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.
I am pleased to read some of your comments. It was indeed a very Lord of the Flies episode. The mob mentality was was embarrassing and I was hammered because I was simply asking for some measure of civility. Later, I defended a long-standing FReeper friend who got banned (Peach) and who remains a dear friend to this day. That really brought the fangs out. (To those who want to bash her now, please don't. She is gone from this forum and can't defend herself and I won't revisit or debate the matter.) And the mob is quicker to emerge than ever. Let some poor SOB suggest that they aren't convinced Sarah has the credentials to be President and you will see it instantly.
After that thead, I did not post on FR for 14 months. Now I only occassionally do. Prior to that, I had started nearly 1,100 threads of (I hope) interesting articles pertaining to our general conservative perspective. I know of numerous people who left on their own (respectfully, I won't name them)- either temporarily or permanently. There are those on the banned list who I respect enormously and their departure diminished FR. RadioAstromomer is a bona fide scientist and his science commentary was nearly always brilliant and understandable, for example.
I wish that thread had never been started. And that is all I will have to say on the matter.
I hope everyone has a blessed Christmas. And let's please focus on 2010!!