"It just so happens that several of the folks feigning rigeous indignation over this are big-time GOP cheerleaders.
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Indeed. Most members of Free Republic are Republicans, and support GOP candidates. Just a small minority of FReepers are from other parties.
Like most Republicans, we support GOP candidates. The alternative is the election of Democrats. Third party supporters harm the cause of conservatism by helping Democrats gain office.
So, yes, we donate to the GOP and to its candidates. I used to donate to other conservative organizations, but no more. The failure of so many of these to report their expenditures and receipts alarms me.
From what I can gather, there is something of a cabal of small "conservative" organizations, which do little more than collect contributions, yet never spend much on anything other than themselves.
I will never again donate to any non-profit organization which misses filing deadlines. I've learned through experience.
Like some phony televangelists, many so-called "conservative" organizations are doing little but lining their own pockets. No thank you very much.
I think you'll find that most members here at Free Republic are Republicans. You may not be. And there it is.
There is a big difference between being a Republican and being a party-first GOP cheerleader.