I don’t think this site is your problem. It’s either your internet provider or your own computer. I’ve been visiting FreeRepublic for two years now, and I’ve never had a problem with either speed or connectivity. But my internet provider gives me virus protection as part of the package. I won’t tell you which one it is, because then my post would look like spam. You need to contact your internet provider and find out if they include virus protection as part of the package you’re paying for. Otherwise, your computer could be all dirtied up and you wouldn’t even know it.
According to Jim & John, the database is badly constipated somewhere.
Knowing the root of the problem is informative, but solving it would be infinitely preferable.
As for tonight from central PA, the place is practically unuseable, and unlikely to improve prior to Tuesday, sadly.