If you mean Freepers are shooting each other, I don't see much of that. In a population this large and diverse (geo, eco, faith, etc.), it's bound to happen. I've had dust-ups with some dopie folks that I regretted because I'm drug down to their level (Prov 26:4).
But, if you are talking about bashing high profile conservatives, I call that debate. I didn't know much about Romney apart from what I've heard from his mouth on the talk show circuit. He sounds really conservative and bright. Do a search on FR for comments on him. Some have really done their homework and it's clear that Romney is not who he wants the national public to think he is. If you call that a circular shootout - it's a free country to have your own opinion (for now).
When people are debating deeply held or ingrained beliefs, it can get a little heated and rough. When that happens, it tends to make people do a lot more digging - sharpening their rhetoric and sharing their insight to prove their point or disprove the other's. That's how the best information is brought to the surface.
Sure, there are simpletons who can't string together a coherent sentence, so they revert to banal name calling, but that's the exception versus norm. I like the fruits that grow out of a vigorous debate. If you do too, this is a great place to hang out. If that's not your cup of tea, there are alternatives that are more "civil" (although I think the vast majority here are very respectful).
I appreciate your comments, uncommonsense, and agree with them. I also “like the fruits that grow out of a vigorous debate”. There have been instances in my ventures into cyberspace where I learned something that changed my opinion on a particular politician or issue. Romney is a good example of that. At first I thought he might be someone I could support, but then I researched, listened and learned more about him....and what I learned changed my opinion of him.
I don’t mind passionate and heated debates. Lord knows I’m not perfect either and have regretted comments I’ve made online. It’s those “simpletons who can’t string together a coherent sentence, so they revert to banal name calling” and some simpletons who can be coherent but are just plain rude and far too quick to judge and insult others that are irritating to me. I’ll just have to work harder at ignoring them.
You seem to be a good soul there, uncommonsense. God bless you.