Posted on 12/30/2004 6:11:57 PM PST by exit82
Six years ago today, I signed on to FreeRepublic as a member.
I had become aware of the site through a reference on the old Prodigy politics board in October, 1998.
At the time, I was in despair over the endless despotic rule by one William J. Clinton as President and feeling very alone in my opinion that this dishonorable man needed a rendevous with the law.
On the FreeRepublic site there was talk of an event to be held in Washington DC on October 30, 1998 announced by Jim Robinson, FR's founder, called the "March for Justice" at the site of the Washington Monument.
I realized then that this is what I was looking for. More importantly, I now knew there were many others who thought like me, that President Clinton needed to be impeached.
Unemployed at the time, I nevertheless took my trusty Dodge Caravan down to Washington DC from the Atlantic Coast of New Jersey(it's OK--I'm in a red county in a blue state),made hotel reservations, and found myself in the amazing company of 4,000 other like-minded patriots in the shadow of the Washington Monument--patriots from all over the United States.
What a thrilling day that was! It was a seminal moment in a grassroots effort to seek justice against an out of control President.
And just look where it has led from there!
(The van had almost 200,000 miles on it. The fuel pump went the day after the March when I started the return trip. All in all, the weekend cost me about $ 700.00.But I never felt better than I did after the March for Justice.The fuel pump could have gone on the way to DC, but it didn't, so I thanked the Lord for His guidance and got the van towed and repaired.)
It took me until Dec. 30th to register formally. I just eked by becoming a member of the class of '98.
I wish to express my debt and thanks to Jim Robinson for founding this site, and for all of the fine people that lurk and post here, who have been invaluable in my continuing political education and activism. Of special note are the members of the DC Chapter, with whom I have stood in front of the White House on Saturdays in 1999 and 2000 a few times during the weekly protests by FreeRepublic.
Although I've posted a lot of comments over the years, this is my very first thread. I humbly request that my vanity be kindly overlooked in the interest of helping newer Freepers understand some of this site's beginnings.
May FreeRepublic continue to grow, and may its members always be as outstanding in quality and principle as they have been these past six years.
Thank you all.
exit82
Dashing Dasher,
Does Dasher mean anything? Is it connected to your job; your hobbies,etc? I have seen Aussie Dasher on FR as well and I wonder what Dasher means.
Commander8, thanks for the well wishes!
Thanks, The Teen Conservative--just think, in six years, you too can have a thread like this one!
bump
Writer3, I actually remember this post!
Some at the time for questioning FR's finances and Big Jim set the record straight.
heheheheh
Thanks. It is good to relive that beautiful October day, the parade of States with their flags flying. The speakers were wonderful, and the signs and custumes were hilarious. I was lucky enought to be standing next to the great Minutegal that day. We met while sharing her camera and some tears of appreciation for what JimRob had wrought upon us Freepers.
I arrived from So Calif, a retired laid-back beach bum, but went home to work.
Reading FR is grand, However I find that venting is only venting and leaves me too drained to work the hood, write the letters and call the Dems on their crap. Happy N.Y!
Happy FRanniversary!
Thanks, King Prout.
Re your tagline---how come you know so much about animal licking,hmmmmm?
Yes, it's connected to my hobby.
I'll freepmail you.
Codyjacksmom--thanks, and congratulations on your first granchild!
Herewego--what a great screen name,connotating action and all--thanks!
Beat ya! but Happy Birthday, anyway. :-)
My "Freeper birthday" is Dec. 6, 1997. (Damn, I didn't notice my 7th birthday had just passed! And I didn't get a cake!)
Any other '97ers here?
I was a newbie to computers so I was to chicken to actually sign up and start posting though until Jan. 2000.
Its been some great times hasn't it?
Happy anniversary, Old Timer!
Happy anniversary!
ROFLOL -- Your tag line is awesome.
Happy New Year to you also, jwalsh07.
Always enjoy your posts!
Gotta love Freepers. Especially good to earth humble ones that give it their all.
That is a great pic! LOL.
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