I'm new to Free Republic as well. Being an older guy I made the switch at 39 from Democrat to Republican in 1987 during the Iran Contra hearings when I figured out {pre talk radio, the internet, the new media} that the media had been feeding me a Left wing agenda all my life. I saw Dan Rather and others for what they were for the first time. I saw their agenda was anti anything Republican and reflected back and realized how I had been duped by these "journalists".
I'm thinking Iran Conta........lets see, we're trying to get hostages and we're fighting Communism in Central America, thats a good thing. When Oliver North stood straight and proudly took the oath {and a bullet for the team} I changed right there and then.
For decades I thought Walter Cronkite was my wise uncle. I had questions being in the military {USAF} during VN but figured, so I disagree with him one time.
It was media bias that moved me from Democrat to Republican.
73nole, If you haven't been properly welcomed, I do it.
Welcome to Free Republic. Live long and prosper.
My conversion came in time to vote for Renaldus Magnus.