There is a lot about Free Republic that can appeal to any Conservative. For those unable to continence criticism of their religion, avoiding the OPEN Religion Forum threads is an easy way to do so. Who has a gun pointing at their head forcing them to read them???
Anyone who regularly reads AND posts to threads here should be a donor...to not donate is freeloading, whether one likes certain threads or not. I don't usually read Catholic Caucus threads, but I still donate regardless. I dislike the religious wars and the insult-fest atmosphere certain posters turn them into, but I accept that this is part of what freedom of speech is all about and that I DO support. The only people "making excuses" are those who consistently fail to see the offense they - and the group they identify with - give while complaining about the perceived offenses of others.
As the RM so wisely said, if reading OPEN RF threads bother you, don't read them. How much simpler can it be?
The forum has lost many good regular posters and contributors because of what is permitted in the Religion Forum. I refuse to contribute to FR until the Religion Forum is properly moderated, or preferably, eliminated. Disagree if you like, but that’s simply disagreeing with reality. I was an occasional donor in the past but I will not financially support a group that condones constant vile assault on the Church. Period.