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.

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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]

Another of our favorites has arrived. :)

Who? LOL

This guy - our favorite bad guy. :)

(That wolf! He's so full of himself. LOL!)

[Billie]

I love that "applause" graphic you posted - reminded me I seldom use those hands clapping! (One reason - they remind me of the way hillary clinton claps) LOL

[Billie]

I'm sure Billie would come to my defense.

Sure I would. (Now WHERE is my "to the rescue" gif?!) LOL

[Billie]

Hi, Maggie - it's exactly what I had in mind when I asked Lori and Daisy if they would help me with this thread. And everyone has been so wonderful and receptive, who could 'not' want to be a part of this family? :)

[ST.LOUIE1]

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

LOL!!!!

[Mixer]

Thank you so much for the kind words.

[ST.LOUIE1]

Another of our favorites has arrived. :)

Who? LOL

This guy - our favorite bad guy. :)

ROTFL!!!!!!! You're bad.....and so cute! : )

(That wolf! He's so full of himself. LOL!)

Which reminds me....

[ST.LOUIE1]

- they remind me of the way hillary clinton claps) LOL

Meow.

Yep, you're a cat alright. Hey, kitties are just little cats. : )

[ST.LOUIE1]

Billie and The Others - you have indeed created the feeling of a Phinest Phamily..:)))

As you have also, Ms.LadyX.

Don't we got Phun? : )

[ST.LOUIE1]

Love that graphic!

I may have to swipe...er.... borrow it. : )

Afternoon, Mo.

[Molly Pitcher]

Mixer, loved reading your interview!

dansangel - Thank you so much!

Is it really the 15th already???? Oh my....

[ST.LOUIE1]

Hi, Ru!

So glad to see you. : )

[ST.LOUIE1]

I'll leave the deviled eggs to the others - but the rest looks deeeelicious!

[dutchess]

Hi Pippin. Glad to see your back....It's pretty tough lurking ONLY. Ouch on the knee, back, hip etc. I'm 48 and developed a hip problem about 3 years ago. Turned out to be my syiatic (sp) nerve. A couple of months of massage therapy, daily stretching (and not letting the dogs sleep on either side of me, although that one I cheat on) have done the trick.

We also got the select comfort number bed about six months ago and WHAT A DIFFERENCE. Mr. D. used to move to the couch the middle of the night because his back would bother him. His only complaint now is that he doesn't want get out of bed in the am. Dittos for me and our 15 year old arthritic sheltie LOL!

[JustAmy]

Good Morning, dansangel!!
Another great thread and another great FR's Finest. You did good!!

[Mixer]

I am glad you enjoyed it. dansangel did all the work I just showed up.

[dutchess]

"I love the puppies, too. For the color though, I like our kitties in hats and our birds in hats better..."

Puppies can't wear colorful hats????...and maybe matching colorful doggie harnasses...Comeon Billie...we know you're up to the challange LOL! (that being said from someone who can't even email a picture!!!!)

[lodwick]

Good job with the SelectComfort - the last bed you'll ever own. If only every hotel had one of those bad boys, I wouldn't hate to travel so much. ;-)

[JustAmy]

Congratulations, Mixer, on being in today's spotlight!!
Thank you for the Anniversary Calendar!!
Thank your for all of your contributions to the Finest Thread, you are truly one of FR's Finest!

[Mixer]

Thanks for the nice words. I am glad to be a part of the thread. I am happy to maintain the calendar. I hope to spend some more time, adding some more names, in the near future.