I think it's simply a transition time for this site. While we all like to think that freedom of speech somehow extends to this site, or that our opinions are more valuable than others', or that our contributions or tenure entitle us to continue posting, it just isn't so.
This site has been so divided as of late that it's unable to accomplish much of anything. Jim clearly has a vision for its future, and he likely felt that the only way to achieve it is to articulate his philosophy and remove those who insist on subverting it. Note that I said "subverting" - not merely disagreeing respectfully and honestly.
Let's fave facts: the folks who are now gone understood Jim's vision and decided to actively work counter to it. On his own site. Who would we think he has an obligation to allow them to continue that behavior?
I think JR also lost patience with people who were attacking him here while they had set up their own site to use for discussions. It’s kind of disloyal to argue you love this site while you are off badmouthing it in your own competing site.
If I were a conspiracy theorist, I would suggest that the “bannings” were part of the plan, and their hope is to generate enough sympathy from non-rudy supporters who are long-time people to move over to their site.
If I was even MORE a conspirist, I would say that explains Peach’s sudden turn to negative personal stuff. She was never that way, but she really likes Rudy, and maybe they convinced her that, if she got herself banned, being beloved and all, it would really help Rudy by making FR look vindictive.
I’m probably all wet, although the result of her getting personal and attacking Jim was that she got banned, and her banning HAS invoked sympathy from some other non-rudy Freepers, and a few HAVE said they are now quitting and some may go over there and say bad things about FR.
So if it wasn’t their intent, it’s how it’s going down. Maybe they aren’t clever enough to have planned it, but it couldn’t have gone much better if they HAD planned it.