[Long Cut]

I'll start off with a few of my own Favorite FReepers, who've done so much over the years to educate, chastize, amuse, and challenge me. Do I agree with all of them all the time? HAAAAIIIILLLL, NO! But no matter what, their presence on a thread will get that thread a look and a thought from me.

In no particular order, some of MY Favorite FReepers...

68-69tonkingulfyatchclub: Tonk is the tireless Coastie who runs the Canteen threads. His heart and abilities are at all times tuned to the welfare and morale of America's military. He and his band of merry Canteeners have many times brightened this Sailor's day, and comforted me at dark times to numerous to count.

tpaine: tpaine can recite the Constitution from memory, or at least seems to be able to. He holds the line for the Libertarian/Constitutionalist FR contingent, and he always adds enough abrasiveness to his comments to assure that his victims spool up like a jet engine. Always a pleasure to read, even if one disagrees.

poohbah: Pooh is an amazing clear-thinker untainted by too much zealous ideology. Frequently his posts are a welcome breath of sanity on emotionally overheated threads, and he's not afraid to voice an opinion which might be counter to the "prevailing winds" of a thread.

archy: The best source on FR I've found for weapons and firearms information, pics, links, and historical information about same. I thought I knew a lot about guns, then I met archy. Not to mention, he is a perfect gentleman and has enourmous patience with those who know less than he. A great FR resource.

PatrickHenry: The ringleader of FR's evolutionist band of brigands, PH posts some wonderful scientific articles, and he and his lads and lassies, most especially Ichneumon and Vade Retro can provide what seems like thousands of links and evidence at the drop of a fossil. Many's the night I've watched them, over many hours, demolish nonscientific arguments and educate those who wanted to be.

Modernman: A libertarian-leaning legal eagle who I've watched defend the principle of individual liberty with good humor and impeccable manners in the face of flames that would make Godzilla proud, MM takes everything thrown at him and never seems to get angry. His debating skills are an example of how to win one.

MurryMom: One of the very exclusive club of hard-core Leftists with the tolerance of the famed and feared FR Moderators, MurryMom can be counted on to cause an instant spike in all FReeper's BP. As FR's resident liberal punching bag, her presence on a thread will attract many people who really don't care about the thread itself, but who line up to hurl abuse at her. In that, she performs a valuable service...as a target and a venting mechanism.

These are just a few of mine. There've been others, some have been banned in fact. IMHO, in most cases we are all the poorer when that must occur. FR is made so much better because of its more colorful members.

[Eddie Haskell]

if THAT GUY's there, it's gonna be a good thread...

Joe Hadenuf is at the top of my list. Other favorites of mine are Whrine, janetgreen, FITZ, bikers4bush and others I'll kick myself later for forgetting.

[b9]

I have a Favorite Freeper Friend,
the first one that I met.
Was it just a year ago?
It's gone so fast and yet
I haven't found a single soul
more poignant, kind and and true.
In fact I think He broke the mold
dear Babe,
when He made you!

Ruth-less

[antaresequity]

Victoria DelSoul

[MattAMiller]

Off the top of my head

Section9
AntiGuv
SaberTooth
GCruse
BillTheDrill
Lazmataz
PooBah
Southack

And many more who I'll always stop to read.

[Khurkris]

I have waited a few days to think about this. Its not an easy answer for me. I have gained much more than anyone knows by the posts I have read and from the info I have received on Free Republic. I lurked for 2 years before joining. I don't join very many things. Here I have had access to one of the most valuable items a person can have. That item is information. Information is a very precious thing to me.

I am humbled by the talented people I see here. Rarely have I been a part of a community with such rich resources as this. For this I thank you all.

I will distill my answer of favorite Freeper to what I see as the essence of Free Republic.

The person who, in my sometimes humble opinion, displays the essence of Free Republic in their posts, for me, is bogdanPolska12. His posts seems to capture the appreciation of the true freedom that we have in America. He displays the Spirituality in GOD that our nation was based upon. He shows the continued confidence that we must continue the march in our endeavor for Freedom here and in the World. Thank you bogdanPolska12.

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

Pinging Conspiracy Guy, Pinging Conspiracy Guy, Conspiracy Guy, you are being pinged...

[Bismarck]

I am my favorite Freeper. (Well, I am still a newcomer...)

[steveegg]

A bit late, but here's my short list of "can't miss" FReepers (in no particular order):

JohnHuang2
kattracks
Registered
Lazamataz (especially if he says, "We're all gonna die!!!"
mhking
NormsRevenge
Grampa Dave
poohbah
Starwind
SAMWolf
snippy_about_it
rintense
Congressman Billybob
the Moderators
Jim and John Robinson

So it's not such a short list.

[steveegg]

Forgot about hole_n_one for the screen captures.

[BibChr]

If I ever see that Deb has posted, I'll virtually always click to see what little thought-grenade she's tossed.

Dan

[Kuksool]

FYI. You are my favorite Freeper. I hope your personal issues are settled soon! Good luck in all your future endeavors.

[chasio649]

Wardaddy,Fintan,Chad Fairbanks, WillieGreen and PukinDog.

[kacres]

My favorite freeper is my dad,saminfl, as he is the one who got me hooked on free republic.

[StarCMC]

Ok, I have been so afraid to do this because I don't want to leave anyone out!!! But, here goes....

Texas Cowboy - because he was one of the first to be nice to a very green newbie when I got to FR!!

MoJo2001 - because she has taught me sooooooo much!!

hondo1952 - because he has the same redneck roots as me! LOL!!

Tomkow6 - he makes me laugh!

68-69tonkingulfyachtclub - I love his flowers and sunsets in the canteen

Fawnn - she's so sweet and has GREAT Woo-hoos!!

Bentfeather - an awesome poet and friend!

Fatima - because she has been a kindred spirit while our loved ones were in Iraq

JohnHuang2 - great writing!

LongCut - for starting this insanity!!

OldSarge - what a dancer!! And a flirt!! The only FReeper I've met in person and a very good friend!! Plus he gives me my hug each day! Smooch!

DivaBetsyRoss, BethBg79 - DJ's extraordinaire and fun to boot!

TheMayor - good insights with coffee each morning in the Canteen!

HiJinx - How can you not love the Granpa to Piper??

Brad's Gramma - who brought us another favorite, the Texas Termite!

Radix - who posts pics with bylines that leave me in stiches

All the Viking Kitty Pac folks -- you are tremendous!!

LindaSog - who has helped me with the Military Short Speak threads!! (And is a goddess - how can you not love her??)

Jim Robinson - without him none of this is possible!!

Lazmataz - his posts make me laugh - a man of few words!

I know there are so many more, but I am bleary eyed trying to remember! I love you all!!

[Majie Purple]

3 days...not ranked 3rd...Silent One!!!!! :)

Thought it best to clarify the # thang, given the Thread Title/Purpose.