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The FreeRepublic is more than a phenomenon, it is new media communications paradigm. It is what the leftist establishment media has always tried to prevent; a conduit for REAL news, debate, and information exchange. I see this paradigm as in its developmental infancy, full of possibilities of expansion and with a strong and influential future. It is the standard, limited, and heavily biased format of mainstream network news coverage that is the dinosaur, the dying paradigm of the past. Why more "copies" of FR are not seen on the web is a mystery to me. Perhaps political foes are reluctant to acknowledge the fundamental success and efficacy of the FR as a disseminator of truth and conservative opinion at the same time they envy its wide public acceptance and influential reputation. I am not including in consideration the silly, short lived, low hit count "vanity" sites, such as "DU", or the pathetic "Smirking Chimp" because their authors motivation is less to offer a forum for discussion and debate of timely important issues, and more about satisfying their egos via a vehicle for personal and futile "spleen venting."

I recommend that Jim seriously begin to consider what form that his successful endeavor should take in the future to provide for future expansion, innovation, and influence; perhaps a not-for-profit corporation, perhaps a regular commercial venture, perhaps a little of both. The possibilities for the future of FR are exciting, important, and profound in their implications to the future of our Republic, and our lives in general.

In response to the "bitter enemies" of FR I say this; To call FR a "fraud' without making any logical arguments to back up that statement, is more an example of childish pique than rational thought or reasoned opinion. My guess is that those who have been "banned" can, if they are honest with themselves, trace the cause to HOW the conducted themselves while on the forum, as opposed to the content or political direction of their opinions. "Disruptors" are not labeled as such for nothing. While you will deny that you belong to such a group, there are various and sundry covens of politically bent individuals who are envious of the success and influence of FR, and will try any kind of underhanded, unethical, or even illegal method to bring it down or discredit it and JimRob himself. Jim has been passionate in his dedication and desire not to see the FreeRepublic deteriorate and descend into a vicious cesspool of foul language and vituperative rhetoric that many of us have witnessed with other un moderated "discussion news group" sites. This dedication, consistency, and resolve in the face of spurious law suits, illegal hacking, vicious disruption, and public slander has lead to the success of FR and as such is tribute to the integrity and citizenship of our mutual friend, Jim Robinson.