A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day 09-16-02

Carry_Okie 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

                     

All She Wanted Was
To Be A Real FReeper

In the Spotlight today is an amazing young lady that many of us first had contact with last year about this time. This is her story, as told by her FReeper dad, Carry Okie. Those of you who attended the FRIVA Convention last month might have had the privilege of meeting her in person, as well as her little sister, FReeper PowerBaby, who is eighteen months her junior.

NattieShea
At Freeva Las Vegas!
by Carry Okie
Thanks to Syncro and others who provided the FReeva photos!

She was so small when you first met her. Born 9-11, 1992. She had that spirit of wanting to belong to something larger than herself, wanting to do something to make a better world. She knew she was special, because it's hard not to know that when you've skipped three grade levels by the time you are six. With that, however, has come more a sense of responsibility than hauteur, something that the other kids recognized even in preschool.

It was her fifth birthday with fifteen kids at the table; NattieShea ran that party; gently keeping the others in line by handing them each one of her presents to open for her, in turn. In return however, they had to wait until she had read the card and made sure Mom had recorded the giver so that she could write the thank you notes.

The adults could only watch in disbelief.

At seven I had to pull her out of private school, because she was bored to tears and showing the stress of it. I was writing a book at the time and we had no idea how we were going to survive financially (still don't). It was hard at first, for both of us. She wasn't used to the flip side of school: total concentration upon her work and a daddy who consistently demanded nothing less than her best.

Celebrating the election of President Bush, Fresno, February(?) 2000.

By the age of eight, she had completed her first year of high-school algebra and was factoring quadratics in her head.

This kid has led something of a charmed life. I sent her on a trip to New York as a reward for the hard work. She had a private backstage tour of the Metropolitan Opera on the shoulders of a conductor, front row seats for Fosse, Blue Man Group, and a closed door tour of the Met, and the highlight to her was the Statue of Liberty. But to her, that wasn't her big reward: She got to post her first (typed) term paper on FreeRepublic.

All she wanted was to be a real FReeper. On her first post, she wouldn't let me tell people her age until someone asked. She wanted to be judged on her own merits and know where she stood. You were confused, but most kind (thank you Askel5).

It was Seven stars for Aslan, a little paper about The Chronicles of Narnia.

From the conclusion:

It's very clear to me that C. S. Lewis wanted to make the Bible and the commandments clear to children because he loved them. Mr. Lewis built stories around them. They were stories he thought you, I, or anybody would love, learn, and remember. His books taught me some of the morals and about the structure of the Bible:

• If you make a mistake, you will be given a chance to fix it, but it is harder than doing the right thing in the first place.
• When you are separated from your partners, have faith in them.
• Don't be deceived by evil because it leads to slavery.
• If you do right and love God, you will receive your reward.
• If you do that, all your life, when you die you will go to heaven, and live with Aslan, forever.

NattieShea's sister works at her desk... FReeper PowerBaby

...while NattieShea works, well, wherever. Reading "The Life of Patrick Henry", Mortar takes note (Dutch Shepherd).

Our little school has taken on quite a character, if only because it seems simultaneously so normal and unique. School starts at 8:30, sharp. No excuses. The kids arise, dress for school, cook breakfast, clean up, arrive, get hugs, and ask what to do. They get assignments and do them. Most of them are self directed (while I work). If they have a question, I'll drop most anything to answer it (except for the phone). If I am busy they simply sit down and read. It's that simple.

Cooking Spaghetti for Mom.

After school, they play, or (if Mom is running late) they cook dinner. You would have a hard time stopping them from doing that because they love to help. They get to feel like they are contributing to the household (I know, I wasn't that way as a kid either, but then, I went to public school and watched a lot of TV).

When I've done punishing them with school, they occasionally get to go to parties where they play with "normal kids." (Subversive, isn't it?)

You see, we live in the People's Repubelick of Santa Cruz County, California. We stick it out to drive the libberills crazy and because we like it here. To all the FReepers who stupidly write off California, well I have a bone to pick. There are decent, honest, hard working, and kind people here who don't deserve it. We will fight the beast on its own ground. We ain't leaving. We will defeat this beast on its home turf, where we know it best.

Yep. Our home school curriculum is subversive as hell. We even conduct clandestine PC survivalist training sessions.

Her political education in political economics is taking a serious turn to the right. She started a college-level economics text last year and is learning ever more about how liberals think. Last year's term paper concerned five books by Charles Dickens, An Angry Boy Who Changed the World

Here is the conclusion to that paper:

Dickens was so distracted with his anger over his childhood, that he couldn't see the benefits of the Industrial Revolution. Industry gave work to poor people so that they could provide children food and shelter. Technology made essential goods available to those who couldn't otherwise afford them. The migration of workers to the factories spurred business for remaining farmers. Industry created demand for interesting new skills. Technology created new opportunities for professionals to solve complex problems. The Industrial Revolution produced the wealth that, in time, improved living and working conditions for everyone. ^25,26

Through his novels, Dickens’ subjective perception of the Industrial Revolution created a culture of hostility against industrial development and a habit of depending upon government to solve the problems by restricting business. That cultural bias has the capability to harm the poor and middle class workers whom Dickens was trying to help.

It took WAY too long, but she did OK.

We occasionally travel to promote THE BOOK. The kids get to witness the damage wrought by government environmentalism upon the West. To see the spreading desertification of the Great Basin as a consequence of grazing regulations, gives them a real appreciation for the food God puts on our table and a passion for the blessings of liberty.

Here is one little gem from the Rodeo/Chediski Fire:

We just completed a grueling tour of the Southwest, 16 days, 3500 miles, much of it camping out (to save money besides enjoying the scenery). There were 11 speeches. The kids took the money, handled the VISA orders, and were so durned cute that people couldn't resist. Many times I was asked if they were home educated, with the comment, "It is obvious." Here we are on the last leg (and I was well beyond mine).

So imagine how this kid felt when last year she woke up on her ninth birthday to this...

And you can only imagine what I would do to the wretched bastards who did it.

Her conclusion? Every night at thanksgiving she offers, "I pray that America comes back to God." Amen. ~ Carry Okie

THIS WEEKEND'S THREAD

09-14,15-02 A Memorial to the Victims of 9/11

[JustAmy]

"But if I posted a LOL every time you post a joke.... I wouldn't have time to post to anyone else. "

I need a couple of LOL's each day to know that you are reading your pings! After all, 2 out of 10 should give you time for everyone else! LOL

[ofMagog]

Only time for short note.

You will do well with the Aussies with your charm.

[LadyX]

"Let's hope so.. Freakin' devious Clays."

They are devoid of anything that faintly resembles 'class,'
standing there glaring at you - row after row of 'em.

Heck, their sergeant gave the order to advance, and wot'd they do?
Scowl and fume, that's wot! and not even bright enough to flinch in the face of certain demise to come.
They 'ad no shame ~ ~ ~ nor even the sense to retreat!!

[Libertina]

I'm back. Now it's only cloudy, but still warm. Here's what a typical WA weather forecast sounds like:
Today, possible chance of intermittant rain mixed with sun, sleet in the early afternoon, temperatures hitting 79 by 2:00 pm. Possible thunder by 5:00. Snow in the forecast for early morning...with fog clearing off by 11:00 to see temperatures of about 75.
(Try packing clothes for all this! LOL)

[JustAmy]

[JustAmy]

The Coach had put together the perfect team for the Oakland Raiders.

The only thing that was missing was a good quarterback. He had scouted all the colleges, and even the high schools, but he couldn't find a ringer quarterback who could ensure a Super Bowl win.

Then one night, while watching CNN, he saw a war-zone scene in Afghanistan.

In one corner of the background, he spotted a young Afghanistani soldier with a truly incredible arm. He threw a hand grenade straight into a 3rd-story window 200 yards away, ka-boom! He threw another hand grenade into a group of 10 soldiers 100 yards away, ka-blooey! Then a car passed, going 90 mph, bulls-eye!

"I've got to get this guy!" Coach said to himself. "He has the perfect arm!"

So, he brings him to the States and teaches him the great game of football, and the Raiders go on to win the Super Bowl for another time in history.

The young Afghani is hailed as the Great Hero of football, and when Coach asks him what he wants, all the young man wants to do is to call his mother.

"Mom," he says into the phone, "I just won the Super Bowl!"

"I don't want to talk to you," the old woman says. "You deserted us. You are not my son."

"I don't think you understand, Mother!" the young man pleads. "I just won the greatest sporting event in the world. I'm here among thousands of my adoring fans."

"No, let me tell you," his mother retorts. "At this very moment, there are gunshots all around us. The neighborhood is a pile of rubble. Your two brothers were beaten within an inch of their lives last week, and this week your sister was attacked in broad daylight."

The old lady pauses, and then tearfully says, "..I'll never forgive you for making us move to Oakland."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ta Da!

[RedWing9]

Two things Carry, ah, make it three...

It was a pleasure to meet you and your two beautiful girls. Blessed they are.

NattieShea is so bright and intelligent, I couldn't have been more honored to meet the child who keyed that wonderful thread.

Lastly, thanks for this moving thread. Your eloquence, and her's, has made my eyes well up with joy. A joy only brought on by the thought that the world might just be alright with such wonder about to take the wheel.

[Aquamarine]

LOL! A friend called me on his cell phone one time from an island in the South Pacific...can't remember the name of the island, somewhere near Bora Bora. He said there weren't any phones (connections) on the whole island. I thought that seemed weird at the time.

[JustAmy]

It just goes to show that addicts will find a way! LOL

[MeekOneGOP]

Is that the FR Island??....

[Carry_Okie]

Most kind of you, sir. We were all extremely tired when we arrived. Both kids were a bit shell-shocked by the orgy of evil in the gambling area downstairs. The warmth and kindness FReepers showed us really helped set that aside.

[Mama_Bear]

Thank you for the daisies, MB....Here is a little something for you....

Oh, that is so sweet! I know you are really busy trying to get ready to leave on Thursday, and it means so much that you would take the time to post those bears for me. Your thoughtfulness is especially appreciated today. :-)

[Carry_Okie]

Poing

[B4Ranch]

She's pleasant and sweet, but don't mess with her.

I know the type. Even raised one myself.

[ladyinred]

Great selection for Nattie Aquamarine. Another pretty song! I like listening to your station! :)

[ladyinred]

Hi Amy and Bushy, lol...great joke about the blonde and Macy's...ha ha

What part of that was a joke? I was indignant about them misspelling the name of my favorite store! :)

[daisyscarlett]

You crack me up. Bet you and Amy and Lori just have a blast on your Friday night FReeps. And where has Chadsworth been lately?

Lori-glad you liked the bears. Know you said the other day that you liked bears in hats. Cute graphic you made for Nattie today...

[Artist]

Thanks for the welcome, Billie. You're very kind.

Here's another BIG bump for NattieShea!

[JulieRNR21]

Finally getting to today's Finest thread....have had a very busy day!

What a great opportunity to meet darling NattieShea who is our Finest & our Smartest young FReeper! She is an amazing young lady. And her parents should be very proud. And they have obviously done an outstanding job of providing good values and love of learning!

Congratulations to NattieShea!

[Phil V.]

Yo!

Marian and I have just returned from the MOST incredible ADVENTURE! We've been away for about three weeks . . . an experience of a LIFETIME. If you gurlz are reeel nice to me I may tell you the story . . . sometime . . . after you do your homework here . . . .

http://www.directcon.net/pharmer/Wakamatsu/Wakamatsu.html