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....

[Alamo-Girl]

Buuuump!

[miele man]

LOL. Reminds me of a similar yarn about Moses.

Saith Moses: Yea verily, the “good news”; God hath commanded that I lead you good folks into the Promised Land and that thou must cross the Red Sea in the process”. The “bad news” is that we must first file an Environmental Impact Statement.

[Jedidah]

I have to agree with his words, Laz, and I’ve got a few years on him. Our society has deteriorated terribly in my lifetime, and I see little hope. All I can do is speak out gently and make sure my kids stay on the right path. So far so good on that front, but they have a battle ahead.

I would add to your list that FR must be dedicated to free speech and debate. It’s wrong to villify those who disagree. It’s much better to discuss and clarify and try to change hearts and minds — or maybe even realize that your own opinions need a little polishing.

Those who can’t tolerate a dissenting viewpoint often can’t defend their own. And they’re not worth much to the cause, because we MUST speak up intelligently. An army cowering in the bunker doesn’t gain much ground.

This is a year when, IMO, any conservative who sits at home and refuses to fight deserves what’s coming at him. I can fight alongside you even if I don’t like you or agree with you on all points.

And there’s always the lovely option to ignore the trolls and ignorance. Lots of that lately. Probably more to come.

Thank you for starting this thread.

[dragonblustar]

Hey!

Hey, Hey Hey!

You didn't mention, Helen Thomas!

.

Oh, and I only read the headlines before responding. That's another tradition here on Free Republic!! : )

[dayglored]

Okay, cool,. found this thread, so I'll re-post my comment from that other "HURT-ful" thread...

Laz, that was a TERRIFIC post. An awesome application of the Traditions.

If I were so audacious as to suggest one slight modification, it would be in #10, to substitute "Conservative" for "Republican", since FreeRepublic is not aligned with the Republican Party (especially this year!).

Your comments on this thread have been very helpful to my own peace of mind, for the times when I work myself into a snit over some silly exchange on a thread. You Da Man.

Thanks, Laz, you are rockin' out, of late, and much appreciated.

[Chode]

it's been known to happen...

[thackney]

Thanks Laz for continuing to help hold us together.

Peace

[csmusaret]

Moses to his people: I have good news and I have bad news. The good news is I finally got him down to ten. The bad news- adultery is still on the list.

[Old Sarge]

“We hold these truths to be self-evident...”

[Graewoulf]

If we do not “ - - - speak to the fundamental Conservative principle,”

then please state what that fundamental Conservative principle is, IYHO.

[NEMDF]

You can’t be series!

[wxgesr]

How in the world did you get all of these people to virtaully service you?

I guess kindness and tact do pay off, ANYWAY!

I liked that poem by MT.

I really like the 12 and 12....good work Laz.

Go surfing, recharge your battteries with warm salt water and KAPO! (USS AMERICA theme...Kick Ass, Press On!)

[spodefly]

BTTT