And, like high school, there is a group of klingons who run around badmouthing "the clique" that they're dying to be part of but can't because they're inveterate losers. Of course, "the clique" is just a figment of their imagination, and a perfect foil for their own inadequacies.
A clique of people who have taken it upon themselves to include or exclude others based on what they perceive as "hip", "cool" or "in".
Yeah, Jim Robinson is quite the social butterfly. His every move is dictated by the caprice of trendy fashion.
Such a clique, typically elects itself to a position of authority. And yet, others have not ceded authority to the clique. Anyone with a dissenting opinion from the clique is charged with heresy and immediately outcast and marginalized.
Ooooops! Nobody in the Free Republic power hierarchy was elected, because this is not a democracy. Jim Robinson owns this little corner of Camelot, lock, stock, and windmill. I would suggest that if you find yourself "marginalized" (an adjective so overworked it should be paid time-and-a-half), you might want to re-examine your views or the manner in which you express them. Your opinion is a lot like your anal sphincter; the fact that you have one doesn't mean anybody is interested in it.
I have posted repeatedly to several different "clique" threads. Each and every one of them has been very affable and welcoming at best, and neutral at worst. You don't suppose it might have something to do with WHAT you post, or the WAY you post it, do you? Naw, that can't be...