Because it wasn't all that "innocent". It contained NO indicator that it was a fake, it did not have the Registered@aol.com email address or any other Registered logo that had been used on every other image, and it didn't appear to the less discerning to be a fake. It was quickly exposed as a hoax but not before it fooled people at the VFW and others who had been convinced by the factual information from the Swift Boat Veterans. It brought discredit upon Free Republic and hurt the efforts of groups like the Swift Boat Veterans who were fighting to defend their own credibility. It was a turd in the punchbowl and it still stinks. Since then, Registered has gone far afield, photoshopping and attacking conservative candidates, and generally being a nasty, mean-spirited supporter of the most liberal Republican candidate to ever run for the office of President. Now he wants sympathy for his own poor judgement, his accusations of some massive left wing conspiracy attcking him notwithstanding.