A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....05-02-03....Pippin's Thoughts

Billie and Mama_Bear | written by Pippin

[Mama_Bear]

A Few of FR's Finest.....
......Every Day

FR is a Treasure Trove of talented, compassionate, patriotic, wonderful people who gather every day to discuss the latest news and issues; salute and support our military and our leaders; tell a few jokes; learn a new word; write poetry; pray for those in need; and congratulate those who are deserving. Thank you, Jim Robinson, for giving us the vehicle in which we can express ourselves.

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997. I can remember lurking when there were only a few regulars who posted, and now there are over 60,000 who have registered for posting privileges. The forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest November 11, 2001

So many people have written me since my original Veteran's Day Tribute, asking how they, or a loved one, could be included in that tribute. Since I can no longer add the photos to the body of the thread, I've been including them in additional posts as I received enough to make another collage.

Still that doesn't seem to be enough. I think there's never been a better nor more appropriate time to keep the faces of our own Veterans and Active Military in front of FReepers--every day! That's why I wanted to do yet another Daily Thread .....ABOUT FReepers .....and FOR FReepers. But not only about our Military FReepers; for all FReepers! Wouldn't it be nice to get to know a few of the other FReepers as well? That's why, in addition to seeing FR's Finest Military Personnel every day, I thought it might be fun to feature a different FReeper (or FReepers) each day. If you would like to be pictured, or know someone who would, please FReepmail me and we'll turn the spotlight - on YOU - for the day!

And do let me know if you'd like your picture added to the groups of Veterans/Active Military below. I will keep this page updated, and continue to add them to the comment section of the original Veteran's Day thread as well.

TOP: g'nad, AgThorn's son Justin, SLB, AgThorn's son Brett.
MIDDLE: fish70, razorback-bert, CheneyChick,Leroy S Mort, Mark17.
BOTTOM: Terry's Take, Taxman, DinkyDau.

TOP: ValerieUSA's son Grant, SK1Thurman, kd5cts, RangerVetNam,
dansangel and .45man's son-in-law Tony
BOTTOM: rangerX, Old China Hand, Trish, Howlin's dad, Mustang

TOP: ohioWfan's son, MamaBear's father-in-law, MamaBear's dad, ladtx
MIDDLE: The Mayor's niece, M.Kehoe, Beach_Babe's son-in-law
BOTTOM: deadhead's dad, HiJinx, Severa's hubby, viligantcitizen's granddad.

TOP: spectr17, RightOnline, SERE_Doc, Tet68.
MIDDLE: FutureSnakeEater, RightOnline's wife, CIApilot, Clamper1797
BOTTOM: usmcobra, onedoug, DiverDave, Joe6-pack

We now have eleven groups of veterans/active military; we will post each group of three or four twice a week, with thumbnail/links of the remaining seven or eight groups on each thread. Click on any of the thumbnails below to see the group full-size.

GROUP 1A: TOP: Logos, SwedeGirl's hubby, Neil E Wright, FallGuy, 1John, Sneakypete MIDDLE: T'wit, COB1, LadyX, Dick Bachert, 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub BOTTOM: YankeeinSC, Delta21, JoeSixPack1

GROUP 2A: TOP: Bosniajmc, AFVetGal, Archy, A Navy Vet MIDDLE: 4TheFlag, Aeronaut, 68Grunt, Xinga BOTTOM: Codger, AAABest, Clinton's A Liar, Duke809, dcwusmc

GROUP 3A: TOP: mc5cents, Norb2569, LBGA's son, VanJenerette MIDDLE: Jim Robinson, KJenerette, davidosborne, KG9Kid BOTTOM: gwmoore, Equality7-2521, SAMWolf

GROUP 4A: TOP: porgygirl, Phil V., MudPuppy, NorCoGOP MIDDLE: RaceBannon, OneidaM, rdb3, jwTexian BOTTOM: USMC Vet, TheMayor, Vineyard, rhododogma

GROUP 9A: TOP: Q6-God, Scan59, Mama Bear and JKPhoto's son, ofMagog. MIDDLE: Big'ol_freeper, JustAmy's great uncle, Prodigal Son. BOTTOM: JustAmy's husband, JustAmy's brother-in-law, JustAmy's brother.

GROUP 10A: TOP: dakine's wife, MeeknMing's dad, Auntbee's nephew, MilitiaMan7, AlasBabylon. BOTTOM: Joe Brower, Temple Owl, Temple Owl's wife, dutchess' dad, Aomagrat.

GROUP 11A: TOP: ladtx #2 son; DiverDave's twin Don; petuniasevan and husband poorman; Mustard; ladtx #1 son. BOTTOM: AlamoGirl's brother Floyd; AG's dad; AG's brother Jim (inset); WVNan's husband; ladtx' Aunt Eva.

May 2, 2003

Pippin

Dear Mr. President,

I just wanted to write this letter to tell you what has been on my mind to say to you for quite awhile. I know you must have heard much the same things from lots of folks who are so very grateful and proud to have you as our great nation's leader at this crucial time in our history.

I wanted to add my voice to theirs in saying....THANK YOU!

Thank you, first of all, for your decision to campaign to become President and take on such an awesome job with it's heavy responsibilities and dangers. I know what a thankless job it can be at times - and worrisome. I marvel at the patience and Christian love and charity you have shown to all, even when your critics are at their worst. I've seen how you treat your enemies, as well as your friends and family.

You are an inspiration to me as I strive to become more in tune with my catholic upbringing and beliefs which are not unlike yours. I know how much you love God and begin your every morning on your knees in prayer to him for your family and for your country. I love how you love your wife, Laura, and how you respect the vows you made long ago to her in front of the minister of your church with both your families as witnesses.

I want you to know that I never cease to pray for you and for Laura and your family. I wish you love and peace and prosperity. I wish you a long and happy life. I pray that God will always protect you from all harm that is spiritual, political, emotional and physical. May your enemies be few while your friends are many!

Finally, Mr. President, I want to tell you how so very proud I am to be an American and to have you as my President. May God bless you and may God bless America!

Sincerely,

Pippin ~ a most grateful American citizen.

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 04-28-03...Discovery of the Freeper Archives 04-29-03...Dear Mom and Dad 04-30-03...Martin_Fierro 05-01-03...JH2 - John's Two Cents

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up.
3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit.
4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it.
5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me a FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer

[grantswank]

A ROSE GROWS IN THE EBB AND FLOW OF RACE RELATIONS

It’s Georgia. So does that say it all? I don’t think so.

That’s why Gerica McCrary cried. It hurt. It would hurt anyone who was idealistic enough to think that a new day had come, a new page had been turned, that a progressive generation had got hold of a level-headed concept so as never again to return to what was. That’s why Gerica cried.

The page turned forward and then slipped back. A year ago, she helped organize an integrated school prom.

It worked. Many of the students and adults who attended woke up the next morning thinking that the next spring would yield the same — a fellowship of blacks and whites, something unheard of “in the olden days.”

But it appears as if the olden days have caught up with Albany, Georgia. No integrated dance this year. Yet not everybody’s going with the segregated plan of a white’s only prom. There are those who have planned an alternative prom — integrated. Confusing? Yes. Part of the ebb and flow of race relations.

The integrated prom plans does help ease the hurt somewhat. It always does, that is, when there are the hold-outs for what makes sense in human relations. Yet Taylor County High has its split this spring season — those for an all-white prom and those who say that it’s more fun and more civil to go to an integrated social event.

Every year the juniors plan the prom detail. In 2002, they had one dance — the first integrated prom in the last 31 years. Tucked away in the countryside, 150 miles south of Atlanta, it went off quite well. No incidents except for a lot of good times had by all.

But as human nature often teaches us, race relations have their own seasons. Nothing is predictable — in cement. Each generation and each dimension of each generation makes up its own mind, decides for itself. So this spring, the junior class did not have the united front for an integrated prom.

Now the youths have to decide between, not only events, but friends. With 439 students, 232 being black, the confusion is a bit of a bump in the social relations road.

Nevertheless, out of such confusion often comes the blooming of a rose. This situation does have its rose. A black student is distributing invitation fliers to any who will take them. The papers welcome both blacks and whites to a May 9 prom at nearby Fort Valley State University. For those who can make the 50 mile drive to Columbus, it should be one very nice evening.

Maybe some sophomores will attend, get the happy bug, and so plan as juniors next year to ditto the pleasant, open heart of a dance that is totally color blind. Nothing like it.

[Aquamarine]

Another great photo, and yes, that song does apply to all pictured. Don't they all look so happy!

Don't we all ?! :)

Be back later...actually need to get something done today. ha!

[Mama_Bear]

I did switch it, but to tell you the truth, I put them side by side before I reuploaded, and I didn't know which was which.

No, you got the right one. I'm probably the only one who could even see it, but you know how it is....once you notice something. It looks better now. :-)

[The Thin Man]

Please be careful with your remarks lest he go from Thin to Thinner Man.
Do you want to be responsible for that?!!
I thought not!!

Yes, I would hate to have to go from "The Thin Man" to "The Stick Man."

[Mama_Bear]

I hope you realize Mama Bear that your tireless efforts at achieving perfection do not go unnoticed (at least not by me).

LOL! Good, at least I have the satisfaction of knowing that it is time well spent.

There are people who actually believe I enjoy exposing mistakes. That's so far from the truth. :-)

I'm sure! ;-)

[Pippin]

Hi, REV!

[ST.LOUIE1]

...another fine day underway, here in Freeperville

Always fine days at the 'Finest', yes indeed.

...the coffee is extra good this morning...I am in extra need...)

My treat at the local coffee shop then. : )

[Billie]

Speaking of that Pippin apple......usually, 'store-bought' frozen fruit pies that you bake...you know, "for that just-baked, homemade taste" (ha!).....taste just like, well, 'store-bought' frozen fruit pies. :)

HOWEVER, if there is a Sam's Club in your area, there is a "Fresh Pippin Apple Pie" that they carry that is so darn close to real homemade I buy it often, keeping one in the freezer most of the time for a last-minute dessert. They're good, honest!

Morning, jw - Pip, hello again!

[Pippin]

VCoffee, tea, hot chocolate from Carlsbad and great pics of GWB and a Wolfie at the Finest makes it a great day in Freeperville! :O)

[Pippin]

I never knew they were called Pippin Apples!

We always just call the green apples, LOL!

[ST.LOUIE1]

Uh-oh! Snorf!!

LOL! See what you started?

LOL!

Hey, if I disappear all of a sudden, it will probably be because of the storm. Big thunder boomers expected. I love storms!

Have fun! And hang on, Sloopybear!

[Pippin]

Are they picking on you again. Thinie?

[JustAmy]

"And I didn't call you 'Shirley', Sis"

Good .... I thought someone had deleted your spell checker. LOL
I get to gloat anytime I get here first which is not very often! ; )

Your Sis

[ST.LOUIE1]

Your tag....LOL!

Morning, doll! : )

[grantswank]

o



a field of daffodils brushed plain


a field of daffodils brushed plain
against the pine tree borders high
enveloped me on grassy knoll
as gentlest breezes sang their rhyme.

i closed my eyes, meandering
through memories past, sun's corridors,
until i dreamt in nature's arms,
content, at peace, as lost from time.



o

[Mama_Bear]

Thank you, Ms. Bear, for your lovely presentation of Pippin's inspiring words.

You're welcome. It's my pleasure to be a part of this finest family and to present our Pippin's 'Thoughts'.

Better batten down the hatches down there, storm coming in!

[ST.LOUIE1]

VCoffee, tea, hot chocolate from Carlsbad and great pics of GWB and a Wolfie at the Finest makes it a great day in Freeperville! :O)

: )

Er....are you wanting something from wolfie? LOL

[grantswank]

howdy and good morning to you. . .

thanks so much for the opening applause piece you provided re our grand united states president george w. bush!!!

g

[Pippin]

Now why would you think that?

Just because I want to be nice to you for the sake of being nice :O)

[Pippin]

You're welcome! :O)