Uproar Brings Focus on Role Of Bloggers

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By David Snyder and Matthew Mosk
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, February 11, 2005; Page B01

The Web site began as a sort of Internet boutique for like-minded conservatives and libertarians, suspicious of federal power and angry at President Bill Clinton.

Started in 1997 by a reclusive California conservative, freerepublic.com saw its membership blossom with Clinton's impeachment and the election of George W. Bush. Attention to the site reached a zenith last fall, when a "freeper" -- the group's moniker for its bloggers -- first discussed flaws in documents CBS News used in a report critical of Bush's National Guard service.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A15385-2005Feb10.html