12 Traditions of Free Republic (Vanity)

5/14/2012 | By Lazamataz

[Lazamataz]

There's been lots of infighting and problems among Free Republic members lately. Some of the 'warring factions' are the ABO voters versus the NoRomney crowd; and the Mormon attackers versus the Mormom defenders.

I have taken the liberty of rewriting the 12 Traditions of AA a little, to apply them to a deeply political forum such as ours. The 12 Traditions have helped AA stay together no matter how much cabal-ing, clique-ing, and politic-ing (in Alocholics Anonymous) have happened over the decades. Those Traditions are battle tested in real life. We might look at them to keep our organization on the straight and narrow. If you want to see REAL DRAMA, go to a world AA conference. OMG. The 12 Traditions are what keeps that group together.

Here is my suggested Twelve Traditions of Free Republic:

1. Our conservative values should come first; America's recovery depends upon conservative unity.
2. For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority — a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Jim Robinson and the Moderators are but trusted servants; they moderate discussions, they do not govern member feelings, convictions, and beliefs.
3. The only requirement for Free Republic membership is a desire for America to be governed by conservative principles.
4. Each individual should be autonomous except in matters affecting conservatism as a whole.
5. Each member has but one primary purpose — to carry the conservative message to the public who still suffers.
6. A Free Republic member ought never lend the Free Republic name to any outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property, and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.
7. Free Republic ought to be fully self-supporting, declining contributions from other political organizations.
8. Free Republic should remain forever nonprofessional, but our website may employ special workers.
9. Free Republic, as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
10. Free Republic as an institution has no opinion on outside Republican organizations; hence the Free Republic name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
11. Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; and we need always maintain personal anonymity amongst our members.
12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.

This is a suggestion, only. Please discuss amongst yourselves....

[Lazamataz]

Please consider holding to these traditions, individually and as an institution. They have worked for groups much more diverse and divided than even ours.

[MCSP2008]

It is good my friend, it is all good :}}}

[MCSP2008]

[Romanian native > ESL]

[tomkat]

I'll vouch for that   ;-)

< save >

[Lazamataz]

Just-a-suggestion ping.

[RedMDer]

BTTT!
Thanks Laz!

[Jedidah]

Impressive, Laz. I didn’t realize you were so articulate.

[y6162]

God only needed ten.

[Slings and Arrows]

My name is Slings and Arrows, and I’m a freepaholic.

[mnehring]

I think we need to get back on the track with 5. Selling the Conservative message and making it attractive.

I can’t tell you the last time I’ve heard the positive, encouraging attitude of Reagan come from any Conservative.

Where is the celebration of the individual and telling someone they can achieve anything? Where is the statements that you don’t need a government solution?

Instead, I hear wailing and gnashing of teeth over each and every election or news story.

We talk about some Conservative policies, but we don’t live or speak to the fundamental Conservative principle.

[Cyber Liberty]

I will refrain from peeing on your head for demoting me to #8....

[Cyber Liberty]

...Behind you!

[Lazamataz]

Thanks. But I am more concerned we keep Free Republic going through some rocky times. And with Obama, THESE ARE THOSE.

Another freeper put it very very VERY well. I will quote his eloquent words, adding a little for clarity, and make it big and bold so people see it:

I’ve been surprised that seein’ the country come apart at the seams every day for the last three+ years hasn’t caused more crackups on Free Republic before now, frankly.

Maybe the younger ones just don’t see it as clearly, but folks in their 50s^ (like me) have seen it turn just about completely to shit in comparison to what we grew up in.

The reactions and crackups (like that thread, assuming that’s the cause) are going to throw lots of ‘normal’ ‘middle of the road’ FReepers for a serious loop in the days and months ahead. And the "shooting, riots, voter fraud and purposeful crises" part hasn't even started yet ..

[Lazamataz]

True. But God has commandments, not traditions. ;)

[SERKIT]

Two best traditions of FR:
1) Pictures of Catherine Zeta Jones are required for all comments about MoDo.
2) Bunnies with pancakes for all posts where it is difficult or impossible to determine the purpose.

[Lazamataz]

More pings.

[umgud]

Sounds gud, I’d hit that.

[Morgana]

“My name is Slings and Arrows, and I’m a freepaholic.”

Hello Slings and Arrows.

[kjam22]

Freerepublic used to have some incredibly witty and funny people who could always make us laugh. But back then our main concern was if Bill was getting fisky with Monica etc. I guess it’s difficult to say much funny about debt that is about to destroy our country etc. But I miss FR of years back though....

[Lazamataz]

Realistically, it might be AMERICA you miss, as she was, years back.

We are under stress. Stress can cause infighting if traditions are not adapted and followed.