“they didn’t realize would be wielded as a personal political tool by the owner.”
Then the didn’t read this when they signed up.
“Statement by the founder of Free Republic:
In our continuing fight for freedom, for America and our constitution and against totalitarianism, socialism, tyranny, terrorism, etc., Free Republic stands firmly on the side of right, i.e., the conservative side. Believing that the best defense is a strong offense, we (myself and those whom I’m trying to attract to FR) support the strategy of taking the fight to the enemy as opposed to allowing the enemy the luxury of conducting their attacks on us at home on their terms and on their schedule...continued..”
It’s been stated since day 1 that this website was a POLITICAL site to fight liberalism...
There was nothing hidden about it.
A) There was no such mission statement up in 1999.
B) None of this would have prepared anyone for Mr. Robinson’s uniformed and vicious attack on the Bush family and our intelligence agencies.
All of this occurred long before your time.