Been around FR for a lot of years. It has been, is, and will remain my political stabilizer. All other news sites are only peripheral to FR.
I agree wholeheartedly, Helen. Free Republic is the very first site I go to when I click the machine on. I go to it for news, commentary, religion, humor, fun, chit-chat, and just stream of consciousness clicking and reading.
I believe the best religion discussions anywhere on the web take place on Free Republic.
I believe the best news commentary takes place here.
I believe the most principled conservatism takes place here.
And, I believe it is really, really quick in getting the news out. For example, the Junior Seau suicide was on FR yesterday only minutes after it was released to the public.
FR beat every newspaper, and probably most broadcast media.