Posted on 11/28/2001 7:31:29 PM PST by Jim Robinson
We have attempted, in past fundraisers, to get his attention, but whether successful or not, we just don't know.
BADJOE never reveals who contributes other than by state (if it is disclosed). Individual contributors frequently disclose their own contributions on the fundraiser threads.
I figured you'd catch some of this thread. I found it interesting to see that aligyrl's first remarks (or did I miss some?) included mooning TDE. So needy for his attention.
Some months ago, I was invited to participate in a web forum founded by Arator. I hesitated for a while as FR filled most of my 'net time and I didn't really see the need for ANOTHER political news forums. I was on the FR Kool-aid at the time. One evening, while deleting a bunch of email, I came across the original invitation and decided to check out the forum. I was surprised and quite impressed at how user-friendly Delphi forums were and I was also amazed at the quality of conversation in Arator's growing club. So I joined up.
I used my FReeper screen name. This marked the beginning of my downhill slide from Free Republic. I was immediately branded an anti-freeper by the likes of Sinkspur and others, even though in my VERY FIRST post on Delphi I stated that I loved FR and was not there to engage in anti-freeping. As some of you know, anti-freeping went on there from the start, though the AFers were subject to the same rules everyone else was. No profanity, back up your posts with facts, no profane personal attacks, etc.
Time went on and I continued to post at Reunion on a part-time basis, while devoting the bulk of my 'net time to FR. I read a lot of AF material and began to ask questions and read some of the documentation in other AF forums. After a while, Arator's place fell apart. Long story, but suffice it to say that basically two factions left the forum in a huff and EVERYONE was angry with Arator for some reason or another. The Brigadiers founded a club and the AFers founded another. I took a break from it all for a while as I was pretty disgusted with the insanity of the blow-up.
When I started posting on Delphi again, I posted mostly at the club where the AFers had migrated. Soon after I joined back up, an anonymous person broke the story about the Eschoir suit costing so much money. This was around the time a certain member of FR posted an article and made the comment, "My last post. Remember, the last thing out of Pandora's box was Hope. Au revoir!" Well, needless to say, the AF community exploded with activity when this news hit.
I followed the story (still using my FReeper name) and actively asked questions concerning it all. I got very angry about the over-inflated legal bill because I was a monthly donor at the time and got upset about my donated money being used to LAUNCH LAWSUITS against ex-FReepers so frivilously (SP?). Who would be next? Why feed a monster like that? And so forth. Needless to say, I was REALLY branded an AFer after this all happened.
When Radio Free Republic started I missed one of the shows. I politely asked Bob J on one of the Radio threads if he could direct me to an archived version of the show I had missed. (Shows weren't archived at this time). Bob J got really testy with me for no reason when I asked. I fired something back like "why don't we drop the sarcasm and just post the link I asked for". To which Bob replied in a real snotty manner that he would continue speaking to me in such a manner as long as I insisted on posting at sites that call for the demise of FR or somesuch cultish crap as that.
A week later I was banned for life.
In the original article at the beginning of this thread, the owner/founder of Free Republic included my name in with known anti-freepers. Is there any doubt that the Powers-that-be around here think that I'm an anti-freeper? I don't think so. Why? Because I posted on an AF board. There are many others that have done so yet are in good standing around here. Check the AF boards, you'll see.
Anyhoo, regarding sticking around Free Republic: Would you?
The issue I was trying to raise with this question
If it is generally believed that the first amendment protects freedom of speech and the press, then does it necessarily follow that a private individual or company engaged in any speech related activity must provide an outlet for opposing views? If so, then must that individual bear the financial obligation of distributing opposing viewpoints?
is that, although "free speech and "free press" are protected under the Bill of Rights, no individual or organization is obligated to provide a venue for the expressions of another. If that were true, then newspapers would have to provide space for all letters to the editor. Media outlets and internet forums would have to provide equal time for all viewpoints. However, this is not the case. Anyone can diseminate their views by taking on the responsibility (and expense) of self-publishing. The 'market' just makes it easier (or more profitable) for some views to be distributed.
Well they have had their time in the spotlight. Anti-Nuts
And your point is?
I pledged a small monthly contribution earlier this month, so I feel the same way.
Cheers,
constable_tom (rumored to have a small amount of brain damage)
Activism/Chapters
Source: Free Republic
Published: 12/29/01 Author: Jim Robinson
Posted on 11/30/01 2:32 AM Central by Jim Robinson
Now I'm happy to say that I have absolutely no intent of ever shutting down Free Republic. The only reason that was in my title was because of the AFers claim. I have stated on many occasions that Free Republic will be on the air as long as the FReepers feel it is needed and viable. If the WP/LAT is successful in bankrupting me or the corporation, then we will find another way to keep our discussion site running. There is absolutely no way that they can shutdown our right to assemble on the internet and voice our opinions and criticisms of the government and or of the so-called free press. In that, we will persevere, I guarantee you! {end snip}
I know you don't have time to respond to all of this...heck, I don't know how any working adult could find time to READ it all, and still sleep...hehehe..
But, if you do happen to read this...
You have my highest respect; for the sacrifices you have made on behalf of the conservative movement and our free republic.
Like any collection of people, the Movement is often split by pettiness, selfishness, and personality conflicts. This should surprise no one. People will be people.
But it's all worth it...and everyone will see that someday soon when the Lord passes out His 'well dones'.
But in the meantime, 'the price of Liberty is (still) Eternal Vigilance'.
You are to be commended for being willing to pay that price.
Regards...EV
Gee, maybe I should grill Bill Buckley about where my National Review subscription money goes and how much he pays himself.
No one is twisting anyone's arm, and FR is still free for the FReeploaders. If JR wants to pay himself a salary, buy a Jacuzzi or take a lien out on a MegaMansion in Fresno - More Power To Him!
Capitalism rules! It would be a real thing for someone to make a success story out of the Net.
Proud FReeper since 1998. TRS.
LLCs not classified as corporations generally determine their California income, deductions and credits under the Personal Income Tax Law.
(IMHO)This means they do not have to disclose tax info to the public.
Aviator, if you are out there, we miss you.
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