[The_Victor]

If we'd had a candidate like Fred to be for, instead of a slate of candidates to be against, the FReepathon might still only take a week, instead of two months.

That thread represents a turning point for FR. We were family before that. We argued and bickered about the details, but in the end, I knew that when I argued with someone here, it was someone I agreed with 99% of the rest of the time. That thread divided us by "purity of thought," and to me that's just sad.

[CharlesWayneCT]

It was sad, but do remember that it was precipiated by a few agitators supporting Rudy Giuliani, who had taken to trashing other candidates, often falsely (remember the “Fred Thompson is a Mormon” thread?)

In my opinion it was unfortunate that so many other freepers got sucked into the vortex with the agitators (although some of them chose to do so).

I was told at the time though that this wasn’t much different than when a large number of Darwinists left the fold.

[Constitution Day]

Good post. You have just articulated why I no longer donate.

[rbmillerjr]

“That thread divided us by “purity of thought,” and to me that’s just sad.”

Hyperbole.