True...and agreed. I
sincerely hope you understood that me supporting Justin in no way meant anything negative toward Tripp, his supporters, or anyone else here on this board who may choose another candidate. I truly like Tripp. I really really do! (by the way, I didn't take your post to imply you were upset or mad, but I just want to make sure you know I still love ya BTM!)
There is a huge back story to my attachment to this thread and to the majority of those who post here. Many of our newer friends may not be aware. I didn't even join this group until late in the first thread. Mr. Fleagle, however, was a very big part of it. I simply posted one day to thank everyone for their kindness and genuine support of Eric when he received sad news that he did not make the top 10. I was genuinely touched and wanted to thank everyone. It was a very very difficult time for us for very many personal reasons. The kindness of our new friends here meant so much to both of us. Far more than any of them will ever know! Anyway, I felt so welcome within this group...which is very hard following beind Fleagle......so I continued to be a part of it. Some very good friends were made.
Continuing the back story to all this, when the requests for Eric's CMO pins came in I received a lot of PMs of some disboarders sharing their very personal stories about what this contest meant to them. I was amazed that every day there was a new story, a new person, some who don't even post here but lurk, requested pins, and then shared some very touching sentiments. I was astounded at the impact of those silly pins and of what Fleagle had meant to some people here.
Anyway....that bird has sailed....... but my point is that I have a very different connection to this board and to my new friends. We know some things about each other that is very real and personal. Our connection is more than just a sincere passion for all things Disney!
Now how that relates to me supporting Justin is this..... I just feel a connection to him. He took time to get to know the Fleagles outside of this board. Recently he mailed us an anniversary card and before that another very touching note that I won't share. (hope you don't mind me saying that Justin) To me, his effort to be our friends outside of this contest speaks volumes. As I've gotten to know more about him, even though I've never heard his voice other than his entry video or seen him in person, I know he is a genuine good guy. He doesn't have a loyal fan base who can rally around him. And while I know Tripp can't promote himself via the media, I really don't think he's an underdog. He is a very strong candidate on his own merit. And I really do like him! I won't be sad if he wins, but I'll be terribly sad if Justin doesn't.
Justin most represents what I was hoping this CMO position could be to us and to others. And while Tripp is no doubt a stand up guy and I have all the respect in the world for him, I just feel like I 'know' Justin a bit more. And everything I've been able to learn about him reiterates over and over and over again that he is the one who can remember these back stories and be the type of Chief Magic Official that I personally would love to see walking down Main Street. I feel like if he wins he'll be taking a piece of each of us with him.
Meanwhile, keep up your Tripp antics...they always make me laugh & smile!
Love ya BTM....and hope LTM is doing better today!