December 22, 2006


SA: The curtain closes

Filed under: Blogosphere, Personal, SA Site Stuff
By Steve Dillard (Email) @ 7:47 pm

I realize that this will come as a shock to SA readers, but for professional and personal reasons I have decided it is time for Southern Appeal to call it quits. In doing so, I cannot even begin to express how much I appreciate the contributions of my co-bloggers and many loyal readers/commenters over the past four years. I have learned so much from each of you, and you have all enriched my life in incalculable ways. Thank you so much for everything.

When I started SA, I never dreamed it would amount to anything. It was just a means for me to vent about political matters during the two years I lived the monastic life of a federal appellate law clerk.  But with my extensive commentary/coverage on Judge William H. Pryor Jr.’s nomination to the Eleventh Circuit, SA’s traffic went up dramatically (thanks in large part to Howard Bashman and NRO), and things have never been the same since then. Indeed, SA’s popularity provided me with a special gift: a soapbox to air my views on issues I care about deeply (e.g., abortion, Darfur). I have not always been the most eloquent or able spokesman, and I have often let my passion/temper get the best of me. But our readers have been gracious in forgiving me for my many shortcomings, and I can only hope and pray that I have done more good than harm over the years.  To those who I have offended, or been less than charitable with in my posts, please forgive me.  I am a work-in-progress; and I pray daily that God with shape me into the person I need to be.

There is much more that I could and probably should say, but right now I just don’t have the words. I know this all “sounds” a little too melodramatic, but as I write this post I am coming to terms with just how much of me is wrapped up in this blog (perhaps too much methinks). In any event, it has been a great run. Thanks for the memories, folks. And God Bless.

Oh, and please have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Administrative note: SA will stay up on the web for the foreseeable future. If there is a kind soul who would be willing to offer free webhosting, so that SA’s archives can remain on the web for an extended period of time, please contact me via email. Also, I will update this post in the near future with a list of my co-bloggers’ other blogging homes, so that you can continue to enjoy their respective talents.

Update: Thank you all for the gracious comments. As promised, here is a list of my co-bloggers’ other blogging quarters and/or websites. I have also established a personal blog that will not contain any commentary, but will instead merely make note of my speaking engagements, radio/television appearances, publications, and the like. I won’t be posting at this blog on a regular basis, so it is probably best to simply subscribe to the feed if you’re interested in getting updates.

Steve Dillard: Steve Dillard

Professor Mike DeBow: Links, Point of Law, Division of Labour

Quin Hillyer: AmSpec Blog

William Watkins: South Carolina Appellate Law Blog 

Patrick Carver: Southron Views

Nathan Hallford: Confirm Them

Major Joel Leggett: Grim’s Hall

Proximo: Dallas Sidebar

Portia: De Novo

Zach Brissett: In Toon With the World

Hunter Baker: AmSpec Blog

Professor Francis Beckwith: FrancisBeckwith.com and Right Reason

Jim Dunn: Do What Now?

Update II: Muchas gracias to Joshua LeBlanc of CyberCatholics for agreeing to host SA’s archives free o’ charge. If you have any webhosting needs, please consider using CyberCatholics.


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104 Rebel Yells to “SA: The curtain closes”

  1. TP Says:
    December 22nd, 2006 at 7:57 pm

    Wow. Best in everything, Steve. Thanks for the forum.

  2. Grover Gardner Says:
    December 22nd, 2006 at 8:03 pm

    I thought your plain-spoken, “country-lawyer” style was refreshing. Now I’ll have to look for someplace else to pick a fight. Best wishes to the wife and kids, too.

  3. Verity Says:
    December 22nd, 2006 at 8:04 pm

    Steve,

    It was an honor to be a small part of Southern Appeal. I wish you the best.

  4. Hunter Baker Says:
    December 22nd, 2006 at 8:23 pm

    Steve, I’ve been honored to be one of your cast members on Southern Appeal. Like Sid Vicious and The Sex Pistols, I was a fan before I joined the rhythm section. It’s too bad we have to wrap up here, but we can’t go on without you. A little chapter in blog history ends here.

  5. Ramesh Ponnuru Says:
    December 22nd, 2006 at 8:24 pm

    Sorry to hear it. Best of luck in all your future endeavors–which I’d bet will include blogging again, some day.

  6. ken Says:
    December 22nd, 2006 at 8:27 pm

    Steve,

    Yours was one of the first blogs I read and I have checked it at least once daily for years now. Southern Appeal has always been a high quality site and it saddens me to think that the web has lost another quality blog. You insite will be missed.

    Ken Lammers

  7. ken Says:
    December 22nd, 2006 at 8:28 pm

    ummm . . . that should be insight. Spellcheckers have runed me. :-)

  8. Hunter Baker Says:
    December 22nd, 2006 at 8:36 pm

    I posted a little ending announcement for Southern Appeal at American Spectator. Just paste this link:
    http://www.spectator.org/blogger.asp?BlogID=4904

  9. Joe Knippenberg Says:
    December 22nd, 2006 at 9:24 pm

    I’ll very much miss my daily visits to the site, and cherish the friendships, virtual and real, that have developed as a result.

  10. quin hillyer Says:
    December 22nd, 2006 at 9:33 pm

    Feddie, you have done a great service to the cause of conservative jurisprudence, and I was honored to be included in your blogging cast. Godspeed, my friend. And thank you.

  11. Bob Says:
    December 22nd, 2006 at 9:42 pm

    Steve:

    The best of everything. I never understood how a person with a job could do a substantial amount of blogging. I don’t blame you at all for concentrating on other things.

    Bob Park
    Bettendorf, Iowa

  12. TMM Says:
    December 22nd, 2006 at 10:00 pm

    Sometimes when you trim the tree, you get better fruit. I bet that’ll be just the case with you and your decision to stop blogging. We haven’t heard the last from you Mister!

  13. paul zummo Says:
    December 22nd, 2006 at 10:12 pm

    Steve:

    This is a bit of a shock, but I wanted to thank you for everything. This was the first blog I ever really read and the first I ever blogged on. It’s been a consistent read for almost three years.

    Good luck with your legal and - especially - your private life. I’m sure I’ll see you ’round the blogosphere.

    -paul

  14. Christopher Says:
    December 22nd, 2006 at 10:27 pm

    Yes, thanks for the always interesting and stimulating forum!

  15. Cory Andrews Says:
    December 22nd, 2006 at 10:28 pm

    Steve,

    Godspeed. I hope to see more of your work in the future. Thanks for the trenchant analysis and unique forum.

  16. Pejar Says:
    December 22nd, 2006 at 10:32 pm

    As someone who has personally disagreed with you on the vast majority of issues (with some notable exceptions) I have to say that I have nevertheless appreciated the insight into an intelligent and principled member of the other side of the culture wars. Good luck in whatever you do.

  17. sfclerk Says:
    December 22nd, 2006 at 10:35 pm

    i echo pejar

  18. Jay Says:
    December 22nd, 2006 at 10:43 pm

    I thought this was a joke at first, but sadly I guess it’s true. We all know, of course, the real reason behind it–President Bush has made it clear to Steve that he’s first in line for the vacancy to be created when Justice Stevens retires this summer.
    Godspeed.

  19. Christian Says:
    December 22nd, 2006 at 10:48 pm

    Steve,
    To be honest, I have no idea about your site, or your point of view. Given the name of your site, I must have my questions, even though I was raised in MS. But, Ed (whose comments I don’t always agree with, but with whose logic I normally must) says you are worthy of a farewell.

    So, here is your farewell. You must have been willing to at least argue your points with logic, and not to descend too far into what you were brought up to believe. Remember, it isn’t so much what you are brought up to believe in as much as how you understand how you were brought up to believe in that manner.

    My farewell is fond, even if our beliefs might have crossed swords, and I wish you and your family peace.

    Christian

  20. Rob Says:
    December 22nd, 2006 at 10:59 pm

    Steve -

    This site and The Corner more or less introduced me to the blogging world and I’m grateful for that. It was superb while it lasted. Many thanks to you and all the bloggers on the site for their time and insight.

    Oh, and Go Irish!

  21. In Rem Says:
    December 22nd, 2006 at 11:05 pm

    It has been an honor. Posting at Southern Appeal was one of my few creative outlets during law school. SA may fade into the virtual night, but it will *always* be an especially fond memory of my law school days. Once I felt the crush of the real world in a country law practice, the blogging dried up, but I remained a fan.

    I will keep my eye on the reporters, Steve. I expect to see you as (prevailing) counsel on many an appeal out of our 11th.

    All the best to you and yours, and thanks.

    Joel Foreman

  22. william james Says:
    December 22nd, 2006 at 11:17 pm

    May the road rise up to greet you
    May the wind be forever at your back
    May the good Lord keep you in the hollow of his hands

    Till we meet again…

  23. Lance Says:
    December 22nd, 2006 at 11:23 pm

    Steve,

    It saddens me that you will no longer be posting. On the other hand, it’s one less blog that I will have the irresistable impulse to check everyday. Thank you for all of the thoughtful commentary. Best wishes.

    Lance

  24. JohnInMontgomery Says:
    December 22nd, 2006 at 11:28 pm

    This makes me sad, but thank you, Steve for excellence in blogging. I’ve really enjoyed the insightful commentary by you and all of the posters here. I’ll think of you whenever I see Notre Dame take the field.

    A very Merry Christmas to you, sir!

  25. Mr. Poon Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 1:30 am

    What a long, strange trip it’s been.

    Much love to you, Steve… SA has been a fantastic site from the start.

    Oh, and, Merry Christmas!

  26. Skelly Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 1:49 am

    You’ve fought a good fight. I haven’t needed to agree with you 100% to respect the heck out of what you’ve accomplished with SA. Merry Christmas and best regards.

  27. Tigger23505 Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 1:57 am

    Feddie,
    Fair winds and following seas.

    Best of luck and God’s bountiful blessings on you and yours, as you move on to other endeavors.

    You, the guys at power line and the folks at Groklaw have given me a much better understanding of both the law and lawyers. Suppose I should include all my lawyer friends at my American Legion post.

    Tigger

  28. Mr_C Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 4:54 am

    Wow. This site introduced me to the blogosphere around the time of the Roberts nomination. I subscribed to First Things and read Crunchy Cons after seeing them referenced here. I’ve told every Catholic I know to back Brownback in ‘08 because of Southern Appeal. Jimmy Akin gained a reader in me through a hat tip here. Thanks, Mr. Dillard. It’s been an awesome forum to follow.

  29. Donald R.McClarey Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 7:06 am

    Sorry to see Southern Appeal go, but I quite understand how professional and personal committments must take priority over blogging, as enjoyable an activity as it is. Best of luck!

  30. Hunter Baker Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 9:31 am

    Ya’ll be sure to hit my old hangout The Reform Club. They run a site designed to elicit discussion a lot like SA has. You’ll find willing debate participants there. http://www.reformclub.blogspot.com

    I still read it regularly to this day though I’m no longer writing posts.

  31. William Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 10:22 am

    Steve,

    Thanks for putting up with me for the last couple of years. You have a run a big tent blog over here and never once censored or censured me, despite our disagreements on such things as the Iraq War and Dubya’s administration (or is it maladministration?).

    You have shown yourself to be a man of principle in your defense of the South and our mutual heroes such as Robert E. Lee and St. George Tucker. It probably would have benefitted you politically in the long run to distance yourself from these Southern icons inasmuch as the PC crowd in power takes a dim view of anything Southern. Nonetheless, you stood your ground and fought the good fight.

    I am proud to call you a friend and hope we keep in touch.

    William

  32. Joseph W. Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 10:32 am

    Farewell, Steve, though I hope not forever. SA has been a delight, and I have enjoyed some excellent discussions with intelligent, civilized people here.

    If you’re keeping the site up, I suggest closing all comments so the spambots won’t come in and tarnish it (as they have with some old posts). Also, you ought to take up a list of addresses - people who want a message if you draw the sword again.

  33. Michael Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 10:56 am

    Whoa! So I’ve been away in my grading cave for a couple of weeks and I come out and THIS has happened. What the hey?

    But seriously, folks, it has been an honor and a pleasure to be a part of the SA team. My thanks to Steve for the invitation to join as his first co-blogger way back in ‘03.

    To Steve and all the rest, hail and farewell! Oh, and be sure to let me know the next time you’re headed toward B’ham!

    Merry Christmas,
    Mike

  34. Mark Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 11:27 am

    Wow, I just got the email. It saddens me to see you go. I truly enjoyed reading (and for a while, blogging on) Southern Appeal. I suppose Brownback has asked you to join his campaign team… :) Best of luck to you, I’m sure you will accomplish all you wish.

    Best regards,

    Mark Trapp

  35. Mike Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 11:39 am

    It was a great run! Thanks for enlightening us for all these years, Steve. Good luck and Godspeed.

  36. Mark Jakubik Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 11:42 am

    Got the email last night, and was shocked and saddened. Nonetheless, I reswpect your decision how difficult it must have been. I will miss my daily visits to SA. Best wishes, Steve.

  37. Fortinbras Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 12:34 pm

    I’ve enjoyed the blog, Steve. Good luck.

  38. Patrick Carver Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 12:43 pm

    I’ve really enjoyed my time at SA. Thanks to Steve for inviting me on. Since I’m a programmer, it’s been especially fun for me learning the ins and outs of WordPress.

  39. Joel Leggett Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 1:37 pm

    Steve,

    I am very sorry to hear this. I have enjoyed reading SA since the first time I came across the site. I can’t tell you how honored I felt when you invited me to blog at SA. Reading and blogging at SA has been a very enriching experience for me. I am fully aware that any meager contribution I made to the site was overwhelmed by the wisdom and information I gained from reading posts like yours, William’s, and all the others. Furthermore, the loss of SA will be one less pleasure I will get to enjoy here in Iraq. Nevertheless, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support you have given me and my fellow service men and women. I have brought SA to the attention of several other Marines and they have really enjoyed your site.

    God has given you many talents that I am sure you will use to great affect in your other endeavors. I wish you nothing but success and happiness in all you do.

    Joel

    P.S. I hate ND a little less because of you. :)

  40. Proximo Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 2:15 pm

    Many thanks to Steve and Prof. DeBow for inviting me into the SA family. It was great fun to have a 2nd blogging home.

    Steve, I have a hunch that you’ll return to the blogosphere….in some form.

    Peace and Merry Christmas to all!

  41. Andrew Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 2:44 pm

    Come to think of it, Steve has created reasonable expectations, and a substantial reliance interest that may be legally enforceable. Specific performance should not be ruled out as the most appropriate form of injunctive relief. :-)

  42. Justin Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 3:02 pm

    Steve,

    It was an absolute honor and pleasure to be a part of Southern Appeal for the past two years. I am humbled that you allowed me to play a small part. ALl the best to you and your family. Continued successs in the years to come. If and when you are back at Cumberland, give me a shout.

    God Bless!

    Justin

  43. Portia Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 5:27 pm

    Over two years ago now, Legal fiction became the first blog I read regularly. Following a link here, I found your posts stimulating and incisive. It became a daily must-read, even when travelling. Your voice (and Southern Appeal, despite being a group, is your voice) has added depth and, more importantly, respect to its discussion of issues.

    As I said, you honored me by asking me to write here, and it has truly been a pleasure getting to know you. I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas, and stand ready to render whatever service I can, whenever you should need.

    Lift High the Cross,
    Portia

  44. Jay Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 5:30 pm

    Steve,

    It’s sad to see one of my favorite blogs go away. Thanks for a wonderful forum where I was introduced to ideas significantly different than mine.

    The respect and the true decency you show for people who hold diametrically opposite ideas has been truly remarkable. What is even more remarkable to me, is that you have done so while remaining uncompromising on your core principles. And even though I do not share your views, I respect and even admire that.

    Good luck with everything.

  45. Fr Martin Fox Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 7:39 pm

    I am sorry to hear it as well. If you were to reconsider, I would be very happy.

    That said, best wishes, and perhaps we will meet in person some time.

    God bless and Merry Christmas!

  46. Cris Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 8:48 pm

    Steve,

    Thanks for all the work you’ve put in, and for the cast of commenters you assembled. Merry Christmas!

  47. J. Randolph Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 9:50 pm

    Steve - Sorry to see you go, but my best wishes to you, and to all of the contributors on SA. Thanks for all of your hard work over the years!

  48. Jeff Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 10:03 pm

    Steve,

    SA is my favorite blog and I will miss it as part of my daily read before the billing begins each morning. The site became a treasured digest of thoughtful political, religious, and social discussion.

    I am grateful to you and the other SA bloggers and posters for the wonderful community. God bless you and your families, and have a wonderful Christmas.

    Jeff

  49. Joshua S. Rubenstein Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 10:06 pm

    God speed, and God bless.

    P.S. Merry Christmas!

  50. unhhyphenatedconservative Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 10:10 pm

    Steve,
    This was an excellent forum and one of my favorites. May you and yours enjoy the blessings of this season and a happy future.

  51. KAP Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 10:36 pm

    Say it isn’t so! Gosh, thank you so much for your contributions in the political and religious (Catholic) arena. May Our Blessed Mother keep you protected under her mantel of love…and God bless you in all you do.
    K
    Merry CHRIST MASS! & Happy New Year!

  52. Muskrat Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 10:42 pm

    I hate to hear that the web is losing such a great place to hear and talk about these kinds of topics. You’ve managed to attract adn foster a great little community, Feddie, and you shold be proud. I’ll miss this place, but you have to do what’s best for yourself. Good luck in whatever follows, and Merry Christmas.

  53. Mary McLemore Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 11:48 pm

    You will be sorely missed!

  54. publius Says:
    December 23rd, 2006 at 11:56 pm

    Wow - what to say. Go offline for 2 days to go home for Christmas and this happens.

    Anyway, I echo what everyone else said here. I’m hoping you’ll find “quitting” as tolerable as I did and will be back in 2 weeks.

    But if not, well geez, what to say. i don’t think anything i can say will add much. I think the biggest testament to how much people enjoyed it is the mere fact that they came here again and again. I often disagreed, but always enjoyed the give and take.

    SA will always be thought of fondly for me b/c it was one of hte earliest sites to give me an “intro link.”

    Godspeed - I do hope this is temporary. But if not, you’ve got a fine body of work here. you’ll be sorely missed

  55. Patterico Says:
    December 24th, 2006 at 12:29 am

    We’ll miss you.

  56. John in Nashville Says:
    December 24th, 2006 at 3:28 am

    Steve, good luck and God bless you and your family. I’ll miss the spirited discussion that this blog has engendered.

  57. Fr. Brian Stanley Says:
    December 24th, 2006 at 7:56 am

    I had come to think of this blog as continuing education. With this sad post, I feel like my school building is being boarded up. This was the only place to go to get straightened out on legal matters, college football, and the nexus between religion and politics. Southern Appeal was that interesting place where you had to read on to the next sentence to find out whether the “SEC” reference was for the Security and Exchange Commission or the Southeastern Conference. It was always fascinating and regularly enlightening.

    Oh well. It was wonderful while it lasted. I am grateful to Feddie and to all the other great characters and contributors who made Southern Appeal so enjoyable and informative and inspiring to this Yankee priest. God bless!

  58. PB Says:
    December 24th, 2006 at 8:28 am

    Good luck to you and your family Feddie. On the bright side, since I won’t be checking the blog several times a day, now maybe I will get more done at work!

    God Bless

  59. TheSnakeGuy Says:
    December 24th, 2006 at 10:49 am

    Thanks for all you have done. I am not a law guy and will miss your perspective in forming my opinions on current events.

  60. MEP Says:
    December 24th, 2006 at 10:52 am

    Steve: Yours was the first blog I ever read, and I’m sorry to see it go! Have a blessed Christmas, and best of luck in ALL you do! Keep that bayonet sharp!

  61. Eric Martin Says:
    December 24th, 2006 at 11:37 am

    Steve,

    The ’sphere will be poorer for your absence.

    We haven’t always agreed, nor will we in the future, but I’ve always found your positions to be principled and well thought out.

    And it was my pleasure to work with you on our areas of common interest.

    I have a hunch that you’ll be back at some point in the future. If so (even if not so), don’t forget to drop a line.

    All the best.

    -Eric

  62. Thomas Richie Says:
    December 24th, 2006 at 2:13 pm

    I have been encouraged by your work, Steve. I have new hope for Christians in the law.

    Thanks for your example. Further up and further in!

    TR

  63. Joe Says:
    December 24th, 2006 at 4:06 pm

    Bye Steve. You are a good egg.

    I hope you do a “Bainbridge” and come back in a few weeks.

    Merry Christmas.

  64. A Waco Farmer Says:
    December 24th, 2006 at 4:24 pm

    God speed.

  65. Charles Says:
    December 24th, 2006 at 6:22 pm

    Steve,

    Your retirement is evidence enough that all good things must come to an end. As some one who makes this blog part of their daily read, your (and your cohorts) presence will be greatly missed. I admire your passion and convictions. And I’m certain my future academic, professional, and spiritual endeavors will be enriched by the ideas that have been so feverishly exchanged in this great place.

    Bset wishes, and good luck

  66. Mrs. Who Says:
    December 24th, 2006 at 6:35 pm

    I will miss you…the item that first attracted me to your blog was the ‘banner’ of Robert E. Lee praying in the snow (being the good ‘G.R.I.T.S.’ that I am). But what kept me coming back was your wonderful posts. Thank you for all you have done, and good luck in your future endeavors.

  67. Nathan Says:
    December 24th, 2006 at 11:36 pm

    I can only echo all of the sentiments above. I have truly enjoyed being a part of SA, since you allowed me to post here way back in 2003. You’ve been an inspiration and much more. All my best!

    Nathan Hallford

  68. Graham Floyd Says:
    December 25th, 2006 at 4:38 pm

    SA has been a first rate blog. I am saddened to bid it farewell.

    Steve,
    May the Lord bless you and keep you.

  69. Joe Says:
    December 25th, 2006 at 8:11 pm

    Steve, it is ok to take a break, get tan, rested and ready, and then come back.

    Where can one get top notch legal and constitutional analysis, federalism, Darfur coverage, and General Robert E. Lee in one site?

  70. MJA Says:
    December 26th, 2006 at 12:08 am

    Steve-

    It has been a real pleasure and an honor to have been a blogger on this fine site. Your work has been quite influential and has reached father than you know. I am glad to know you, and look forward to working with you in the future.

    Marc

  71. Scott Says:
    December 26th, 2006 at 8:29 am

    My boss said I was spending too much time surfing at work. This should take care of that situation. Best wishes and thank you all

  72. Lance Says:
    December 26th, 2006 at 10:09 am

    A sad but understandable thing.

    Best wishes

  73. Virginia Says:
    December 26th, 2006 at 10:45 am

    This was the second blog I ever read, after NR’s The Corner. I’ve been a regular for almost five years. I’m very sad to see it close. Hopefully Feddie will find his way back into the blogosphere soon in another incarnation.

  74. gramm Says:
    December 26th, 2006 at 12:03 pm

    Dear “Feddie”:

    Well, 2006 sure ended nicely for the good guys.

    First the Republicans lose the House and Senate (and let me gloat again over Sen. Allen and Sen. Santorum being run out of town… ahh, sweet democracy); then the President decides to seal his legacy as one of the most inept and obtuse chief executives in history with an an ill-conceived last surge in Iraq (which will spill the blood of more innocent, honorable American boys — including, possibly, that of my own brother — all sent on a fool’s errand by a little man desperate to look strong); and now this — one of the more insidious little termites of the neo-con infestation has had all he can eat.

    I can’t say I’ll miss you.

    Long Live the Republic!

    Gramm

  75. Joe Says:
    December 26th, 2006 at 12:07 pm

    Nice words Gramm. Now go crawl back under that rock you live under.

  76. JakF Says:
    December 26th, 2006 at 1:50 pm

    While my views don’t always intersect with many of the posters and commenters of this blog I’m disappointed to see SA come to an end. Thanks to Feddie and his co-bloggers for providing thoughtful posts within a civil forum.

    Farewell All

  77. George Says:
    December 26th, 2006 at 1:54 pm

    SA’s been a daily read of mine for some time. Thanks for everything and best of luck.

  78. MJA Says:
    December 26th, 2006 at 2:18 pm

    Thank you, Gramm, for proving so many of the points that Steve and others have made here on SA with your infantile comments.

  79. MrSpkr Says:
    December 26th, 2006 at 5:36 pm

    Wow. This is a surprise. I’ll miss your site, Feddie, though I can understand needing to focus on other matters (heck, my blog has been semi-inactive for months).

    Best in all your future endeavors, Steve. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us the past several years.

  80. Mr. Poon Says:
    December 26th, 2006 at 10:03 pm

    Wow, sorry to see this, Fedster. Thanks for all the great times.

  81. lucas Says:
    December 26th, 2006 at 10:52 pm

    i have been reading this blog and butchering the posts for almost two years now. you gave me a reason to get online other than work or nudey pictures. you are a good man steve. your blog has opened my young eyes many times, it has made me think about what is really important in my life, it has caused me to have a deeper respect for our maker and to think about where i stand with him(or her). you(and the other bloggers) have shown me that the world has not gone mad and that there are still real men(and women) out there…willing to tell you how it is, how it should be, and how its going to be. you and your friends gave me hope. your blog cheers me up when i feel that society has gone to hell. bless your heart and and bless your work. i wish that i could shake your hand.

  82. John Hay Says:
    December 27th, 2006 at 12:52 am

    Thanks for everything. Goodbye and Godspeed.

  83. your pal cw Says:
    December 27th, 2006 at 9:11 am

    Dillard, it’s been fun being a small part of your little blog community, perhaps the only time in my life I’ve been on the leftward side of a group of people. And you’ve put me within two degrees of separation from Ramesh Ponnuru!

  84. your pal cw Says:
    December 27th, 2006 at 9:14 am

    By the way, where will I go now to read the comments of “lucas”? I don’t know who that kid is, but I’ve always liked the way he writes . . .

  85. Anonymous Says:
    December 27th, 2006 at 9:39 am

    You should check with http://www.archive.org to see if that organization will backup your blog.

  86. TO Says:
    December 27th, 2006 at 9:49 am

    If there’s an easy way to do it, you should lock up comments after a few days so that this blog doesn’t get overgrown with comment spam the way an abandoned building gets vandalized and engulfed in plant life.

    I enjoyed reading this while it lasted. Good luck in your future endeavors, and remember that your intellectual (and general) honesty is where much of your credibility comes from.

  87. nick Says:
    December 27th, 2006 at 10:30 am

    hey freddie,

    I almost never agreed with you. But its too bad to see you go. You’ll be back I’m sure.

    Good luck sir.

  88. Brandon Says:
    December 27th, 2006 at 11:10 am

    Steve,

    I did not comment too often but kept SA as my homepage at work and at home. The site was a great way for me to continue to grow my knowledge and interest in politics (and other areas), as well as being able to have another avenue through which I could stay up-to-date on many issues. Thanks for all your work, and may God richly bless you in all you do.

    -Brandon

  89. MB Says:
    December 27th, 2006 at 12:06 pm

    What to say but a warm and hearty thanks? God bless you richly, Steve.

    Mac Bracewell

  90. Deacon Blues Says:
    December 27th, 2006 at 12:50 pm

    SA became part of my daily routine since Steve alerted me to it a year or so ago.

    I am proud to say that I have known Steve for many years and this blog encapsulates some of his best work - as well as his heart.

    I will truly miss this site.

  91. quasimodo Says:
    December 27th, 2006 at 3:20 pm

    In the words of Isaac M Jordan, “Watch that first step, its a doozie.”

  92. ScurvyOaks Says:
    December 27th, 2006 at 4:12 pm

    Steve,

    Needless to say, I’d still love to buy you a bourbon any time you’re in Dallas.

    Thanks for a wonderful site. If I ever cross the Tiber (which I still consider unlikely), the journey will surely have started here.

    The LORD bless thee and keep thee,
    The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
    The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

    Ron

  93. Layla Says:
    December 27th, 2006 at 8:03 pm

    God bless you and your dear family, Steve. We’ll certainly miss you.

  94. NickJ Says:
    December 27th, 2006 at 8:30 pm

    Oh phooey on that! Who will you be writing for now? This is one of only *two* sites that I read regularly!

  95. Francis J. Beckwith Says:
    December 28th, 2006 at 2:07 pm

    It was an honor to be invited to contribute to this wonderful blog.

    If I may wax a bit personal at this blessed time of year, I am so grateful, and humbled by, the support from my fellow Southern Appeal bloggers during the difficult time of my tenure ordeal in 2006. Contrary to the speculation of some, this support was spontaneous and not initiated by me. That’s what made it all the more touching for me and my wife, who suffered the loss of her father in the midst of this. I purposely never commented on my case on this blog or any other one, since I did not think it wise to do so while the process worked itself out behind the scenes.

    Thank you also to the SA commentators who echoed this support. As for the commentators who insisted on kicking me when they thought I was down, I hope that when they enter their valley that you have companions as stern and principled as my Southern Appeal brothers.

  96. lucas Says:
    December 28th, 2006 at 4:48 pm

    your pal cw

    sad to say i do not know where to go…this is the only site i have ever stuck with…we are all lost…i feel like this blogs ending is the end of a cause

  97. Grim Says:
    December 29th, 2006 at 6:09 pm

    Steve & Co.:

    Thanks for everything.

    I’d like to add one to your list of SA bloggers. Major Joel Leggett blogs at Grim’s Hall (link as provided in my website address), when he’s not deployed. He’s been kind enough to send a few dispatches from Iraq for me to post, too.

  98. Steve Dillard Says:
    December 29th, 2006 at 8:43 pm

    Grim-

    Thanks for reminding me. I’ve made the addition.

  99. Plainsman Says:
    December 30th, 2006 at 2:56 am

    This is a surprise. I’ll miss this space. Lots of people contributing, lot of voices, but still unmistakably Steve’s place.

    You’ve done good things here. Judge Pryor; the Harriet Miers fiasco. (How many legal conservatives were galvanized on that fateful morning by reading Steve’s instant reaction, “Are you freakin’ kidding me?“, soon to be whirled around the blogosphere).

    You didn’t shut up about Darfur; you wouldn’t let us forget.

    Change is OK. Hope all is well. Give me a call when you can spare some time.

    Happy 2007, everyone.

  100. Thomas Says:
    December 30th, 2006 at 6:41 am

    May God’s face shine upon you, Steve. I’ll miss the insightful posts here.

    Thomas

  101. Tim Says:
    December 30th, 2006 at 9:27 pm

    Steve,
    I’m really sorry to see you go. You were the first blog to link to mine, and I appreciated your personal responses to e-mails. I’ve been glad to find another person who embodied the opinions and virtues I admire–a conservative Southerner, proud of our Southern heritage, religious, favoring of states’ rights and equal treatment for all.

    My prayers and best wishes in your career, and of course, I hope you come back into blogging someday.

    Keep up the skeer!
    –Tim Hamilton

  102. ANDY Says:
    January 2nd, 2007 at 4:40 pm

    Steve:
    Your blog was a class act. We are on opposite sides of most issues (my judicial hero is the late Justice Brennan) but I always enjoyed reading what you had to say. Thanks for all of the hard work in keeping the blog up for so long. Your voice will be missed.

  103. Quin Says:
    January 3rd, 2007 at 9:51 am

    Amidst all the well-deserved praise and the legitimate sorrow that SA is closing down, it should be noted that we all fully expect Feddie to move on to even bigger things. After all, it is not just in law but also in life that STARE DECISIS IS FO’ SUCKAS!!!!!

  104. PG Says:
    January 3rd, 2007 at 2:57 pm

    Here’s another wish for the best and hope that you return, from a blogger who disagreed with you on just about everything.

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