Free Republic

Yesterday's WPost offered a great front-page shot of Washington DC's National Zoo's latest addition -- cubs. So, we headed over and took a few of our own photos. Check out http://community.webshots.com/album/267779016eIxpoI The pandas were absolutely wonderful!

Friends, many have discussed on this site about Ukraine's future. Many heard the name "Yushchenko" for the first time, while others wondered if this time it'll be different. I believe it will be. Yushchenko does a fine job representing the Ukrainians. And, as the moderator mentions in this webcast, this guy has only been in office 10 days and already he's got a plan. Recently, the newly-elected president of Ukraine spoke about Ukraine's future, his views and ideas. Actually, this webcast is quite interesting. Thought ya'll might enjoy checking it out.

FYI: tonite, on TV's 60 Minutes: interview with Ukraine's new president, Victor Yushchenko. See http://tinyurl.com/44k27 ... he [Yushchenko] tells Christiane Amanpour he will work to heal his face and the damage the incident caused his country, in his first U.S. interview since his election. ... Check your local TV listings here. ###

Friends, what a day! Not only did the president make an excellent speech, but today's inaugural festivities were absolutely fantastic. Anyone notice how sun came out when Bush spoke? That was priceless. As promised, here's a few photos for your viewing pleasure. More to come. Four more years!!

Our nation's capitol is preparing for George W. Bush's inauguration next week, and here's a few photos [taken 12 Jan; "washington, dc (pre-inauguration)" album]. As I strolled around town surrounding the White House, workers were busy building the infrastructure for next week's highly-anticipated festivities (kick-off scheduled for Wed, 4pm). Friends, it looks fantastic! Security is definately tight, restricting pedestrian & vehicle travel around the White House and other government buildings. [Kudos to our brave and vigilant young men/women protecting our freedoms!!] While these shots aren't as close as those I've previously taken and shared with y'all, I hope to catch...

Folks-- I realize many troops, including families, visiting FR and would like to share our recent photos while in NYC--Rockefeller Center. It was chilly, but as always, NYC shared its warmth and beauty. To all our servicemembers and support staff-- this one is for you! Please, enjoy. Visit http://community.webshots.com/user/luzsa2004(see "nyc holiday 2004" album)Thanks for all you do. Whoooah! -Andy ps: if you're from Philly or Baltimore, will be posting photos (skyline; innner harbor) from those places, shortly. ###

Folks, Recently posted pics of our President's home -- http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1295762/posts -- and thought folks might enjoy some scenic shots taken past several days in Gov Bush's gorgeous state. Thanks, Gov Jeb Bush, for keeping Florida so magnificently beautiful! Here's to you, sir! See http://community.webshots.com/user/luzsa2004 Several albums available at the Webshots URL above, including "florida sunset" and "holiday in tampa", among others. If you're in Florida, and have a moment, please drop a line to your Governor and thank him for looking after Florida. We appreciate it. ###

folks, it was a gorgeous weekend and taking pictures of our president's lovely home was on the agenda. for our friends who either haven't visited dc lately, or would just like to take a quick peek at how it's looking lately, please visit the album "washington, dc" at http://community.webshots.com/user/luzsa2004

Pew Research: ...And when voters are asked about the risk of making a change while the U.S. is "threatened by terrorism," slightly more voters (44%) say replacing Bush with Kerry represents a major risk... [ http://snipurl.com/a2wu ] WPost: ...Yesterday, Cheney told supporters in Minnesota: "The biggest threat we'll face today is . . . a group of these terrorists in one of our cities with the kind of deadly capability we're talking about." On campaign stops from Charleston to Johnstown over the past two weeks, Cheney has repeated his warnings about the "ultimate threat" and has stepped up the rhetoric...

The Kindness of a StrangerThursday, October 21, 2004; Page A28My husband, an Army captain who was in uniform, our young daughter and I went to a restaurant near Potomac Mills for dinner Oct. 15. When it came time to pay the check, our waiter informed us that another patron had picked up our tab. I was blown away. /..snip/ The kind man -- in a yellow shirt, our waiter said -- left before we knew of his generosity or had a chance to thank him. I hope he reads this. I hope everyone who ever offered a kind word or...

"The importance of this election lies not so much in the candidate selected but rather in its indication of whether Ukraine will continue down a democratic path..." "...if offered the choice, most Ukrainians would choose a future tied to the West. But many Ukrainians believe that they have been denied this very choice: While the West's door seems closed -- neither NATO nor the European Union has offered Ukraine much hope of joining their organizations anytime soon -- Russia's is always open." "The people of Ukraine are free individuals whose democratic rights are under attack. In his most famous work,...

Jon Stewart gives it to Crossfire Hosts, and how http://www.mirum.org/Crossfire-Jon_Stewart.wmv

Here's what Robert Kagan, of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and contributor to the Weekly Standard, said in a recent Financial Times piece [http://snipurl.com/9ns6]: "There are many reasons why, in theory, the US would benefit from a Democratic victory. It is important for the Democrats to own the war on terrorism and not simply be the opposition. Also, we would have a fresh start with the Europeans and other allies, though they would quickly be disillusioned to learn that Kerry wouldn't be that different from Bush in some respects." Here's what former WSJ'er Max Boot, currently with the Council...

Lunch with the FT: Robert Kagan By Mike Steinberger The day before I was to have lunch with Robert Kagan, I was flipping through a copy of Rolling Stone while waiting my turn at the barber shop. I came across a rather arresting comment, attributed to Middle East expert Youssef Ibrahim: “The neocons are vampires through which we have to drive a wooden stake.” ...

Bush and Kerry Trade Attacks in Their Second Presidential Debate By ROBIN TONER and ADAM NAGOURNEY President Bush defended his decision to invade Iraq, while John Kerry said that Mr. Bush lacked the record to justify re-election. • Mystery of the Bulge | Undecided Take Charge • Complete Debate: Transcript | Video • Complete Coverage: Campaign 2004 ...

**Shieffer Speaks at Olsson's** ARLINGTON, VA -- CBS's Face the Nation host Bob Schieffer appeared at Olsson's bookstore in Arlington, Va, where he signed his latest book [highly recommended--see Amazon.com], discussed current events, and answered a few questions. He mentioned this "10-minute" interview and the picture above (he likes the photo and appreciates that he looks statesmanlike). He's a personable fellow, comes across as upfront & sincere, and will probably do quite well as moderator at the prez debates next week. Smiling, Schieffer said that he's very excited about the opportunity to moderate the prez debate in Arizona next week....

"When you're in a war you don't sit back and wait for attack. You're directed to take the fight to the enemy and that's what you do." --retired Navy rear admiral Roy Hoffmann, founder of Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. ###