Now as far as the politics? I've been following the Conservative movement for two decades. Before FR there was N.E.T. ran by Paul Weyrich a Conservative based network. Watching it I learned a lot from real conservatives. My sign on the FR came several years later in 1999. I've seen a lot more flame wars than you and I've seen this board turned into a stinking war zone every single POTUS election by a hand full demanding allegiance by all to their pick. I don't care who you vote for. I'm not fully committed to any candidate.
It's too early & this is as early as this insanity has started in here before an election I do believe. All it ever accomplished was members who were good posters with honest opinions being banned, leaving, ran off. Nothing More.
This has nothing to do with the ships except we can't afford any more losses. Be 100% honest do you think if I walked up to Trump and said what do you think about the End Troop Strengths he would even have any clue as to what that term means? It is one of the most important terms in defense. It was one ignored by Clinton, Bush, and Obama and congress since 1996 the basic numbers we still operate under. Serious questions. Not how much money does Trump have. I want answers about the nation. And I don't want evaded vague answers either. Comprehend?
I don't think there is a cut and dried selection here on Free Republic. I think JR is just saying he's content for this site to let Trump rip up Bush, the bushies, and HIllary. I'm OK with that, too.
My favorite is Cruz as well. Always has been. I'll continue donating to him. He's made a few mis-steps.
My 2nd choice is to injure the GOP-E in any way that I can. They are in the process of supporting planned parenthood so they don't have to argue budget, so says Mitch McConnell.
I ask myself, this GOP is OKAY with selling baby parts.
How in the world can Donald Trump be worse than that?
I feel sorry for people who are so damn pragmatic in their thinking that they can't see the forest. I wish there was a more viable candidate that had the opportunity to WIN against the fraud and dirty tricks of the Democrat party. But, I think "The Donald" can win!
As for signup dates, I am a retread with Jim Thompson's permission, and a long time financial supporter of this site. I was strong in my support for Sarah Palin to jump in, but it didn't happen. I see Ted Cruz as a good running mate and grounding agent to Trump's apparent successful start to a winning strategy.
Will he be the ideal candidate? Maybe not, but I don't doubt his sincerity and intent to help make America come back to it's historic place in the world. Right now, they are all laughing at us , with their hands out.
Have a nice night!