Posted on 10/13/2002 3:24:25 PM PDT by Budge
Last year during the Klamath Falls fiasco created by the environmentalists over the legal authority by which the federal government was withholding water from the farmers – to protect the bottom-feeding sucker fish, which is said to be endangered or threatened, and the ensuing movement spearheaded by Jeff Head to get the water flowing to the farmers again, I longed to join the Bucket Brigade, the Shovel Brigade and just plain FReepers who were there.
It really hit me when I read about the lack of sanitary facilities for our FReepers. I thought how great it would be if I could take my elderly motor home, “The Money Pit” there and give them a little comfort and do what I could to help.
Unfortunately that was not to be. But the idea remained, how to utilize The Money Pit to advance Free Republic and Conservativism. I mentioned this when five of the Arkansas Chapter Hog Wild FReepers were on a 400-mile round trip to Van Buren for our September meeting there.
Sweetliberty, crammed into the back seat, immediately jumped on to the idea. A lot of room for up to thirteen people, our own traveling bathroom, refrigerator, computer, TV and VCR to show tapes, all the amenities of home.
We discussed the idea of using “The FReepmobile” (as The Money Pit was renamed) several times a year to travel throughout the state to attend meetings where it was often too far for other FReepers to attend. The idea expanded. We could even travel to nearby states to meet with FReepers in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee and so forth. Then at last night’s meeting Don Friovinai came up with the slogan, ”Freedom On The Move!”
I checked with Jim Robinson after out Van Buren trip and told him of our idea. Here is what Jim said:
“Well, I cannot be responsible or liable for any damages, etc. You should do it as a chapter. I don't own or control any part of any chapter. I'd say if your local chapters go along with it, you can use a Free Republic Chapter banner and make sure you are reasonably covered for any potential liabilities and go for it. Is your chapter part of FRN? If so, this maybe something they could get excited about.
”Sounds like a great idea to me! “
I then checked with diotima and BobJ and got the following responses:
Diotima: “Wow Budge! What a great idea! I think you should put a post up on the forum about the Freepmobile. What sort of suggestions were you looking for regarding advertising? I think if you put up a big post on FR introducing everyone to the FReepmobile, you just might get some requests from neighboring chapters to make a visit.
“PS. You have just GOT to get a picture of that thing up! We will be starting a newsletter for the Network soon, and it will be announcing and summarizing FR chapter events. When we start doing this, I will for sure let you know and put the FR mobile information in it.”
BobJ: “Budge, I don't see this costing too much money, maybe better for your chapter to get together and have a fundraiser of some kind to cover the costs! let me know how it comes out or if you need any help!”
This is a picture of The Money Pit when we took it on its first outing over a year ago.
As you can see, it’s old and kinda ugly, but it’s mine and it’s paid for. =o)
True to its original name I have spent all I can, as I can, getting it in shape for the road. New brakes, new tires, engine and transmission checked, belts replaced, interior slowly being re-done, etc.
I am going to take Bob J and diotima’s advice and ask for your help.
The Freepmobile itself: I would love to have The Freepmobile re-painted to look like a waving American flag. I found what I thought would be the perfect solution on e-bay recently where someone was auctioning a plastic or vinyl flag covering for a motor home 30 to 35 feet. Unfortunately the starting bid was $ 700.00 then I’d have to find someone skilled enough to install it. Also, as you may be able to tell from the picture, The Freepmobile does not have a nice smooth side, but sort of corrugated. I fear the non-smooth sides would preclude the use of vinyl covering anyway. Or am I wrong about this? See picture below.
Can anyone offer ideas or suggestions on where or how best to get the flag painting?
Signs: We would like to have large interchangeable signs we could put on the sides and rear promoting FR and FRN. Does anyone have any ideas how to accomplish this? How to do it? Who could paint them? What would the cost be?
When I had new tires put on, the old metal spare tire cover no longer fit. I went to the cloth cover below. This may be the perfect place to put the Free Republic eagle!
Who among the talented FReepers could duplicate the Free Republic eagle on the tire cover? How much would it cost?
I realize none of this has to be done right away, or even done at all. But it sure would be fun if it all could be!
Also plenty of notice would be needed to get everyone together.
On second thought, maybe your Freepmobile is better, Budge. If you get a fund going to fix it up, I'll contribute.
Wow, Bob J, I have NO idea how to handle any kind of donations! I wouldn't know where to begin. As far as being incorporated, we are a member of the FRN. Is there some sort of blanket coverage for incorporation in that?
If so, could y'all handle any donations there if it comes to that?
As far as costs, the only cost I even have a clue about is that vinyl covering I saw on e-bay, and that started at $700.00 .. I don't even know who to contact for something similar, or even how to get it put on! As far as the signs, I'm hoping a FReeper with experience can tell us the best way to go, metal or fabric, or perhaps plastic. I have no idea. How to fasten signs to it?
I remember the 18 wheeler that had removable or changable signs that was paraded around NYC when Hitlery was running, but I have no idea who that was to ask how to attach the signs.
There is a sign company here in this little town. I will check to see what they have in mind.
I guess this tells you how ill prepared I am to start something like this.
Do y'all have a Chapter near you?
Texas bumps Arkansas for a great idea!
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