[Barnacle]

Generally speaking, yes.

Why does it always take me so long before I realize I’m wasting my time?

I guess it’s because I logged onto Free Republic, the “online gathering place for independent, grass-roots conservatism on the web.”, I presume I’m having a discussion with a fellow Conservative. Just like I might presume I’m having a discussion with a Libertarian if I logged on the online gathering place for independent, grass-roots Libertarianism on the web.

My mistake.

P.S. – What is the online gathering place for independent, grass-roots Libertarianism on the web anyway?

[mvpel]

So you're going to ignore the PROVEN condemnation of innocent men and all the other problems with the death penalty just because of my political leanings?

If you're going to plug your ears and yell "na-na-na" that's fine, and if you're naive enough to trust the government with the power to put you and your fellow citizens to death, that's fine too, but my financial contributions to the Libertarian party have very little to do with the specifics of the points I'm raising.

[mvpel]

By the way, if every conservative had the same opinions on every controversial point, this would be a pretty boring website.

What do I have to think in order to qualify as a "conservative" in your mind?