Posted on 12/30/2010 7:05:50 AM PST by exit82
Today is my 12th anniversary as a Freeper.
I came across Free Republic in the summer of 1998 as a lurker, troubled by an increasingly lawless President Clinton, and what was happening to our country. I lurked for about four months, reading every day and being amazed at the group of talented and knowledgeable people on this site.
When Jim Robinson put out the call for people to come to Washington, DC to attend the March for Justice Rally on October 30, 1998, I came from NJ on my own, not knowing a soul there, because someone was finally calling for the impeachment of President Clinton. Four thousand plus people from all over the country showed up that Saturday. That call was about the first Internet call for a political gathering--the equivalent then of a flash mob meeting today, albeit much slower in execution.
This is my 19th thread and my 16,000th post. Many have far more than me of both--good thing, too. In 12 years of posting, I have come across the finest group of Americans I have ever known-- a community of kindred spirits--alike in our love for America, its founding documents, and its exceptionalism, and as different from each other as we are in our individual points of view.
So to all of my fellow Freepers who helped to educate me and to whom I have conversed over these 12 years, I say thank you. To Jim Robinson and to John Robinson, I say thank you for allowing me the privilege of being a Freeper, and for providing a home on the Internet where conservatives can gather. I am not a model Freeper, so to those with whom I have disagreed, or have been short with, I ask your forgiveness.
I wrote a vanity titled "We Have Found The Enemy, and The Enemy Is Us" on February 2, 2008 at a time when it became apparent that the Republican primary was going to be decided in favor of John McCain. That disheartened me, but I think I am most proud of what I said that day of all my posts. More of it came true than I would have dreamed.
But more importantly, it contained a warning for the future of what we , as conservatives who love this country, would face not only later in 2008, but in the future years as well.
A turning point in history has been reached by America. I think we all feel that. The new Congress, with its Republican-led House, and a lessened Democrat majority in the Senate, will begin its work on January 5, 2011. This will either be the high water mark of progressivism and socialist thought in America or it will be the high water mark of conservatism and a return to limited Federal government. It could go either way. We all sense it. A country as big as ours cannot turn on a dime. A historical shifting point, like the one we are living in today, is realized over time, maybe over years. The years of 2011 and 2012 will be even more critical than 2010, even though without the historic rejection of Democrat policies that took place in November, 2010, the future that could be realized could not even occur.
Election Day 2010 proved, in my opinion, that an Angel still rides in this whirlwind. The idea that is America, and the freedom bequeathed to us by our parents, the WW2 generation, does still exist in the hearts of our countrymen. However, it must be fought for and protected by each of us.
And we must teach our children and grandchildren that great legacy we have received and of which we are now the guardians for future generations. It is our time to sacrifice for freedom.
In 12 years so much has occurred, and Free Republic has played a role, that I cannot recount it all here. Some of it is recounted in the vanity that follows. History was influenced because of us, and the future will be also.
I want to wish you all and your families, and posterity, a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year in 2011. May God bless us, every one.
Wow-you almost made the Class of ‘97.
I think I had a 28K modem. Man, we thought that was blazing fast! How far we have come, huh?
OK, Keith—you are my elder! I made the Class of ‘98 by the skin of my teeth. I wished I had jumped in sooner, but didn’t think I had much to contribute then.
Congratulations.
I first signed up with Free Republic at the Texas Republican State Convention in 2001 (different screen name, never activated). Was a lurker for many years, never posted anything. So long that my screen name did not work when I finally did try to post. So when I finally decide I “must” post an article, I had to register again.
FR is still the best of the best.
Thanks, Bigun. This place was my sanity during the Clinton years,and since. Freepers help me get my bearings. Pick a topic, and all kinds of info and experience shows up.
Remember how disappointing it was to be foiled from an interesting thread simply because someone posted pictures on it?
Or, if someone left the 'italians' on?
When were you in Viet Nam Bro?
Newbie.
:-)
Yep, “buckhead” and RatherGate. It was amazing to watch that transpire. And to watch for months until the cretin in the MSM finally admitted it was a scam forgery.
I first read FR from a link on Drudge.
Leni, you are a Freeper original! Thanks, and Happy New Year to you.
If you find out any info about a pension, let the rest of us know,OK? LOL! Somehow, I get the feeling that it is just an Internet rumor!
Congrats on making 12 years, you oldtimer!
shiva, it has been quite a 12 years. Glad you have been here the whole time. Happy New Year to you!
It appears to be old home day!
Bigun
Since Mar 16, 1998
Happy FReeper Birthday / Anniversary to you!!
I lurked after Rush or some talk show host was talking about the FReepers going crazy about some subject after the 2000 elections. Took me almost three years to sign up, but I’m glad I did.
Hey Pod!
Long time no see Newby!
I was certainly aware of her before being picked for the Veep spot. Word on the street was that she was (and is) a solid conservative.
Happy Anniversary and congratulations from a n00b. I had my 10th anniversary last month. :)
n00bie
cripplecreek
Since Dec 21, 2003
Arrowhead1952
Since Jul 23, 2003
< /sarc>
Thanks,AW! Now, you used the word “bravissima”—I’m a guy. There is an Exit148, a great Freeper gal, who was actually the inspiration for my screen name. In NJ you are known by which exit you live by on either the Garden State Parkway or the NJ Turnpike.
I live in southern DE now and don’t miss the high NJ taxes at all.
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