[Don Joe]

Since the poster contrasted Keyes and Bush while disparaging Bush, I said I hoped most Keyes supporters didn't share such sentiments.

I don't ask myself, "What would technochick" do before I post. Sue me.

I think I've figured it out.

If you don't "support Keyes" (definition appears to be fluid, thus the scarequotes), you are required, upon pain of attack and/or banishment, to either STFU, or, if incapable of holding your damn tongue, expressing your disapproval in the most patient, polite, cloyingly sweet, yea, complimentary tone possible.

But, if you do support Keyes (i.e., you're on the "approved list" as it were), then you can express your disgust, contempt, bile, and outright hatred of others without restraint, with utter gusto, and with outright impunity.

There's no room for any of that Voltaire nonsense about "I may not agree with what you say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it" -- except that those who disagree with Keyes MUST give full support to those who agree with him.

At least, that's how it seems to me.

[Robert_Paulson2]

My how things have changed around here.
I see a lot of burning bridges.

It's actually quite stunning.

[Jim Robinson]

Sheesh. You got me. I'm grossly unfair. I favor people who support the same things I support. Guilty as charged.

I support America 100% and, not surprisingly, I also favor people who do likewise. Socialists, liberals, communists, trolls and other America haters all get kicked out of here fairly quickly. Free Republic is a place for "like minded" conservatives who wish to work together toward accomplishing our mutual goals of restoring constitutional government to our beloved nation. It's not a liberal debating society or a place where we dump on our conservative candidates.

Alan Keyes is one of the most qualified conservative candidates I've ever had the pleasure of meeting or working with. It makes absolutely zero sense to have so-called like minded conservatives dumping on him or his supporters in this forum.

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

Apparently, disparaging comments about President Bush are perfectly in-bounds, and not to be responded to.

Good to know.

[FragileMagic]

If you don't "support Keyes" (definition appears to be fluid, thus the scarequotes), you are required, upon pain of attack and/or banishment, to either STFU, or, if incapable of holding your damn tongue, expressing your disapproval in the most patient, polite, cloyingly sweet, yea, complimentary tone possible.

You're not quite there. Amelia has been suspended.

[redangus]

In the beginning the Voltaire quote was a driving force on FR. But since the 2000 election the site has been overrun with a number of poster who believe you have the right to express any opinion as long as it agrees with theirs. Trust me I have been flamed regularly over the last 4 years for having the audacity to question any of a number of positions taken by the Bush administration that I find less than conservative.