“I wonder if you have put your finger on the real crux of this thing. Is that what is going on here, is support for Giuliani being used as a lever to rid FR of those who aren’t social conservatives? To make this a primarily “social conservative” site? To make a declaration that it isn’t conservatism if it isn’t social conservatism?”
Not used as a lever, JR has decided to unite FR in an effort to defeat Giuliani, that naturally forced to the surface many of the anti-social conservative bunch, many of whom stormed out when their agendas were thwarted, and their motives exposed.
It is largely a reassertion of conservatism, and a statement that it is time to get involved in the Primary race.
"I'd like to see it ended, but ultimately I believe that a woman has the right to choose" cost him the nomination.
A woman most definitely DOES NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE TO KILL A LIVE BABY.
If not for that he would have been the next POTUS.
Thompson may or may not end up the nominee, his nubile wife aside, at least she isn't an ugly communist retard.
If the GOP nominates anyone other than Thompson we are looking at the return of the AK Mafia.
Then all bets are off.
The problem with all that is that he also got rid of a lot of long time members. I disagree with you in that I considered them to be good members. I consider it to be a great loss to Freerepublic. I saw some of them get banned while politely, if forcefully arguing their points in the face of unbelievably rude and sarcastic comments from their opponents, who were not banned. I'm appalled at the glee and vindictiveness with which they were cheered on their way. I don't see that as a credit to conservatism.