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

[Billie]

Good - am so glad to hear she's doing well. Really appreciate your beautiful posts, Aqua.

[Billie]

Good morning, Physicist - another Hall of Famer reports back in. :)

[dutchess]

What a cool looking cat! He has that "Don't mess with Texas" look we all know so well (the look that makes the left squeal like a bunch of hungry pigs) Oops...sorry to all pigs out their LOL!

[Billie]

I don't grow them either. Have had (past tense!) beautiful tulips and beautiful mums, but I really don't like fooling with them, and after the blooms die, they're ugly, and I want them gone, and with tulips I know you're supposed to leave the leaves (my horticulture friend says to put a rubber band around them, tying them down sort of out of sight until they die completely because they need the leaves to feed the bulbs for the next year) Too much trouble!

[Aquamarine]

You just reminded me...I have some tulip bulbs I need to plant!

[Billie]

:) Woof, woof, weinie.

[dutchess]

"So, were you married when you were, like, four years old? Or is that measured in dog years (in keeping with your canine-derived screen name)? :-)"

Your too kind LOL.

Enjoyed your profile the other day. Has your department recovered from having a Nobel Prize winner????

[ladyinred]

First of all, this is a day to celebrate isn't it? None lost today in all of the years of the war? Good news to start the day.
Secondly, I love that picture!!!!! Thanks so much for your daily reminder of how much we owe to our Viet Nam vets!

[Billie]

Good morning to our most mixed-up friend on the net. :)

[Aquamarine]

I love Tulips!

[dutchess]

Hi kayak...who DOESN'T kayak....Still can't get rid of that image!

It's humbling to be included amongst a group of hardworking, dedicated and fine freepers such as yourself!

[ladyinred]

I so enjoyed reading your "This is my life" story. We do have a lot in common actually, I am the mommy of a "fur person" my little Maltese who is sometimes pictured around here is like my child too. So glad to see I am not alone! :-)

I also am a DFU fan, love his songs and sing along with them too! I hope you saw him on C-Span when he spoke at the Inaugural Brunch we had here in Clovis, btw. He was smokin' the Clintons during his speech!

Enjoy your day in the spotlight, Dutchess! Very well deserved. Here is hoping your parents come around to the realization that socialism is socialism no matter what name they put on it! Sounds as though they might already realize it deep down!

[dutchess]

Thanks for the picture and link to "The Rose". One of my favorite songs! I have to be VERY careful when I'm on this site at work. My secretary and I are in the same room and sometimes I can sneak here unnoticed unless I click on one of your pics. It's a dead giveaway that I'm freeping again!

[COB1]

GOOD MORNING, DUTCHESS AND ALL!

ENJOY YOUR DAY, DEAR LADY!

THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE!

[jwfiv]

Good morning to our hostesses.

May Blessings and Light fall gently upon you all on this fine day of grief and joy, worry and hope. Thanks again for a good cup of coffee.

Hello to the Dutchess, glad to meet you and Mr. D and your little ones. Thanks for all your inspiring good works in the real world, and your inspiring good words here in the cyber world.

[Dubya]

"A VETERAN DIED TODAY"

He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling out, and he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past. Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done. In his exploits with his buddies: they were heroes, everyone.

And 'tho sometimes. to his neighbors, his tales became a joke, all his buddies listened, they knew whereof he spoke. But we'll hear his tales no longer, for ol' Mike has passed away, and the world's a little poorer, for a VETERAN died today.

When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state, while thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great. Papers tell of their life stories, from the time that they were young, but the passing of a VETERAN goes unnoticed, and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution, to the welfare of our land, some jerk who breaks his promise and cons his fellow man? Or the ordinary fellow, who in times of war and strife, goes off to serve his country and offers up his life?

The politician's stipend and the style in which he lives, are sometimes disproportionate, to the service he gives. While the ordinary VETERAN, who offered up his all, is paid off with a medal and perhaps a pension, small.

It's so easy to forget them, for it is so long ago, that our Bobs & Jims & Johnnys, went to battle, but we know. It was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys, who won for us the freedom that our country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand, would you really want some cop-out, with his ever-waffling stand? Or would you want a VETERAN who has sworn to defend, his home, his kin, and country, and would fight until the end?

He was just a common VETERAN, and his ranks are growing thin, but his presence should remind us, we may need his likes again. For when countries are in conflict, then we find the military's part, is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor, while he's here to hear the praise, then at least let's give him homage, at the ending of his days. Perhaps just a simple headline in the paper that might say:

"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, FOR A VETERAN DIED TODAY

[mhking]

G'morning all! and Congratulations, Dutchess!

[Aquamarine]

Sorry for blowing your cover. Have you thought of using headphones or would that be too obvious. :)

[dutchess]

I've seen pictures of your little Maltese. What a sweetheart!

I never got to see Doug on CSpan although I read all about it. Sounds like he gave it to the Clintons with both barrels! That's one thing about our Doug...you know where he stands LOL He's been know to "needle" my mother with a few of his parodies when she's visiting. She sometimes "not so affectionately" refers to him as "the pervert!"

Thanks for all you and hubby do supporting our troops! Love to read the after action reports!

[Diver Dave]

Ladies and Gentlemen. Your attention, please. Stepping into the center ring...

Another GREAT FReeper stands in the center ring of FR's Finest...

Congratulations, Dutchess. It has always been a pleasure to read your posts, and now your bio this morning. Keep up the good work.

Atta Girl, dutchess