Posted on 10/13/2002 3:24:25 PM PDT by Budge
Last year during the Klamath Falls fiasco created by the environmentalists over the legal authority by which the federal government was withholding water from the farmers – to protect the bottom-feeding sucker fish, which is said to be endangered or threatened, and the ensuing movement spearheaded by Jeff Head to get the water flowing to the farmers again, I longed to join the Bucket Brigade, the Shovel Brigade and just plain FReepers who were there.
It really hit me when I read about the lack of sanitary facilities for our FReepers. I thought how great it would be if I could take my elderly motor home, “The Money Pit” there and give them a little comfort and do what I could to help.
Unfortunately that was not to be. But the idea remained, how to utilize The Money Pit to advance Free Republic and Conservativism. I mentioned this when five of the Arkansas Chapter Hog Wild FReepers were on a 400-mile round trip to Van Buren for our September meeting there.
Sweetliberty, crammed into the back seat, immediately jumped on to the idea. A lot of room for up to thirteen people, our own traveling bathroom, refrigerator, computer, TV and VCR to show tapes, all the amenities of home.
We discussed the idea of using “The FReepmobile” (as The Money Pit was renamed) several times a year to travel throughout the state to attend meetings where it was often too far for other FReepers to attend. The idea expanded. We could even travel to nearby states to meet with FReepers in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee and so forth. Then at last night’s meeting Don Friovinai came up with the slogan, ”Freedom On The Move!”
I checked with Jim Robinson after out Van Buren trip and told him of our idea. Here is what Jim said:
“Well, I cannot be responsible or liable for any damages, etc. You should do it as a chapter. I don't own or control any part of any chapter. I'd say if your local chapters go along with it, you can use a Free Republic Chapter banner and make sure you are reasonably covered for any potential liabilities and go for it. Is your chapter part of FRN? If so, this maybe something they could get excited about.
”Sounds like a great idea to me! “
I then checked with diotima and BobJ and got the following responses:
Diotima: “Wow Budge! What a great idea! I think you should put a post up on the forum about the Freepmobile. What sort of suggestions were you looking for regarding advertising? I think if you put up a big post on FR introducing everyone to the FReepmobile, you just might get some requests from neighboring chapters to make a visit.
“PS. You have just GOT to get a picture of that thing up! We will be starting a newsletter for the Network soon, and it will be announcing and summarizing FR chapter events. When we start doing this, I will for sure let you know and put the FR mobile information in it.”
BobJ: “Budge, I don't see this costing too much money, maybe better for your chapter to get together and have a fundraiser of some kind to cover the costs! let me know how it comes out or if you need any help!”
This is a picture of The Money Pit when we took it on its first outing over a year ago.
As you can see, it’s old and kinda ugly, but it’s mine and it’s paid for. =o)
True to its original name I have spent all I can, as I can, getting it in shape for the road. New brakes, new tires, engine and transmission checked, belts replaced, interior slowly being re-done, etc.
I am going to take Bob J and diotima’s advice and ask for your help.
The Freepmobile itself: I would love to have The Freepmobile re-painted to look like a waving American flag. I found what I thought would be the perfect solution on e-bay recently where someone was auctioning a plastic or vinyl flag covering for a motor home 30 to 35 feet. Unfortunately the starting bid was $ 700.00 then I’d have to find someone skilled enough to install it. Also, as you may be able to tell from the picture, The Freepmobile does not have a nice smooth side, but sort of corrugated. I fear the non-smooth sides would preclude the use of vinyl covering anyway. Or am I wrong about this? See picture below.
Can anyone offer ideas or suggestions on where or how best to get the flag painting?
Signs: We would like to have large interchangeable signs we could put on the sides and rear promoting FR and FRN. Does anyone have any ideas how to accomplish this? How to do it? Who could paint them? What would the cost be?
When I had new tires put on, the old metal spare tire cover no longer fit. I went to the cloth cover below. This may be the perfect place to put the Free Republic eagle!
Who among the talented FReepers could duplicate the Free Republic eagle on the tire cover? How much would it cost?
I realize none of this has to be done right away, or even done at all. But it sure would be fun if it all could be!
Oh wow! That is a beautiful ballon! I hope they see the ping! Thanks!
As far as signs go, I have found that if I mount my bumper stickers on magnetized sheets, that can be purchased very reasonably from either hobby shops or photo shops, the bumper stickers can be removed easily to go through car washes, etc, or just when you want to change the bumper stickers. Seems to me that this method would work for signs as well.
The three chapters in Texas: HAT chapter in Houston, HOT chapter in the Austin-San Antone area, and the North TX chapter are talking about organizing a joint chapter event at the Geo Bush Library at Texas A&M. We are just beginning to test the waters for this meeting, and don't have any of the details worked out, yet, but will keep you informed. Otherwise, if you want to drive to Austin, we will arrange to have a meeting for you and your group.
Good luck on implementing your excellent idea!
That is exactly what I have in mind, mjf! Now, who can we get to paint it?
P.S. Listening to Rush on 24/7 meself =o)
I have no problem with a mural. And a road trip would be wonderful to get something done.
I 'm sure you know others who may have ideas. Bump 'em, please.
When you be back?
Hi there Basil! Hey, you don't need to do that yet. Let's see what Bob J has to say about contributions. Unless you want to send several grand, of course! =o) I'm kidding!
As far as signs go, I have found that if I mount my bumper stickers on magnetized sheets, that can be purchased very reasonably from either hobby shops or photo shops, the bumper stickers can be removed easily to go through car washes, etc, or just when you want to change the bumper stickers. Seems to me that this method would work for signs as well.
Now there is something to keep in mind. I like it!
The three chapters in Texas: HAT chapter in Houston, HOT chapter in the Austin-San Antone area, and the North TX chapter are talking about organizing a joint chapter event at the Geo Bush Library at Texas A&M. We are just beginning to test the waters for this meeting, and don't have any of the details worked out, yet, but will keep you informed.
Excellent! That would be a great and fun trip! I'll ping some of the Hog Wild FReepers on this.
Otherwise, if you want to drive to Austin, we will arrange to have a meeting for you and your group.
That is something we need to talk about at our next meeting. What days do you normally hold your meetings?
Good luck on implementing your excellent idea!
Many thanks, Basil! Did you see what Sweetliberty said in post 25? Know anyone there who might be able to help? Also, mjf's spare tire cover is exactly what I had in mind for that!
Missed seeing y'all on Saturday. I was with you in spirit though. Has parsy gone missing again? I see his name wasn't on the attendees list for the meeting. I think the boy is working too hard.
Have a safe trip home!
When I put bumper stickers on my car, I first stick them to a magnetized sheet that can be picked up in any hobby or photography shop. Then I can remove them easily. I think this would work with the signs, also.
If your address hasn't changed, Budge, I'll send you a bit of a donation in the mail.
The three chapters of FR in TX are talking about having a joint meeting at the George Bush Library at TX A&M in the near future. Perhaps the Ark chapter can join us for this. We haven't finalized our plans, yet, but will let you know when (and if) we do.
Good luck with this great plan!
How about some input on The FReepmobile?
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