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]

I am praying for God to give Nan strength and to heal her dear husband whom she has loved so long and so dearly.

That's what got to me the most this morning as I read kayak's summons for help. WVNan referred to her dear husband as being one half of her. I choked up and immediately gave .45MAN a hug. My heart goes out to her!

[Billie]

And here's Rus!

Well, probably not still here - but good morning to you anyway! Always good to see that purple cup and realize that we didn't have to post it for you!

[Billie]

Good morning, loddy - thanks for the sunshine. That's a gorgeous sunrise.

[Billie]

Please don't let 'nad know where you live! :)

[dansangel]

{{{{{{{{{{{dutchess}}}}}}}}}}}

Always great to see your smiling face here! I hope your Friday is as wonderful as you!

Give Mr. D a {{{{{{hug}}}}}} from me!

[Mo1]

What a wonder report from our FR Reporter out in the field

CONGRATS MIXER!!!!

[lodwick]

LOL - good job Tman.

[ofMagog]

Had to ger up early and feed the fire. Since up, decided to check the on-line news headlines and see who's done what on FR. A hug to WVNan from us up here on the mountain.

[dansangel]

[taking bows]

Thank-you......Thank-you........Thank-you!! LOL!

{{{{{{{{{{{ru4liberty}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

[Diver Dave]

Great Presentation today, dansangel. Ya done good!

[Billie]

Hi Temple - didn't you love it?! Yep, Mixer got all the answers right. (He had good questions, too) :)

[Mo1]

Ahhhhh COFFEE ... I need more coffee Thanks The Mayor

[lodwick]

Brutal week there Pips - good luck with the 1st floor digs. ;-)

[dansangel]

Doing OK here Angel - get those pinheads trained and get OUTTA there. ;-)

LOL!

Actually, they are coming along very nicely! I may actually finish up a little early today!

[Pippin]

Thanks, Loddy!

[Billie]

Morning, Dubya. After reading about Nan's husband and the policeman she ran into just minutes after getting her husband in the car to rush him to the hospital, this tribute has to have a huge "Amen" from her, and all of us who love her.

Thank you for posting it.

[ST.LOUIE1]

WOW!!!!!

Ms. Dansy, you are better than Baba Wawa ever dreamed of being, a great interviewer. Awesome!
(Of course the *subject* had a little to do with it. : ))

Er....and good morning. : )

[dansangel]

{{{{{{{{{{{{Billie!!!!}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Thank-you so much my sister-in-FReepness!

Yes, Craig, the domain-master, had a huge letter of apology up on the site, but it was in no way his fault that he unknowingly purchased faulty equipment. I was a little nervous at 4:00 am, but glad to see things were up and running by the time I settled in at work.

Thank-you for your kind words and for being so supportive. I LOVE being a part of A Few Of FR's Finest!

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

[lodwick]

The New Jersey quarter, the third coin in the 50 State Quarters® Program, depicts General George Washington and members of the Colonial Army crossing the Delaware River en route to very important victories during the Revolutionary War.

[Billie]

LOL! Here, just for you, are the puppies again. (Did you see the owls yesterday?)