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

[Luis Gonzalez]

Thanks for all your posts today LOUIE!

I keep stopping what I'm doing and sneaking a peek in here...then I get all misty-eyed.

So many great people in this forum!

Thanks again.

[Luis Gonzalez]

Thanks, I am trying to get back into writing.

I have been so incredibly busy lately, the boys are growing up fast, and demanding more, and more time, and I got a promotion a few weeks back.

But writing is my love, and my passion, and I've never been able to stay away for long.

I see in your profile that you thanked our military, they are the front lines.

I had a friend once, who wanted more than anything to serve his country.

Here is his story.

[whoever]

We were pleased to honor you here today. You are a fine American.

I hope you will drop by frequently.

[Luis Gonzalez]

Leni!!!

I missed you guys at the last Florida FReepers get together!!!

I was out of town on a family reunion, but I left with plenty of time to get back home and get to Duffy's. But we got caught in one of the worst storms that I have ever seen in my life, driving was almost an impossibility, and a trip that would have otherwise taken two hours, took us nearly five.

Next time!

[Luis Gonzalez]

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Billie and Freedom do great work, don't they?

[Luis Gonzalez]

Thanks Gail!

[Luis Gonzalez]

"I really enjoyed your Banana Republic article last year on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon."

I received quite a few e-mails on that piece, it seemed that people related to it.

The essay is called Jerry's Kids, and if you note the date and time it was posted on FR, you can understand why it went largely unnoticed.

[Luis Gonzalez]

Hey! You have quite a profile yourself!

How's Asta doing these days?

[Luis Gonzalez]

"I think the first essay of yours that I read was My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys"

You know, that picture that Freedom posted of me at the start of that thread was taken right after the rally that I described in that piece.

Cut out from the picture were FReepers RMDupree, and MissionPossible, plus my good friend Donato Dalrymple.

[Luis Gonzalez]

VIVA CUBA LIBRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Luis Gonzalez]

Thank you Mama_Bear!

I love the graphic!

[Texasforever]

Hey, for being a leading member of the infamous "wolf pack" you are coming up in the world. LOL Congrats. You deserve the honor.

[Luis Gonzalez]

Thank you Lady!

[Luis Gonzalez]

"You and I go all the way back to Elian."

We are the old guys around here, aren't we Teacup?

Thanks for stopping by!

And like our friend RONNIE always said "NEVER FORGET".

[ArneFufkin]

Luis Gonzalez, hmmm ... doesn't he play for the Diamondbacks? He hit 50+ dingers last year!!!! It's about time he was honored around here.

Congratulations, Luis, you're a virtuous, funny and forever wise ass ... et to this forum. I learned a lot from you during the Elian outrage about the REAL Cuban system of oppression when media and academic elites were painting a picture of a central government providing stringent, but benevolent direction to a poor yet happy population.

Did you know the Cuban people have free health care? Sure, they're not allowed payment for their labors, or possession of money to pay for anything, but Jimmy Carter told me that's picking nits and we should start selling rocketry technology and, like Germans and Canadien piggish males, start visiting Cuban resorts and their bevy of teenage female customer service "recruits".

My pledge to you: you get a bottle of Dom from me when Castro dies. (YES! you say, a bottle of screw topped fine fortified wine from the Dom DeLouise vinyards). Nah, the corked bubbly stuff made with exaspiration and exported with contempt by snooty French elites. That will be a good day.

[ArneFufkin]

How ya doing Mudboy. Haven't had a chance to speak to you for some time. I trust you are well?

Sadly, when it seemed like Mud was on the road to wellness - he again restated his loyalty to, and the Super Bowl readiness of, the Washington Redskins. His prognosis is not favorable.

[Luis Gonzalez]

Julie, so good to see you.

You and your cyberfriends Julie, you represent what's truly the very finest of us.

Your tireless e-mail campaign keeps me informed, it helps to keep me focused, it gets me involved.

Thank you so much.

[Luis Gonzalez]

Thanks!!!

[Torie]

Yep, I heard that Gallicia gets a lot of rain. Nice pic. I must visit it someday, hopefully in a dry spell.

[Luis Gonzalez]

Thank you very much.

:-)