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What hyperbole was that? That FR has gotten particularly nasty of late? I don't think sane people dispute that. Quite a few defend the nastiness, but that's not the same thing.

My other point was that if this forum becomes dominated by a couple of special interest groups in the conservative movement, many people with broader conservative views will go elsewhere. That's a prediction, but perhaps you could explain why it's invalid instead of the way you've responded so far.

I would define it as sanctimony, not a prediction. But then again, I guess it is human nature to assume that, in case of a dispute, it is always the other man who is narrow and fanatical.

Sorry, but I see no substantial difference in the behavior of the side of these arguments represented by the original poster than I do the "special interest groups in the conservative movement" you so fear. For every thread calling M.S. a murderer, there was one accusing the Schindlers of glorying in the media attention or being out for monetary gain. Considering the circumstances, both extremes were reprehensible. But that's par for the course in a rough-and-tumble forum where ideas are expressed openly. Whining about it doesn't do anything but make those who do look wussy.

Your original post presented the loss of the original poster (and others of his same opinion) as something regretful. I don't necessarily agree. All things change, people come and go, and any large group of passionate people will have a fluid membership. He will be replaced, just as you or I would be. The only difference is that some of us don't feel that our exit will necessitate a grand rhetorical flourish (or pious intonings by our fellow travelers about what this "means" for Free Republic). If he's no longer happy here, I'm sorry. But far "bigger" names than his have disappeared over the years, and FR has kept right on chugging along. So it will when I leave, so it will when you leave...

Sure people will leave if they feel they are not growing spiritually or intellectually, or if they think they have nothing to contribute.

But in the 5 years I've been here it has always been, at times, a nasty place. And yes, good people who only want to share ideas and thoughts do try to avoid confrontation and do feel drowned out.

I have noticed a lot more deleted posts of late. Not sure what that is all about.

But one thing that could make the site better would be if posts that were abusive towards others (i.e. namecalling) were deleted more often.

But people with minority opinions should not shrink in the face of the majority. That is just life and it will be the same on any chatboard. I for one do not want to hang out solely among like minded people. What a bore that would be.