A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....10-10-02

JohnHuang2 and Billie | Essay by JohnHuang2

[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:  g'nad, AgThorn's son Justin, SLB, AgThorn's son Brett

MIDDLE:  fish70, razorback-bert, CheneyChick,Leroy S Mort, Mark17

BOTTOM:  Terry's Take, Taxman, DinkyDau

TOP:  ValerieUSA's son Grant, SK1Thurman, kd5cts, RangerVetNam,

dansangel and .45man's son-in-law Tony

BOTTOM:  rangerX, Old China Hand, Trish, Howlin's dad, Mustang

TOP: ohioWfan's son, MamaBear's father-in-law, MamaBear's dad, ladtx

MIDDLE:  The Mayor's niece, M.Kehoe, Beach_Babe's son-in-law

BOTTOM:  deadhead's dad, HiJinx, Severa's hubby, viligantcitizen's granddad.

TOP: Q6-God, Scan59, Mama Bear and JKPhoto's son, ofMagog

MIDDLE:  Big'ol_freeper, JustAmy's great uncle, Prodigal Son

BOTTOM:  JustAmy's husband, JustAmy's brother-in-law, JustAmy's brother.

TOP: dakine's wife, MeeknMing's dad, Auntbee's nephew, MilitiaMan7,
AlasBabylon.
BOTTOM:  Joe Brower, Temple Owl, Temple Owl's wife, dutchess' dad,
Aomagrat

                     

With Bush At The Helm, All America Is Texas

JohnHuang2

Yesterday was another seminal lesson on how the best-laid plans in politics can be toppled over in a flash.

With the stroke of a pen, President Bush threw a bucket of cold water on Democrat schemes to turn a West Coast port dispute into a major headache for the White House in the run-up to Congressional elections whose outcome will shape the political landscape for the two years remaining in Bush's first term.

It was shaping up to become the Democrats' 'October Surprise', a sneaky election eve ploy to undercut the President, rally a demoralized constituency and shift political momentum and debate onto what Democrats regard as more amiable terrain -- the so-called 'kitchen table' issues -- and away from debate on Iraq, which has drawn the most rancorous divisions in the party since Vietnam two generations ago.

Their gambit fell like a lead balloon late yesterday when the President announced he would seek a court order to re-open 29 West Coast ports which account for roughly half of U.S. trade and whose shutdown has cost the U.S. economy big time moola -- a whopping $2 billion per day. The injunction, if granted, would suspend the shutdown for 80 days.

The intervention comes a day after the President appointed a board of inquiry to weigh the impact of the shutdown on the overall economy -- a move which rattled the President's enemies, initially at least, though few were prepared for the ultra-brass-nuts maneuver: Invocation of the Taft-Hartley act. The action came only hours after the board, headed by former Labor Secretary Bill Brock, reported it had "no confidence that the parties [involved] will resolve" the dispute "within a reasonable time." Bosses for the 10,500 member Longshoremen union were caught off-guard, so much so they offered to go back to work under a month-long contract extension.

Before yesterday's announcement, Democrats were doing somersaults, hoping to capitalize on the political backlash against the President as the effect of the shutdown of ports from San Diego to Seattle ripple through the economy, forcing the closure of factories and retailers, throwing thousands of people out of work with the Holiday season approaching.

Whether you agree with the President's call or not, one thing's beyond dispute: The way Bush has handled this wholly contrived affair has been nothing short of magnificent.

The episode offers a textbook lesson in out-maneuvering opponents -- decisively. It was a test of leadership, and President Bush passed with flying colors.

Union bosses, in over-playing their hand, gave the President a golden opportunity; that is, to illustrate the dangers to the economy posed by unfettered unionism -- especially unions run by unscrupulous hacks using workers as pawns in a game of brinksmanship on the eve of elections.

The implications on the wider debate in Washington over the creation of a Department of Homeland Security, now stuck in Daschle's Senate limbo, are palpable.

Here's an intrepid prediction: Daschle's ballyhooed title as "Senate Majority Leader" expires on November 5th. Mark my words.

Oh, one more thing: For those who still don't quite get it, even after yesterday, Bush's got a special message for you: All America is Texas, so don't mess with Texas -- America, that is.

Anyway, that's

My two cents...

It is with the greatest pleasure that I get to announce today that one of FR's Finest FReepers has agreed to join our Finest team as a regular contributor each week, bringing you one of the Finest essays you will ever read.

John needs no introduction to those who have been around FReeRepublic for more than a few days, but if you haven't yet read one of his "My Two Cents" Opinions before, you can catch up on the previous ones by clicking on the link below.

He was one of the first we profiled, and we were honored that he agreed to write our 9/11 Tribute. If you missed either of those, here are the links:

07-12-02 ... JOHN HUANG2, King of Ping
09-09-02 ... 911 WEEK, DAY ONE

We love you and are so excited to have you here every week!
~ Angel, Billie, Daisy, Lori

John wanted in the tub with the hostesses, but he wouldn't give up the typewriter! Louie was also a bit afraid we might lose our Nanny-Approved Rating. (Kidding, John!) :)

THIS WEEK'S THREADS

10-07-02 Angelique
10-08-02 COB1
10-09-02 Physicist

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

     1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
     2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up.
     3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit.
     4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it.
     5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me an FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer

[daisyscarlett]

How great that you and your sibs are taking Mom out for her 70th birthday-that will be a special remembrance for all of you - I love the lunch special at the Olive Garden - the soup and bottomless salad...

[daisyscarlett]

Would it be sacriligious to say we are "blessed" to have as a contributor?

[daisyscarlett]

Thanks for breakfast and lunch....I particularly enjoyed the burger for lunch...Now what's for dinner?..lol...

[dansangel]

Thanks. Nan gave him to me, and Billie animated him. : )

What a superb team effort! I am in awe of the talent on this thread!

[lodwick]

OOPsie - I smooth forgot about our resident vegan. Apologies up. If it's not on the menu, I would bet that a phone call ahead of time would get it on the special of the day menu for you. That does sound yummy doesn't it?

Get .45MAN geeked for this place: fresh cut flowers at each table, starched and pressed heavy cotton table cloths and napkins, more flatware than you know what to do with, and yet the hominess of dining with good friends in your shorts and LadyLibertyWeeps t-shirts, if you wish.

I make myself want to move to Roswell - there's nothing at all like this in Austin. ;-)

[daisyscarlett]

I don't often post jokes and this is an oldie with a new twist...But I just got it in an email and it made me giddy.....

The Saudi Ambassador to the UN has just finished giving a speech, and walks out into the lobby where he meets President Bush.

They shake hands and as they walk the Saudi says, "You know, I have just one question about what I have seen in America". President Bush says "Well your Excellency, anything I can do to help you, I will do." The Saudi whispers "My son watches this show 'Star Trek' and in it there are Russians, and Blacks, and Asians, but never any Arabs. He is very upset. He doesn't understand why there are never any Arabs in Star Trek."

President Bush laughs and leans toward the Saudi, and whispers back, "It's because it takes place in the future."

[dansangel]

Hey there, Daisy!

I see Dashole (oops, is that a typo?) has had second thoughts about butting heads with our POTUS and is putting his support behind the President.

What a transparent politician he is. He's only saving face for his party for the upcoming elections. Could anyone seriously consider this whining, caricature of a clown a candidate to lead our fine country? Scary!

[GailA]

He's getting lots of them. He's already spoiled rotten. To see a photo of Freedom's Rocket..Rocky, mash here SCROLL DOWN to bottom

[daisyscarlett]

[ST.LOUIE1]

;-) It's almost time for Billie to leave - then I can post what I REALLY believe to be the case.

Careful, other Nanny's have entered the building.

Uh....post it quick....I'll keep them busy. : )

[ST.LOUIE1]

I missed Louie too yesterday...Guess he had a lot of running around to do...

LOL!!

Hey...you been spyin'? : )

[ST.LOUIE1]

What a superb team effort! I am in awe of the talent on this thread!

And you'll be among the 'talented' very soon. I know you will. : )

[GailA]

If not Blackberry then Peach..both favorites of mine.

[humblegunner]

Har! I got one for you:

Achmed the Arab arrives in the States and shortly falls ill; He goes to
an American doctor, who is baffled and cannot help him. He tries yet
another American doctor with the same results. Achmed then decides to
see an Arab doctor.. who at last can help him. "Go into the other room"
says the doctor, "and poop into the bucket.. then urinate into the
bucket, then inhale the vapors for ten minutes".
Achmed complies, and LO! He is miraculously cured!
Achmed emerges, a healed man, and asks "Doctor, I am healed! What
was wrong with me???" The doctor replies:

"You were homesick."

[lodwick]

Eggplant parmesean

Baked baby ossobuco topped with fresh herbs and served with risotto

Arugula salad served with Parmesan cheese

Sautéed veal scaloppine served with mozzarella, tomato, and oregano

Hungry yet?

[ST.LOUIE1]

If not Blackberry then Peach..both favorites of mine.

Peach is good, too.

You don't like pineapple?

Am I gonna to have to beg? LOL

[lodwick]

I better not...I've had to take down, or have taken down, too much stuff from this fine thread - let's just wait till they all go on vacation or something. We'll show them all grown up in their cute little tub and birthday suits.

[dansangel]

OMG, loddie!

I gained 10 lbs just looking!!!

Heck yeah, I'm hungry!

[ST.LOUIE1]

I better not...I've had to take down, or have taken down, too much stuff from this fine thread - let's just wait till they all go on vacation or something.
We'll show them all grown up in their cute little tub and birthday suits.

Yikes! Can't wait! LOL

[dansangel]

And you'll be among the 'talented' very soon. I know you will. : )

Oh the pressure! I can't stand it!!!