A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day 08-16-02

Freedom'sWorthIt and Billie

[Billie]

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

TOP:  Bosniajmc, AFVetGal, Archy, A Navy Vet

MIDDLE:  4TheFlag, Aeronaut, 68Grunt, Xinga

BOTTOM:  Codger, AAABest, Clinton's A Liar, Duke809, dcwusmc

TOP:  mc5cents, Norb2569, LBGA's son, VanJenerette

MIDDLE:  Jim Robinson, KJenerette, davidosborne, KG9Kid

BOTTOM:  gwmoore, Equality7-2521, SAMWolf

TOP:  porgygirl, Phil V., MudPuppy, NorCoGOP

MIDDLE:  RaceBannon, OneidaM, rdb3, jwTexian

BOTTOM:  USMC Vet, TheMayor, Vineyard, rhododogma

TOP:  spectr17, RightOnline, SERE_Doc, Tet68

MIDDLE:  FutureSnakeEater, RightOnline's wife, CIApilot, Clamper1797
BOTTOM:  usmcobra, onedoug, DiverDave, Joe6-pack

                     

One of FR's And FLORIDA's Finest! by Freedom'sWorthIt

Luis Gonzalez
FReeper since 05-10-00

Today Free Republic's Finest is saluting someone that many of us met online for the first time back during the Elian Gonzalez travail. Luis' posts during that time gave poignant understanding and indignant passion to the arguments and reasons for allowing that little boy whose mother died trying to bring him to freedom to stay in his new happy home in America. Since that shameful episode in America's "terrible times" under the Clinton/Reno horror, Luis has gone on to become one of Free Republic's budding - and, now, accomplished - authors of distinction!

Maybe you remember these passages about Luis' childhood and the Elian episode - first published at Free Republic, June 3, 2000:  

Becoming American; Elian Gonzalez and My Journey to Freedom
(Copyright 2001)

"I remember Cuba.

I remember it through the eyes of a child, I was eleven years old the day we left; excited to be on my first real airplane, on a trip I had waited so long to take.

The Cuba that I remember was one of contrasts, even to a young child, Marxist ideals and indoctrination at school, quiet and loving deprogramin at home.

Learn and unlearn, fit in and be an outsider at the same time……………

One by one, I said goodbye to my family; uncles, cousins, grandparents; and still we waited.

The fear and desperation of my parents kept a secret from my brother and I, but even as a child I knew; I knew my role, I knew my task, I felt the high wire under my feet. By day, an honor student, outwardly following the Party line for Cuban children, participating in the rallies, repeating the lines, wearing the emblems. By night, hearing the stories about a land where everything was possible, a land of bicycles and toys and wondrous things, a land so alien and so inviting, we where soon to go. Remember not to believe in the lies taught at school, remember to forget..... learn and unlearn.

The last memory of Cuba for this eleven year old child is a disturbing one, a night filled with men in Army uniforms and guns, and shouted orders, of women going into rooms with men and women dressed in green and coming out crying. It was a night of fear and anxiety, a night of not sleeping.

I saw it first, I had the window seat. In the light of an early Spring morning, in the bluest water I have yet to see; there where green islands and the longest bridge in the world. And then a car! And another!

And a voice over speakers saying "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to The United States of America", and then there was crying and laughing and wordless shouting. But most of all, there where hugs; strong, soul cleansing hugs

The thirty-three year old memories of this once eleven year old boy, of his first morning in America, is one of light.

A promise fulfilled., the beginning of the future……

To fight for Elian's Freedom is to fight for the future of America as a Republic, to reestablish the Ideals of The Founders, to assert the American way of life and show the world that I, a Free Man, will not tolerate injustice and tyranny, and that it will not extend itself unto our Soil freely and without repercussions. The lines that divided me are gone, I stand with all those who stand for Freedom and for the Constitution, with pride in my heritage and love for this Country I erase from my sight race, gender, ethnicity and stand as an American, for the love of America and for the future of all children. "

Read this beauty in its entirety at Luis' Archives:   The Coconut Telegraph, the Missives and Musings of a Banana Republican.

If you have never read Luis' works before now - you are in for a treat. Mosey over and enjoy the Archives of this "Banana Republican's" collection.

Two favorites there, in addition to the selection quoted above, include "Memoirs: Jimmy's Flag" (after 9-11) and "Walking on Freedom Road" (also after 9-11, which includes the report of an unreported Freedom Rally in Little Havana, Miami, Florida, by Cuban Americans ) It is no surprise that liberal "propaganda" outlets did not report this event. But because of Free Republic and Luis Gonzalez, we know about it:

"The 'God Bless America' rally in Little Havana was organized by a handful of community organizations and a radio station, there was very little notice, and almost no advertisement (outside WAQI-AM, Miami), the best estimates placed the crowd at about 150,000.

These rallies are not unusual on Freedom Road, best known as Calle Ocho, they happen regularly, but the majority of the Nation never hears about them, nor do they see the pictures, there is seldom any coverage by the dominant media.

This has become a badge of honor for the participants, we understand WHY the leftist media organizations stay away, they can't demonize and marginalize those whose love and respect for America is so clearly, and frequently evident.

So we take to the streets not expecting to see ourselves in the evening news, but that's OK by us, 'what we do, we do because it is the right thing to do, and we do it on our own. Expect nothing from no one; give your all because anything less is unacceptable.' "

Are you hungry for more from the heart and soul of Luis Gonzalez? Good. There are many more offerings like these but you will have to do some exploring on your own to discover them.

One essay, if you haven't found it on your own, is this one, written by Luis with Billie's usual stunning graphical help, about the Space Shuttle Challenger's disaster upon the 15th anniversary of that tragic event.

Go to this link to read "Where Never Lark or Even Eagle Flew". Bring a handkerchief or two.

Luis has kept that promise mentioned above to remain active in the fight for freedom - not only through his essays, but also through his work for Radio Free Republic, and last - but certainly not least - through caring for his own family, including his two boys - sons who have had the opportunity to be born as Free Citizens of the United States of America.

Luis Gonzalez, our "Banana Republican", talented writer and Radio personality…. we salute you as one of Free Republic's Finest, as one who truly knows beyond any doubt that Freedom is worth it!~~Freedom'sWorthIt

I want to thank Freedom'sWorthIt for putting together this wonderful profile today; I know how very hard she worked, and on relatively short notice she collected the information and compiled it in her own eloquent words that we've come to recognize! Of course, with a subject such as Luis, it would have been hard NOT to find words to write about him. His essays are so moving, they always bring tears to those of us who read them. Thank you, FWI, and thank you, Luis! ~~Billie

THIS WEEK'S THREADS

08-12-02 backhoe
08-13-02 MeeknMing
08-14-02 Vet Group 10
08-15-02 Reagan/Bush/Cheney drawings

[Mama_Bear]

Daisy and Lori and I are all indebted to those of you we've called upon to be a guest writer.

Yes, indeed! I appreciate everyone's contributions; those who help with the tributes, those who come by whenever they can to congratulate the featured FReeper, and those who are here every day helping to keep the thread the interesting and welcome place that it is. You all bring your unique qualities here and you all are appreciated.

But today, I especially appreciate FWI. She came through in a pinch and, even with such short notice, put together a beautiful tribute to Luis.

[Billie]

Hey, Mixer - I left this morning without saying how cute your new letters were! BIG ones, too - was there an 'e' missing, or am I (not) seeing things?!

[lodwick]

No thanks needed here Luis - I just hope you're enjoying your special day in the Getting To Know You spotlight. A great day to you, and an even better evening out. No plastic toys. ;-)

[Billie]

Hi, LadyX - am so sorry you're not feeling well today. Thanks for coming to say hello to Luis - now go get to feeling better, hear?!

[Mama_Bear]

The best friggin' people on the face of this earth!!!!!!!!

LOL! Well said. You do have a way with words!...(and I agree). :-)

[William Wallace]

Thank you for the flag Freedom, and for writing this great tribute to Luis. You did a great job! Thank you too Billie for creating this wonderful tribute page and for naming Luis as one of FR’s Finest. He is all that and much more.

To say he is the best writer on a forum blessed with many gifted writers is the simple truth, but only part of the story. To say he was and is the heart and soul of the gallant band of freedom warriors for Elian is an understatement. (Don’t take my word for it, ask our adversaries and former adversaries.) To say he is as passionate about liberty as my Scottish namesake is to restate the obvious. To say Luis loves his adopted country as much as Ronald Reagan and for the same reasons is to hear his canto libre, his freedom song. To say he is my best friend is my great honor and privilege.

I first “met” Luis here on FR on the threads about Elian Gonzalez. Having grown up under the same Communist tyranny that Elian’s mother and countless others died trying to flee, Luis understood better than anyone the obscenity being perpetrated on this small helpless child by a corrupt administration eagerly doing the dirty work for a brutal Communist dictator. When some conservatives vacillated or misunderstood the issues at stake (If this was a case about parental rights, would the Clinton Administration have sided with parents -- and fathers no less?) Luis always stood -- with the boy and the fisherman -- on the side of freedom.

As many FReepers can attest, Luis doesn’t shy away from expressing his views even when he knows they will be misrepresented or met with scorn and derision. He is not here to promote any agenda other than the truth or plead the case of any special interest except our precious God-given rights and to remind us of our duty as Americans and patriots to rebuild that shining city on a hill. As another great American hero said, “Let’s roll.”

It’s rarely the case we get a chance to commemorate our heroes before they’re no longer around to hear us sing their praises. I’m so glad you did this tribute now because it gave me a chance to tell Luis that his friendship means the world to me and that I love him like a brother.

Thanks Billie and Freedom.

[Billie]

Have kleenex handy when you go. :) (to the Banana Republic)

[Mama_Bear]

That picture says it all, doesn't it?

[daisyscarlett]

[Billie]

:) I knew who was where when I saw the beginning of this post. (Well, unless Amy had been into your files again) LOL

[Luis Gonzalez]

Go here.

[Billie]

Good afternoon, Tea! Having a good day today? Always fun to see you here. :)

[Billie]

Didn't she do great?! I love that Freedom logo!

[daisyscarlett]

Hi MB.....Yep, that calendar page is so applicable to so many of us. Worry is simply not good for us...it is a medical fact...

[Billie]

Thanks, Tea - sounds like such fun - doubt it will ever happen though. : ( This is probably the closest I'll ever get to meeting other FReepers, but it's really fun to visit this way. :)

[F.J. Mitchell]

Luis, are you telling us that the only way to windup a millionaire under socialism, is to have already have been a billionaire and close relative of the great liberator ?

[daisyscarlett]

You sure are a sight for sore eyes...Welcome back....

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

Nice to see you here also, Alamo-Girl!

[Alamo-Girl]

I'm glad to be here! I have problems loading threads with lots of graphics and don't get to drop by very often (sigh...)

[lodwick]

Excellent thoughts and sentiment. Thanks for bringing them here. JL