A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....10-15-02

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:  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

                     

In Our Spotlight Today...
Dutchess

Dutchess, my namesake....she was a U of Michigan student who was on her way to the gas chamber when we found her...she was the best....I was new to the internet when I had to get a screen name to post on FR....I automatically typed in Dutchess...our "first baby". She was smart, gentle, loyal...everything I want to be......~ Dutchess

I thought the way she chose her screen name was most interesting and wanted to mention it here. Dutchess the Dog is long gone now, but still lives on in both their hearts. Dutchess and Mr. D have been married for 27 years and, "while we don't have children, we have learned the blessing of animals." Below are two of their three "children", Gizmo (in Dutchess' lap) and Codee. Not pictured is their cat, Fred.

Dutchess
Freeper since 03-23-98

It's always nice to get to know our Finest FReepers in their own words, so with that in mind, here are some of Dutchess' words....how she came to FR, when she came to FR, why she came to FR, and why she stays at FR. :)

I would share that I am a carbon copy of most of the FReepers who discovered FR in 1998. It was through a Drudge link... it was the Whitewater files...my secretary happened to be off that day (and yes I have the same one and "damn" she STILL controls me!) and I "FELT LIKE I CAME HOME".   Mr. D had tried to get me excited about the internet (poor guy...little did he realize). I was so excited when I came home telling him about this site....7 months later he took me to the March for Justice for our Anniversary....and probably rues the day that he turned me onto the internet.

I am involved in local politics (Mr. D is an elected prosecutor). We both hate local "local politics" but do what we have to do and have met many wonderful people along the way. I've learned that not all political people are "political" and do really care. On a larger level we are usually behind the scenes.

My real job is the director of a notforprofit organization that promotes selfsufficiency. My background was social work and about 5 years in government employment made me realize that the only way to help people was through the private sector. That's been my day job for 15 years.

My biggest volunteer effort has been with our Humane Society. I was the treasurer for about 10 years and during that time we went from a 3 kennel shack to a 30 kennel/run AWESOME shelter that has a great spay/neuter program and, while we euthanize, we make every attempt to adopt out adoptable pets. I'm not an animal rights nut (had a great steak tonight) but...I draw the line with abusing animals, not spay/neutoring unless there is a reason, etc.

Bring A Stray...
..Into Your Heart & Home!

Most of my "amusing" stories center around issues with my Democratic parents who have come to accept me as a FReeper.

The first was our sojourn to the March for Justice. They thought we were radical and nuts. They also feared for our safety thinking of the Vietnam protests. I urged them to watch it on CSPAN, and not only did they watch it but had all their "bluehair" Florida friends watch with them. Dad was especially impressed with Jesse L. Peterson, Alan Keys and ReJoyce. Their endearment towards conservatism lasted about 3 days.

The next was when we celebrated our family Christmas at our house the day of the impeachment hearings. 20 conservatives ranging in ages 5 - 50 and Mom and Dad. All five tv's were going and people were hanging out in various rooms. We already had sung a few DFU songs around the piano (Doug's "BJ's in the Night" did it for Dad who WAS SEETHING) When Livingston out of the blue resigned his seat, Dad jumped up gleefully (amazing for a 75 year old who had 10 hip replacements), ran around the house and said "See, Republicans cheat on their wives, too". It was a Kodak moment. We all were saddened but heck, it made Dad's day.

Another was Clinton/Dole election night. Mother called up, obviously irritated, and said in a most angry tone, "I just want you to know...I voted for Dole...I hope you're happy" CLICK...

Being the only daughter I have almost daily contact with my parents (whom I love to death BUT...) I think I now understand why I am so drawn to FR where I immediately found comfort and solace during the impeachment fiasco, the election debacle and all those times in between.

---

10-12-02
It hit home tonight as we went out to dinner with my folks and their friends (also 80). It was cute that Mom commented about me being a "FReeper"...like everyone should know what that is! I had to explain and went on "briefly" about my ideology...turned out they were one of the folks that watched the March for Justice...actually had a cocktail party during the last hour! Think about that for a minute...Happy Hour in Florida to watch the "FReepers!" (and they were all dem Clinton lovers!) I thought that was pretty funny.

Anyway, tonight, they paused for a moment and said I sounded just like their 45 year old son who keeps telling them that "the times have changed"..."the democrats of their time are not the democrats we have now"..."unions SERVED a purpose at one time...but look today" They all kind of looked at each other and decided maybe we have a point...but aren't necessarily comfortable with change. It was kind of sad in a way as I watched them struggling to give up strong-held beliefs, even though they deepdown know it is the right thing to do. The good news is that they are all solidly behind GW (even my dad), seeing him as an honest person who has our country's best interest at heart.

---

My only other inspiration is my Polish background. All four grandparents immigrated here in their teens (in fear of WWI), meeting here and marrying. None spoke English most of their (AND MY) life and were so proud when they became citizens. I was raised hearing the horror stories of communism, how government confiscated the land once the owner died so it couldn't be passed on to the family.

I had the great fortune of visiting Poland 8 years ago when they were still dealing with the early downfall of communism. It was something they fought for years...but all of a sudden they lost many univeral perks such as health care, rent, utilities...weddings (yes believe it or not...if you had a non religious wedding the government paid for it all...(reception too) My relatives were cool, they had a Polish Catholic wedding and reception plus the state one a week later) Two wedding parties, albums and lots of fun!)

Upon returning home it FINALLY hit me that that the BIG BAD COMMUNISTS didnt take land by gun but by taxation...just like what is happening here. My mom and aunt didn't want to hear that then and to this day do not see the correlation as don't most democrat immigrants. That was and is the most stark realization of why we need to fight and fight hard to end class warfare...encourage free enterprise, end social engineering and especially keep insisting on personal responsibility. ~ Dutchess

Dutchess is both a big cheerleader and financial supporter of FR (she says that Badjoe knows more about her credit card than her husband does!), and also is proud to say she was one of Doug from Upland's first 'groupies', playing the piano and singing along to many of his songs! She found FR's Finest soon after we debuted our first thread; she was at home that day, suffering from a bad case of getting a bit too close to poison oak, and she has been one of our staunchest supporters and biggest cheerleaders since that first visit, seldom missing a day to comment, even on family getaways (where she will scope out the nearest public library for an internet connection if she has to)!

With Jim Robinson at the
March for Justice, 10-30-98

We're so glad you found us...
And we found you, Dutchess!

You're Definitely One of FR's Finest!

THIS WEEK'S THREADs

10-14-02 Molly Pitcher

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

[JustAmy]

Good Morning Everyone.

[jwfiv]

I have friends recently moved to D.C. area, just heard that one couple were in the Home Depot last night when the shooting occured...they puzzled over how empty the parking lot was before going in, came out to find it full of blinking lights and LEO.

They also get their gas at a station almost across the street from where that poor Bridges fellow was shot in the rain last week.

I have only a smidgen of doubt that the al-queda gang is doing this. I fear the terror is only just beginning.

Thank God we've got Dubya in the captain's chair.

After Bali and other events last week, and last night, I wonder if the Ted Kennedys of the world still think containment is the right course of action?

I feel despair through these past few days, am very sad, and sick at heart sometimes.

[ST.LOUIE1]

Nobody cuter than you, Ms.Da'Bear. : )

Awwwwww.......how you talk!
That will get you a hug every time, but I suspect you knew that. LOL!

Yep! LOL

And 'you' know that graphic always makes me want to do this! : )

[ST.LOUIE1]

I prefer to think of it as the Bluebird of Happiness. LOL

Good one! LOL

[Aquamarine]

What a sweet story! It made me cry.

[dutchess]

Yes, I remember how angry I was when Drudge took us off his page...but I'm grateful to him for helping so many of us find this site back in the beginning. Once I learned how to do a link to favorites I've had no need to go to the Drudge page. Anything I need to learn...I get here.

I always enjoy your posts MUD!

[JustAmy]

Good Morning, lonestar. Give Weinie a doggie hug from my Chow, Saja.


This is not mine; I just borrowed it!

[ST.LOUIE1]

So - I am back in the saddle again at the 'Finest Homestead'..:))

Welcome home, Ms.X. : )

[ST.LOUIE1]

Hi, (((( Sis)))))

You little rat! lol

[Aeronaut]

Hi Amy!

[dutchess]

Hi Mama. What beautiful graphics. You, Billie and daisy taught me to post pictures...maybe I'm ready for a lesson in graphics

Flyer. So good to see you here. We always had such wonderful employees at our humane society. I don't know how they could euthanize and keep their sanity. But what kept them going was their love for animals.

[ST.LOUIE1]

Sometimes I just wanna whup that li'l boyz arse!! Just kiddin'...)=^D!!

No you're not! LOL

Hi, Mud!

[Aquamarine]

So - I am back in the saddle again at the 'Finest Homestead'..:))

WELCOME HOME!!!

[Mama_Bear]

Hello, finest FRiends. Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.

Fall arrives late in the central valley, but we're beginning to feel a chill in the morning air. Soon the tule fog days will arrive.

Thomas Kinkade's "Blessings of Autumn"

[lodwick]

Did You Ever Think...

Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right one so that when we finally meet the right person, we will know how to be grateful for that gift.

When the door of happiness closes, another opens, but often times we look so long at the closed door that we don't see the one which has been opened for us.

The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had.

It's true that we don't know what we've got until we lose it, but it's also true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives.

Giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they'll love you back. Don't expect love in return; just wait for it to grow in their heart. But if it doesn't, be content it grew in yours.

It takes only a minute to get a crush on someone, an hour to like someone, and a day to love someone, but it takes a lifetime to forget someone.

Don't go for looks; they can deceive. Don't go for wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile, because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright. Find the one who makes your heart smile!

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.

Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so that when you die, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.


Pass this message along to those people who mean something to you, to those who have touched your life in one way or another, to those who make you smile when you really need it, to those that make you see the brighter side of things when you are really down, to those who you want to let know that you appreciate their friendship!

[dansangel]

Good afternoon, everyone! I'm here to have a quick "hit and run" before running off to a meeting.

dutchess: Loved your bio! I can certainly relate with being the only conservative in a very liberal family. My folks, who also live in FL, refer to me to their friends as "the Republican one." The Lord has "paid me back" LOL. I have an only child, a daughter, who is a hopeless "tree-hugger!" LOL!! I still love her to death, of course.

Loved reading about your political as well as your humane exploits. I, too am an animal lover, mom to two cats and grandmom to three (we would have dogs, but live in an apartment). All of the cats I've ever had have been lovingly adopted from shelters. They are housecats...not allowed to roam outside because I become sick every time I see a small, furry dead body on the road.

And, I am a "conservative" vegetarian! Quite a paradox. I recently sent back a solicitation from PETA with the message, "Remove me from your terrorist organization's mailing list!! I am a vegetarian, but you people are crazy!!" LOL!

So, I can really identify with you on a lot of issues. So glad to "meet" you!

OK, got to "scoot" to that meeting. I love you all...hope to come by later to visit longer.

PS...Billie-blue....my favorite bird is definitely the one holding the flower....don't you just want to pinch his cheeks?? LOL!!

pps...ladtx....praise God there are no names to report today. That photo you put up with the "minor damage" sent chills up and down my spine. God bless you and your efforts to defend our country. I salute you!

{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}

[dansangel]

daisy, that post was for you, too. That's what I get for being in a hurry!

{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

[dutchess]

Wow...just love your graphics!!!! Hopefully your kids will "see the light" one of these years. Actually, I'm ashamed to say I protested the Vietnam War in college AND worked on the Mondale campaign....Once I got in the real world however, and lucky for me...got a government job...I realized that the government promotes dependency AND our military is our most valuable asset. My next vote was for Reagan and I never looked back.

[Mama_Bear]

Did You Ever Think...

I like them all.....but particularly this one,

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.

Thanks for the food for thought.

[doug from upland]

This is a great day in FReeperville. This is long overdue for a great FReeper. Congrats, dutchess!

Yes, she has been following the songs for a long time. She gets an evil glee from being able to sing a song to her mom written by the "pervert songwriter." When dutchess told me she was a big Sinatra fan, I wrote "BJs in the Night" to the tune of "Strangers in the Night." Thank goodness mom didn't have a coronary over that one. Mom almost came to forgive me when I wrote a special poignant song for her birthday that the kids all sang. (It was for her, not dad, right? Since I'm over 1400 songs, it is difficult to remember sometimes.)

Dutchess has done a great job with her parents in turning them from the dark side and making them aware of what Sinkmaster has done.

Dutchess and I have had many moments together on FR as we suffered through the disgraceful president of the Sinkmaster and that awful vote in the Senate.

My best to one of the great FReepers!