I am the director of the website where SP2BF is associated and also a member of FR since 2001, lurker since ’99. I rarely post to any forums due to time constraints, but I am doing so now based on what I have read in this thread. I’ve tried to follow all of the TM threads because the individual research, diversity of ideas, collective brain storming and posting of thought provoking ideas is refreshing. Most posters to the FR TM thread are an asset to FR and to each other.
The controversy that originated over one of hundreds of postings of SP2BF, however, was disturbing. I won’t rehash old postings or open any old wounds, but there are a few things everyone posting and reading this thread should know. Due to our association, I viewed the PMs sent to SP2BF and was dumbfounded by what I read. Although she is a US born Caucasian (and has the ability to translate Arabic), she was called a sand n---, a traitor, a member of al Qaeda’s “white army” and other slurs by a handful of posters here in those PMs. Her patriotism was assailed, her intentions were questioned, and her integrity was insulted.
The majority on this thread are here without any personal agenda, as was SP2BF. You are great people for doing what you do, and FR should be proud to have you. To you folks, I can honestly say that I am proud to be a Freeper. Accordingly, I hope that you do not succumb to those who show up with an agenda and stir things up – you are too valuable as a team to let that happen.
Now there was a post a while back by someone who questioned the authenticity of sources when none are cited on a web site. To those who want to know the basis for not posting certain sources, such as Arabic links, please allow me to answer. Last week, I attended a meeting in DC with members of the FBI and JTTF. During that meeting, this very issue arose as a matter of discussion. It was concluded that based on our visibility (of our site), posting links as a matter of routine to specific Arabic sites could cause federal surveillance (if any, and we don’t know and will never be told who is under surveillance at any given time) to be adversely affected and current investigations to be potentially compromised. That is pure common sense, and we respect the federal authorities out of professional courtesy as well as our cooperative efforts to achieve the same goal. It is not a question of credibility, it is an issue of investigative rationale. We have no control over what anyone else does, and we are not in a contest with anyone, and it is not our place to watch what other sites do or don’t do. Frankly, we just don’t have the time.
I hope this clears things up, and to those who are involved in the tireless research in this war on terror, you have my admiration.
You are doing an excellent job on your site!!!
Keep up the good work!!!
What website is 2B associated with?
I didn't realize she was a she, knew nothing about her, other than her postings here, which I have told her I appreciate. That goes the same for everyone who posts information, news articles, etc. I really appreciate the effort and hard work that has taken place here.
I don't know who sent the offensive mails and don't want to know, EVER. I DO want to apologize to her on behalf of myself and this thread. I pray she heals and quickly, from the attacks. I am truly, truly sorry that happened to her.
If I thought it would make her feel better, I'd share some of the names I've been called and the things I've been accused of. LOL. It wouldn't and, I won't.
Hope your day improves and thanks for stopping by.
Attacks like that are despicable.
SP2BF is a gem....{{{hugs}}} (Please hurry back)
Thank you, Huggy, for your website and all your efforts.
To set the record straight.
While I am the one who originally became angry at SP2, I do want everyone to know I was not one of the posters who wrote her some of the shocking things you just posted.
In fact, I freepmailed her and apologized for getting upset. She was very gracious in her response.
Thanks, we needed that!