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

[ArneFufkin]

One of the things you have to admire about Nate Newton is his can-do stick-to-itiveness. He's busted transporting 175 pounds of weed in Texas, and while awaiting trial in that matter he doesn't quit, he doesn't give up, he doesn't abandon the dream: he is busted with 200 pounds of pot in Louisiana. American Spirit.

Bad luck you say? Nope. Bad luck is just idiotic preparation meeting inevitably destructive opportunity.

Edison tried hundreds of filaments before he found one suitable for his electrical light producing globe. Shockley didn't let the terms of HIS felony bond contract stop HIM from perfecting the world changing transistor. His transistor, that the Japanese soon made $billions modifying and applying to a small, portable device that could play AM radio stations anywhere, anytime. No, Shockley took this innovation, ran lab tests on it over and over, and while the folks at Panasonic and Sony refinanced the Japanese national economy with their consumer-demand tsunami, Shockley looked cluelessly at his creation and performed useless measurements with an Oscilloscope. Then he went to lunch and dreamed of an audio system delivered in cartridge containg 8 analog audio tracks, and a method recoding and replaying television programs and showing movies at home, and we will make it no longer than two hours of content, and he named this thing BetaMax. And his Coca Cola soft drink wasn't sweet and smooth enough, and the substance he knew as asbestos had some very promising home and builiding insulation applications, and there is a man he imagined to be called "Geraldo", and a program called "HUD" ....

When Nate Newton gets out of Prison in 2014, I see a very lucrative motivational speaking career in his grasp.

[Torie]

That's one interpretation. :)

[ArneFufkin]

MUD, your club has a gaping flaw.

The Skins have the personnel to use that battering ram Davis to control the clock and field. They have the defensive personnel to not only stop drives, but create turnovers and scoring opportunities. The Skins do not have the personnel at quarterback or receiver to compete favorably in a downfield passing scheme.

Spurrier has installed a fast break, downfield passing offense. You don't have the skill guys at QB or WR to pull it off in real games against good teams. You guys are going to get pummelled by teams wearing down you defense after the short rests that result from a out of synch passing scheme and beating you up with field position.

The Packers are a contender because of Ahman Green. The Rams offense is predicated on Marshall Faulk. The Colts faltered when James went down. The Falcons never recovered from Anderson's injuries. The Steelers win because they have Bettis. The Niners would be mediocre without Garner. Levens is going to help the Eagles immesurably. The Vikings slide began when Smith retired. George. Martin.

Davis has that capability, but Spurrier won't use him that way. NFL teams need 2300 yards running and receiving from their backfield to succeed. Not gonna happen in this Skins offense under this coach.

The Skins started winning last year when they ran Davis up the ying yang. 25-30 times. Your team became tough. Guys like Arrington, Mitchell and your CBs were fresh in the 4th quarter. You controlled field position, and Banks could find Westbrook within a defense that needed to respect the run. You lost to the Bears, Eagles and Giants down the stretch, that's no crime.

You have all the dominating tools for a ball control offense and a playmaking, stifling defense. I don't know about your special teams excellence, but that's the last component. That should sound familiar to any Redskin fan, that's what all your Allen/Gibbs Redskins .... make that ALL championship teams in history ... clubs employed as their winning strategy. The passing game is enabled by the running game, not vice versa. Spurrier wants downfield passing to wideouts. From Wuerffel, Matthews and that guy from ISU? To two rejects from a dismal Tampa Bay passing attack?

Good luck with THAT against the Eagles, Giants, Titans, Niners, Packers, Rams, Dungy's Colts, Seahawks, 'Boys and Jags!!!

You guys should have added Trotter, Dotson, Armistad and Gardener and kept Marty S. as coach. He'd win 11 boring games with the tough, opportunistic running game and outstanding defensive squad you put on the field. Snyder is an idiot, he spends big bucks on Spurrier - yet then signs all this defensive talent and throws them into a coaching philosophy that doesn't maximize their influence. I think you guys will be 6-10 or 7-9. If you beat the Cowboys and Cardinals TWICE. There's that much difference in the coaching fit IMO!

[Mudboy Slim]

"...the shrine, the Mecca of Green and Gold, a pilgramege to Lambeau Field on October 20. AND ... BELIEVE ME on this, there my be a ticket I can throw your way."

A trip to Lambeau Field is certainly something I'm going to want to do some day, my FRiend--although 10/20 might be a tad early in the season to get the full effect of the frozen tundra--but this year is not likely to be the time. Late October's gonna be an important time in this year's election and I wanna be close to the action in case I can help out the DeeCee FReepers in any way. I appreciate you thinking of me, though, and will certainly be watching the clash on the tube!!

FReegards...MUD

[Mudboy Slim]

"When Nate Newton gets out of Prison in 2014, I see a very lucrative motivational speaking career in his grasp."

Yer probably right...weird how our Society seems to give greater credence to "fallen angels on the rebound" than to folks who have somehow been able to walk the walk for their entire lives.

FReegards...MUD

[Mudboy Slim]

Decent analysis, my FRiend, but I believe your "I think you guys will be 6-10 or 7-9" prognostication is overly gloomy. Don't know if you've been able to catch the Skins' new offense in the preseason--and yes, I realize it is close to meaningless--but somehow our unheralded group of QBs and WRs are finding ways to move the football almost at will, no matter who's on D. If they can continue to prove that's no fluke--hey, if Tom Brady can lead the Pats to the Promised Land, anything's possible--and put 2-3 TDs a game up, the defense is gonna shut down some teams and make winning the none-too-formidable NFC Least a distinct possibility/probability!! I wish I had as much confidence in my Fantasy Team Holdover Stephen Davis having a strong season...LOL!! Perhaps he'll become integral to the passing game and sneak in a few 1-yard TDs after interference calls in the endzone 'cuz I sure need more than 5 TDs from him this year.

In any event, we'll have to figger out a good bet for 20 October...personally, I think its gonna be a game with playoff implications.

FReegards...MUD

BTW...I'd have been perfectly happy with Schottenhiemer at coach, but Spurrier has brought more excitement to this team than I've seen since Joe Gibbs left. If we can translate that excitement into on-field performance, WATCH OUT!!

[lowbridge]

Sorry for being so late, but was in Vegas at the FRiva conference, and didnt have internet access.

[MeekOneGOP]

Thanks! I love that picture. I hope you don't mind if I "borrow" that and post it to my Elvis thread?

Was FRiva a lot of fun? From some others I've heard from, it sounded like it
was good......

[lowbridge]

Thanks! I love that picture. I hope you don't mind if I "borrow" that and post it to my Elvis thread?

Dont mind at all :-) Post away. :-)

Was FRiva a lot of fun? From some others I've heard from, it sounded like it was good......

TONS of fun. It was SOOOO good.