Are you claiming that any comment that can be perceived by someone to cast a negative light on Newt is “trashing” him and that is not allowed?
Are you claiming that no discussion about Newt is allowed, only praise?
Or do you think maybe the idea is that people are more determined to fight back against what they view as “trashing” their candidate at this point?
There’s no way to claim that “Free Republic is supporting” a particular candidate. JimRob can speak for himself, which he does ably, and he can zot anybody he wishes, for any reason, and I support him in that. But neither he nor anyone can claim or mandate that “Free Republic [i.e., freepers as a whole] supports so-and-so.”
Also, it’s very different to talk about not supporting someone because he is not conservative versus not being enthusiastic about a conservative because he’s got other political liabilities.
In any event, as JimRob said, “don’t tread on me!” Don’t speak for me, either. Don’t claim that I, as a freeper, support or must support or must only praise anyone on this forum. All I have to be committed to here is respecting JimRob’s authority over his forum, which I do.
Ask the guy that wrote it.