Hell, the Red Cross and the United Way can't even be trusted not to cook the books and you're put out by one little 'ol website that doesn't even charge admission? What's it to you if they don't show their books? Why aren't you harassing Operation PUSH instead?
The conservative movement cannot get into a Clintonesque type situation in which we are not holding accountable those that represent us, whether on the net, or in political operations. Sadly, I've come to the conclusion that your refusal to account in a real way for the monies raised represent a lack of accountability that I simply am not willing to tolerate in conservative circles.
If JimRob kept all the money gathered from this venture and he and JohnRob used it on lavish vacations in Tahiti every year or to keep a dozen mistresses quiet, I'm frankly not bothered by it. 1) He's not supported by tax money. 2) He's not running a church. 3) He is providing a service to thousands absolutely free of charge. I'm getting more than a full return on my investment in Free Republic. What they used my money for isn't really my concern, any more than I'd be bothered with how my car mechanic spent the money I paid him to fix my car. The car is fixed. His side of the deal is honored. He's now free to use the money as he sees fit.
I would like to see the following accounting tools posted:
Chart of Accounts complete - specifically, monies paid to employees and representatives of Free Republic Statement of Cash Flows
Balance Sheet
Income Statement
Then volunteer to work for FR as an accountant. Or join the IRS and audit him (no doubt Clinton already has). While you're at it, let's see the same vigor against Operation PUSH!
Specifically, I would like to see the documents that the Accountants are producing, NOT a raw posting of said documents worked up by Bob J or someone else... I posted on Reformation that the anti sites would go away if this issue could be resolved.
Oh, yeah! All these "anti" sites don't give a whit about the POLITICS! Hell, no! They're just overwrought with concern over possible financial mismanagement! If THIS is your big gripe about FR, your site is utterly worthless! pssst! The Dept' of Education can't account for a few BILLION of our tax dollars but you're all in a dither about one little website not showing you the books. Incredible! I need a word worse than petty to describe how disproportionately irrelevent your concern is.
The lawsuit exists because you refused to quit posting full text documents. How can you admit otherwise? Your posts on this matter exist on the anti sites. Does Drudge do this? Other sites? I don't believe this constitutes "fair use," regardless of what you think.
Ah, now we get to a policy disagreement. Don't you think Jim has placed himself in enough jeopardy over this stance? He's standing by his belief. Let the courts decide if it's justified.
Ultimately, this lawsuit issue will shut down Free Republic. Already your "pro bono" lawyer has agreed to 1 million dollars regarding this. I'm not a lawyer, but have worked for some of the high powered ones. Upon questioning, they think you're wrong on this issue.
The other problem I have is with your original position regarding George W. Bush and his alleged involvement in the "coke running conspiracy." It appears that you've changed your views to stay with the main ideological and political flow of the FReepers. If Bush was such a criminal, then why vote for him? Honestly, your original views on a number of issues appear to be minor league Bircher. I can understand changing views, but to this extent?
Is this George 41's or George 43's conspiracy? Ronald Reagan was once a Democrat and a union head. Folks do change. A better question might be, in a time of war, when George 43 is our president, does it really matter what he may or may not have done over ten years ago? If there was solid proof, don't you think the media would have hit him full throttle with this back during the campaign instead of throwing out that silly DUI story? Sometimes smoke is just smoke.
In summation, all I ask for is the accounting tools. Nothing more, nothing less. Should you do so, I will pony up $500 over the next year, well within my financial means. All else is minor, and can be easily forgotten and forgiven for the cause. I would say failure to do so ultimately hurts the conservative cause in the sense that it gives our opponents such as Eschoir cause to whine and moan. And I'm not even that conservative. My views are well known here.
With all the fraud and waste in the world where people SHOULD be held accountable and aren't, this ranks very far down my list of concerns. FR *gives* away its product. It *asks* for donations. To start up a website to protest another site's use of funds is, in my mind, the height of idiocy. Is THAT all you've got? Are you SURE there's no deeper issue lurking underneath? If so, just say it and be done with it instead of hiding behind this little girl's whine about not letting you rummage through Jim's purse. Tell me you have something more valuable to do with your time than what you imply is your big concern. Else I could recommend a psychiatric visit or two for that $500 which is well within your means.
its their whole existance!, its what they live for.
www.delphi.com\frureform
Go to the start tab and look over the links to other web sites that contain information.
Do yourself a favor, and help out the conservative movement. Look over the information with the same critical eye you gave to Clinton and his dealings.
That works for me! Uhh... except for the 12 mistresses part. Jim is a married man. However, John can have 12, if he likes. ;-)