Really? That's not how it is on 90% of the Keyes-related threads. In fact, the way it works is that Keyes Kool-Aid Drinkers are allowed to say anything and everything they want, while many people who feel Keyes is not the right person for the job are forbidden from posting on Keyes-related threads and/or are suspended from FR.
But, apparently, that is just fine by you, right?
It's the revenge of the Tombots.
It is interesting how easily people are pressured to shame an individual for certain views. The phenomenon is actually a good thing, though it is being twisted and misused in this case. (Stigma: something liberals give lip-service to trying to eliminate, all the while they use and abuse it. Truth be told, it is how social interaction works. You couldn't get rid of it if you wanted to.)
Republicans who know the media is liberal and will lie and twist the facts, nevertheless get sucked into the falsehoods anyway. The Keyes campaign has been a classic example of that. The media says Keyes attacked Mary Cheney and you believe it. Later, when the truth comes out, it's too late. Damage has already been done. A few short years ago, the social shame and stigma would be Mary's to bear. Not that anyone would be unkind to her necessarily, but the social disapproval would be clear. Now, the social structure of stigma and shame for certain unacceptable opinions or behaviors has not changed one iota. It has just been displaced. Shame on Keyes for being negative at all about homosexuality. But no shame on Mary for her behavior. That's the tragedy this reveals.