Is Free Republic worth saving?

[The Bat Ladys Husband]

My involvement with Free Republic began around 2000 when my wife began her vigil around the Texas governor’s mansion in support of GW against the challenge of Al Gore for the presidency. I generally provided the livelihood for the Bat Lady to be able to protest and surround the mansion against the leftists who were kept at bay across the street. While she was registered in order to post after action reports I was a lurker on the site.

Over the years we have attended rallies and protests and meetings. Other groups of freepers nationwide also held rallies, attended protests, and held vigils- activities that were organized and coordinated through the Free Republic site. After action reports were posted almost daily, report after report from across the country from different freepers describing their activities. Even the term "freeper" came to mean one who actively engaged the left to fight against disinformation. We considered ourselves patriots. While we did not risk our “lives, fortune or sacred honor”, we suffered the slings and arrows of a hostile left in the cause of freedom.

With a few exceptions, the “freeper” of today is merely a couch potato who is content to amuse himself by making snide comments and repartees about current news. Few even support the site monetarily. Free Republic appears to barely be able to keep its head above water and its so-called member freepers are such a non-factor of dissent that unlike in the early year, Rush Limbaugh rarely references the site (although he seldom mentioned it).

Early freeper were the ones who got up off the couch, made their signs and used the leftist tactics of street activism against the left itself. Michelle Malkin, Ann Coulter, and Jonas Goldberg are example of early famous freepers, but Free Republic also had the likes of Basil (Second Amendment Sisters), True black man, Jimmy Valentine’s Brother, Kristin, the entire DC freeper contingent and so many other activists making a difference for conservative causes.

At some point in time, a subgroup, “The Pajama Patrol” arose within Free Republic. What a sad day that was. The mindset of Free Republic turned to the couch potato mentality referred to earlier.

The most current after action report I have seen was my wife’s, The Bat Lady’s report on the May 2013 Tax Day protest. One of the protesters with us was a 90-year-old lady with her handmade sign. If she can do it, why can’t you?

All you new Freepers need to get up off your butt and get out and make a difference. Where are you at the Impeach Obama overpass events? Why aren’t you organizing anti-Syria bombing protest? Why aren’t you marching over Benghazi, the NSA, the IRS or ObamaCare? If you are there why aren’t you posting your reports to inspire and motivate others? You are not the only reader of FR in your city. Find the others and get together. Act in concert. After 13 years, the Bat Lady and I are still in contact with those we met on the front lines.

DC Freepers maintained vigils at VP Gore's house, and prevented code pink from vilifying our troops at Walter Reed every week for years. Freepers once actively protested the left and got Clinton impeached. Some even say we were the Paul Revere of the TEA party,

Is your barcalounger so dear or American Idol so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it Almighty God.

It is time for freepers to rededicate themselves to the vision that Jim Robinson created. All the clever comments you attach to the threads are less than useless. It is time once again to become a large thorn in the side of those who do not strive for the American Ideal and be the activists we once were. If you cannot post an after action report “go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. …May posterity forget that ye were our countrymen.”

“It does not take a majority to prevail ... but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men.” Samuel Adams

In answer to my own question: yes it is worth saving if its members make a difference.

[DoughtyOne]

You can disagree with MinuteGal all you like, but she is a very well respected FReeper who does not deserve to be treated as you are treating her with that last post.

Please tone it down a bit.

[Darksheare]

Nothing wrong with my post.
And that can’t be said any other way.
Bobj is scum.
His acolytes mindless fools following a fool.
If people don’t like that, well tough.
Want to read pure bobj?
Read the post by “ragu” then read the response by the most respected poster here..
I don’t think he’ll be welcome back.

[DoughtyOne]

Nothing wrong with my post.  There's plenty wrong with your post, you just need the mental faculties to be able to grasp it.

And that can’t be said any other way.  It can be said lots of ways.  Some of them can be courteous.

Bobj is scum.  BobJ spent thousands of hours and his own treasure in support of this forum, traveling cross this nation trying to enhance it's potential.  Some of us are aware of his tireless efforts.  Some of us participated along side him.

His acolytes mindless fools following a fool.  I don't see anyone defending the negative things that BobJ did.  None the less, we do remember the positive things he did also.  So you reference us as people who worship at his feet.  Those who are capable of grasping the entire situation will understand what a fool you are making of yourself.

If people don’t like that, well tough.  No, it's not tough.  It doesn't reflect poorly on us to understand that good people sometimes do things they shouldn't.  It does not reflect poorly on us to admire the good work that someone did.

Want to read pure bobj?  Read the post by “ragu” then read the response by the most respected poster here.  If you wish me to read something, link me to it.  If you don't know how, let me know and I'll help you.

I don’t think he’ll be welcome back.  And if you read my comments, and comprehended them, you know I agree.

...and...

Sorry if many of us do not share rosy views of old bobj.  Nobody is asking you to have a completely rosy view of BobJ.  If you had the mental faculties you think you do, you would realize we don't approve of everything BobJ did either.  I made that clear in my post to you.  You didn't express any comprehension of that.

Especially since he had the biggest hand in starting the anti-freeper crap.  This is almost comical.  The fact that it is so far off base, kind of turns it on it's head though.  There were anti-FReeper sights out there more than a decade before BobJ left the forum, and more of them appeared along the way.  Obviously, you were unaware of it.

He can take his crap, stuff it, and stay wallowing in anti-freeper sites till hit eyes light up.  Do you see anyone defending that?  I hate to be Captain Obvious here, but then I shouldn't have to be.  You should have the tools to grasp this for yourself.

And anyone parroting his crap can stuff it as well.  Who is paroting BobJ's actions, and why do you think you should have license to be as rude as you are being to a person who has spent tireless hours in support of Jim and this forum?

[Darksheare]

FR is worth saving.
Bobj sends trolls here to stir the pot while he sits at whatever site he is on while posting “Yeah, FR is going down/ we’re going to destroy FR!” crap.
The post by Ragu is word for word Bobj.
The most respected poster here is he one who owns the site.
Bobj had a hand in the TrueBlue troll mess.
Heavily.
As I said, people parroting his crap can stuff it.
Bobj himself s not remorseful for any of his actions, has no interest in FR continuing as per his trolls, and brags about these actions.
Anyone who advocates for him needs to open their eyes.
It’s like advocating to bring the misnamed troll johngalt back.

[DoughtyOne]

FR is worth saving.  Please post a link to where any of us stated otherwise.  Failing that, this is just pap to make yourself feel better.  I don't have to post it to make myself feel better.  It's a given or I wouldn't be here.

Bobj sends trolls here to stir the pot while he sits at whatever site he is on while posting “Yeah, FR is going down/ we’re going to destroy FR!” crap.  I don't follow BobJ on other sites.  I spend my time here at Free Republic.

The post by Ragu is word for word Bobj.  That's nice.  Perhaps you can muster the courage to link me to it so I can agree.

The most respected poster here is he one who owns the site.  Wow, who knew?  Seriously?  You actually thought this was necessary?

Bobj had a hand in the TrueBlue troll mess.  Please link me to where I voiced support for that or anything else that was negative that BobJ did here or anywhere else.

Heavily.  Whew...

As I said, people parroting his crap can stuff it.  So far you haven't provided one instance of anyone whosoever paroting negative things BobJ said.  Please feel free to do so now.

Bobj himself s not remorseful for any of his actions, has no interest in FR continuing as per his trolls, and brags about these actions.  Once again, perhaps very accurate..., who has defended BobJ for having done so?  People remember BobJ being a positive force too, and them not following him around across the internet, may not be privy to everything BobJ has been involved in.  Imagine that.  None the less, they miss him and wish things were different.  That's hardly a hanging offense ace.

Anyone who advocates for him needs to open their eyes.  I don't believe anyone has contacted Jim and pressed him to reinstate BobJ.  Frankly I wouldn't support it as long as BobJ continues on in this manner.  That doesn't mean that people who miss BobJ and wish things were different are bad people.  They simply remember things you don't.

It’s like advocating to bring the misnamed troll johngalt back.  Actually, it's like remembering old departed friends, and wishing things could be different.  Good people like to see the good in others.  They remember the good in others.  This doesn't mean they defend everything that person has done.  There are times when we wish things could be different even though we know circumstances prevent it.  This does not mean people are trolls or anti-FR or anti-Jim.  We support Jim or we wouldn't be here.

I don't see one person placing blame on Jim here.  Do you?  Have you seen one negative statement made about the forum or Jim?  I haven't.  I stated that I didn't agree with BobJ.  Please link me to where I stated I didn't agree with Jim.

Your defense of Jim and the forum are very admirable.  Perhaps next time you could wait until someone has attacked Jim or the forum.

[dragnet2]

my wife began her vigil around the Texas governor’s mansion in support of GW

Did ya know Bush allowed in more Muslims after 911 than the previous two decades?

Under 8 years of Bush, our citizenship was made all but pointless, as tens of millions entered illegally, during war time no less.

[Darksheare]

http://freerepublic.com/tag/by:ragu/index?brevity=full;tab=comments

Same stuff he was posting over at Trueblue.
Simple to search for really.
Thank me for doing your homework for you.

I was part of the Freepathon team who had to deal with his crap last year and the heavy influx of trolls.
From him.

http://freerepublic.com/focus/news/2570904/replies?c=40

BobJ cheering on righthaven, and the response to it.
A path that he has continued since with the “FR is going down” crap at whatever site he is on.

Sorry, he has no business being back, ever.

[Lakeshark]

I remember the old thread posted by Jim Robinson from True blue liberty. I went there and checked it out for about a week (never joined).

BobJ was indeed trashing FR, being nasty towards JR, appeared to be instigating rumors and innuendo about the use of FR funds, and making fun of the posters here through other ex zots he encouraged to trash this site and its posters.

Based on what I read, I'm not sure why someone from FR would want to give that man any credence at all.

[Darksheare]

There are some who still want him back.
See post 384.

[Lakeshark]

There are some who still want him back.

Sort of like installing the Muslim Brotherhood in charge of the Middle East. I mean, what could go wrong?

Okay, okay, lighten up everyone, it was a bit of hyperbole there........

[Darksheare]

LOL!!

[MarineMom613]

b/m

[DJ MacWoW]

BobJ was indeed trashing FR, being nasty towards JR, appeared to be instigating rumors and innuendo about the use of FR funds, and making fun of the posters here through other ex zots he encouraged to trash this site and its posters.

Oh yes he did! He was always telling people that he had "inside information" and that FR was a scam.

Believing that he should EVER be allowed back on FR is a pipe dream!

"You knew I was a snake when you let me in"

[DoughtyOne]

http://freerepublic.com/tag/by:ragu/index?brevity=full;tab=comments

Same stuff he was posting over at Trueblue.  Simple to search for really.  Thank me for doing your homework for you.

It was your own homework, and I don't need to be doing it for you.  If it's going to put you out too much to link things you're referencing, then don't reference them.  You told me to read it.  If you want me to read it, link me to it.

I was part of the Freepathon team who had to deal with his crap last year and the heavy influx of trolls.

Please link me to where I defended BobJ for giving you a problem.  Oh!  That's right!  I didn't.  As a matter of record, I said I didn't approve of some of the things Bob was doing.

The point in question here, is whether Deb or MinuteGal are trolls or some sort of defender of BobJ for all that he was doing.  I haven't seen any evidence to lead me to believe that.

From him.

http://freerepublic.com/focus/news/2570904/replies?c=40

BobJ cheering on righthaven, and the response to it.  A path that he has continued since with the “FR is going down” crap at whatever site he is on.

Please link me to where I said otherwise, or supported BobJ for his behavior.  Please link me to where I voiced a request to bring him back on board Free Republic.  Honestly fella, you're evidencing a bit of a comprehension problem here.

Saying I can understrand why some people miss BobJ and remember the times when he was supportive here, isn't an advocacy for BobJ to be reinstated.

Sorry, he has no business being back, ever.

Once again, a point that didn't need to be made to me, because I haven't advocated for him to return.  I simply think folks who do remember the good things about BobJ are not trolls, just people who remember when he was a positive force here.

I personally appreciate very much some of the things Bob did on behalf of Free Republic.  Does that mean that I don't support Jim?  Seriously?  If an action was taken in support of the forum, who was it in support of ultimately?  BobJ was very supportive of Jim at one point.  I haven't forgotten.  I think some of the things he has done since have been quite unfortunate.  I'm here on Jim's forum.  I'm not off on some other forum.

Two things interest me about the forum dynamic.  It is amazing to watch folks leave here and talk about nothing but here.  And then there's the folks here, who are obcessed with people who are there.

Conservatism is my interest.  Forum dynamics and textual brawls aren't.

[DoughtyOne]

I don’t advocate for it. I still don’t think folks who wish BobJ back unreasonably so, are trolls. I believe Deb and MinuteGal to be very supportive of Jim.

These people knew BobJ and worked with him on projects. At least one of them has been to his him and is good friends with him. I consider BobJ a friend.

None of this means that I approve of some of the things he has done. I support Jim and his efforts on this forum. I have not take sides against him with BobJ.

I’m not trashing the forum or siding with BobJ on other sites. I don’t go to those other sites. They don’t interest me.

[Darksheare]

“These people knew BobJ and worked with him on projects.”

Which ignores his efforts to harm FR, his cheerleading for RightHaven, his trolling from TrueBlue, etc etc.
To ignore all of that is willful blind stupidity.

[Darksheare]

“Forum dynamics and textual brawls aren’t.”

This isn’t about a forum brawl, this is about a lying sack of crap that some want back in forum after he repeatedly tried to HARM said forum.
If a dog came into your house and crapped on your rug, would you invite it back in even after it continued to crap on your rug?

[DJ MacWoW]

BobJ actively, for YEARS, has tried to harm FR and Jim Robinson.
He also sent trolls after me simply because I worked the FReepathon. He said he KNEW that I was a Mod and had "inside information". I am not and never have been.
He is a liar of the first water and a bitter fool and I view any friend of his with scepticism.

Oh and there ARE links in post 407. You must have missed them. Ragu happens to be the retread incarnation of BobJ.

[DJ MacWoW]

PS. BobJ trashed FR and Jim Rob ON FR. Go to the links.

[AppyPappy]

Some of you people take this stuff way too seriously. Did you ever read what the AF crowd said about BobJ when he was active in FR? Well now he says that stuff. SSDD.

The whole thing is “a cult of personalities” sometimes.

Bob’s a good guy and he wanted what was best for FR when he was here. I’ll let Jim handle the membership. My job is to be nice.