Replies

(Is effective communication possible at here?)

Given that open and heartfelt criticism of the Pres. has become a banning offense on FR and a trigger for foul and hyperbolic vitriol in any 'conservative/Republican' forum I would say that the answer is 'no.'

Dialogue between the right and left in this nation ceased to exist in any practical or constructive form several years ago. (Bill, Hill and Al can take credit for that.) It now seems that honest and open dialogue between competing POV's within conservative/Republican circles has come to an end.

Party lines have been rigidly drawn within and without on both sides. Dissent in either camp is roundly condemned and a strict regimen of party propaganda is the only acceptable expression. Apparently the time for discussion is over in this country.

FWIW Pres. Bush has already written his one line paragraph -
"You're either with us or with the terrorists."

It now seems that honest and open dialogue between competing POV's within conservative/Republican circles has come to an end.

Well, here at least, I don't see that. The flame wars b/t conservatives (true) and conservatives (what, sort of 'true'?) is exceeded in heat only on the religion threads.

Now, as for your reference to banning, that I have followed this a bit.

It appears that in most cases, criticism of Bush was not the 'bannable' offense. In my short experience, it is due to posters who flat out simply spend time eating up resources of FR by posting any kind of 'personal' attack that will rile up someone. These posters, trolls, haters, whatever, should be banned.

FR is just what it sounds like, and there are folks who clearly want to keep the folks in the dark to remain there, simply by generating smoke and flames and noise. I don't think the threads are moderated enough, esp the ones about Bush. I freely confess I'm one of those just emerging from the darkness of higher than average ignorance, fwiw.