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The dynamic at LP is very simple. Most of the posters there are third party supporters (mainly libertarian and constitution party types) who see their only salvation in tearing down the GOP.

For many years, they had a soapbox here at FR and used it profligately. Unfortunately for them, Jim made a decision back in '99 to move away from the incessant anti-GOP drumbeat as he saw the GOP (flawed as it is at times) as the only effective alternative to the Clinton dominated DNC. Jim didn't eliminate GOP criticism, we see it everyday, he just removed the knee jerk, tear down the GOP third partyers whose only contribution to this site was ad hominum attacks and conspiracy theories.

The night before Jim did his stint there, I went over with Texasforever (signed-up as onyx) for the purpose of availing myself to the folks there who were including me in their bashes. I went there to either mend fences or to build higher ones.

I must tell you, I was treated nicely by the majority of the folks. They know I'm a Bush-Bot and that I stick-up for FR, that I am a $1-a-Day contributor here, but they welcomed me all the same.

I gave my word in print, that I would not first bash them or the site, and I will keep my word. The personal rhetoric has to stop.

Case in point: Howlin is given too much credit (blame) for the bannings. I know it sometimes might appear that she has that power but only because when she debates it's like the calvary has arrived, and at times a poster has exploded to the point where he gets banned. That is hardly the fault of Howlin. Adults ought to be able to keep their tempers in check or their fingers from typing unconscionable comments.

The other one who takes a beating over there is nopardons. To think she has power here is uproariously funny. Sorry ETOM, if you read this, but you know it's true.

I am in total agreement with Jim regarding the 3rd party folks. They're akin to the democrat's troubles with Nader. Time after time I have characterized their support and their votes for 3rd party candidates as "masturbatory" to the point where I think Jim told me to knock it off once. :)

Some of us "third party" types are not "conspiracy theorists" nor "ad hominem attackers" (at least w/o provocation :-). I voted for CP the last two presidential elections because of principle, mainly (after having read the platforms).

This year, the CP choice is calling the war in Iraq "unconstituional," (it was not.) hence, I am voting GOP this time. This one stance by Peroutka proves to me that he is not a serious candidate.

I hope FR does not go down the path of banishing folks that are civil third party types here. I believe the political debate is healthier if they are included. 'Pod.