Is it hypocritical for free speech advocates to moderate comments on their own site?

[bibliophile20]

@LearnedCoward

Is the intent of the moderation to shut down the free exchange of ideas, or to promote the free exchange of ideas by keeping the conversation moving?

Exactly. As always, moderation, in all of the various meanings of the word, is the key. Taking just about anything to extremes–including extreme free speech–is unhealthy.