A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....11-26-02

11-26-02 | 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.

                     

wirestripper Freeper since September 13, 2001

When wirestripper agreed to be profiled for A Few of FR's Finest, I was sure that he would have an interesting story to share. What I received via e-mail was far better than I had imagined. Since wirestripper writes with the ease of a seasoned journalist, it is only fitting that I present his story, in his own words:

"wirestripper; In His Own Words"

What a great honor it is to be asked to do my own story! I have been dreading the writing of this because I have never actually put it in print. I get very introspective at times and ponder about who, and what I am and what I stand for, but I have never sat down and wrote the thoughts on paper. So, here goes!

I am a native of the state of Washington; however, I spent only a couple of years there and therefore do not call it home. I have lived, worked and gone to school in many states since Washington, and when you get right down to it, "home is really where I hang my hat."

I graduated from high school in Wisconsin, circa 1969. Angered by the fact that some of our high school's grads did not return from Viet Nam, I enlisted in the Army that same November on a 3-year commitment. I was "gung ho" and hoped to make a difference, but the Army had other plans for me.

After extensive training in Ft. Belvoir Virginia regarding a new mobile assault bridge that the Army developed for armored units, I landed in West Germany in the fall of 1970. I remained there until my enlistment was up in the fall of 1972.

During that time the U.S. Army, in its infinite wisdom, decided that because I was a proficient marksman, that I would be an asset to the 3rd Armored Division Marksmanship team. I spent about a year and a half on the team, shooting in National Match Competitions throughout Europe. A pretty nice temporary duty assignment, but a very lonely one. When it came time for re-up, I was packing my duffle bag and heading home instead.

         

After a couple years of college on the GI Bill with a major in business administration in northwest Florida, I entered the workforce as a manager trainee for the W.T Grant Company (a now defunct department store chain). I decided that the department store business was not for me and I signed on as an Account Rep. for a major FM radio station.

After a couple years of that, I wanted to get rich. So, I went to real estate school, and obtained my Florida realtor's license. This marked the beginning of my interest in politics and government. I have to thank Jimmuh Carter for that! He and his administration are totally responsible for my "catharsis".

As the interest rates went to 14,15,16,17 and then18 without signs of going down, I had a revelation! I was definitely is the wrong friggin' business and I had no clue what to do. So, after an 18 pack and a bottle of Crown Royal, I decided to blow it all off and get a "real job." At the same time, I pledged to myself that I would find out about politics and learn why it was that the "peanut farmer" was elected. I also wanted to research just what a democrat was and why they were so dangerous!

My new job took me to Norco Louisiana. A stranger place I had never seen! I began work in a refinery that was under construction as a maintenance clerk and began moving up the ladder and learning while working 84 hours per week.

Mrs. wirestripper

My wife and kids were still in Pensacola and I had no mailing address or phone because I was living in a tent! This was actually a good thing because the real-estate broker that I deserted, without notice, was looking for me with a summons because she was suing me for damages. (For quitting). She never found me, but turned me in to the IRS. They had a reward system back then, but that is another story entirely.

After six months of work I was able to put a nice down payment on a brand new home and we moved to La Place, LA. I began my new career in construction and plant maintenance and I never looked back. After 23 years in construction and electrical contracting, I have now hung up my tool belt due to some physical disabilities that won't let me continue.

While I had my business operating, I would surf the net looking and learning. One day I discovered the Drudge report. (I think I got the link from a TV newscast). I was previously using PointCast and I found it lacking, as the news was all from the NY Times and other leftist rags. One day, Drudge put a link to Free Republic on his sight and I became an immediate and addicted lurker. You have to know me to understand that I do not join anything! After the Army, I have never even joined a church, much less any organization. (Except the Republican Party).

The loneliness really got to me after 9/11. I could not think, I could not sleep; I could not concentrate on anything or anyone. I finally realized that I needed to share my thoughts with someone! So, I joined Free Republic under the screen name of wirestripper. What a great change it has made in my life!

Although I am basically the same person that I was prior to joining FR, my level of understanding and my ability to express my thoughts has improved greatly. (Not to mention my typing skills). I have come to positions on many issues that I was undecided on before. And, I have an outlet for my political frustrations! Those same frustrations that started because of Jimmuh Carter and have continued to this day!

I have been asked to summarize a few of those issues, so let me begin. I am decidedly pro-life. I have reservations about making the issue a political one, however. I believe that with time and many kitchen table discussions we can educate our children to respect life above all. If that happens, then more law is not even needed. Roe v. Wade can stay right where it is. Few, if any, would take advantage of the abortion option, and those who consider it would be advised by their friends and family not to. The debate would be all but over. Unfortunately, we are not there yet. Nor are we there on the capital punishment matter. It never seemed right to me that a state can take a life. Although, I do understand the base reasoning behind it, it still is not a civilized trait.

Regarding my views on immigration, I believe the borders should be brought under control. I am a second-generation immigrant. My grandparents immigrated from the Baltics. They learned English and became citizens as soon as they could. They became Americans without any hyphenation. Our policies are fragmented (thanks to eight years of Bill and Hill), and they are currently not being enforced at all. I advocate re-instituting the draft for a border patrol that would be second to none. I do not advocate using the military for this. This program could be the 2 years of service that president Bush has asked every American to do. They could train them at military bases and draft them if need be. It will take 100,000 or more to do the job and that is just on the southern border. I also advocate putting a hold on any further immigration until they get it right. It is of paramount importance.

Finally, I believe we need to hold our new Republican majority's feet to the fire on fiscal responsibility and taxes. We need low taxes for a vibrant economy. We need fiscal responsibility to keep those taxes low, to shrink the size of government vs. GDP and to slow down the growth of government entitlement programs both in number and in size. We need to revisit that ridiculous farm bill! As the tax base improves, there may be some money for prescription drugs and the like, but the situation now is not the time to do this. In the future, we need to sunset these bills based on the availability of the money. I do not foresee a time in the near future when we will have the money to do much more than we are doing now.

In closing, I would like to let everyone know that I believe Free Republic is the greatest bunch of caring and concerned folks on the planet. I don't know if it will last forever (nothing does), but if it were gone then something just like it needs to take its place. Not only do we get news and current events from this forum, not only do we discuss the important topics of the day, we actually do something about it through our network and other activism.

What a wonderful place this Free Republic is!

Yes, it is, indeed! Concerned FReepers such as wirestripper are what makes Free Republic so wonderful.

Please join me in giving another deserving FReeper a warm welcome to FR's Finest...

Today that Finest is
wirestripper!

THIS WEEK'S THREADS

11-25-02 "The Guild"

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

[MinuteGal]

Your words were so interesting to me. In my estimation, your autobiography reflects the American ideal.....family man, serviceman, entrepeneur, involved citizen, patriot and to top it all off, you're a FREEPER!

God's blessing on you and your family. Have a wonderful, relaxing and tasty Thanksgiving.

Leni

[Cold Heat]

:-) I don't know what to say..........

[Billie]

Good morning, Finest Sistah - thank you for another great thread!

wirestripper, what an interesting life you've led. So glad you happened upon Drudge and found FR! I always love getting to know another FReeper that I've seen on other threads.

Thank you for your service to our country; we need to put your photo in the next group of military vets/actives, if that's okay with you.

[dansangel]

I wonder if pork will catch on!

Pffffttttt! Good one! :-)

[Billie]

Good morning, John - thanks for your mail and for switching your day to Wednesday the 11th instead of the 12th next month!

[Cold Heat]

Sorry, but your compliment stunned me for a sec.

My Thanksgiving is going to be a bit lonely this year. I have to prepare the Yukon for a trip to South Louisiana tomorrow and I am not going.

My wife and youngest boy (17) are going to visit the grand babies. I will be eating pumpkin pie with my labrador at home. My wife is taking her mother with her and my son is taking a friend.

I will be fine though. I like the solitude on occasion.

[dansangel]

Good Mornin' MUD!

As a lurker yesterday (was it yesterday??), I caught your ditty done to an REM tune and, as usual, thought it ROCKED!!

Keep up the good work! :-)

{{{{{{{{{MUD}}}}}}}}}}

[Mo1]

WOW!!!! ... What a wonderful story of your life.

Thank You so much for sharing it with us all

Dansangel is the coffee ready yet??

[Billie]

Good morning, Aeronaut! Got coffee? :)

[Cold Heat]

Photo is fine. I would be honored!

[Cold Heat]

Thanks Mol!

[dansangel]

Good morning, Finest Sistah

That goes double for me!

{{{{{{{{BILLIE}}}}}}}}}

I've missed you! :-)

{Now I've got to go back to w-o-r-k-} :-(

[dansangel]

Dansangel is the coffee ready yet??

Oops! Don't tell my boss!

She's on the thread right now!!!

{{{{{{{{{Mo1}}}}}}}}}}

[Mudboy Slim]

Thank you, my FRiend...I'm workin' on a lotta new stuff so I'll try and git it posted on the FReeper'sFinest if it seems any good...MUD

[Billie]

Good morning, BIS.

[firewalk]

Good morning Billie (-:

[Billie]

What an outstanding sunrise! God's paintbrush was dipped in fire with this one!

[Mo1]

No thank you .. I so enjoyed reading your story

I have come to positions on many issues that I was undecided on before. And, I have an outlet for my political frustrations! Those same frustrations that started because of Jimmuh Carter and have continued to this day!

I have felt the same way except my frustrations started with Clinton ..

Hmmmm I just noticed that Carter and Clinton both begin with a "C" .. The C Word .. don't mine me .. I think I need more sleep or more coffee .. LOL

Anyhow, I also think FR is a wonderful place to release many of my frustrations also and learn things I never knew before from such a wonderful bunch of folks called Freepers ..

CONGRATS on being FR's Finest!!!

[Billie]

You just made me very hungry! WOW!

[Billie]

Hi, Pippin! I am here before your lunch break today. Good to say hello to you so early. :)