"Purges? We don' need no steenking purges!"
I will assume that Mr. Robinson's statement that this is a conservative forum remains true. Members should have no reason to operate in a climate of fear, provided that they keep their posts to a PG-13 standard while refraining from stalking and overt harassment.
Intimidation and fear are the hallmarks of the politically correct fascists over at DU(h), not Free Republic. Four out of the hundreds of regular posters on illegal immigration subjects have been recently banned or suspended, and I hear that they may have pushed beyond the bounds of civility (the thread has been pulled so I can't see for myself).
I take this as a reminder that there is a line between disagreement and slander. It also reminds me that the humorless and oversensitive are legion and can't discern tweaking from a personal attack on their integrity. So be it - it's not "our" house, therefore we must (and should) abide by the rules of our host.
It is a tribute to our intelligence and civility that we restrain ourselves like we do while putting up with the vilest accusations and outright lies on a regular basis. Please continue to stay the high road and express your opinions and ideas. They're the stuff real progress is built on.
-NRT (aka Mikel)
I think occutegirl said it best:
What does it benefit a party to win an election if it loses its soul?
We're playing double standard rules here, you know it, the forum leaders know it. A lot more than 4 have been banned. Not my business to tell anyone how to run their place. I will not however, be happy about being "put in my place" as a second class citizen while illegals are protected and given "rights" beyond citizenship.
You mean I can't caluminate any more?
I'm going to hold my tongue on this until it's sorted out.
(multiple huge posts deleted in the interest of civility)
bump and thanks!
Well, of course. Illegal immigration is one of the most important issues facing our country, imo. Being banned for discussing it is disturbing. I didn't see the posts that resulted in suspension or banishment, however the people who did get banned are usually courteous and knowledgeable. It is unfortunate that this site does not have an ignore feature. It would eliminate quite a bit of trouble, but also spoil certain people's fun. Apparently that isn't going to happen. This is indeed JR's house, and we do need to abide by the rules. I wish the rules applied to everyone, equally :(