A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....11-15-02

dansangel; Billie

[dansangel]

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:  spectr17, RightOnline, SERE_Doc, Tet68.
MIDDLE:  FutureSnakeEater, RightOnline's wife, CIApilot, Clamper1797
BOTTOM:  usmcobra, onedoug, DiverDave, Joe6-pack

We now have eleven groups of veterans/active military; we will post each group of three or four twice a week, with thumbnail/links of the remaining seven or eight groups on each thread. Click on any of the thumbnails below to see the group full-size.

         

GROUP 1A: TOP: Logos, SwedeGirl's hubby, Neil E Wright, FallGuy, 1John, Sneakypete MIDDLE:  T'wit, COB1, LadyX, Dick Bachert, 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub BOTTOM:  YankeeinSC, Delta21, JoeSixPack1

GROUP 2A: TOP:  Bosniajmc, AFVetGal, Archy, A Navy Vet MIDDLE:  4TheFlag, Aeronaut, 68Grunt, Xinga BOTTOM:  Codger, AAABest, Clinton's A Liar, Duke809, dcwusmc

GROUP 3A: TOP:  mc5cents, Norb2569, LBGA's son, VanJenerette MIDDLE:  Jim Robinson, KJenerette, davidosborne, KG9Kid BOTTOM:  gwmoore, Equality7-2521, SAMWolf

GROUP 4A: TOP:  porgygirl, Phil V., MudPuppy, NorCoGOP MIDDLE:  RaceBannon, OneidaM, rdb3, jwTexian BOTTOM:  USMC Vet, TheMayor, Vineyard, rhododogma

      

GROUP 9A: 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.

GROUP 10A: TOP: dakine's wife, MeeknMing's dad, Auntbee's nephew, MilitiaMan7, AlasBabylon. BOTTOM:  Joe Brower, Temple Owl, Temple Owl's wife, dutchess' dad, Aomagrat.

GROUP 11A: TOP: ladtx #2 son; DiverDave's twin Don; petuniasevan and husband poorman; Mustard; ladtx #1 son. BOTTOM: AlamoGirl's brother Floyd; AG's dad; AG's brother Jim (inset); WVNan's husband; ladtx' Aunt Eva.

                     

Mixer Freeper since October 23, 2001

Mixer and I decided to have a little fun with his profile by making it even more "journalistic." For something different, I present to my fellow FReepers:

"Mixer; The Exclusive Interview"

This journalist met up with the elusive "Mixer" in his driveway while he was emptying groceries from his car. After pleading with him for an interview, I followed him into his garage where I promptly stuck my foot in the interior doorway to prevent him from closing it. (I've been told that the bones in my ankle and foot should heal nicely in about 6-8 weeks).

After I was able to breathe normally once again (it's funny how excruciating pain will make one inhale for what seems like minutes on end), Mixer relented (was it out of pity?) and invited me into his kitchen where the following interview was conducted.

dansangel: Mr. Mixer...

Mixer: Uh, you can call me "Mixer."

dansangel: Ok then, Mixer. Can you please tell us what lead you to the fortuitous discovery of Free Republic?

Mixer: Last year right after the 911 terrorist attacks on NYC and Washington DC, like many other Americans I was searching for answers and comforting words as to why this was done and who did it. An internet search led me to Free Republic. I lurked until the middle of October when I finally decided to join in on the conversations. I don't recall exactly when I discovered the "A Few of FR's Finest" thread but I remember being in awe of the incredible tributes to our service men and women. After a while I realized that this was a daily thread that spotlighted FReepers for their hard work and dedication to FR and to America.

dansangel: Was there any one particular political event that sparked your interest in our nation's government?

Mixer: The decision in 1991 for America to enter the Gulf region and engage in war was something that really sparked my interest in our government. I had personal friends that were being sent over. While I knew that this fight was neccessary, I was confused and scared that I would never see my friends again.

dansangel: How would you describe the political environment in which you grew up?

Mixer: I would say that my mother, sadly, is a Democrat. She does not vote but her views are that of a dem. I grew up on the low end of middle-class and my interest in politics were non-existent back then, anyway. I have since become a full-fledged Republican and I am proud to say I voted for GWB in 2000!

dansangel: What is your opinion of the Constitution?

Mixer: I am not a constitutionalist by any means but I feel that it is every American's responsibility to vote for and support the politicians that will make sure that the Constitution is not threatened. The Constitution is what our country was founded on and it should continue to be the law by which we live.

dansangel: Do you feel that our fundamental rights are being compromised by the present administration's fight against terror?

Mixer: I do not feel at this time that we have lost any rights in the fight on terrorism. I feel that the Administration's encouragement of Americans to stay vigilant is a good indication that they do not intend to take away our rights. GW was hired to uphold the amendments of the Constitution and I think that he is doing this just fine. Some argue that the Patriot Act has infringed on our Constitutional rights but I do not see any clear evidence of this.

Mixer ~ Photo taken 4th of July 2002, by his wife.

dansangel: In which state do you currently reside?

Mixer: I have lived my entire life in New Jersey.

dansangel: Would you describe your current place of residence as "conservative heaven" or "liberal hell?"

Mixer: I live in a lake community in a mostly conservative heaven. I am extremely involved in local voting for our lake board committee and the decisions of the town as well. We had a vote about making part of our community gated. I was on the fence about this vote because I was unsure if this would be a good thing (better security) or a bad thing (inconvenient and raise taxes). My wife and I were leaning towards the "no gate vote." Once we heard the members of the gate committee try and sell their case we knew that they had no clear vision as to why this gate was needed. If they had, we may have voted for the gate. We voted against the gate as did 53% of the members present. It just goes to show that having a say does matter. Have I gone too far off topic? :-)

dansangel: I'll ask the questions here, if you don't mind. What one, single important contribution do you feel that Free Republic has made to the general public?

Mixer: The various viewpoints that FR provides is the single most important thing that it contributes to the public. While many on FR are purely conservative, there is allowance for other viewpoints, unless to the extreme that they become harmful.

dansangel: One last question, please. What do you like the most about living in the United States?

Mixer: The freedom to be who I want to be and the opportunity to accomplish exactly that.

So, here it is folks. All of the information "Inquiring Minds Want To Know." Please join me in giving another deserving FReeper a warm welcome to FR's Finest...

Today that Finest is

Our very own "Keeper of the FReeper Anniversary Calendar."

THIS WEEK'S THREADS

11-11-02 Veteran's Day

11-12-02 Temple Owl

11-13-02 Mo1 and The Freeople Thread

11-14-02 JohnHuang2's "My Two Cents -- They Still Don't 'Get It'"

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]

I love the puppies, too. For the color though, I like our kitties in hats and our birds in hats better. Time to post the birds in hats again? Some people may not KNOW how we schedule our Spotlights. :)

You see, guys and girls, it's like this....we are very efficient and plan things right down to the smallest detail in our weekly and oh-so-orderly staff meetings.

[dansangel]

I know, have seen a few. You even scare me! LOL!

Let's just keep this as "our little secret" OK? :-)

Oh poo.....I have to get back to class. :-( Hope to catch you later!

{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}} again!

[dansangel]

PPffffttttt! :-)

Actually, you have shown our "mild" sides!!! LOL!

Heckfire, it's back to w-o-r-k. P'tooiieee!

{{{{{{{{{{{Billie}}}}}}}}}}}}; {{{{{{{{{{daisy}}}}}}}}}}}}; {{{{{{{{{{{Mama_Bear}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Hope to catch up with y'all later!

[lodwick]

Good looking deserts there - thanks. Yum. (and too fattening for me.)

[Mixer]

Billie....I am happy to be a part of the thread. When you were joking that I should keep track of everyone's anniversaries I had ideas in mind, but I had no idea that it would have become such an awesome part of the thread. Thanks for making me a highlight each and every day not just on my spotlight day.

The Thin Man....dansangel can be pushy but when you are as famous as I am you get used to these sorts of reporters ; )

Diver Dave....Thanks...it is nice to get to know you as well.

Pippin....I hope everthing works out for you with the apartment and I hope you get some relief from the pain you have been in. You will be in my thoughts. stlouie1....you are right I am afraid. What a bunch of meanies ; ) Thanks for the dancing freak I love it.

[ST.LOUIE1]

I know, have seen a few. You even scare me! LOL!

Let's just keep this as "our little secret" OK? :-)

I must clarify what I meant. You scare 'Louie'....not Wolfie! LOL

{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}} again!

Uh-oh! That's three hugs this morning. Run for it!

AhhhhhhRoooooo!!! LOL

[ST.LOUIE1]

stlouie1....you are right I am afraid. What a bunch of meanies ; )

I'm glad Amy and I aren't the only one's who think so. Welcome to 'our' side. LOL

Thanks for the dancing freak I love it.

Thanks, Mix. Feel free to use it any time you wish. : )

[Mixer]

Hmmm . . . do you think that it's working on all of us? ;)

I have a feeling it has changed us all for the better in some way or another : ) Glad you enjoyed the interview.

[Pippin]

The only thing I was able to do was cancel out my credit cards and my debit card, I will be getting new cards in the mail but I still have to replace my ID cards and membership cards for the RNC and MD Right To Life as well as other cards, including my voters card. WEE, at least that little libbie who took them will know they have a Republican's wallet! HEH! HEH!

But, all joking aside, there was no cash money in the wallet so, really, they won't get much out of it.

[The Thin Man]

Hello Mr. Horizontally Challenged Man!

Name calling. I'm shocked! Even I wouldn't resort to that. :-)

I'm sure Billie would come to my defense.

[Pippin]

Thanks, Dansangel!

[The Thin Man]

Forget my previous post. I was wrong about Billie rushing to my defense. :-)

[Pippin]

sigh!

well, like my namesake hobbit once said, "There must be someone with intelligence in this group" HEH! HEH!

[Pippin]

Thank You, Billie :^)

[ST.LOUIE1]

sigh!
well, like my namesake hobbit once said, "There must be someone with intelligence in this group" HEH! HEH!

That be me! LOL

[Pippin]

Thanks, Mixer!

[LadyX]

Thank you for providing the easy way to find the prayer thread - how very appropriate your name is 'angel'..:))

Reading the first few lines of today's Feature Article, I just knew who was the 'reporter!!'
LOL

Ah, Mixer - you are such an integral part of this thread now.
We can't imagine it without your unique presence!

Billie and The Others - you have indeed created the feeling of a Phinest Phamily..:)))
(old FR joke and tribute)
Our thanks go to all who gather or just visit here for making it so.

[Pippin]

That goes along with what Elrond said to Pippin in response, "In that case that certianly leaves you out, master Took!" LOL!!

[Pippin]

Hi, LadyX!

[Billie]

That's probably my favorite of all the TGIF's I've seen!