Posted on 03/04/2007 4:46:35 PM PST by johniegrad
Even though we are still almost two years out from the presidential election, it is clear that the candidates are campaigning in earnest. This has led to some acromonious discussions with accusations flying about posters' motives and dedication to the principles of conservatism. While these frank discussions could be healthy for pounding out the details in a primary, some here are indicating their unequivocal refusal to support some candidates if they are nominated after the primaries. Furthermore, valuable posters have discussed their disatisfaction with the website as a forum for discussing conservatism and some have threatened to leave.
Given these observations, I'd like to republish the posting of the website owner from a few years ago.
Statement by the founder of Free Republic:
In our continuing fight for freedom, for America and our constitution and against totalitarianism, socialism, tyranny, terrorism, etc., Free Republic stands firmly on the side of right, i.e., the conservative side. Believing that the best defense is a strong offense, we (myself and those whom I'm trying to attract to FR) support the strategy of taking the fight to the enemy as opposed to allowing the enemy the luxury of conducting their attacks on us at home on their terms and on their schedule.
Therefore, we wholeheartedly support the Bush Doctrine of pre-emptive strikes on known terrorist states and organizations that are believed to present a clear threat to our freedom or national security. We support our military, our troops and our Commander-in-Chief and we oppose turning control of our government back over to the liberals and socialists who favor appeasement, weakness, and subserviency. We do not believe in surrendering to the terrorists as France, Germany, Russia and Spain have done and as Kerry, Kennedy, Clinton and the Democrats, et al, are proposing.
As a conservative site, Free Republic is pro-God, pro-life, pro-family, pro-Constitution, pro-Bill of Rights, pro-gun, pro-limited government, pro-private property rights, pro-limited taxes, pro-capitalism, pro-national defense, pro-freedom, and-pro America. We oppose all forms of liberalism, socialism, fascism, pacifism, totalitarianism, anarchism, government enforced atheism, abortionism, feminism, homosexualism, racism, wacko environmentalism, judicial activism, etc. We also oppose the United Nations or any other world government body that may attempt to impose its will or rule over our sovereign nation and sovereign people. We believe in defending our borders, our constitution and our national sovereignty.
Free Republic is private property. It is not a government project, nor is it funded by government or taxpayer money. We are not a publicly owned entity nor are we an IRS tax-free non-profit organization. We pay all applicable taxes on our income. We are not connected to or funded by any political party, news agency, or any other entity. We sell no merchandise, product or service, and we offer no subscriptions or paid memberships. We accept no paid advertising or promotions. We are funded solely by donations (non tax deductible gifts) from our readers and participants.
We aggressively defend our God-given and first amendment guaranteed rights to free speech, free press, free religion, and freedom of association, as well as our constitutional right to control the use and content of our own personal private property. Despite the wailing of the liberal trolls and other doom & gloom naysayers, we feel no compelling need to allow them a platform to promote their repugnant and obnoxious propaganda from our forum. Free Republic is not a liberal debating society. We are conservative activists dedicated to defending our rights, defending our constitution, defending our republic and defending our traditional American way of life.
Our God-given liberty and freedoms are not negotiable.
May God bless and protect our men and women in uniform fighting for our freedom and may God continue to bless America.
Jim Robinson
I think FR is a conservative web but it's enlightened and perceptive enough to recognize there are different views held within the conservative family. If anyone is curious, I can give an example of a "conservative" web that's only concerned with official GOP talking points and sound bites - and the moderators act like gestapo agents if a poster deviates from their own party line. (By private post)
I think you'd have to ask its maker. The discussions, however, are both, with some libertarian thrown in as well.
Having said that, I have seen Jim state many times that the current best vehicle for conservatives is the Republican Party, and that no Democrat supports the broad issues that are defining and most important for conservatives.
It would seem to that you beat your brains in trying to get your candidate nominated through the primaries and convention, and, if unsuccessful, you throw your support behind the candidate that has the best chance of winning and at least promoting some of your causes. I have seen a lot of posters who are not willing to do this however. I wonder how many votes that becomes when considering conservatives who don't post on FreeRepublic.
FR is a conservative electronic bulletin board, but Rudy has done more for conservatism than FR has ever done.
Home brew dual gas for the car :))
I hope everyone will read and think about every one of those great quotes. Thanks.
Never answer a question with a question.
Just curious....are you angling to have Rudy supporters kicked off this site, or just shut up?
Let's hope it stays that way!
I'm registered R. But I'm not a broken glass republican. I vote the most conservative (of the choices).
Yes they have.
Neither just trying to elicit discussion. However, a wise man once told me, "When you throw a rock into a pack of dogs, the one that yelps is the one who got hit."
Hey! You may be onto something!
It's a conservative website. Note the many Freepers who can't stand Guiliani.
I agree on the first part. If no matter how hard you tried and you have 2 candidates that both are the same, against what is most important to you though....you have to decide if voting against your conscious if worth winning.
Moreso! I saw some do it yourself sites that say you can heat a house like that too.
Bring on the corn and switchgrass!
:)
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