A Few of Fr's Finest...Every Day....01-30-03...Our Union is Strong"

JohnHuang2;Billie;Dutchess | JohnHuang2

[dutchess]

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

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

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

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

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 5A: TOP:  spectr17, RightOnline, SERE_Doc, Tet68. MIDDLE:  FutureSnakeEater, RightOnline's wife, CIApilot, Clamper1797. BOTTOM:  usmcobra, onedoug, DiverDave, Joe6-pack.

GROUP 6A: 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.

GROUP 7A: 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.

GROUP 8A: 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.

      

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.

                     

President Bush:

"Americans are a free people, who know that freedom is the right of every person and the future of every nation. The liberty we prize is not America's gift to the world, it is God s gift to humanity."

"Our Union Is Strong"

by JohnHuang2

Some speeches are merely adequate to the task -- a memorable line here or there, maybe, but, beyond that, not much. Other speeches standout as above average caliber, those that rise to the occasion and beyond, marked by defining lines and phrases of exceptional quality and brilliance which won't easily be forgotten.

But the words and performance from the well of the House Chamber this week went beyond merely adequate or sufficient -- beyond merely *above par*, or superior, even.

Transcending expectations even of the President's staunchest supporters, what we saw and heard tonight was a vaulting tour-de-force of unparalleled splendor, unriveled clarity and authority, a sweeping political magnum opus of watershed dimensions, a torrent of passion and conviction, certitude and hope only a confident leader with vision and clearness could deliver convincingly.

This was more than a speech, more than a lively pageantry of elegant words, which, however kindling and inspiring at the moment, the spur fades swiftly, leaving no deep or lasting mark, no thrust over the grander human narrative, the course of history itself.

By contrast, this State of the Union Address, Bush's second, will be remembered not merely for choice phrases, polished words or classy lines, but as a momentous, rousing call to history, a crucial and decisive fork-in-the-road for the nation.

As a leader, Bush is exemplary, a man of unshaken faith, steely instincts, unflinching resolve and purpose, yet shrewdly circumspect and judicious, careful to weigh repercussions from policy well ahead of the pack, a knack which drives Democrat foes -- bewildered, baffled, befuddled -- up the wall in frustration. The number of times political rivals have mis-underestimated el hombre de Tejas could, quite literally, fill whole libraries.

Indeed, leading-up to tonight's address, the mis-underestimators, true to form, were at it again, describing the President as 'adrift', 'flagging', 'lethargic', 'on defense', 'under pressure', needing urgently to 'reassure' a skeptical public increasingly 'doubtful' of his leadership. The flurry of dour assessments seemed stubbornly immune to facts -- pre-SOTU polls showed overwhelming majorities giving Bush extraordinary high marks on leadership, management, decisiveness, vision and ability to make tough decisions. But implacable Bush-haters -- Washington Post "reporter" Dana Milbank springs to mind -- will not be deterred by mere facts.

So acute was the media desperation over the President's seemingly bullet-proof popularity that celebration greeted a recent Gallup survey pegging job approval at 58% in January, a 'devastation' 'collapse', a 'catastrophic' 'tumble' from December's 61%. The much-heralded 'collapse, never mind, fell well within the poll's margin of sampling error. Oh, facts are such stubborn things!

Another Bush trademark that sticks in liberal craws: A frank, straightforward honesty, a candid, down-to-earth genuineness and reserve rare in politicians, endearing traits which, much to elite chargin, has won him the trust and confidence of Americans across party lines -- a mystic bond defying all precedence.

Bush, his beliefs and personal strengths deeply rooted in experience, his values and virtues the outgrowth of a life rich in vicissitudes -- twists and turns, tests and challenges -- brings to the Presidency a soundness of judgment and horse-sense, a level of wisdom and insight, far beyond Bush's years in politics.

George W. Bush is living testament to the fact that, in a leader, Character Counts most of all.

Bush enters the 2nd half of his term unequivocally in total command of the stage, the agenda and issues framed primarily on his terms, a crippled opposition mired in muddle, floundering after stinging defeat at the polls last November.

Across the full range of issues, Bush spoke with ringing clarity and eloquence, a crispness and energy as only he can deliver, building his case forcefully, girding the nation for possible war.

Projecting from the dais tonight, a portrait of strength, triumph, resilience, confidence, hope -- defining traits ingrained in each of us, the things which make us uniquely American.

President Bush:

"In all these days of promise and days of reckoning, we can be confident. In a whirlwind of change, and hope, and peril, our faith is sure, our resolve is firm, and our union is strong."

Never has a President embodied the mettle and grit, courage and verve, sparkle and spirit, compassion and optimism of America and her people quite like George W. Bush.

Bottom line? What we heard this week was history-making, galvanizing, visionary -- greatness befitting a great leader.

Great job, Mr. President.

Anyway, that's...

My two cents..

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 01-27-03 Aquamarine...A Gem of A Freeper 01-28-03 "The Taxman Cometh" 01-29-03 snippy_about_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

[WVNan]

I'm glad you checked in Pippin. Miss having you around all the time.

[ArneFufkin]

There was a guy named John Huang. He was a Clinton crook. A ham handed mauler. He did deals with the Chicomms. He took Commerce Department intelligence across the street to an office of Riyadi and FAXED it to Chinese operatives. He was dull, corrupt and hated. He was caught and arrested. The superpros at Renomob Inc. did a lousy job, but JH was a dumb bagman.

John Huang2 is a delightful upgrade. He's smart, talented, dedicated to FR and freedom, a great writer and a terrific asset to this forum. John is not only the King of Ping here, he's an FR superstar.

If you go left to right on the evolutionary chart, John Huang the Clinton lackey was barely upright. JohnHuang2 is even farther along than Joe Millionaire. He's almost floating.

I was speculating what kind of reincarnated figure a JohnHuang3 would embody. The most sublime Earth bound creature I'd say ... ok, let's lose Ringo that's a joke. But Keiko and Brett Michaels are damn near there. If you want to substitute Hugh Hefner for Brett Michaels, I have no great objection.

JohnHuang4 will be gravity or something.

[Pippin]

You can't retain FTH as a lawyer, I've already retained her!

[LadyX]

I do believe Logan should have one of these guys:

The ordering information is in my # 69.

[Pippin]

One more week of class and I can become more of a regular on here again!

[jwfiv]

My Mama taught me to yield in the face of Brazen Retaliation,

'specially comin' from a feminine relation,

so I know I'd better watch my mouth

when trading rhymes with a girl from the South..)

.

.

.

Good afternoon to you kind and gracious ladies.

Love your rhyme, WVNan...makes me smile...)

[WVNan]

Solomon...Anselm....John Calvin....( I'm not familiar with those persons you mentioned. Guess we don't travel in the same circles lol)

[WVNan]

Those are cute. I have one with a gold dollar in it's belly.

[LadyX]

"Good afternoon to you kind and gracious ladies."

And presented with a bow, I "see!"

In view of your living in Southern CA,
Here is news that'll make yer day.

Henceforth jw'll be known,
As a Southern Gentleman clone.

[ArneFufkin]

The origin of my goofing around here is that when John signed up, he put the "2" at the end of his name so that nobody would confuse him with the real John Huang. ;^) I always thought that was funny. Porkys2. Police Academy 2. John is such a gentlemen, he probably wanted to leave the JohnHuang screen name to the real deal if he ever emerged from a lobotomy/electroshock marathon and found the FR light.

[ArneFufkin]

Joe Hadenuf looked at my profile page and called me an "East Coast liberal" last night.

There's a guy who isn't "quite what" Mapquest is looking for.

[Pippin]

I'm reputable!

[WVNan]

Hehehe. Lady,
He's got that right without a doubt.
The part about girls from in the South. Right?

[LadyX]

These are all service bears, Nan.
Military personnel don't usually have nor display 'gold dollars.'

We can never pay the military what they are worth.
Their daily sacrifices cannot be rewarded enough.

[WVNan]

I understand that the military bears are made up with the branches of service on them. I was speaking of the same bear, but with the dollar in a little pocket in their belly. These appear to be stock bears that are used for special promotions.

[WVNan]

Your goofing around always makes me laugh, even when I don't "get it". You are probably my children's age because I don't get them either LOL.

[LadyX]

"Joe Hadenuf looked at my profile page and called me an "East Coast liberal" last night."

You have promise, ArneBaby.
Give Nan and me time enough to work you over, and we can make a decent darned good conservative Southern Gentleman out of you, too.

sigh..alas.. so much material to challenge us - so little time.

[WVNan]

Ain't that the truth? We're never going to live long enough to get this bunch straightened out. Some challenges are over the top.

[ArneFufkin]

Their daily sacrifices cannot be rewarded enough

No doubt. When we get all these warriors, and all this gear over to the launch pad, we need to go.

Our soldiers out in the field, moving forward with a purpose, will be infinitely more secure on the attack than they would be warehoused and stacked together at some staging base housed on foreign soil. Especially Islamic soil.

I only worry about the homicide bombers targeting our soldiers sitting idly by ... thousands and thousands of them ... on bases and ports in hostile territory. I want our Army out on the Iraqi steppe, our Navy and Marines out at sea, and our Airmen in the sky and their support crews nder bunkers or working from bases in Italy, Diego Garcia or Qatar. That's where they will be safe.

This is no time, no place and no campaign to hesitate. We need to hit the ground running, or pull the troops back.

[LadyX]

"The part about girls from in the South. Right?"

Little do they know our clothing comes with the ready-made labels that read:

"Beware of Wimmin who Wear Velvet Gloves"
( They will charm you to until death. )