[The Comedian]

I think a nicer way of putting it is that we support the Free Republic of the United States through, in this case, the promotion of private property (ie, this site). The right to private property is one of those principles that keeps our Republic free.

I'm not nicer, so I'll stick with my less abstract and more objective, more accurate original description.

In fact, the "private property" contribution of FR to freedom is negligible, if it exists at all. It is the semi-anarchic contribution of information and opinion by its members that gives it its value.

Free Republic isn't run like private property, except for the censorship component. It is run like a private charity. If it was a true demonstration of free capitalism, Jim would charge a membership fee sufficient to cover all costs and result in a profit as well.

Frowning takes 68 muscles.
Smiling takes 6.
Pulling this trigger takes 2.
I'm lazy.

[Lakeshark]

If it was a true demonstration of free capitalism, Jim would charge a membership fee sufficient to cover all costs and result in a profit as well

We pay for it by enduring freep-a-thons......

Equal punishment for all.