How is a decade-long FReeper now a troll? I disagree with his views, but I understand how someone who believes in personal-responsibility and less government interference could become confused on this issue.
I came to FR a complete RINO. I didn’t know a damn thing about honest conservationism.
I honestly asked questions just like this and I received honest, thought-out lessons as replies. This is what made me a conservative. NEVER did I get slammed for saying, “this is how I’m seeing it. Is there something that I’m missing?” When I voiced my opinion and I was flat-out backwards, a half dozen FReepers would teach me - with logic and patience - the error of my ways.
And that is the FReeper that I’ve tried to become.
Now we scream ‘troll!’ and throw tomatoes. I’ve seen this more and more lately.
Where have all the TEACHERS on FR disappeared to????
When did we stop rationally defending our viewpoints and start acting like the DU?
Had this guy been with us for just a few weeks or months, I could see it. But he’s been here for 10 YEARS.
I miss my teachers.
Where have the teachers gone? In part, they have been dying off or giving up. Others are so busy fighting the good fight, they do not have the time to post. Sadly, many no longer have the patience to teach. Any attempt to do so any more yields, at best, a vitriolic response from the prospective student. Honestly, I think many of those you would have labeled teachers are still here, they have simply become silent in self-defense.
* This is my opinion and not necessarily the truth *
Core beliefs are not teachable past a certain impressionable age. Children are taught morality. But when an adult professes to be “conservative” and supports arch-liberal causes, that is not “teachable”. That is a core conviction. He has every right to be pro-homosexual. He approves of their behavior and that is his right. But he is not a conservative and no amount of teaching will make him one.