Scandal Puts Focus On Role of Bloggers (WaPo on FR, NCPAC and MD4Bush)

Washington Post ^ | 02/11/05 | David Snyder and Matthew Mosk

[conservative in nyc]

The Web site began as a sort of Internet boutique for like-minded conservatives and libertarians, suspicious of federal power and angry at President Bill Clinton.

Started in 1997 by a reclusive California conservative, freerepublic.com saw its membership blossom with Clinton's impeachment and the election of George W. Bush. Attention to the site reached a zenith last fall, when a "freeper" -- the group's moniker for its bloggers -- first discussed flaws in documents CBS News used in a report critical of Bush's National Guard service.

---Snip---

One participant working under the handle MD4BUSH, whose identity is unknown, drew Steffen into a private conversation and appeared to coax him to share more details about his role in spreading the rumor. Copies of those chat room e-mails were later provided to The Washington Post.

The Oct. 18 conversation began with MD4BUSH complimenting Steffen and saying how obvious it was that the rumors about the mayor were true. Steffen, writing under the name NCPAC, replied:

"I don't look for the MO'M [O'Malley] story to hit for a little bit yet. . . . However, a lot of what everyone knows about MO'M is because of work that has occurred. It's been a wild ride."

MD4BUSH later probed further:

"Your saying that my dentist knows [about the rumors] because of work you did? Wow, I must say, I'm impressed. I mean really, everyone knows -- how did that happen?"

[MeekOneGOP]

The Associated Press made a big spash by re-assigning
three state-house reporters but they're back now.

Aw, Jeez! Why am I NOT surprised?

[Chad Fairbanks]

NCPAC commented on a rumor, but did not spread it as far as can be determined on this record.

Agreed.

thus showing that the whole media circus is based on a lie.

Doesn't really matter with the MSM - as long as they can raise doubts about something, just enough that there are questions, then they consider themselves to be Investigative Journalists. In reality, they are a joke.

[alcuin]

Please, people, add whatever you think might be helpful <<

1: If you wanna dance, avoid the killing floor of self-importance.

2: Always remember: Sometimes it's good to have a secret.

3: When kidnapped by space invaders, do not AUTOMATICALLY assume they are MSM plants. That would be paranoid.

[jennyjenny]

Thanks for the ping.

[CDB]

History will record these times as the downfall of the Democrat Party

This DOES look like one of those "turning points of history"

[clyde260]

Psssssssst, Over Here:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1341174/posts

Just saw this

[BillF]

I should say that this WaPo article was relatively good.

It erroneously referred to FReepers as bloggers at some points, as they apparently don't know the difference between a blog and a forum.

Most importantly though, this article avoided the mischaracterizations and slant in previous articles in the WaPo and elsewhere.

[ACDSWIZ]

Anyone who doe's not agree with the group think on FR is called a troll. Maybe this is why some people get even by doing harmful things. It is not the happiest moment to donate to the site and then be banned. I have read comments like that about FR on other sites. Not my problem just relaying what I have read. Some posters on this site seem to be more equal than others. Shades of Animal Farm.

[Sloth]

I think MD4Bush has some splainin' to do

Does his IP address do any splainin' for him?

[Chad Fairbanks]

Wah!

[MEG33]

Bless your heart..

[Dan from Michigan]

BTW the very first post on FR for MD4Bush, was to NCPAC.

Sounds like someone who knew what the NCPAC org was and was able to connect the dots.

Probably either an O'Malley strategist(or reporter), or someone who works for one.

[TOUGH STOUGH]

"Nobody knows WHO is on the internet unless you have personally met them..."

Even then, you can't be sure.

[processing please hold]

I've now tried 4 times to sign the petition. Not working.

[clyde260]

Hey everyone, new thread on this, and Jim Rob threw out a tease:

Steffen Apologizes, Ehrlich Launches Investigation

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1341174/posts?page=20

[AFPhys]

I am dead serious about this being a major war.

You and I and other FReepers are in the dead center of this battle - whether we realize that or not. The Leftists who "went into journalism" in the 60s and 70s to "change the world" are at war with traditional values of traditional America. Their major obstacle now, and for some years, has been the internet.

It is only since Drudge's "blue dress" report that they became even peripherally aware of that. The 'net carrying the SwiftVets to prominence, and the rapid destruction of CBS' FRAUDcast, to name only two recent battles, has brought the Old Media to realize that they are under attack, at long last. Their walls are crumbling, and their empire is failing. Bush's victory despite FOUR YEARS of bashing by the Old Media talking heads and transparent bias of the MSM news to those of us who have worked toward understanding the truth, was a severe blow to them. They will be reeling for two years from this and won't be able to believe it.

They don't like it, and they will fight this as hard as they can. They'll do all they can to deter more people from joining the ranks of those free from their influence. But - they will lose in the end.

[Grampa Dave]

Try it. It is amazing.

When you see the long time background of being pro gay agenda pushing of the author writing the hit article, light bulbs start really go off.

[Grampa Dave]

Excellent summary on what is going on.

[Grampa Dave]

"I do exactly that all the time. It's become very clear to me that a large number of the media types pushing far-leftist, America-hating, Culture of Death issues have more than an academic interest in buggery."

The Guardian and many Canadian so called news outlets are loaded with these maggots.

I will ping both of you when I do these searches and find the long documentation with the gay agenda.

[Lazamataz]

This whole thing could have been avoided IF O'MALLEY HAD STOPPED CHEATING ON HIS WIFE!!!!!