Found this from an Orcinus reader and thought I should bring it to the attention of the 101st Keyboarding brigade a/k/a Kossacks:
Remember when Bush's home town newspaper endorsed Kerry? Given today's political climate, what sort of reaction might they have expected?
http://www.iconoclast-texas.com/Columns/Editorial/editorial40.htm
"We have been told by several avid Bush supporters that the days when newspapers publish editorials without personal repercussions are over. As publishers, we have printed editorials for decades, and have endorsed candidates, both Republican and Democrat. When Bush was endorsed four years ago, the Gore supporters did not respond with threats, nor did Democrats when we endorsed Reagan twice. Republicans did not threaten us personally or our business when we endorsed Carter and Clinton for their first terms.
"In the past, when individuals disagreed with an editorial, they would write a letter to the editor politely expressing a different point of view in contrast to the views of the publishers, which we have usually published. Occasionally someone would cancel a subscription or an ad, but this was rare." ...
"The new mode of operation, I am told, is that when a newspaper prints an editorial of which some sectors might disagree, the focus is now upon how to run the newspaper out of business. Out the window are the contributions the newspaper has made to the community in the past and the newspaper's extensive investment in the community."
...
"Unfortunately, for the Iconoclast and its publishers there have been threats -- big ones including physical harm.
"Too, some individuals are threatening innocent commercial concerns, claiming that if they advertise in The Iconoclast, they will be run out of business. We consider this improper in a democracy.
"Several young members of our staff covering Tonkawa Traditions this past weekend were angrily harassed and threatened that they must leave, which cut short their ability to fully do their jobs and instilled in them considerable fear for their safety. These reporters had nothing to do with that editorial. They were part-time college students working to pay their way through school and better themselves."
Also check out the letters they got, if you have the stomach for it.
http://www.iconoclast-texas.com/Columns/Letters/email1.htm
Update: Jesus' General (from whom I shamelessly stole the term 101st Keyboarding brigade, not knowing its freeper origins) notes that 'd', the Orcinus commenter also posted these remarks on atrios. Whoever 'd' is, thanks for alerting us.