[PghBaldy]

I myself need to skip some threads at times, and not add to internecine warfare.

[Georgia Girl 2]

Balderdash!

[SZonian]

+1
You do have allies in this quest FRiend.

[Billthedrill]

Oh, I agree. It has been worse, but when you log on to FR and the entire first page is completely filled with hysterical accusation and shouting it does wear on the soul a little. Ever seen a small child so wrapped up in a television show that he or she shrieks when the protagonist gets a boogie on his knee? It's like that.

This too shall pass, but we have to live with it until it does. I say that about my Democrat relatives...

[blueunicorn6]

Did you think that the opposition would not come here to spread dissent?

[JusPasenThru]

I’ve been here forever. I used to come here for news and analysis. Now I come for the news and occasional snark.

[PeterPrinciple]

Free Republic is not a traditional business. We are a political discussion forum and independent grassroots conservative activist group supported by donations from our readers and participants. When and if our participants decide we are no longer needed or viable, we will close down shop and go away.

---

I always found the above from the home page interesting.

FR is an experiment on conservatism. Sometimes I have wanted to ask Jim how the experiment is going. Is there any hope? Does he get discouraged? Does he mean it when he says he will close down shop and go away? What will trigger that?

My observation is that conservatism is in trouble as a movement and philosophy.

1) There is no common definition of conservatism. It means what ever one wants it to mean. I have posted and reflected on the below often:

http://www.heritage.org/initiatives/first-principles/primary-sources/the-ten-conservative-principles-of-russell-kirk

2)There is very little discussion on liberty, freedom and responsibility. Most conservatives here see the solutions as more govt. “......our laws are better........” Laws by their very nature are enslavement.

3)My personal view is that nothing will change until the money runs out. I have observed this with individuals, business and countries (USSR).

4) The best we can do here is to a small thing, if a thoughtful post enlightens one individual, then it is worth it. So keep them coming even if it is like talking to a post.

5) Most of my posts are for me, for my own edification to help sharpen my thinking. Once in a while a “drive by” gets in there but I try to keep them to a minimum.

So Jim, how close have you been to pulling the trigger?

[gop4lyf]

Amen to that!!!

[SharpRightTurn]

“Lately it is has become a reflection of the overall decline in civility in America. Gone are the reasoned arguments, peppered with humor, that were meant to persuade. Now many of the posts are nasty, ad hominem attacks ‘if you can’t use reason as a tool attack the person’.”

Exactly right. On most of the presidential threads, you can’t engage in debating the candidates based on policy positions; almost everything is a 5th grade food fight, with vitriolic posts rather than reasoned thoughts.

[AlienandStranger]

I have been thinking the very same thing.

Lately, whenever I come to FR to scan the latest posts, its’ all Trump/Cruz/Carson, polls, and/or attacks against one of the Republican candidates.

And I can’t believe all the attacks on Rush Limbaugh and Ted Cruz!

Rush Limbaugh has revolutionized and resurrected conservative talk radio. Folks may not remember how things were in the media pre-Rush. I do and I thank God for Rush every day. He’s a truly decent, strong conservative, yet he’s not “pure” enough for some on FR.

And Ted Cruz (with Mike Lee) were the ONLY two in Congress who were giving a little push-back to the insanity in Washington and yet Cruz is attacked by some here as if he’s an enemy. He seems to me, at least, to be a truly decent, articulate, and strong conservative, yet he’s attacked by Trump supporters the way the libs in the media attack him. And Jimmy Carter denouncing Cruz just reinforces who the Democrats really fear.

To me, I see Trump as a populist who is saying the right things, but whether or not he’s a conservative is debatable. And how he would ever accomplish what he’s promising to do is really a mystery since there are never any specifics- just generalities like “we’re gonna close the border and kick out the Muslims”. How is that gonna happen when Democrats/media/Hollywood/academe/and rent-a-mobs are fighting him every step of the way?

I may just have to take a break from FR until all this blows over- if it ever does.

[BookmanTheJanitor]

FR used to be a place for interesting, sometimes contentious, but always considerate debate about issues important to the Conservative movement. Yes, during election cycles there was some push and shove concerning favorite candidates, but mostly involving their true conservative credentials.

Lately it is has become a reflection of the overall decline in civility in America. Gone are the reasoned arguments, peppered with humor, that were meant to persuade. Now many of the posts are nasty, ad hominem attacks - if you cannot use reason as a tool attack the person.

Thank you...thank you...thank you. I couldn't agree more.

[varon]

BTTT

[so_real]

My thoughts: We are at the precipice and have earned our position there. Once upon a time we had a sense of unity in this nation : One Nation, Under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for All

Now we are multi-ethnic with arabic, laotian, mexican, japanese, etc, micro-communities. We had one God, the God, and now we are set upon by a hoard of false idols and little-g gods. We were indivisible, but the current administration has made secession discussion very very real. Our sense of liberty declines with every new law and Supreme Court decision; we are on the verge of implementing sharia which is the least "free" legal system on the planet. And as for "justice", the Supreme Court just made it legal for the government to force you to buy things it thinks you need and the Legislature is trying to find a way to disarm us legally.

Yes, FR has seen much venom and vitriole lately. As a social and constitutional conservative, I've been on the receiving end of a good deal of it. But I expect, and hope, it gets worse before it gets better. We speak of "righteous anger" and I'm pleased the kindling runs aplenty. Choose -- jump off the precipice, try to maintain your position by voting for the lesser-of-the-evils available, or step away from the edge to stand with the God-fearing Constitution-loving patriots who are ready to fight.

[Dick Bachert]

This is a very contentious and revolutionary election. All factions have become very antagonistic to one another. Don’t take it too personally as it’s gonna get even worse before it gets better...if it ever does!

Put up just hours ago, in this longish (14 minute) TRIFECTA, these three guys pretty much echo my thoughts and rantings of the last few months.

We are in the midst of one of the most revolutionary elections in our lifetime. It could go either way. How it DOES go largely depends on how informed YOU and those around you become between now and November!

In the interests of “diversity”, there’s something in this one to delight or anger everyone.

EITHER WAY, THIS ELECTION WILL START A REVOLUTION!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Yy2xvXbxRQ

[windsorknot]

A voice of sanity in the wilderness. No flames from me.

[Biggirl]

Thank-you!

[Lazamataz]

[Company Man]

How can honest debate survive, given:
1) Paid operatives 2) Mobys 3) Trolls, and their 4) Sockpuppets

[HockeyPop]

I could not agree more. The degradation in terms of civility and intelligence here has diminished greatly. It is a reflection of our society. Our arts, entertainment, schools and media became populated with nitwits and leftists. What we need is a national enema.

[Liberty Valance]

bttt