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]

Take it from me, that commentary is worth more than two cents. Heartfelt and beautifully written.

[The Thin Man]

It's Billie's No #1 fan!

What a terrible accusation. You know I could sue you for libel. :-)

Maybe, I can get that crooked lawyer, FTH to take my case. :-)

[Libertina]

Greetings everyone, from CPAC
I just saw the Vice President!!!!! I did flag you all under another posters name because we are all posting on one computer. Anyway, thought I'd better come over personally and flag you! Please go to the live thread to "listen in" to all the fun! Sorry, I'm not a rainbow today - don't have my font colorizer with me, but I promise I really am your Libertina! LOL Dixie Sass just told me she will vouch for me! :)

[LadyX]

Two Maze Scenarios

"A" TEAM

- Intelligent looking group of three "R"s assess situation.
- Group plans approach - memorizes and executes it,
singing God Bless America as they go.
- Although mines have been laid in their path,
they persevere and reach the Goal despite all obstacles.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"B" TEAM

- Looking dismayed and frantic,
the "D"s call James Carvile to develop a Plan.
- Quibble over Plan, fuming and sputtering
and trying to decide who should lead.
- Singing Kumbayah, they avoid the mines they planted,
hold a news conference enroute with a reporter in a helicopter,
'spinning' as they go, making the public dizzy.
- They finally emerge into total darkness - their perpetual state -
and argue over who is responsible for their failure.

[Libertina]

Greetings everyone, from CPAC
I just saw the Vice President!!!!! I did flag you all under another posters name because we are all posting on one computer. Anyway, thought I'd better come over personally and flag you! Please go to the live thread to "listen in" to all the fun! Sorry, I'm not a rainbow today - don't have my font colorizer with me, but I promise I really am your Libertina! LOL Dixie Sass just told me she will vouch for me! :)

[LadyX]

Laughing here, because I have also trouble deciphering between dark blue and black, having to look at the objects in bright light to decide what they are.

Bet you smiled a lot to divert attention..:))

[FreeTheHostages]

Maybe, I can get that crooked lawyer, FTH to take my case. :-)

I'm sorry, my practice is reputable.

[FreeTheHostages]

So busy today! Trying to clear my desk to get to CPAC tomorrow.

[Libertina]

Hello everyone from CPAC had to get Libertina to show me how to operate this notebook! Bunches of people here. Didn't get to see Cheney, the luncheon filled up early, darn! Would have liked to have seen him, guess that I will have to catch him on C-Span or even Radio FR!

Off to run around the CPAC displays again! So much to see, so many people to meet - Freepers and otherwise!!!!

[dutchess]

Dutchess.....no need to listen to Billie's ramblings. She can take the simplest of tasks make it sound like quantum physics

I think dear Billie had second thoughts about inviting me to hostess when she gave me my first lesson, she was typing away about tables/commands etc.(looked like chinese to me!)and after about a half an hour into it I typed back...what's a URL!!!!LOL!

BTW Billie...did the link you taskmaster!!!! There's no manipulating our Billie!

[dutchess]

Libertina - So jealous that your at CPAC....I bet the group is pumped after GW's speech! Is there a live thread anywhere that we can post a link to? (listen to me BILLIE!!!LOL)

[dutchess]

One word, "GRAVITAS!"

Hi Budge. Isn't that the truth!

[FreeTheHostages]

Congratulations! Is this thread-posting second nature by now?

[Libertina]

Forgot to sign my name to the above ! Dixie Sass here with Libertina and others at the CPAC! Can't wait to see everyone again from last year - Rika Strom, Dubyismypresident, Xsmommy, etc. I'll see y'all around room! Dixie

[ArneFufkin]

I'm doing great Billie.

I was extrapolating JohnHuang2's mathematical level of historic evolutionary growth (tripling KingPingocity every 10 months) into his next life (should that particular Hindu afterlife be real) It's a quantum leap. A couple of perfect existences came to mind:

Keiko the Orca: "I was going to join the pod, but the gang said I'd have to catch my own fish. So ... I'm back!"

Or:

Brett: "I was going to just say goodnight, but she said this would be her last chance for a romantic loving touch before she's off for her Playmate of the Year shoot. Miss October asked if she could hang in the jacuzzi too."

Or:

Ringo Starr: "I was eyeing the snack, but for some reason I told Mama Cass "I'm full, you finish the sandwich."

It's an ethereal thing.

Billie, I met some fun folks from Austin at the Mirage last weekend. Texas women are so sassy, they tell the guys "Well then go there already! Please." Not a lot of insecurity there. The guys wanted to go throw some cash at the blackjack mob, the ladies took no umbrage whatsoever. Hubbys: "Y'all going to be fine?" Wives: "Are you guys still here?" I love it.

[WVNan]

You are always giving out so many hugs. You make the day for so many of us. Backatya.

[FreeTheHostages]

Yup, Hilary had to get there REAL early to get that seat.

Which just shows you something, doesn't it? Liebman was there early too.

They're ambitious.

Great article. By the way, I confess to seeing some of the Daily Show with Jon Stewart during my TV flipping yesterday. Stewart made fun of the "union is strong" line -- ridiculing it by say something like "Oh, yeah, right, what's he going to say: 'The union is broken. Sorry I broke it?'" It didn't get a good crowd laugh.

[dutchess]

I found myself at church with 2 different shoes on

Molly, I did that once with different size heels....Thought there was a problem with the sidewalk I was walking on!

Hi Nan! "you did it" It is starting to make more and more sense and I have to admit that it is so cool when it finally comes together! (you didn't hear that Billie)

[WVNan]

Good day ladtx. Did I hear that your family has expanded? Oh joy!

[Libertina]

'Pod here. Just saw Michael Barone, Fred Barnes,and Paul Rodriguez talk on the current political landscape.

Rodriguez: New bumper sticker: First Iraq, then France! 2nd bumper sticker: First Iraq, then France, then the Democrats. Hee hee