by Frank James
The Swamp.
The name seemed perfect from the start, from before the start, for a blog about Washington.
The nation's capital was built on what was once partly a mosquito-ridden marsh, after all. And what city feels more metaphorically bog-like than Washington, with its endless partisan bickering, political jockeying, mind-numbing policy details, bureaucratic mazes, wonks, lobbyists, money tides and survival-of-the-fittest ethic?
So it had to be The Swamp. There was never an alternative name considered when I created the blog a little more than three years ago. Sometimes you just know you've got a winner.
Even three years ago, I knew that one day I would write my last post for The Swamp. That day is today.
All I hoped is I would know it was my last, that I wouldn't keel over dead in mid-post at the keyboard one day from Acute Blog Exhaustion and be taken out feet first. That prayer has been answered.
I'm headed to a new blogosphere adventure, to NPR.org where I will be writing for a new blog yet unborn. I hope you'll check me out there. Details to come.
But I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't miss my baby, The Swamp, and its readers and commenters, both those who've been with us from the beginning and those who only newly discovered us. It has been, for the most part, a beautiful relationship. Thanks for all the kind comments to Mark Silva's wonderful sendoff posting earlier today.
Together, we've created a lively community to discuss politics, policy, news and all things Obama. That's exactly what we hoped for when we started the blog. Well, not the Obama part. When we started the blog we had no idea he'd take off the way he did. That was a surprise.
There are too many present and former Tribune people who've helped The Swamp over the years to thank them all individually. I hope you know who you are. I can't thank you enough.
But there are a few who deserve the strongest of shout outs. Mark Silva has been my always steady and reliable partner in this enterprise. I could not have asked for a better teammate and friend.
He is one of the most durable and prolific journalists I've ever known, truly the iron man of American journalism. If there were a journalist hall of fame akin to Cooperstown, Canton or Springfield, he would surely occupy a place in its hallowed halls. As long as Mark has anything to say about it, The Swamp lives. Thanks, again, Mark for the beautiful posting marking my last day in The Swamp.
Then there's Mike Tackett, my former Chicago Tribune boss. When I had the idea for the blog, he was 100 percent behind it, encouraging at every turn, offering up good ideas that made the blog even better. He even took it on himself to market The Swamp. Everyone should be so fortunate to have a boss like him at least once in their careers.
I must also thank my wife, Vickie, and my children, Rachel and Jordan, for their patience with me all those times I said: "Can't talk now, I'm blogging." Guess what? I'll still be blogging. So when I get that look...
Shakespeare had it right - parting is such sweet sorrow. But it's spring. The cherry trees are in bloom. The days grow longer. Change is in the air.
Know this. This may be my last post in my beloved blog but, to bend the famous farewell of Gen. Douglas MacArthur to my own purposes, my heart will always be with The Swamp, and The Swamp and The Swamp.
Comments
Frank -
I've enjoyed your opinion blog - even if the likes of frequent posters Bruce and John D mix up the fact thay you're not writing news. Good luck and Godspeed!
Posted by: Buster | April 3, 2009 5:22 PM
Frank,
Kudos to you and Silva for bringing the Trib into the 21st C.
Are you listening Sam Zell?
All the best...
Posted by: Kenny Bunkport | April 3, 2009 5:24 PM
Hey Frank, you seemed to be honest with me by printing my thoughts, so good luck, in your next job.
Posted by: PG | April 3, 2009 5:45 PM
Good luck, Frank.
Posted by: John E | April 3, 2009 6:10 PM
For all you've done....thanks
bill "Hussein" r.
Posted by: bill r. | April 3, 2009 6:32 PM
Thanks for all of your great work here at the Swamp and good luck at NPR, Frank.
Posted by: John E | April 3, 2009 6:36 PM
Admit it Frank, what you're really going to miss is the Swamp Republican Anklebiters Chorus.
How are you going to make it through the day with out being constantly criticized and accused by the likes of Bruce, John D, Terry and of course, Paulo?
Posted by: Lou | April 3, 2009 6:40 PM
Frank, you left out scandals.....
LOL
Posted by: PG | April 3, 2009 6:42 PM
Good Luck Frank,
.
It was good job inventing a place that would draw a bunch of loons to show off their stupidity on a daily basis.
.
Since you are going to NPR, I guess you will be feeding from the gov't trough. Libs doing what they do best.
.
Anyway, best of luck.
.
P.S. - Zell, can you replace him with a conservative with some common sense or see if NPR will take Silva in a BOGO package.
.
Lighten-up a loons, a little humor
Posted by: Terry | April 3, 2009 7:38 PM
U da man, Frank. Good luck at NPR.
Posted by: Flo | April 3, 2009 7:52 PM
Will miss you.
Sure wish the rest of the Tribune Divisions had this much guts, they are so snowed under with their love for Obama and the Democrats , its sicking.
Posted by: Inky | April 3, 2009 8:37 PM
Frank,
A little walk down memory lane.
Here is a copy of 'Bruces' first post in your very first blog entry!
"In the interests of full disclosure, will the Tribune contributors to "the Swamp" (Frank James, Mark Silva et al.) reveal their political biases by disclosing who they voted for in 2000 and 2004 (and other years) for president? How can the readers fully or accurately assess their postings, the "take" they have on current events, or even what they consider "newsworthy", without this information?
Posted by: Bruce | January 5, 2006 9:55 AM "
Nothing has changed on that front, hey?
And here is a link to that very first blog entry:
http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2006/01/fear_and_loathing_dcstyle.html#comments
Posted by: C.Morris✈ | April 3, 2009 9:05 PM
It was good job inventing a place that would draw a bunch of loons to show off their stupidity on a daily basis.
Posted by: Terry | April 3, 2009 7:38 PM
.
You're being to hard on yourself, Trickled-on Boy
It's not your fault that you can't escape that bubble world of stupidity that Wingnuts like you live in. Repuglicans have never emphasized education and you've become a walking talking example of that.
Posted by: Have a great weekend all of you smart people.....you too Republicans | April 3, 2009 10:55 PM
Since you are going to NPR, I guess you will be feeding from the gov't trough. Libs doing what they do best.
Posted by: Terry | April 3, 2009 7:38 PM
.
Yeah, things work out so much better when we sell out the govt to the Republicans and their private business cronies like Halliburton, KBR and Blackwater. I mean, the last eight years have been a smashing success.....NOT!
Terri,
"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity." - Martin Luther King Jr.
Posted by: Terry is a girls name | April 4, 2009 12:18 AM
Best of luck.
I've learned so much reading your work and the conversations that followed.
With much thanks.
Pat Cronin
Posted by: Patricia Cronin | April 4, 2009 12:38 AM
Frank-I have one request if I may.
Would you possibly consider coming back to do a cameo spot on Obama's last day too?
Say in about 4 years or so?
Seems only right, don't you think so?
Posted by: Rob | April 4, 2009 8:09 AM
"It was good job inventing a place that would draw a bunch of loons to show off their stupidity on a daily basis."
That would be you.
Posted by: TheReamer | April 4, 2009 8:56 AM
T-Bag,
'STOP FAILING THE TURING TEST!'
Posted by: Dilbert | April 4, 2009 8:58 AM
You too and Reamer,
.
When the teacher passes you on to 3rd grade next year, you will learn better comebacks than "No that's you"
.
Girls name,
.
All aborad Amtrak and the Postal Service.
Posted by: Terry | April 4, 2009 10:35 AM
A great three year run Frank.
Look forward to seeing you at NPR.
Poor Trickle Down, he still doesn't know he's the dumb one here.
Posted by: Haywood Jablome | April 4, 2009 11:35 AM
Bye Frank. You've been great.
Posted by: I ♡ Frank James | April 4, 2009 11:38 AM
Frank,
.
You should know that your work here on the Swamp has been greatly appreciated. I mean that seriously.
.
But we would appreciate it also if you took John E. with you.
.
Thanks again.
Posted by: John W. | April 4, 2009 11:47 AM
Frank,
.
I hope you're still reading this. Yours was a unique presence in the Swamp. You were clearly partisan (OK; blogging is by it's nature, partisan) and yet you were unfailingly intellectually honest. The cheerleaders here failed to grasp the value of that.
The fact that you used to piss-off both John D and John E is evidence that you were doing it right.
.
I salute you sir. Godspeed.
Posted by: MJ has left the building | April 4, 2009 12:15 PM
Frank,
Best wishes at NPR. Should you do half as well as you did in 3 years at The Swamp, you will be a success. Let us know when your new "baby" is created.
Walt, Beecher, IL
Posted by: Walt McElligott, Beecher, IL | April 4, 2009 1:31 PM
Swamp Scoreboard:
----
Have a great weekend - 1
Terry is a girls name - 1
Terry - O
Posted by: swamp scoreboard | April 4, 2009 2:10 PM
Deadwood,
.
Quit wasting oxygen.
.
John W - Good idea for John E. NPR could probably use some help in the mailroom
Posted by: Terry | April 4, 2009 5:26 PM
Thank you Frank.
Your comments have
been generally spot on.
Please enjoy your next pond.
Oh, and can you have young
John McCormick contribute more
articles to make up for your departure?
B=regards.
Posted by: T=Mak | April 4, 2009 8:08 PM
* * * * *
Posted by: Terry | April 4, 2009 5:26 PM
.
You'd really trust Mr. Troll anywhere near real mail?
Posted by: John W. | April 5, 2009 12:35 AM
John W,
.
It's not my mail.
Posted by: Terry | April 5, 2009 8:50 AM
I am rather new to the Swamp and a staunch conservative. I truly enjoyed reading your comments and having the courtesy of firing back my thoughts. You were in my opinion the most fair and balanced. How's that for a review! Best to you in your new adventure. You will be missed here and remember to always be true to the facts.
Posted by: bubba Porter | April 5, 2009 10:47 AM
I can see that you are very TALENTED
Posted by: Carina | April 10, 2009 2:53 PM