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

[dansangel]

Hi Leni! Thanks for stopping by. Sorry i missed you!

{{{{{{{{{{Leni}}}}}}}}}}}}

[dansangel]

Wonderful calendar page, daisy! It's hard to believe the "Holiday Season" starts with Thanksgiving, the week after next. OMG!!

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

[dansangel]

Oh boy!!! Have mercy on them : )

Psssttttt....don't let on how much I've paid you to build up my "tough" reputation, OK? LOL!

[dansangel]

Hey, it's Friday. Time for Happy Hour yet?

Anytime is a good time for Happy Hour. Make mine a double Bloody Mary, please!

[lodwick]

Cheers!

[dansangel]

{{{{{{{{{loddie}}}}}}}}}

That picture makes my mouth water! Thank-you!! LOL

[LadyX]

Sorry I was offline for a time and didn't see this.

I'm way over on the other side of SC near Augusta, Georgia, and it was stated she was known to have been in the Raleigh/Durham area, possibly going north.

On I-95 cars usually exceed 70 mph without breaking a sweat and she could be anywhere - even Canada by now.

All I can do is add my prayers to those being offered - and have done so.

[lonestar]

I can dream! Beautiful picture.

[Libertina]

Good evening everyone and Congratulations Mixer on your special day! LOL I know you like "Designing Women" Billie, but then we have to create a special phrase for Louie... Oh! I forgot, Louie Wolf has "designs" on lots of things too! hehehe

On a serious note, I read about WVNan's husband and, again, offer her family my prayers for his complete healing and recovery. I know she must be afraid, but our thoughts and love are with her.

[ST.LOUIE1]

Late getting back here to see your reply, Wolfie, but I extend a hearty Phore Shure !!

You betcha!

{{{{{ Hugs + more hugs + snooches amd a LOT more hugs! }}}}}

Zoweeeee! Thank yoooooou! AhhhhRoooooo!!!!!! : )

[ST.LOUIE1]

Thanks, Ru.

What a terrible thing to have happen.

Hopefully, she'll return home safe and sound.

Doesn't look good, though. : (

[lodwick]

;-) It's only money - let your dream come true. You'll have a ball. Trust me on this one.

[ST.LOUIE1]

I know you like "Designing Women" Billie, but then we have to create a special phrase for Louie...
Oh! I forgot, Louie Wolf has "designs" on lots of things too! hehehe

Now is that nice? Wolfie has been good all day.
And you want to start trouble. Bad girl. : )

Hi, Ms.Tina!

[ST.LOUIE1]

Theres an update on Cascadian's sister, Ru. Not good.

[Libertina]

So sorry Louie for I am stirring things up. (hehe) Well, since you've been so good all day, you deserve a big
Cheers! Well Done!

[ST.LOUIE1]

So sorry Louie for I am stirring things up. (hehe)
Well, since you've been so good all day, you deserve a big Cheers! Well Done!

Thank you, ma'am. : )

[Mama_Bear]

This is such a cute tribute today, angel. You are so clever, and a great journalist too. :-)

Mixer, I apologize for being so late getting here today. I haven't read the thread yet, but I do hope you have enjoyed being our featured FReeper today. Thanks for being you and for all you do.

Billie and Daisy, I am sorry I missed you today.

And to everyone who pinged me.......thank you.

WVNan, special prayers going up for your husband. (((((((hugs)))))))

[dansangel]

Wolfie-Man!

You snuck in without me seeing you! :-(

Guess I can't give you this {{{{{{{{{HUG}}}}}}}}}}

[JulieRNR21]

Hope it's not too late to add my Congratulations to Mixer.

So nice to learn that you are in NJ. We lived in the Watchung Hills until 1987. Many people associate NJ with the Turnpike & oil refineries; but, as you know, it is a beautiful state with many rural & scenic areas like the Lakes country.

Hope you have had a grand time today as FR Finest!

[dansangel]

So wonderful to see you Mama_Bear, my sister-FReeper....now that I've seen you, I can go to sleep! LOL....just kidding! I'll be up a little while longer!

{{{{{{{{{{Mama_Bear}}}}}}}}}}