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

[dutchess]

No losses today. What a great day you must have had. Thanks for keeping those fallen remembered.

[dutchess]

Aw...thanks for the crown LadyX. I'll wear it with pride!

[Pippin]

Good Morning everybody!

I'm slooooowly getting back into the "groove" here.

Thanks for your well wishes and responses. anyone got chicken soup?

BTW, I did go to the dinner on Saturday night but didn't stay long.

We all had a good time, especially Mom. Dansangel, the food at the Olive Garden was great!

Well, hope to be spending more time here or at the Hobbit Hole thread.

[dutchess]

"all these young white DNC kids were shouting, "RNC, RNC, Where is Your Diversity?"

What's amazing is the diversity of GW's cabinet...but that doesn't count...the minorities are "sell outs"... What the left doesn't allow for is diversity in thought! Thanks for your thoughts...and I think prosecutors are the good guys too!

[Pippin]

Good Morning, dutchess!

Happy Day! another dog-lover!<p. I don't have pets but my mom and dad do and my sisters and brother do. My mom and dad's dog is a black lab, about 6 years old and just the sweetest dog you could find.

[Billie]

What bright cheery flowers! Loved reading about you yesterday, Molly! It's nice to see you here - the ATRW is such a great group!

[Mustard]

Lt. Cmdr. Scott Speicher

The Jacksonville family of the only American still listed as missing in action from the Persian Gulf War believes they finally might be able to determine whether Navy Lt. Cmdr. Scott Speicher is dead or alive.

A meeting with an unidentified Iraqi official who family representatives believe is in a position to know Speicher's fate is a good possibility, said Cindy Laquidara, a Jacksonville lawyer representing the family.

"Given their history of actually meeting people on humanitarian issues, I would think it's pretty high," Laquidara said Thursday. She would not identify the official.

Laquidara said she has been working on a meeting for some time but only recently sent a letter requesting it. The time and participants are subject to negotiation, she said.

Today is National POW/MIA Recognition Day, and administration officials are pressing hard for military action against Iraq, but Laquidara said the timing of the letter is coincidental.

"It was time to have the personal plea," she said.

President Bush cited Speicher's case in his speech last week to the United Nations to argue for action against Iraq.

Speicher's F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet was shot down Jan. 17, 1991, the opening night of the war. Initial reports were that it exploded in the air.

Speicher, a native of Jacksonville, was listed as missing in action while the war continued. After the prisoners held in Iraq returned, Speicher's status was changed on May 22, 1991, to killed in action, body not recovered.

In 1995, the wreckage of Speicher's plane was found. A team from the International Committee for the Red Cross some months later found evidence that Speicher "likely ejected from the stricken aircraft prior to the crash," according to an unclassified intelligence summary.

In 1999 an Iraqi defector claimed to have found Speicher alive in the desert and driven him to Baghdad. He has passed a lie-detector test, Laquidara said.

Based on a growing body of evidence that Speicher survived the crash, and spurred by the aviator's family and members of Congress, the Navy changed his status back to MIA in January 2001.

Speicher's wife, who has since remarried, has been instrumental in pushing for an accounting for him, Laquidara said. She has declined all interview requests since his disappearance.

JoAnne Shirley of Dalton, who heads the board of the National League of Families of POW/MIA, said the family needs to be careful they are not used as pawns in a larger game of diplomacy by the Iraqis.

"I would proceed cautiously, but I think I would do it," said Shirley, whose brother has been missing in Vietnam for nearly 30 years. "I think it will impress on Iraq the importance of the issue."

© 2002 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution"

[dutchess]

Billie....THANKS for the poison oak memories! OUCH! I still have some scars on my arms LOL!

I guess I forgot that this thread was just getting up and started when I found it. WOW...look how far it's come and how many friends we have made since then. It's so nice to have a happy place to visit knowing you'll leave with a smile no matter how bad a day you've had. Thanks for being the inspiration!

[Billie]

Morning, Maggie! I am so, so happy to see you here the last couple of days. That crown is the prettiest thing! WOW!

[Pippin]

Speaking of ATRW, I better get over there or they'll all think I've dropped off the face of the earth! LOL!!

[ValerieUSA]

Good Tuesday Morning Fine FReepers

[lonestar]

Weinie and I send our congrats to dutchess. The dutchess is one of those people, who like us, consider it a compliment to say, "She's gone to the dogs!"

[Billie]

Morning, Free. What a wonderful post that was!

I loved the report that kristinn wrote about freeping clinton's fundraiser!

[Billie]

Hi, dutchess! So glad you're staying home today, and not because of poison oak!

How's giz doing this morning? Still pining for his little buddy?

[ValerieUSA]

FABULOUS bio - it is so fun to read and to learn about a superfine FReeper!
I really appreciate Dutchess's wonderful FReeper Petathon idea during the FReepathon. Everyone had such a blast posting pictures of their pets as Dutchess's contribution tally added up.
Thank you dutchess for your generosity and spirit of devotion to both your FReeper and animal friends.

[Billie]

Morning, Pip. Not back to 100% yet, are you? I bet you'll get lots of chicken soup delivered right here today. Hope you have a big freezer! :)

[Pippin]

Thanks Billie!

[Billie]

Mustard, I've missed seeing your posts. God Bless Lt. Cmdr. Scott Speicher - what an ordeal his family must have been going through all these years, holding out hope he may still be alive and returned to them at any time. Thank you for posting this - I just knew when I saw the opening graphic that Mustard was here. Good to see you.

[kayak]

I'm looking and looking for a finer FReeper than dutchess and just can't find one ...... :-)

dutchess ~~~ I really enjoyed the stories about your parents and their friends ..... way to go!

[Billie]

Thanks, dutchess. I was thinking that you had been here on the opening day and I looked back to confirm it before stating that - it must have been the second week, because I didn't see your name the first two or three days - didn't look further than that, but knew it was very soon after our 'debut'.

We really appreciate you for being such a happy cheerleader for us!