Replies

Thanks, NewLand, for the welcome(?) and for the clarification of the purpose of the site. I must admit, however, that I had originally
found this particular discussion of the administration and the degree to which it demonstrated an adherence to traditional conservative ideology to be quite thought provoking. This was why I was disappointed when the conversation seemed ultimately to degenerate.

I agree that if issues are to be debated, that contributors, both
guests and Freepers, should include citations of sources. It would
make all contributors' arguments more credible. In fact, it seems to
me that well-referenced debates over the issues could go a long way toward the type of grassroots activism that this site advocates. The occasional apparently dissenting view, as it emerges in the forum, could be seen, rather than as a threat, as an opportunity for Freepers to articulate as objectively and convincingly as possible the position of conservatives in response to the view in question. Whether these arguments serve to "convert" the aberrant poster is immaterial, because they would accomplish the more important goal of continuing to build an archive that defines (with civility) the conservative view in contrast to the "opposition".

Finally, I would like to point out that I have not seen anywhere on
the web page any indication that if a poster "quacks" like a liberal it
is suddenly open season. I did notice, however, at the time of my
first post, the request, "Please: NO profanity, NO personal attacks, NO racism or violence in posts." Unless I have misinterpreted this
request, every part of it seems to have been ignored with regard to
communication with and about Alan17b. MelissaA

"This was why I was disappointed when the conversation seemed ultimately to degenerate."

The conversation degenerated when alanb17 stated:

"...our present (unelected) president..."

"We used to think that Mr Clinton set the standard for presidential lying; but Mr Bush is _much_ worse."

"He has tripled the threat of terrorism"

"He "defends the environment", but he lets us drink arsenic and breath mercury"

Do you agree with these statements as facts...yes or no?

"In fact, it seems to me that well-referenced debates over the issues could go a long way toward the type of grassroots activism that this site advocates."

So, let's see...you have been on FR for one week...we have been here for almost 8 years (6 years for me)...are you suggesting we don't have well referenced debates here?

What is your reference for saying that. I have mine...

"Please: NO profanity, NO personal attacks, NO racism or violence in posts." Unless I have misinterpreted this request, every part of it seems to have been ignored with regard to communication with and about Alan17b.

Wrong again!

-Show me the profanity
-Show me the violence
-Show me racism

The replies were very respectful...the humor of the photos was superb...but then again, I guess liberals are generally too angry to appreciate humor, or too disrespectful of different views to appreciate diversity...