| Revision as of 23:57, 17 October 2003 editPaul Klenk (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users4,076 edits Cleaning it up a bit, plus an explanation of BARF ALERT← Previous edit | Revision as of 00:37, 18 October 2003 edit undoPaul Klenk (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users4,076 edits Copy/paste is a practice, not a 'policy'Next edit → | ||
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| It has been observed that the group has borrowed many of its behaviors from traditionally leftist organizations. The mass demonstrations are one example. The organization of boycotts, such as that against ] over the Iraq crisis, is another. The group is funded through quarterly donations drives which mimic public television and ]. | It has been observed that the group has borrowed many of its behaviors from traditionally leftist organizations. The mass demonstrations are one example. The organization of boycotts, such as that against ] over the Iraq crisis, is another. The group is funded through quarterly donations drives which mimic public television and ]. | ||
| Because of its |
Because of its practice of copy and pasting whole news stories to its discussion boards it has been sued by a collection of major newspapers, including the '']'' and the '']''. Many members view the lawsuit as an unsuccessful conspiracy by the leftist media to stifle the organization. | ||
| ==External Link== | ==External Link== | ||
Revision as of 00:37, 18 October 2003
Free Republic is a noted right-wing American activist organization and privately-owned website.
It was founded in 1996 by Jim Robinson of California as a conservative discussion site during the Clinton years. Members would copy articles from other news sources and then the community would discuss them. The group first came to prominence during the Clinton impeachment controversy when protests and write-in campaigns were organized. The group also played an important role in the controversy over the 2000 election where it again organized protests, including the creation of the famous "Sore/Loserman" signs. The group has also played a role in organizing pro-war demonstrations across the United States during the Iraq disarmament crisis.
The community as a whole is united on certain issues, such as guns, abortion, and a hatred for the Clintons. On other issues it is quite divided. Three main groups can be observed: The moderate Republicans, who are very pro-Bush and the Republican Party, the Christian-conservatives, and the staunch libertarians. Collectively, they refer to themselves as 'Freepers'. Divisive issues include evolution, gay rights, and the legalization of soft drugs. The organization has a strong policy of not permitting any racism or antisemitism. The website also either removes or ridicules any leftwing view points from its discussion boards. Articles posted which contain leftwing views are customarily tagged with the words 'BARF ALERT' after the headline, a feature of FreeRepublic (known as 'FR') culture meant to warn the reader in advance of a leftwing view.
It has been observed that the group has borrowed many of its behaviors from traditionally leftist organizations. The mass demonstrations are one example. The organization of boycotts, such as that against France over the Iraq crisis, is another. The group is funded through quarterly donations drives which mimic public television and PBS.
Because of its practice of copy and pasting whole news stories to its discussion boards it has been sued by a collection of major newspapers, including the Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times. Many members view the lawsuit as an unsuccessful conspiracy by the leftist media to stifle the organization.