, but I always check here first before I do anything else on the web.
Can’t think of anything to say that hasn’t already been said… I will sorely miss you and will be checking for your return. I’ve learned so much from you over the past few years!
You have been doing a great job – It is all about balance, and if this needs to pay look into PM (Pajamas Media) they work for profit doing the same thing.
Good Luck to you and yours – S*IT happens so take a break, we can check back from time to time to see if anything happens, you should have our emails.
Merry Christmas!
Jason
All I can say is that I’m glad I found your site Bob.
It’s been a refuge for conservative blacks like myself for years. Hopefully, you’ll recharge the ‘ol batteries and have that fire back in the belly soon!!
Say it ain’t so Bob!!!!! You are a beacon of strength, a welcomed and beloved voice in the chaos, and what I hope I can call, a friend and fellow mind in conservatism.
I also agree with all of the kind words, profound statements and sage advice aforementioned. It’s you who must make this decision. Truly I cannot imagine what has occurred to sour you so, but I would be willing to stand defiantly beside you to defend your pride!
Take the time now to process your needs, desires and your focus. And if you find in the end you are no longer interested in your role here, surely it is your prerogative and we will have to sacrifice an intelligent witty and informative blog to the stress of the times! And perhaps we will all stay in touch with you individually!
Wishing you all the best, and hoping for a rejuvenated Bob to return with the spark and fire of before! Take care my friend!
Hey Bob,
I’m just a lurker but you are the first site I go to every morning and evening. I love your perspective on events and you are someone I respect. God bless you and remember when he closes one door he opens another. Take care and trust your gut instinct. I’ll be praying for you.
Hey Bob, if you’re still reading, I just thought this link might warm the cockles of your heart.
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2011/11/report-ep-barney-frank-will-not-seek-re-election/1
One less weasel. Did you see Rush and his comments yesterday? Talk about a target-rich environment, Rush was blasting away with everything he could get! Hilarious…
I still think Bawney Fwank needs to leave the Capitol in chains. His “retirement” should be to the hoosegow. Who’s gonna replace him in his committee? Maxine Waters. Yikes!
Bob,
Everyone has ups and downs in their lives. Take solace in the fact that you are fighting the good fight AND doing it on your own terms! Your values are something that even the government can’t take away from you. Take care and kick ass when you finish sharpening the blade.
You ROCK bro!
Hi Bob –
That’s also my real first name, by the way. I also live in Mass. I’m only an occasional visitor here, and an infrequent poster (I think my last post was the “contest” for the best caption to Dear Leader reading schoolkids The Book of Himself; I submitted, literally, a dictionary definition for “Vanity”: as in, “Look it up in the dictionary, that’s his picture there.”) Sorry, sidetracking. Anyway, I don’t visit frequently, but when I do, I catch up on everything that has gone up since my previous.
Believe me, I appreciate every word you write, and every bit of effort you put into this site. If you go, the world will be a poorer place. I can’t offer any more than the dozens above already have; I haven’t (yet) looked through all the comments, but if no-one yet has offered “When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” allow me to do so.
Whatever else, keep the faith:politically and otherwise. Be strong, be wise. You have been before, be so always.
Bob M
New Bedford
I have been offline for about a week–partly for celebrating the holidays, but mainly for house repairs (slab leak). Boy, nothing screams “happy holidays” like ripping up carpets and baseboards.
So, I came here to catch up on what’s been happening. Like so many others, B&R has been part of my usual morning routine for the past few years. I was surprised, to say the least, by this post, but I must admit I have mixed emotions.
As much as I enjoy your daily insights, I think I would feel better about the world knowing you are enjoying your life than I would if I felt you saw this site as another obligation in a long list of things you have to do. There is absolutely nothing wrong with expecting something in return for what you are doing. Okay, you might not be doing if for fame and fortune, but I am sure you would like to feel like you are making an impact. And if you feel you could make more of a difference doing something else, then that’s what you need to do.
As for me, I am taking this as another sign that I need to back off the News. I am soulsick from what I read about where our country is headed–and there is nothing I can do about it. I can’t even watch the GOP primary process anymore. I can’t fix it and chances are, that just like 2008, the nominee will be picked before I get a chance to vote. I have more important things to take care of.
So, thank you, Bob. Thank you for your years of service to our country in the military and for your service on this site. And thank you for being an example on focusing on the important things and the things we can actually change. No more screaming into the wind for me. I am going to take care of my family, my poor broken house, and I am going to occupy Christmas and not let the turkeys get me down.
Merry Christmas, Bob, and all of my fellow B&R posters!
Thank you Mr Parks.
You are someone who I think of as personifying Truth, Justice, and The American Way. I have come to greatly admire you these last few years that I’ve been following your blog. You are a great man and a great conservative and your opinion matters to me.
I’m so sorry you’re hurting. I’m sorry you feel humiliated. I would gladly give a piece of my mind to whoever made you feel that way, and I suspect I’m not alone in that feeling.
I’ve missed you very much this week. If you decide to stop blogging, I will continue to miss you. But I will also continue to be grateful for the inspiration and knowledge you’ve brought through your blog. You’ve been a great resource and I am thankful for that.
Peace and God’s blessing on you.
I miss you, Bob! I can’t add any more than all your other fans have said. Praying for the very best for you, Bob!
Many blessings,
a Young & White, conservative Bob Parks fan
Well said, eNeecie. I couldn’t have said it better myself. I’ve enjoyed your posts over these past few years.
greatletterer, I’m glad to see that there are some young-uns out there! You are the future, I hope that someday you can take the reins to take the message to your peers!
~ Rich ~
Good day Mr. P. I echo ALL the sentiments expressed here. Take any time required to recharge and renew. Fortunately, I have the good fortune to work about ten feet away from you so, if there is anything I can do to help – don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll be there!
The Courtyard Conservative,
Q
Bob, I have never left a comment on a political blog. I scan them often and shake my head. However I had to
leave you a comment. As a conservative, tea party, Nazi racist pig (according
to my liberal accusers) I would like to thank you for your time. Black and
Right is a bastion of peace and knowledge in a confused and misinformed world. I
truly enjoy your site and visit as often as I can.
Welcome back. Stay safe, healthy,
strong and god bless you sir.