Rigid Conformity Required at Free Republic

[Screaming Eagle RL]

I have just registered here today, for the purpose of posting this particular thread. I am a conservative and have posted at Free Republic under the name Screaming Eagle Red Leg for the past few weeks … until my account was “suspended” for a day by their “moderator,” Jim Robinson (no secret, his name is publicly posted at their site).

A thread was posted about the upcoming Keyes/Obama debate. I responded to the thread by stating my opinion that, “Sorry, but Keyes has made a fool of himself and will in no way help the GOP.” I was immediately jumped on with posts such as:

“You're the one making a fool of yourself. Just go away, please. This is intended to be a positive thread. Bashers need not apply.” /// “Be gone NE liberal pubbie, go kiss up to oly suzie and that twit from RI.” /// “You sure are verbose for being here a WHOLE month! Why don't you relax and learn.” /// “Go back to DU.” /// “Now aren't you a really big boy....get off the computer now before your mommy catches you.” /// and “You seem to be fixated on "selfish-hedonism". Is it something that you are personally working through?”

For expressing my opinion regarding Alan Keyes, I was notified by Jim Robinson that my account was being suspended for a day because I had “earned a day off.” He need not worry about my return as I am not the least bit interested in posting at a site where complete, 100% agreement is required, or you get a “time out.” There was no cursing or out of line language on my part; my “crime” according to Jim Robinson was simply not accepting his viewpoint with blind obedience. For anyone interested, the thread is at:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1252553/posts?q=1&&page=1

[TrustingDog]

1. happens here too... n/t

[Skittles]

32. B.S.

if we trashed a Democrat who really IS an asshole - say ZELL - we DON"T GET BOOTED.

[name not needed]

34. What do you expect

when you compare the ALCS to a nazi youth rally?

[TrustingDog]

39. i really like how some of you guys eat your own.

with relish.

[name not needed]

40. "you guys"

What the hell is that supposed to mean?

[TrustingDog]

46. ? and what is 'that' supposed to mean....

'you guys' is a generic thing, includes gals as well.

Spend your angst on something more important, mmmkay? 'You guys' think it's hairy now, before the elections - you just wait and see what you'll feel like on the 3rd.

So try to practice not pissing off your supporters.

[Not Me]

2. Skinner is a jerk!!

(not really) but see, it didn't get deleted.

Stick around. Who knows maybe you'll see the light.

[trotsky]

3. Bravo to you.

I wish I could say we are perfect here at DU and that never happens, but it does.

I'd like to think that I could be as honest as you if the Democrats ever nominated someone was wacked out as Keyes for office. Hopefully they'll never put me in such a position!

[keopeli]

4. Good for you, Screaming Eagle

DU is a tolerant board with straighforward rules. You can say what you like here and, though you might face intense criticism, your views will be welcome. In fact, it's good to have conservative voices here. Welcome!

PS - Thanks for the link, but I don't visit FR. I'll take your word on it, since your story is one of many who say the same thing.

[Screaming Eagle RL]

7. Thanks

Thanks for the welcome. I'm just incredulous that FR could be so small-minded. Anyone who can't see that Keyes has stepped in it big-time is blind.

[Nerdling]

5. To An Extent...

You will find a certain degree of this here.

However, as a community we seem to be FAR more accepting. We even let the gays in (YES! the gays, the gays ;) ) but getting back to a serious note I'll say that if you're a good person who posts with good intentions here you'll always have someone with your back.

Welcome to DU. We hope you stick around.

[Screaming Eagle RL]

12. Thanks

Thanks for the welcome.

[calico1]

6. I find that this is the general far right mentality.

March lock step or be punished.

[Alleycat]

8. Kool-Aid

I guess now you know what we mean about drinking the Kool-Aid since you refused to indulge!!

You may not like it here either but at least you can speak you mind. Just be prepared to take some heat.

[dave123williams]

9. It's not going to be pretty when these guys turn on each other after...

They lose the election on November 2. Just my $0.02.

[Nerdling]

10. Oh.. and

Installing a swear censor is the first fucking step to fucking fascism... fuck.


.....

....

....

fuck

;)

[dave123williams]

36. Yeah! Fuck fuckity fucking fuckers.

[atreides1]

11. Welcome to DU

I'm not going to lie and tell you that some of us don't go off on a rant every now and then, we do.

Will you get flamed for something, it's possible, but if you've read the rules, it takes a bit to get banned from this site.

You will find that people here are conservative to liberal to those who are alleged to wear tin-foli hats. In simple terms, it's a melting pot, where you can have an opinion and it doesn't have to be the same as some one else's.

You are not required to "accept" anyone's point of view with blind obedience, or any other kind of obediance for that matter.

Once again welcome, I hope you find this site to your liking, for the most part.

[Screaming Eagle RL]

15. Flaming

I don't mind being flamed. After about 6 years of posting to various boards, I'm quite used to it in fact! :) It amazes me that some of the posters there could get so bent out of shape and get me suspended for nothing more than expressing my opinion re: Keyes. I've been banned from numerous forums for inappropriate language, but this is the first time I've been banned (suspended) for merely expressing an opinion.

[timtom]

13. I'm sorry for you, Screaming Eagle.

It must feel like some sort of betrayal or loss of friend to you. While we may not agree politically, we can most certainly engage in heightened dialogue.

So, we welcome you. (I know, I've only got 100+ posts, but I've been around a lot longer than one might think.)

[crispini]

14. Wow! I just read your thread

I can't believe you were SUSPENDED FOR A DAY for THAT?!

How long have you been posting over there? I mean, if someone posts obvious flamebait over here, then yes, someone is likely to get kicked off, but IMO your post was not exactly worthy of getting suspended for a day.

Now, of course, if you express a controversial POV over here, i.e. Appreciation for Joe Lieberman (heh) then get out your flameproof underwear, but I don't think you'd get *suspended* for that. :D

Anyhoo, welcome to DU. :hi:

[Screaming Eagle RL]

17. Thanks

Thanks for the welcome. Yes, my posts on that thread were certainly not offensive - at least to an adult. Sad that those folks would complain to Robinson; sadder yet that he would indulge them.

[AP]

16. "be gone" -- do they really write like that at FR?

Do they use the royal "we" too?

[Screaming Eagle RL]

19. "We"

Yes, they do. My view is either respond like an adult or ignore. All my first post was was an acknowledgement of the truth: Keyes killed his candidacy from the start. He had little or no chance from the get-go, but when he attacked the daughter of his own party's VEEP he slit his political throat. I don't even think that my view is debatable.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

18. Sorry about that...now onto more important things

Do you support Bush or Kerry?

[Screaming Eagle RL]

21. Support?

I support Bush. Is this where I get flamed? ;)

The odd thing is, no one who read any of my previous posts there on many, many threads would doubt my conservative credentials. The people who responded to my view just went off the deep end. I could see being suspended if I had replied with vulgarities, etc., but I did no such thing.

They also got upset with my "CURSE OF THE A-ROD" signature, like that was the ruination of the thread. Just childish garbage from those folks. More amazing is that Jim Robinson would actually cuddle up to these folks.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

26. well did you sail right past this when you registered?

WHO IS WELCOME ON DEMOCRATIC UNDERGROUND, AND WHO IS NOT

We welcome Democrats of all stripes, along with other progressives who will work with us to achieve our shared goals.

This is a "big tent" message board. We welcome a wide range of progressive opinion. You will likely encounter many points of view here that you disagree with.

We ban conservative disruptors who are opposed to the broad goals of this website. If you think overall that George W. Bush is doing a swell job, or if you wish to see Republicans win, or if you are generally supportive of conservative ideals, please do not register to post, as you will likely be banned.

If you have been banned from Democratic Underground, you are not permitted to log on again using a different username. Previously banned members will be immediately banned, regardless of behavior.

People who repeatedly and willfully break the rules, or who generally engage in rude, antisocial behavior, will be banned. It doesn't matter if you are a progressive or a long-term member of this board.

It should look familiar..it's from the RULES page you have to agree to to post here.

Look...I could really give a shit how Robinson manages his board..but I came to this board to be FREE from the people that would post at and support that board and I PAY THIS BOARD MONEY to remain true to its intent...but as long as we are exchanging ideas about freedom...why on earth would you support Bush given you value the freedom to say what you wish so much?

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

27. Heh. I won't flame you, but I'll keep my fingers crossed that you read

a lot of the posts here in GD and LBN (Latest Breaking News) and maybe get swayed. :toast:

There's a lot of Bush bashing here as the majority of us feel pretty strongly about his performance in the WH and prior activities, and if you read the rules and realise the lines, you should at least get some pretty good conversations and insights you wouldn't find on FR.

[Misunderestimator]

29. Do you think that Bush is doing a "swell job?"

That's really the bottom line. If you support him, I'm going to assume that you think that.

[SoCalDem]

30. It sounds like you are between a rock and a hard place..

We are not rude here, but I can tell you this.. A Bush supporter will find no "comfy home" here..

The fact that you do not support Keyes will not buy you a "day pass" if your support for Bush remains strong..

You might want to peruse the rules page..especially the part that says:

WHO IS WELCOME ON DEMOCRATIC UNDERGROUND, AND WHO IS NOT

We welcome Democrats of all stripes, along with other progressives who will work with us to achieve our shared goals.

This is a "big tent" message board. We welcome a wide range of progressive opinion. You will likely encounter many points of view here that you disagree with.

We ban conservative disruptors who are opposed to the broad goals of this website. If you think overall that George W. Bush is doing a swell job, or if you wish to see Republicans win, or if you are generally supportive of conservative ideals, please do not register to post, as you will likely be banned.

While people here do not go out of their way to treat republicans badly, we do not use DU as a "debating society".. As you probably know, there are many places on the web that DO encourage debate..

No DUer will suddenly have an epiphany in the next two weeks, and support Bush..

You may want to re-assess your membership here.

[trekbiker]

20. the Nader threads were/are somewhat similar..

earlier this year there were many threads concerning Nader with most DU'ers trashing that F---ing egotistical POS JackAss (not me though)...

but a few DU'ers stood by Nader and some threads were a little heated. A little dissension in the ranks. I'm not aware of anyone getting tossed out over it though..

Months ago I signed up on FreeRepublic to complain about a certain item and was tossed after my very first post. No "time out"... I was permanently expelled. then they ridiculed me for shooting my Wad in a single post (my Lurker skills SUCK)

[Screaming Eagle RL]

22. FR

Yep, I saw it happen more than once. They also remove threads at the drop of a hat.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

23. Welcome to DU!

I hope your time at DU is longer and far more interesting! :hi: :toast:

[Screaming Eagle RL]

24. !

Beer! I think I'll stay!

[leftofthedial]

25. since when is discouraging free speech

a conservative value?

I don't see FR as conservative at all. The values demonstrated regularly there are antithetical to the traditions and laws of the United States. It is actually quite a radical community, not a conservative community.

Speak your mind here as long as you don't maliciously disrupt, dissenting opinions are not only allowed, they often are required.

[immoderate]

28. Welcome Screaming Eagle!

While not every view is treasured here, we have a stake in diversity, and we walk the walk.

I think that any thinking person should not worry about having their views challenged, if it is done civilly.

And OMFG, even Tucker Carlson refers to Keyes as "that lunatic."

Stick around and let's share some ideas. And frankly, I hope you might be persuaded to "vote for the good of the country." Heh heh, if you know what I mean.

--IMM

[Screaming Eagle RL]

31. Thanks

I went back to FR and checked the thread as I am still getting “pings” from it and found this:

“Nice of you to make it OBVIOUS that you're a troll and use the EXACT SAME HANDLE for BOTH DU and FR.

Good kill AM, nice shooting!”

This, even though I identified myself here as a conservative!

[Skittles]

33. Do you support George W. Bush?

???

[Screaming Eagle RL]

35. Yes

Yes

[Name removed]

41. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

47. You'll do alright here as long as you don't pro-actively make pro-Bush...

posts and threads. It might be good for you to lurk for a while, taking in the atmosphere. You could hang out and make posts in the The Lounge forum which is generally apolitical - it can be quite entertaining.

[Dark]

52. Why?

If you are worried about being tombstoned, then just PM me, but I'd like to know, as you seem somewhat normal, compared to the usual FR flock.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

55. I wouldn't mind knowing too

[Skittles]

60. why even bother asking?

you know the pathetic, ridiculous RNC talking points you'll hear, the same ones we hear all the freaking time

[Soup Bean]

53. I think it's good to have someone who supports Bush to debate rationally.

I know a lot of people who support Bush, and they're my friends and family. I'm working to help change their minds, and we'll work on changing your mind, too.

We can all learn a little something from each other. Welcome to DU. It's a great, addictive place.

[WildEyedLiberal]

38. Don't confuse 'em with facts!

Welcome. :) I too am relatively new, although I am decidedly not conservative. That said, I believe that the United States of America was founded upon the principles of liberty and equality, so you won't be getting any flaming from me. Also, it might interest you to know that there are many, many conservative Republicans who do not support George Bush, because his presidency is in so many ways a violation of conservative principles and, frankly, democratic (meaning democracy, not the party, lol) principles. I would link you to some of the better ones, but I am running late already; it's time to go watch the Cardinals dismantle the Astros. But ask some of my fellow DUers; I'm sure they could find the articles for you, and help you see the light!

[Screaming Eagle RL]

44. Thanks

A Cards-Sox series would be the best ... and I wouldn't have to suffer the political analogies!

[name not needed]

48. I'd rather see the Astros in it

Not because of the political analogies, but rather just to see Clemens destroy the Sox once more.

[Nerdling]

37. Mommy Mommy, Can we keep him?

I tend to stand by the rules of this site. You are either a democrat, progressive or willing to change... or you leave.

Please, let us not waste each others time.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

45. LOL

[Skittles]

57. THANK YOU

I get tired of the welcoming committee for Bush supporters

[Nerdling]

42. Hold on a second....Baiting?

Are we being baited?

We've been posting their shit for a while now and we know they aren't happy.

So now, all of a sudden we get a disgruntled CONSERVATIVE on a DEMOCRATIC website bitchin' about how his fellow reds spanked him down. Jeez SR, we know those freepers are bastards, thats why we're here.

Whilst reading the rules of this site and KNOWING he would be banned he says he supports President Bush and is ready to be banned, wtf?. This gives him a shelf life of about 10 seconds on DU.

He came here to be banned. I think they're attempting to mindfuck us. Which is ironic, because person-for-person we're smarter.

[msmcghee]

43. Strong ideology reduces opinions to talking points.

It's too bad as I've always believed there are times and situations where a more conservative or a more liberal view of a problem will offer the best solution. And I was always willing to listen to reasonable pols on both sides - even though I lean liberal. But I guess that's what liberal means when it comes right down to it.

When one side takes the position that the other side is immoral and is willing to trash them by any means - they'll always find small minded people willing to play along. Before Gingrich both sides knew where that line was and the damage that would come from crossing it.

What you guys did to Clinton ended the last vestige of reason in government in the US. There were hundreds of chances for any leader on your side to say "OK, enough is enough. We are all Americans and winning elections is not more important than having basic respect for each other as Americans".

But not one of you did that. Not one Republican took that opportunity.

And now we are all going to pay the price because that put forces in motion that have a long way to go before they are played out. Whoever wins this election - there will be a terrible bitterness and hatred from each sides against the other. That could well lead to riots, bloodshed and it will bring our nation to it's knees economically. All these groups that have been ignited by wedge issues will fight each other to the end. The world will laugh at us and despise us and we'll stew in our own hatred, our economy will be in shambles.

We've already lost everything we gained economically under Clinton - who was the greatest president of the twentieth century just based on economic progress and equality for all citizens - despite the Republican congress fighting him every inch of the way.

You'll have time later, sitting in the ruins, to tell us if it was all worth it.

[TahitiNut]

49. Sounds EXACTLY like ...

... the Bushocchio Puppet Show at the White House (performances daily except when the wood is getting polished).

Member of the Cabinet? Help campaign and toe the line!
Scientist? Continued employment based on the 'right' results.
'Bipartisan'? Only if absolute cooperation is guaranteed.
CIA? Not if you show lack of "intelligence"!
FBI? You'd better know the far right from the ordinary wrong.
WoT Ally? You'd better get your troops killed!
NATO Ally? You'd better not be "Old Europe"!


On the other hand, Chinese ass gets kissed every week.


Yup! Ol' RimJob Gobinson is right in (goose)step!

[Maiden England]

50. Welcome to the DU

Although I haven't been posting here for a long time, I've lurked on the DU for well over a year. I have no problems welcoming those with a conservative background. Personally my history includes a stint as a Young Conservative back in the UK - although luckily by the time I actually got to my second chance at voting, I had made the switch to Liberal Democrat.
Although the DU is a place for the discussion of democratic values and ideas and occaisionally vents, I personally think we should whenever possible encourage moderate, real conservatives/republicans to find a voice. Although the events of the current administration, since I came to live in the USA (3 years next month) have forever ensured that when I naturalize I will be an active registered Democrat until I die, I also long for the 'real' republicans to take back their party from the NeoCons. This country works so much better when right and left can discuss real issues, based on their real ideologies, hashing out compromises based on their views, which often result in sensible balanced, centrist policies, which benefit rather than take advantage.

[treading_water]

51. Welcome and a question

Why did you want to come here to post this thread? Was it to see what kind of reaction you would get?

[0rganism]

54. You'll find a degree of lockstep is required here, too

It's more of a conga line than a goose step, if you know what I mean, but you should probably keep very quiet about the pro-bush thing.

Good luck. You will probably end up on a more neutral forum somewhere.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

56. Looks like mods are here

[porphyrian]

58. Fuck free republic.

I'd rather dip my head in shit than read those idiots.

[Libby2]

59. Welcome to DU

Live and learn.

I wonder what would happen if you said something about George Bush?