No, I actually started posting here this past New Years Eve and am still getting my feet wet. As you would see by looking at past posts, I've gotten myself addicted rather quickly. Could you e-mail me on here what to do to get the NY board messages.
http://www.freerepublic.com/perl/profiles?location=80
There should be an option there to subscribe or to be notified whenever there are new postings. Also, FRmail firebrand, who runs the tri-state chapter.
And, more than a few NYC FReepers are involved in the NY Young Republican Club, which is fairly conservative and NOT at all RINO!