A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....02-13-03...Make Whine, Not War!

JohnHuang2; Dutchess; Billie | JohnHuang2

[Billie]

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.

                     

Make Whine, Not War!

by JohnHuang2

Eager to show just how loyal NATO allies they can be, France, Germany and Belgium Monday blocked NATO preparations to defend Turkey from Iraq attacks in the lead-up to possible military action to remove Saddam.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In Washington, Defense Sec. Donald Rumsfeld announced that preparations will move ahead as planned, despite vociferous objections from unquestioningly loyal and trustworthy allies France, Germany and Belgium.

Turkey, fellow NATO member which borders Iraq, has requested anti-missile defenses, aerial surveillance and chem-bio dectection gear in the silly and preposterous belief that the Butcher-of-Baghdad, an uncompromising voice for human rights who's won outspoken praise for his life-long work from Cuba, Libya, France, Germany and North Korea, would jeopardize his status as the world's undisputed champion of humanity by raining down chemical and biological horrors on his neighbor to the north. In any event, Baghdad and U.S. Democrats maintain president Saddam has no such weapons, and even if he did, he'd never ever use them, even though he has, but he really didn't mean it, and Reagan made him do it -- anyway, *mistakes were made* and he's already apologized and promised never ever to do again . . . until he does. That is, unless provoked by bully Bush!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Nothing today justifies a war," declared brave French president Jacques Chirac in Paris Monday, visiting Russian president Vladimir Putin at his side. "Make whine not war!" he pleaded, whining.

Chirac, staunch U.S. ally who speaks for all of Europe (Helen Thomas and Hollywood actress Susan Sarandon say the 18 European countries pledging full support for Bush on Iraq aren't European enough) denounced U.S. aggression, again branding as ridiculous the notion that U.N. resolutions calling on Saddam to disarm mean Saddam should disarm and other some such nonsense.

Chirac defended his decision to block military aid to Turkey, asserting that Turkey, a Muslim country, isn't Muslim enough. "Iraq -- that's is an Arab country, therefore Iraq is more Muslim than Turkey, which is in Europe," he explained. Tempers flared after a reporter asked how he'd rate Iran, which is neither European nor Arab, but very Muslim. "That question, like cowboy Bush, is beneath me!" he belched, hissy fitting.

Chirac's biggest problem with Bush, of course, is that Bush doesn't sport a square mustache, doesn't raise his arm in salute and doesn't wear swastika arm bands.

To the French and the Democrats, war is the "worst possible outcome" because both know what that *outcome* would be: U.S. victory. In other words, the wrong side would prevail. To our very, very, very loyal "ally" France, U.S. victory in Baghdad is an unacceptable outcome; for very, very, very "patriotic" Dems trying to unseat Bush come '04, war without the hope of massive U.S. casualties is no hope at all, period.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, chief U.N. weapons inspector Hans Blix emerged upbeat after a weekend of negotiations he insists were not negotiations with cronies of Saddam. Hans Blix called the negotiations "very substantial," while sidekick Mohamed ElBaradei, head of I.A.E.A, said he sensed a "change of heart" in Saddam as Iraqi officials forked over reams of documents with "VX nerve gas" and "Anthrax" scrawled on the covers. A closer examination, however, showed the documents to be mostly angry New York Times editorials opposing the removal of Saddam. The rest were copies of a recent National Press Club speech by Tommy Daschle and Nancy Pelosi, Saddam's patriotic image makers, who challenged bully Bush to show proof that president Saddam and Tariq Aziz are lying.

Despite Blix and ElBaradei's upbeat assessment, Saddam refused to relent on one point, namely, allow the use of American U-2 surveillance flights to aid inspections, a key U.S. demand. Late Monday, Saddam reversed course, acceding to U-2 overflights without conditions though on one condition: No 'no-fly-zone' air raids during U-2 surveillance flights.

Iraq, in a letter Monday to U.N. inspectors, promised even further cooperation, pledging legislation, as early as next week, making possession of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq illegal! Sara Brady, Chair of the Center To Prevent The Spread Of Weapons of Mass Destruction By Helping Rogue Genocidal Dictators Draft Legislation That We Know They'll Obey When Passed And Even If They Don't At Least We Stopped Bush's Blood-For-Oil War! (C.T.P.T.S.O.W.O.M.D.B.H.R.G.D.
D.L.T.W.K.T.O.W.P.A. E.I.T.D.A.L.W.S.B.B.F.O.W.) has offered help in drafting the landmark legislation.

"We will spare no effort in this war on Weapons of Mass Destruction," Saddam declared in a live televised address, reiterating, however, that Iraq possesses no such weapons. In a further blow to warmongers in Washington, senior Iraqi officials indicated the government will run full public service announcements (PSAs) as part of its campaign to rid Iraq of Weapons of Mass Destruction which it doesn't have. "Keep your brain healthy. Don't use Anthrax," warns one ad. "Botulism can close the door on your future," declares another. And in yet another ad, eggs are frying in a pan, as the announcer says, "This is your brain. This is your brain on VX nerve gas. Any questions?"

"How's that for an 'air campaign?'," mocked one senior Iraqi official.

Meanwhile, France and Germany continued work on their proposal for more weapons inspectors in Iraq -- the Franco-German plan, first reported by Germany's Der Spiegel magazine over the weekend.

Saddam is more than eager to cooperate, say the Germans and the French. But to do that, the dictator needs more weapons inspectors, you see. Saddam is dying, dying to cooperate, if only evil Bush would let him!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Bush should read Laura Doyle's latest book, 'The Surrendered Nation: A practical Guide to Finding intimacy, passion and peace with dictators,'" remarked one senior French official. The book, published by Vichy University press, tops the best-seller list in France. It's received a flurry of rave reviews.

"As a practical guide to improving your appeasement, Doyle wrote the book!" gushed the respected Le Monde.

"All the helpful tips you'll ever need to sweeten your life of appeasement -- in one cover!" declared Le Figaro.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On the homefront, Democrats, who have sharply criticized Bush policy in Afghanistan, alleging the central government in Kabul is too weak, that the north and south are basically ungovernable, insisted this week that Saddam must be kept in power because the central government in Baghdad is too weak, that the north and south are basically ungovernable, therefore, nothing to fear.

For Democrats, the only break this week was the apparent re-emergence of Osama Tuesday.

But even that was short-lived.

While Democrats heaved a sigh of relief that old binny was safe and sound, the succor dissolved after learning what the voice on that new audiotape, aired by Al-Jazeera, would be saying: Hey, I'm against this war, too!

If "anti-war" activists needed a leading spokesman, they had one now.

For Democrats, it was their worst nightmare come true.

On the tape, bin Laden pledged common cause with Saddam Hussein, exhorting the Iraqi people to battle the infidel invaders through homicide bombings and other means. Osama, striking a favorite Democrat theme, called war on Iraq a war on Islam itself.

In just 16 minutes, Osama exploded a myth the media and the Democrats nourished diligently for 16 painstaking months: The oil and water theory -- Osama and Saddam don't mixed.

Predictably, almost immediately after the airing, CNN scrambled to 'splain that what you heard wasn't really what you heard, that Osama really didn't mean it, that just because Osama and Saddam are in cahoots doesn't mean Osama and Saddam are in cahoots.

Look, Saddam may not be thrilled with America, but it's not like he hates us or anything, nor would he mean us any harm, explains non-biased and completely objective CNN.

The only question remaining is this: Will the Baghdad/al-Qaeda link, now proven, force Democrats to back the U.S. and move away from the Franco-German alliance?

Don't bet the farm.

Undeterred, a group of 65 "anti-war" protesters traveled to Baghdad Tuesday, arriving in a double-decker bus caravan, ready to form a "human shield" around Saddam and the al-Qaeda network if war breaks out. Scrawled across the front the busses: "Not In Our Name," a coalition of anti-U.S. liberals whose petition appeared recently in 45 newspapers across America. Thus far, more than 50,000 Hollywood Democrats, Leftist "artists" and Democrat "intellectuals" have signed the petition.

Meanwhile, Sen. Tommy Daschle, who in the past has blasted the White House for raising the threat level without specific instructions on what steps the public should take in response, Tuesday blasted the White House for providing specific instructions on what steps the public should take after raising the threat level Friday.

The public was urged to stock up on food, batteries, water, radios, duct tape, etc.

Democrats even hinted the White House probably fabricated the latest Osama tape to whip up war ferver by making it look like Osama and Saddam are in cahoots.

"No one could explain," writes liberal Marc Sandalow in this morning's San Francisco Chronicle, "how Powell was able to tell the Senate Budget Committee about the contents of the bin Laden tape -- and Al-Jazeera's intention to play it -- hours before the Qatar network broadcast it. In fact, just after Powell finished speaking at about 8 a.m. PST, the network denied being aware of the tape's existence. It played about four hours later."

But the plot thickens: "[CIA Director George] Tenet said he had become aware of the tape Monday night but was not aware of its contents Tuesday morning, adding to the mystery over its origin."

(Psst! See? The tape was made in the White House, I tell ya! The voice was that of Karl Rove! Shhhhhhhh!)

More Sandalow paranoia: "Peppered with questions, White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer said Powell's information was solid, but he would not divulge how the administration was aware of the tape's contents. Fleischer defended Powell's mention of the tape, saying: 'I think you could easily make the case if we are aware of something like this, and we didn't say anything about it, your questions would be: 'Why aren't you saying something? Are you trying to hide something?''"

Think Democrats are wacky now? Ha! If past is prologue, you ain't seen nothing yet, folks.

Anyway, that's...

My two cents..

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 02-10-03 OhioWFan 02-11-03 Ladtx Essay 02-12-03 Bert

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

[Molly Pitcher]

Oh that is just wonderful!! Thank you for sharing, and thank you so much for your faithful service. May God bless you and keep you.

dutchess, good luck tonite. Let me know how it goes, okay?

Thanks FTH for the heads-up! appreciate that.

[FreeTheHostages]

oh, yes, that's right. for both. :) LOL, I remember the Laura part because, well, I memorized the line. I live in DC and just in case I ever get a chance, that's, err, what I'm going to say and maybe I can get kissed too!

I'm so jealous!!

It seems like he's kissing all the Freepers except me, but I do forgive him: he's a busy guy. We're to reach him through prayer.

As the President says, "I feel the prayers of the people."

[ohioWfan]

I should share with you that a fellow freeper felt the need in particular today to pray fervently for him.

I'll just pass that on to you.....

[Aquamarine]

President George W. Bush waves to U.S. Navy personnel next to the Aegis Cruiser USS Philippine Sea before speaking at Mayport Naval Station in Jacksonville, Florida, February 13, 2003. Bush told troops he was confident they were ready to win a potential war with Iraq. Photo by Larry Downing/Reuters

[FreeTheHostages]

Wow, good hunting, Aqua!

LOL. OK warrior nurse, where are you in the picture? Hee hee.

[FreeTheHostages]

I'm half inclined to think we should keep a list of people who have shook hands or been kissed by the guy. But that would probably freak out his protectors, and rightfully so. The best part is that he's our President. God Bless him.

[Libertina]

You're right, it is difficult to wish them well. However, I wouldn't be so hard on your Republican office colleague. I think everyone has a right to express their frustration and it's better than hitting people. Besides, IMHO, taking a statement of frustration as literal when it was meant differently makes for a lot of miscommunication. Like when remarking I'd like to use the "wide duct tape" to quiet certain students. It's only partly true ;)

[dixie sass]

What, what, what!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tell me !!!!!! I can't stand it FTH! What happened to Warrior Nurse today at noon? Did he win a million dollars? Did he eat lunch with President and Mrs. Bush and Vice-President and Mrs Cheney? Did he have lunch with you? TELLLLLLLLLLLL ME!!!!!! Please!

He met the girl of his dreams and married her today.... Okay ... my imagination is working overtime............

[Warrior Nurse]

I was to his right by the podium. Oh Tell Danny Glover a racist man does not appoint a black man to represent the entire country to the world. That is Americanism Mr. Glover as well as giving a qualifed man the opportunity to suceed based on merit. You got where you are based on your "talent as an actor."

Food for thought.

[Libertina]

I was to his right by the podium
That's the big "his" as in President Bush? More details! Pictures!

[JustAmy]

Loved the article, John!!

Billie and Dutchess . You have created a thread that is not only a great read but is also a pleasure to view. Thank you!!!

Seems like lately I have been posting and running but with endless errands and a three year old 5 days a week, my time for freeping is limited. Hopefully things will improve soon.

I will try to get back after the basketball game tonight, tho most of you will be sound asleep.

Don't forget me!!!

[Warrior Nurse]

I wish did have some the XO of my ship told us not to bring cameras. The Secret Service said it was okay though so some are being developed. Does anyone know anybody from the White House Press Pool?

[Libertina]

Please explain why your handsome self was chosen to appear with our President.

[JustAmy]

A fundamentalist Christian couple felt it important to own an equally fundamentally Christian pet. So, they went shopping.

At a kennel specializing in this particular need, the Jesus Saves Breeders, they found a dog they liked quite a lot. When they asked the dog to fetch the Bible, he did it in a flash. When they instructed him to look up Psalm 23, he complied equally fast, using his paws with dexterity. They were impressed, purchased the animal, and went home, all the while praising the Lord for delivering this animal to them.

That night they had friends over. They were so proud of their new fundamentalist dog and his major skills, they called the dog and showed off a little.

The friends were impressed, and asked whether the dog was able to do any of the usual dog tricks, as well. This stopped the couple cold, as they hadn't thought about "normal" tricks.

Well, they said, "Let's try this out."

Once more they called the dog, and they clearly pronounced the command, "Heel!"

Quick as a wink, the dog jumped up, put his paw on the man's forehead, closed his eyes in concentration, and bowed his head.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Daisy, Shaggy says hi!!!

[Libertina]

Oh good grief! I must do my own sleuthing! LOL
I am proud to have him as my Commander in Chief I was glad he mentioned my ship The USS John F. Kennedy, I am glad I shook his hand and looked him in the eye and I have never felt prouder while wearing this uniform. My President is really and truly the leader of the free world.

"Thank you for your service Mr. President is what I told him while I shook his hand. Then he said "no thank you I was elected you volunteered." WHAT A MAN! "
"GO FReepers! This has been quite a month first CPAC now the Prez."
The "Prez" huh? ;)

[Libertina]

Just Amy Christian Funny Bone bump!

[FreeTheHostages]

Dixie!! LOL, read the thread honey. He shook the President's hand!

[FreeTheHostages]

That's a good point, Libertina. Thanks.

[Aquamarine]

Someone in the DC Chapter may know someone in the White House Press Pool.
This is all that I could find over at the Reuters site. Rintense will probably have more pics when she puts her thread up this evening.

U.S. President George W. Bush waits to speak to U.S. Navy personnel next to the Aegis Cruiser USS Philippine Sea at Mayport Naval Station in Jacksonville, Florida, February 13, 2003. The president will return to the White House later today. REUTERS/Larry Downing

[FreeTheHostages]

"Does anyone know anybody from the White House Press Pool?"

Good question!

Rintense, one of own Freeper's shook the President's hand as he visited with the troops today. Do you have any URLs into the press pool where we could look for him? Our thread is *demanding* photos, LOL.