For over 50 months now (May, 2007).
I cut & pasted the below from a previous explanation:
...the "Flying Inman" designation was given by an Episcopalian -- not a Mormon. (Albeit a Romneyfied Episcopalian). See http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1841913/posts?q=1&;page=101
Just as "Christian" was a derisive term first bestowed upon them by their opposition @ Antioch (see book of Acts), "Flying Inmans" was meant to be yet another derisive term used by a self-confessed FR "Romneybot" (his, Plutarch's term, not mine)... (And it was GF who immediately noted back then that Plutarch was essentially comparing us to "terrorist wannabes").
In that infamous post, Plutarch said (to Colorcountry & six others of us he copied): I regard the claims of Mormonism as theological. Didn't you claim to eschew theological discussion on political threads a few posts back? Henceforth, you and your co-FR-theologians shall be known as the FR Flying Inmans, because in a secular setting you make a big fuss out of religion...
Now in partial defense of Plutarch, there was a bit of "play" involved in this gesture...it wasn't what I would call 100% mean-spirited. In fact, Plutarch, when it was pointed out that he mispelled "Inman" then wrote: Far be it from me to call people names. That would be mean. The FR Flying Imam appellation is just a nickname, you know, like what GWB bestows on reporters and everyone else. It don't mean nothing. If those of you whose negative posting on Romney derive from your theological disagreement with Mormonism want to call yourself something positive, such as Crusaders for Truth, go ahead. I support Romney, so I guess I am a Romneybot.
So if...
...a self-confessed "Romneybot" designated us as "Flying Inmans"...
...in an FR thread headlined "Romney Beginning to Look Like GOP Front-Runner"...
...well consider the source. Ask yourself, "Hmm...which 'camp' do I favor...the 'Romneybots' or those who stand in strong opposition to him?"...
...and then ask, "Who did more than their fair FR share in '07-'08 to head off Romney remaining as that "front-runner" than the 'Inmans?"
The FR Flying Inmans have grown significantly in four years. Praise His Name!
It’s funny (ironic I guess) how it sort of grew. But this is sort of the full circle thing, since the FLDS case is what got me on board.