Tribute to Herb Meadows, aka "CHIEF negotiator"

Americans for Fair Taxation ^ | 10/04/2001 | Barbara Gould

[Taxman]

Thread III

Last night, Herb Meadows' life was abruptly taken by an unexpected fire in his home.

We are blessed with our association with Herb Meadows as our Internet Campaign Manager and friend. Herb blessed the lives of everyone he touched as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, political activist, and United States Marine.

Herb was part of something much bigger than most of us ever get an opportunity to experience.

Herb Meadows embodied the passion and the commitment that has made America great. We have all suffered a loss by his passing, and yet we were fortunate to be blessed by his passion and commitment. In his work, he brought hope for change and inspired us to make a difference for our country.

At Americans for Fair Taxation, it was our privilege briefly to glimpse the love for our country and the commitment to excellence thatcharacterize Herb. Our gratitude for that experience cannot be expressed in words.

We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you, Herb, for the passion, the courage, and the principle, that you exhibited, not just on a daily basis, but on a continuing, moment-to-moment basis.

It is this passion and dedication that will inspire us in the future.

It is the model of your tenacity that will help us in moments when self-doubt threatens to overcome our commitment.

Thank you, Herb, and may we honor you by continuing your work in making the river of myriad voices seeking fundamental improvement in our country flow swifter and faster than even you dreamed possible.

Thank you for touching our lives in a most extraordinary way.

Barbara Gould
Americans for Fair Taxation
1-888-786-7104 x120

[swheats]

Thanks Tonkin for the ping. A season of mourning for those left behind. Joy for those who's labors have ended.

[S.O.S121.500]

It is possible.

[Justanumba]

CHIEF Negotiator was a great guy, a wonderful freeper. He will be missed. This is just so sad.

[Maurice Tift]

A little earlier today, I heard FreeRepublic and Chief Negotiator mentioned on radio station KRLA Newstalk 870 (Los Angeles). He contributed so much here.

[Requiem for Truth]

That is so beautiful, Registered.........Thank you.

[Taxman]

Thought I had shed all the tears I could shed, Registered, and then you started them again.

Thank you, my FRiend for honoring Herb with that magnificient graphic.

[VRW Conspirator]

Big huge bump...all the way to heaven.

[knarf]

Your FReepname explains the why of us all.

I never knew the origin of CHIEF negotiator until tonight.

I'm in turmoil about the loss of two FReepers in one day.

Not that I ever could, but I sure can't compose any thoughts right now.

Rest now CHIEF, in Jesus' arms.

[Always Right]

A big bump for Chief

[steveegg]

Thanks. 'Tis fitting.

[Fred Mertz]

Hi Mo. Thanks Registered. This is a sad day today.

CHIEF: I'm missing you already. Save us some good seats up there!

[RaceBannon]

bump for later

[Tasha]

It was nice to talk to you, Chief Negotiator. You will be greatly missed.
Two chiefs in one day. It's hard to take it, I'm going to go cry.

[the crow]

I read CHIEF's reup post with great interest last night. I found it inspirational, and was comforted to know there were stubborn jarheads like CHIEF still around. While I did not serve, something along those lines has crossed my mind as well.

For some reason, I knew this post was special. While I did not post, I kept checking back for updates. I suspect I was not alone.

Be well, BCM and CHIEF Negotiator.

Thank You Lord, for blessing us with Heroes. May you welcome them into your safe harbour, and guide us through these stormy seas.

[Vigilanteman]

What a bummer. Herb sounded like a wonderful guy who truly earned his moniker. In tracing the original story, the fire sounded very suspicious and was being investigated for arson. Has there been further information released yet?

[WVNan]

Have just finished reading all the threads and checking all the links and they brought back so many memories. When his Mom died in January, my Mom was in the hospital and not expected to live. He encouraged me to "hang in there" and be strong. I did and Mom is still alive. I don't know why but this has hit me especially hard. I don't usually give way to tears because I have to be the "strong" one, but I can't seem to stop crying. I think it may be because Chief really was our friend. His spirit came through the wire and landed right in our hearts. He was also a member of my husband's "family", the U.S. Marine Corps. I don't know about this Freeper Village we share. Sometimes I think it may be too painful. We lose too many and it hurts. God comfort us all, and God comfort Chief's family.

[Irma]

Beautiful, Registered.

Like many others, I posted early on regarding his death, but still cannot comprehend that this beloved Freeper is gone from us. I loved his tax threads and once told him how my husband was the one who convinced Billy Tauzin (one of the Fair Tax sponsors) when they were in college together that the concept of a Fair tax was the route to take. He was so amused. :-)

Looks like all of the Chief's hard work in reforming the IRS paid off well for him. He is now where the taxes are fairest of all.

[IncPen]

I can't remember how many times on the FR I read a great reply from CHIEF: thoughtful, funny, brutally honest and sometimes all of that in the same few lines.

Semper Fi, CHIEF. We'll do the work here, you'll watch over us.

[Taxman]

Thank you for your kind words, RevNan.

Our FRiend, Herb Meadows, was indeed special to each of us. We will miss him, but inspired by his zest for life, we will go on. Our FReeper Family will continue to grow and prosper and show the way for the rebirth of a Constitutional Republic.

CHIEF negotiator would not want it to be any other way. We must pause, and cry, and morn. Then we must move on, and he will always be there urging us to do our best for our country, ourselves and our families.

I am proud to have known him, and the memories of our special FRiendship will continue to inspire me until I depart this mortal coil.

God Bless you, and God Bless America.

[harpo11]

very saddened 68-69, especially after reading how robustly he wanted to join-up again and fight once more
with all his heart, body and soul for America, for Freedom. His posts were always lively and spirited. God Bless CHIEF. And a proud Salute!