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

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Luis, thank you for your beautiful and passionate words, for seeing the possibilities, sharing your colorful past, reminding us of what's true and great about our country and our freedoms.

Thank you for teaching us about Cuba, and our patriotic E. coast neighbors.

Billie, thanks for giving us an opportunity to say thanks. (^:

From My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys, Luis Gonzalez, Sept. 24, 2000. (keep a hankie handy)

Dubya approached the edge of the stage and shook hands with many, including the FReeper known as MissionPossible, some of the crowd began to leave and I was once again able to move forward. That's when it happened, for one incredible moment, Dubya looked up. Now, I don't know if he was looking right at me or not, it really was of no consequence whatsoever because I saw what I wanted to see.

The eyes squinted under the glare of the stage lights but the lines where well worn, a product of the great Texas sun. The face was rugged and honest, emanating self-assurance and quiet strength. This was the face of the America of my dreams and my memories. Randolph Scott, Gene Autry, Gary Cooper. I saw them all in that face. A face as rugged and honest as the wide open Texas plains, eyes as clear as the blue skies over the Lone Star State.

Governor George W. Bush walked off the stage like one of my heroes riding off into the sunset. As he turned for one last wave I saw them stand next to him, maybe it was my eyes, maybe it was the lights. But I swear he was flanked by The Duke and "Dutch".

By God, I love this Country.

[whoever]

Church Signs

1. You are not too bad to come in. You are not too good to stay out.

2. Come in and have your faith lifted.

3. Come in and let us prepare you for your finals.

4. No matter how much you nurse a grudge it won't get better.

5. Everything you always wanted to know about heaven and hell but were afraid to ask.

6. [At an Arizona church in August] You think it's hot HERE?

7. What on earth are you doing for heaven's sake?

8. Fight truth decay. . .study the Bible daily.

9. Where will you be sitting in eternity? Smoking or non-smoking?

10. Come, work for the Lord. The work is hard, the hours long and the pay is low. But the retirement benefits are out of this world.

11. I was going to waste, but Jesus recycled me.

12. It is unlikely there'll be a reduction in the wages of sin.

13. If you're headed in the wrong direction, God allows U-turns.

14. This is a ch__ch. What is missing?

15. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.

16. If you can't sleep, don't count sheep. Talk to the Shepherd.

[Mama_Bear]

This from yesterday.............

Who collects what? I know that Mama_Bear collects bears (of course).

You're right about that, and I see from your profile page that you collect angels and crosses. Here is an angel for you.....(hopefully one you haven't seen).

[WVNan]

LOL. Some good ones. I like the things that kids say. Here are some answers that children gave to various Biblical questions.

Noah's wife was called John of Ark.

The fifth commandment is: Humor thy father and mother.

Lot's wife was a pillar of salt by day, but a ball of fire by night.

When Mary heard she was to be the mother of Jesus, she went off and sang the Magna Carta.

Salome was a woman who danced naked in front of Harrods.

Holy acrimony is another name for marriage.

Christians can have only one wife. This is called monotony.

The Pope lives in a vacuum.

Paraffin is next in order after serraphim.

Today, wild beasts are confined to Theological Gardens.

The patron saint of travelers is St. Francis of the sea sick.

Iran is the Bible of the Moslems.

A republican is a sinner mentioned in the Bible.

Abraham begat Isaac, and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob begat twelve partridges.

The first commandment was when Eve told Adam to eat the apple.

[WVNan]

Thank you Mama_Bear. I don't think I have her. She's beautiful.

[whoever]

Yes, they are wonderful.

Leave it to a kid to say this, "Lot's wife was a pillar of salt by day, but a ball of fire by night."

[whoever]

Kids Tell All...

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHOM TO MARRY?



You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like

sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep

the chips and dip coming. --Alan, age 10



No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to

marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later

who you're stuck with. --Kirsten, age 10



WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?

Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by

then. -- Camille, age 10



No age is good to get married at. You got to be a fool to get

married. --Freddie, age 6



HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?

You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at

the same kids. --Derrick, age 8



WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?

Both don't want any more kids. --Lori, age 8



WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?

Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know

each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long

enough. --Lynnette, age 8



On the first date, they just tell each other lies, and that usually

gets them interested enough to go for a second date. --Martin, age

10



WHAT WOULD YOU DO ON A FIRST DATE THAT WAS TURNING SOUR?

I'd run home and play dead. The next day I would call all the

newspapers and make sure they wrote about me in all the dead

columns. --Craig, age 9



WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?

When they're rich.--Pam, age 7



The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess

with--Curt, age 7



The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry

them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do. --Howard,

age 8



IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?

I don't know which is better, but I'll tell you one thing. I'm never

going to have sex with my wife. I don't want to be all grossed out.

--Theodore, age 8



It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need

Someone to clean up after them.--Anita, age 9



HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?

There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?

--Kelvin, age 8



"And the #1 Favorite is........"

HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?



Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a

truck. --Ricky, age 10

[Salvation]

Prayers coming your way WVNan. They are so painful. My uncle had them.

[MeekOneGOP]

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.

[MeekOneGOP]

I'm sure Graceland would be a Zoo today. One day, I'd like to go,
though....when it's a tame day (and not too hot).

[lodwick]

Kids takes on dating and marriage are hilarious - and true. Great to see you've found a new book, since Amy stole your other one. ;-)

Great to have you up and running with the big dogs again - you were missed, in case you have read all the "Where's Who!" posts in the past.

[ru4liberty]

Incredible beauty. Incredible talent. Thank God for the beauty and the gift He's given you.

[whoever]

Thanks for that, lodwick.

You cannot imagine my frustrations with that company and their so called tech service. Just staring at a black monitor was totally discouraging and depressing.

It is good to be back with the 'big dogs'.

Thanks for all the good food today, too. I was very generous and shared with all. But, that was just today, mind you.

[Billie]

Oh, I had a good friend that had the shingles a couple of years ago. Looked so very painful - she had it on both hands and it must have really been terrible. Please take care, and I know it doesn't go away really quickly, but hope that you can find ways to keep it off you mind so much while healing. (Like staying online and talking to all of us. Finding darling graphics like you've been doing.) :)

Am glad you've found this thread enjoyable and hope you'll be among those FReepers who keep coming back. :)

[Billie]

Hi, Ragtime - miss you many times when you visit our thread, and you're probably gone, but wanted to say hello, and it's nice to see you. Luis' words are like pictures, aren't they?

[WVNan]

Sorry, I had to be away for a while. Thank you for the prayers.

[MeekOneGOP]

We need lowbridge to insert TouristGuy into the Nixon/Elvis pic. ;-)

ROTFLOL ! I'd love to see that one !

[WVNan]

Thank you for finding me acceptable company Billie. Yeah, these things are mean, but thankfully, I have a mild case of them. They are just bearable. I can't imagine having any worse case. And yes, being here and hunting graphics keeps me out of trouble. LOL.

[MeekOneGOP]

LOL - eek. Hey, gotta get off here awhile - storms!!

Okay! See you later ! ...............

[whoever]

That is some might impressive lightning, sir.

Where did it occur, do you know?