Posted on 02/19/2004 8:28:43 PM PST by jgrubbs
Free Republic is an online gathering place for independent, grass-roots conservatism on the web.
What exactly makes FR "independent" or "grass-roots"? Looking at the kinds of posts that get many true conservatives banned, one could reasonably conclude that FR is simply another campaign tool of the Republican Party. You and many other memebers have specifically stated that our main goal and focus is to "vote out the 'rats." We're working to roll back decades of governmental largesse, to root out political fraud and corruption, and to champion causes which further conservatism in America.
I understand that your pasison in pursuing this, but how is supporting a party that has made government bigger and spent more money than Bill Clinton help "further conservatism"? And we always have fun doing it.
Perhaps, but can you see how banning members like jgrubbs for this thread might be interpreted as the action of someone who is not "having fun"?
It is my opinion that the statement on FR's homepage is somewhat misleading. If you want FR to be a weapon used in 'rat extermination, with its ultimate goal to get Republicans into office, why not just say that up front? It might save you the trouble of banning those who feel just as passionately about defending the Constitution but have different views about how to accomplish that.
Exactly, and what's more even if the Republicans have one more senator than the Ds, it means Rs are in control and have their people in place as committee chairs. Do you think there would ever be ONE piece of pro-life legislation getting past a Democrat committee chair? Not on your life. Pro-life Democrats are useless unless they're in the minority.
Of course, action can be taken against unconstitutional actions by the government. That's the purpose of the Supreme Court and the balance of powers. The wheels may turn slowly but they usually do turn.
As I said it won't happen in this election, it may not happen in two election cycles. However sooner or later, either the Democrats will go off the deep end, or the Republicans will move too far to the left, and then no amount of pressure will be able to stop a third or even fourth party from being elected into more powerful positions.
I agree, I just don't think that time is now.
Except the fact that on certain situations, even when the Supreme Court may rule correctly on issues of constitutionality, if it doesn't mesh with 'conservative' belief, some would expect us to turn against them. For instance the issue with Padilla. Mind you, I would probably vote to have this guy hung, but constitutionally as a citizen of his respective state he does have rights. According to some around here, to suggest such a thing is tantamount to being a liberal. But I would expect the 5 conservative judges in this instance to rule against the administration. That issue was already decided in Milligan
I agree, I just don't think that time is now.
When then? When would be an appropriate time to voice your consternation against the politicians that call themselves our leaders? Give me a time when I, as a citizen of the state of North Carolina, can oppose excessive government spending, centralization of power in Washington DC, and the national government overstepping its bounds? Perhaps when Republicans are firmly in control and still continue the move to the left and just pandering to the right? By then, unfortunately, it will be too late
No one I know is going to believe that.
They might believe that it is ploy by the owners of the Dem/GOP to explain their dwindling number of followers, but that does not explain the dwindling number of eligible voters who actually vote for those national candidates.
Instead of fighting for change within the Republican party you instead whine and threaten to support a candidate who'll likely get less than 1% of the overall popular vote.
What hard reality?
What do you suggest good Republican followers do when they see that the national GOP has thumbed their nose at them (CFR, etc.)? Nothing so far has been successful. How is it they have hope for future progress or are they just holding on long enough hoping they get through life without becoming victims of some socialist oligarchy and the future be damned.
I said I didn't think NOW was the time that a third party would win.
By all means, express your consternation. Call them, write them, protest, vote for the most conservative congresscritter possible.
If you're in a state where the outcome isn't in doubt, you can even afford to vote third party. But if you're in a swing state, be aware that voting third party is likely to throw the outcome to the person you want least.
With all due respect, you and your friends don't have to believe it for it to be true.
Millions of people around the world believe theirs is the only true religion. They can't all be correct.
Was the President correct to ban partial birth abortion, eliminate funding for abortions overseas, cut taxes, and reject Kyoto?
Voter dissatisfaction with the whole Dem/GOP mess seems to be as high as it has ever been in my lifetime. Why do you say that.
I take it you were born after 1992?
With all due respect, you and your friends adoption of such a belief does not make it true.
Bones a thrown by the lord of the manor to chained dogs but that also does not explain such a political affront directed at the governed in America.
YOU are the one basing your beliefs on the opinions of people around you.
I'm basing my opinion on election and polling results, which show a fairly divided America.
I did not anticipate a humorous response.
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