I’ve been an avid lurker on Free Republic for many years and enjoy reading the comments as much as the news articles. It helps getting some validation to my opinions on things since it seems a bit overwhelming the past five years! The American veteran and patriotism is what gets the fire burning in my belly. I love to cheer for my nation and am so very proud of my heritage. As a native Texan, I’m beginning to believe that we need to renew that pioneer and fighting spirit to preserve and protect our precious freedoms.