I watched a lot of the supposed "immigration" battles on FR last year, and the beginning of the purges, if that's what they can be called. The gripes and complaints about Bush's policy began about a year ago, early 2004, just as the presidential campaign was heating up. My observation was that the most egregious comments and opposition to Bush had little to do with his immigration policy. Oh, sure, the heavy-handed Bush-bashers used immigration as an issue to hammer Bush with, but by the tone of their remarks, and their underlying effort, their goal was to undercut Bush in general among conservatives through their incessant naysaying on FreeRepublic. Jim stepped in (which I think we have to admit is an exceedingly rare occurance), and 1) stated the FreeRepublic's management's support for Pres. Bush's re-election, and 2) started banning those whose agenda wasn't simply to oppose Bush's immigration policy, but whose larger intent was to undermine Bush's chances of re-election. At the time, I personally applauded Jim's two-pronged effort to silence those whose main goals were the defeat of GWB and to foment conservative opposition to Bush through the vehicle of FreeRepublic.
As I stated in an earlier post on this thread, my observation over the past year has been that those who have been banned from FR were purged not so much for their position on the single issue of immigration, but because they were jerks whose rabid dissent of Bush in general was causing turmoil on FR.
I respectfully disagree now. During the election cycle, we had lots like Todd who bashed Bush all the time and whatnot but not it has devolved into many Bush supporters like me and Travis McGee and others who supported Bush are now arguing with folks who are either open borders, want the "Founding Majority" diminished here for a variety of reasons or they simply don't want criticism of Bush period. There is also a pro-Migra gang here advocating the economic benfits of it due to the lack of native procreation.
This thing has grown far beyond the old days of Bush bashers leading the anti-immigration charge. This forum always morphs on issues...remember once upon a time when the main schism was tween Libertarians and Conservatives...that almost seems quaint now.
I think many...actually most here...have reacted negatively against W's migra overtures. All the Pubbies I speak to here in Marsha Blackburn's district are not too keen on what they fear will become amnesty and will open the doors for the continuing tidal wave.
Just my opinion...we did have a poll here some time back where only 7% advocated amnesty and open borders (I think)
PS: When I got papers for my ex-wife....Brasilian ....I got nothing but grief and spent 5K to get her through the tourist-temporary-resident hoops after marriage and two children. There is no sympathy for peckerwoods at INS.
Precisely.
Good post!
"I personally applauded Jim's two-pronged effort to silence those whose main goals were the defeat of GWB and to foment conservative opposition to Bush through the vehicle of FreeRepublic."
Bump to that, My2Cents! Thanks for the ping.