Posted on 08/18/2002 5:18:22 PM PDT by Auntie Mame
Dear Freepers:
I just returned from the First Annual Free Republic Network Convention in Las Vegas.
The Free Republic Network Cruise last October was the most fun I've ever had in my whole life. The Free Republic Network Conference I just attended was the most informative and inspiring two days I've ever had in my whole life.
The Free Republic Network is stretching its muscle, not by talk, but by action. The Free Republic forum is liberty's college. The Free Republic Network is liberty's workplace.
If you attended, please use this thread to post your observations, comments and highlights of the conference. I will give mine below. But before I do, I'd like to take this time to thank Bob Johnson and the FRN board for putting on this conference. It's hard for me to find the words to adequately describe how great this experience was--and how much I learned.
Thanks. I'll Freepmail you with the email address.
M'oblige'!
It sure has hasn't it? Being able to put faces with the names makes such a difference!!!!
Yes, that was the best part, I agree. It was just so great you and conniew came such a long way from Canada. Was it your first visit to Las Vegas? Is that not a crazy town?
Free Britannia!
All four are permanent museums, but two of them (New Jersey and Wisconsin??) are being maintained in a higher state of preservation, I believe. But they will not be back in the Fleet, unless I become SECNAV (LOL! Fat chance of that happening!).
More's the pity, too. Ground troops appreciated the physical and psychological effect 2700 lbs of steel and high explosive had on the bad guys. PGMs have taken over, and with candor, they are more accurate, albeit more expensive.
Also, if a BB was within 25 miles of so of the front line, the BBs big stuff was availble to the grunts 24/7. As close and as quick as the nearest fire control radio -- "Dial BB for help." And the BB could lay offshore and keep up round-the-clock shore bombardment, which airpower probably cannot do.
Quite obviously, I, a retired Naval Aviator, am a huge fan of the BB.
I'll dictate my thoughts about witnessing a gun shoot into my tape recorder and transcribe them. If the written version is any good, I'll send it to you.
If any of you FReepers reading this post get a chance to visit one of the Iowa class BBs, you should do so. Quite an experience.
Although I'm not part of Jeb Bush's re-election campaign, friends of mine know I have bumper stickers, etc. They're starting to ask me for campaign items. Once our friends and neighbors know that we are grass roots campaigners, it's very unifying. There's so much buzz for Jeb Bush here in Florida. Florida freepers could not all attend Friva but man, are they busy in the trenches.
I confess I was late to Matt's first lecture about "time". LOL How embarrassing was that but some freepers came a long way.
I talked to Laura Ingraham before the buffet about Florida's elections. Of course we're concerned down here because 2000 seems like yesterday. LI was very approachable and wore casual clothes. Gee, even pundits are goin' casual. That's the grass roots thing to do IMO.
Finally, I've saved every scrap of paper and all the notes that I took. I had a really great time and I agree that the Treasure Island Resort was a fabulous choice. The Friday buffet was delicious! I had to go to Reno on Saturday but I came back Sunday and that's when the Pirate Chapter was born. People were still there Sunday evening! Maybe next year I can stay in Vegas for the whole time. floriduh voter
I sat next to another Christian conservative who was also pulled from the line Reno to Vegas. They certainly aren't searching who they should be searching with the random window dressing. It's like they pick harmless looking people so that they won't give them any trouble.
Nick Danger has a picture thread up on the network site under Activism Central.
[PS - your check is in the mail]
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