Replies

"I am issuing a challenge to every person who considers him or her to be a Conservative; why don’t we all commit to a return to HONOR?"

Fair enough. However, this includes posters sharing your views acknowledging that there are many honorable FReepers who do not.
I understand that there are posters who believe that the best way to have their values represented is to elect Republicans, even if they do not share their values. I respect the position, that some hold, that it is better to have Republican control even if it advances an agenda that is distinctly non-conservative. Keeping control in one party, at all costs, does have advantages.

On the other hand there is much to be said for voting only for people that you think will advance the principles you believe in. It is an honorable position that sometimes it is necessary to take a step back in order to insure that those representing us understand that those who vote for them cannot be taken for granted.

Unfortunately, posting anything that does not support the Republican party or the policies of the President will immediately bring torrents of name calling and accusations of "Bush bashing" or "Bush hating". I, and many FReepers who share my views, do not hate the President nor should my disagreement with his policies be considered "bashing".

I agree with you that, in general, the President should be treated with respect. Mindless name calling does not advance anyones agenda. There is, however, a place for humor, including political humor that makes fun of those in positions of power. I hope we have not become so thin skinned that we take offense at every perceived slight.

Anyone who has been around FR for awhile understands that the posts that are the most effective are the ones based on(supported) facts and written in a logical style. This is the way to convince others of your position. In my mind, the more of this type of post the better. Nevertheless, any forum about politics and religion and other "hot button" issues will, quite naturally, bring out the emotional side of people. This is also part of the "life" that is Free Republic.

I join you in the challenge to make (keep) FR a place where posters respect each other even while arguing against each others positions. Name calling, ad hominem attacks and the questioning of each others "honor" should be avoided. We must, however, keep our sense of humor, even about ourselves, and not stifle the good natured pushing and shoving that is an integral part of political debate.