Ohio - 1st - I haven't read the end of your thread, but read and participated in it on and off on Saturday - - I applaud you for a great idea and think, for the most part, it was a SUPER thread!
" Some, even pre-'04's (vbg) seem to relish causing dissent on threads."
I read a little on some of the other threads and, like the rest of you, get disgusted w some of the language and bashing of the President and fellow FReepers. I understand that one can be passionate about an issue, but one can also be civil in the discussion. I also noticed that quite a few of those posting are pre-04 (some even 98 or 99). I read quite a few posts on FR and I don't remember seeing some of these names on other threads. Putting on my tinfoil hat here - - someone mentioned that there were those that joined early on that were Bubba's supporters and perhaps even staff or from the DNC. Do you think that they lay low and pop up now and then (like now) to get folks riled up on particular issues?
They always support the most radically conservative answer to any issue. If the President appoints Bolton with a recess appointment, they bitch because he didn't do the same with judges. Partial birth abortion laws are not good enough...they want all abortion outlawed immediately. War in Iraq? We haven't bombed them into the Stone Age. Dealings with China? Nuke them immediately.
Of course, when the President does something like asking for the Patriot Act, then they bitch about civil liberties and such. Mark my words, when we spend more money on border enforcement, these same people will be back griping about the size of the budget.