A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....06-10 thru 06-12-05....T.G.I.F. at the Finest

Billie

[Billie]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and 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....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Mama_Bear, Dutchess, Aquamarine, Dolly Cali ~

Welcome to TGIF at the Finest!   We hope you've been having as much fun as we have with our essays and/or spotlight on various FReepers. From the beginning, we've been kicking back on Saturdays and Sundays and simply reviewing the features of the week; our weekend threads now start on Friday and continue through Sunday. If you missed seeing any of this week's threads and want to say hello there now, just click on the link for that particular day. If you'd like to drop in and out of this thread today through Sunday, please feel free to do that also. One of us will try to be around to see the welcome mat is still out, put the coffee pot on, and maybe even bring fresh flowers for the table. : )

~ Billie, Mama_Bear, Dutchess, Aquamarine, Dolly Cali ~



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


"Getting to Know You"

THIS WEEK'S THREADS


06-06-05 ~ Military Monday D-Day
By Billie
Presented by The Mayor

06-07-05 ~ Mission: Possible!
By Billie

06-08-05 ~ Words - It's Story Time
By DollyCali

06-09-05 ~ They don't make Gulags like they used to anymore
By JohnHuang2
Presented by Dutchess

Have a wonderful weekend!

03-29-05 ~ Hall of Fame #11

Click on the photo to view the album. To submit your photo, please contact dansangel or .45Man at danbh59@yahoo.com and include Freeper Photo Album in subject line.

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' Every Thursday at the Finest The guy's good, folks!

[Billie]

Red Friday

You will soon see a lot of people wearing Red on Fridays. Here's why..... The Americans, who support our troops, are the silent majority. We are not "organized" to reflect who we are, or to reflect what our opinions are. Many Americans, like yourself, and all their friends, simply want to recognize that Americans support our troops. Our idea of showing our solidarity and support for our troops is starting Friday and continuing on each and every Friday, until this is over, that every red -blooded American who supports our young men and women, WEAR SOMETHING RED.

Word of mouth, press, TV -- let's see if we can make the United States, on any given Friday, a sea of red much like a home football game at a University. If every one of our memberships share this with other acquaintances, fellow workers, friends, and neighbors, I guarantee that it will not be long before the USA will be covered in RED - and make our troops know there are many people thinking of their well-being. You will feel better all day Friday when you wear Red! So let's get the word out and lead by example; wear RED on Fridays.

Please forward this to everyone you know!! Wear Red on Fridays ..

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE. FOR US, THEIR BLOOD RUNS RED!! GOD BLESS AMERICA.

[Billie]

I received "Red Friday" in the post above in email today. Sounds like a GREAT idea to me!

Good morning & welcome to the weekend!

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

Here's some news from the Asian Pacific region. We're working with allies and establishing a presence over there:

050609-N-0499M-074 Pacific Ocean (June 9, 2005) - The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) conducts a passing exercise with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense (JDS) force vessels, JDS Akebono (DDG 109), JDS Makinami (DDG 112) and JDS Myoko (DDG 175). The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Benfold (DDG 65) and USS Shoup (DDG 86), along with the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67) and Military Sealift Command (MSC) fast combat support ship USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7) also participate in the exercise. Lincoln is currently at sea conducting readiness training in support of the Navy’s Fleet Response Plan (FRP). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class James R. McGury (RELEASED)

050606-N-4104L-009 South China Sea (June 6, 2005) - Republic of Singapore Navy Lt. Norman Quek and his combined visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team partner Chief Gunner's Mate Ross McDonell share information with U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security (MSST) detachment San Francisco instructor, Electronics Technician 1st Class Kyle Hallingstad, during a combined VBSS by the USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60) and the Republic of Singapore Ship (RSS) Independence VBSS teams. The MSST facilitated the combined VBSS training on board USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) as part of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2005. CARAT is a regularly scheduled series of bilateral military training exercises with several Southeast Asia nations designed to enhance the interoperability of the respective sea services. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Journalist Melinda Larson (RELEASED)

050606-N-5663H-168 South China Sea (June 6, 2005) - A combined U.S. Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) task group sails in formation during the at-sea portion of the Singapore phase of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2005. The task group, anchored by the dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), center, and led by the submarine RSS Centurion, includes, clockwise from front, the missile gunboat RSS Sea Dragon, guided missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), missile corvette RSS Vigour, landing tank ship RSS Endeavour, missile corvette RSS Valour, guided missile frigate Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60) and patrol vessel RSS Independence. CARAT is a regularly scheduled series of bilateral military training exercises with several Southeast Asia nations designed to enhance the interoperability of the respective sea services. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 3rd Class David J. Ham (RELEASED)

050526-N-5663H-018 South China Sea (May 26, 2005) -- Philippine Navy SEALS have weapons drawn as they search compartments on board the U.S. Navy dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) during a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) exercise. VBSS training is being conducted as part of Southeast Asia Cooperation Against Terrorism (SEACAT) 2005. SEACAT is a weeklong, at sea anti-terrorism exercise in the Philippine and South China Seas. This was the first boarding by the Philippine Navy in the four-year history of SEACAT. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 3rd Class David J. Ham (RELEASED)

[Texagirl4W]

Good morning, Billie, All my freeper friends. I don't usually wear red but that's fixin to change. Look out Walmart, here I come. Good idea (((Billie))).

[Billie]

Hi! It's great to see you first thing in the morning with those fantastic photos of our Military.

[Billie]

Hi, Texagirl. I do wear a lot of red - but now I will make a POINT of wearing it on Fridays especially! (as it happens, I am not dressed yet, so the email this morning was just in time!)

[Aquamarine]

Well that's one way to get me to wear red. :)

[Billie]

For a good cause. :) (You don't wear red often then?) I thought everybody wore red! :)

[Billie]

From a returning Iraq veteran (aft_lizard), he writes on THIS thread:

"I ask first for prayers for me while I go through this trying time in my life. Secondly if any vets out there who have PTSD. WHat is the process like getting diagnosed with it, and what should I do for claims, its been almost two years since I got released from the army. And I am also afraid of hospitalization."

[Auntbee]

Happy Friday to you, Billie!

[fivekid]

Good Morning!!!

Been storming here on and off for three days

lighting thunder And computer do not mix :)

Had the kids help me get the plants outside,

and now they are all flooded(is that a word)? LOL!!!

Anyway I bought those socks that have the American

flag on one side and you turn them inside out it says

USA. The kids used to tease my me MOMMMMMMMMMMM your

your socks don't match:} I love Your idea of wearing red

on Freida's, just wish the kids were still in school to

pass the word along... But with My brood, I think We can

at the very least spread the word. BTW Thank-You for the

ping:)

[Aquamarine]

Yes it's for a good cause. I'll wear something with red in it on Friday's (just not a red outfit).

[Billie]

Good morning, Auntbee! Happy Friday to you, too, and a great weekend.

[Billie]

Hi there, fivekid! With your five kids and all their friends and their friends' moms, too - that should be a lot of red shirts or shorts or swimsuits or flipflops, etc. on Fridays! Hope this catches on, and will be adding this reminder on our future Friday threads, too!

[fivekid]

May sound stupid...

but what about red bandanna for all those that walk the

dogs? You know, like a scarf around the neck?

Or a red collar?

[Billie]

Below are names of some of our FReepers' loved ones who are serving our country. If you have someone you would like to add, please address a post to

Billie; Mama_Bear; Dutchess; Aquamarine; The Mayor; DollyCali,
and we will add their name to this list. As we pray for them, we pray also for all our nation’s leaders, and military personnel, and their families and friends. May God hold them close to His heart.

gator girl........................husband severa............husband, brother Maigrey............................cousin mystery-ak.............son, husband Gogrammy...................grandson Inspectorette.......................son Blessed American..........nephew Slip18..........................nephew anniegetyourgun...........nephew Diver Dave.......niece, nephew ConspiracyGuy........2 nephews Pippin............niece's husband sneakers..............................son weldgophardline.....brotherinlaw jamaly.................brotherinlaw Future Snake Eater..........cousin WaterDragon.............grandson WaterDragon...........son-in-law BeforeISleep...................son kimmie7......................brother Armymarinemom............3 sons american_ranger.............son LadyX.........................grandson fawn796.......................nephew Dubya............................nephew ValerieUSA....................2 sons Lakeside........................2 sons LakeLady......................nephew Spruce.........................daughter Leofl......................................son chena......................................son Philman_36..............2 nephews bjcintennessee.......son, niece TheMayor...............friends'son homeschoolmama...........nephew mhking.........................cousin eaglesiniowa.....................son visualops..........................cousin auboy.............................cousin Ladysmith..nephew, friend's son tina07......soninlaw & his friend Katydidnt.............................son MontanaCowgirlCop.......brother Colorado Slim................nephew Tapatio....................2 nephews Alouette................................son Q6-God...................twin brother Q6-God.....................active duty Warrior Nurse...........active duty SK1 Thurman...........active duty David Osborne.........active duty fc2tomschermuly......active duty bkwells....................active duty LongCut....................active duty cjk...........................active duty Trish.........................active duty ODC-GIRL.................active duty AF_Blue...................active duty Notwithstanding.......active duty thumperusn..............active duty Veloxherc.................active duty Don Simmons...........active duty wingnutx...................active duty Old Sarge.................active duty CGblue.....................active duty bigghurtt...................active duty frankiep....................active duty

scubachick.....................husband OhioWfan................................son ladtx..................................2 sons Its_me_K.E.T.........................son Hostel............................cousin MozartLover...........son, nephew LBGA (RIP)..........................son katykelly..............................son cookcounty.............................son SpookBrat........................nephew SpookBrat........................cousin Doug from Upland............soninlaw Himyar....................................son boxerblues........................2 sons the piper....................................son sheeza................................husband kemathen7.........................husband Tiffee4Bob..........................boyfriend deadhead.............................cousin JimRobinson...............2 nephews TexKat.......................son, step-son StarCMC.............................brother Consort........................2 daughters Consort.......................son-in-law Darheel...............................niece Donaeus...........................nephew dixie sass........................nephew BeAllYouCanBe........................son Repubmommy........................brother AgThorn................................2 sons kneezles.................................son RoseinRoseBear.....cousin's hubby Atomic Conspiracy......half-brother Atomic Conspiracy...........nephew Atomic Conspiracy..............niece Sunflowergal....................grandson mrstank..............................husband MrsMike31........................husband spotbust1............................husband campfollower............................fiance LUV W........................................son painter...................................nephew ProudAFDad...................................son Misty4jc................................husband Bykrbayb........................................son Hope and Glory.........................son ak_daddoo..............................nephew SilentServiceCPOWife........husband Walkenfree................2 grandsons Walkenfree.................. 3 nephews Walkenfree..................granddaughter ariamne.........................2 cousins Zechariah_8_13.......brother-in-law Zechariah_8_13.......................cousin DirtyHarryY2K......................daughter DirtyHarryY2K................son-in-law nelibeli...................................nephew Skimask.....................................son El Gato...............................nephew Palladin...............................grandson MississippyMuddy...................sister MississippyMuddy.....2 nephews Kramster...............................stepson gonzo.........................friend's son Socratic.............................nephew jkphoto...............................nephew

[Billie]

No, that sounds like a terrific idea! (Mine would probably eat the bandana, but he's not much into accessories!) LOL

[Billie]

but what about red bandanna for all those that walk the dogs? You know, like a scarf around the neck? Or a red collar?

Pinging a few dog lovers to wear red on Fridays, too (See Post #1 re Red Friday for the Troops!)

[Billie]

Am leaving a little 'buffet' for all - have to check out now. Enjoy the weekend - will be back - need to work on Tuesday's Flag Day post.

A thought for Tuesday, June 14 Flag Day....wouldn't it be neat if everyone who flies a flag could take a picture of *their* flag and post it here on Tuesday's thread?! Will mention it again Sunday or Monday. I'll use my flagpole for the pledge graphic.

[Allegra]

You will soon see a lot of people wearing Red on Fridays. Here's why..... The Americans, who support our troops, are the silent majority. We are not "organized" to reflect who we are, or to reflect what our opinions are.

This is a great idea! I'll pass this idea around to my co-workers and then we'll tell the troops here about it so they can see us all wearing red on Fridays and they'll know what it means.

[DollyCali]

Hi There Billie et al..

Great idea about flag posting of our personal flags. Mine is "flying" in my front picture window. I have it hanging from the frame of the window. It is a 3' X 5' one. Will get a pix (but then you will all see how much the wood on house needs scraping, paint..) hmmm. My computer set up is right in front of it & so I see the flag any time I am at computer - which is a whole lot more than I should be

Oliver wears a red bandanna most of time. He has a couple patriotic ones. & a few others but when I put on any neck scarf on Oliver , John (the one with me when we found him) calls him "sissy dog"..

Wearing red on Friday a good idea. Even flying a red flag small one) from the radio antenna might work. I have had my regular flags & my Indian's flags & my Brown's flags all stolen from my radio antenna many times.. prolly no one would know what the red means (until it catches on) &so would be safe.

Now to get an idea of the mentality here.. who would steal a Browns & Indian's flag anyway?... cellar dwellers that "my teams" always seem to be.

When I woke up this morning the house seemed rather warm.. I noted that Mr. O decided to let himself out sometime in evening (I am guessing right about 1 AM when He likes to chase raccoons, possum, groundhogs etc that wander around our house.)...so wide open was the door to garage off the front hall, and the garage has a door which is open in the back..to let kitties come & go for shelter

The electric bill will be high enough this month without pooch assistance.

The door was closed & locked. It does not have a dead bolt, but rather one of those little buttons in the middle of doorknob. he has done this before, many times. I had been putting his friend, the vaccuum sweeper, in front of door for quite a while, but it wasn't there last night. It seems to be a deterrent.

so I trispe out praying he isn't road kill & he comes bouncing up to me as if nothing were wrong.. Not sure he understoond "bad dog" as that was so many hours prior.

VERY hot here.. your weather Billie. I recall the HOT,HOT days living in Houston.

[DollyCali]

Hi there allegra.. glad to see you. What is your temps there out of curiousity? I am sure it is warmer than here and we al l complain a lot about our weather. It is in low 90s again today

[DollyCali]

[fivekid]

BEUATUFIL!!!!!!!

Wish i could post pics....

I can not keep my slider door open.

Dang puppies and cats know how to open the screen door.

tried keepin the garage door open a crack for the cats,

But then ended up with a fox/ cat fight. My ten year old

Scudge kicked but!!! Now that my mud ponies are older,

Mr. fox no longer comes around. Amazing how they

(my animals) all stick up for each other when confronted

by an outsider. In the house is a deferent story...LOL!!!

[DollyCali]

some pets are so smart and some just not...funny stories.

Do you take digital pix & have them on your computer? Posting is not too hard but you need to have server space. If you have a couple , you could email them to me & I would be glad to post them for you.. will FReepmail you my email addy..

[fivekid]

I am really bad at this stuff, (ask BILLIE)

But will TRY (LOL) to get kids to help......... BBL:)

[Temple Owl]

Okay, i'll try to find something that is red to wear. Have a great weekend.

[DollyCali]

your email hasn't arrived yet so I am going back out.

It is 97 here w/heat index & I am spending hour out / hour in (to cool off )..

looking forward to posting them for you. and they will be permanently (well, if there is such a thing) on my server & you can access them when you wish & post them elsewhere on the internet. I will send you instructions on how to do it.

[deadhead]

Have a great weekend

[dutchess]

Happy TGIF everyone. Was a beautiful sunny day here, planned on coming home to do some gardening and POOF a major thunderstorm hit us just as I was leaving the office. When I walked in the door Rusty was on dad's lap shaking terribly, the couch soaked from him "slobering". Poor guys. (rusty AND dad...as rusty is 60 lbs of dead weight) Giz on the other hand is "taking it like a man". Turning the computer off...lightening getting way too close. ((((((finest friends))))))

[LUV W]

Awesome pictures, as usual! Thanks for sharing them with us!

[DollyCali]

I just came back in Oliver waiting on front porch as the same storm that hit you is MAYBE (Hope, hope) coming this way.there was thunder & O is terrified of boom, boom & the lightening. He never wants to come in unless there is a storm or locals are shooting off fireworks ( few weeks for that fun to begin again).. My attending cruise in will be curtailed if rain comes thru. the guys & gals don't like taking out their valuable wheels in bad weather I guess & many of them are convertibles. No fun sitting in a parking lot of a burger place in the rain anyway I suppose.

[DollyCali]

awe, he/she is a little pumpkin.. the scarf is about as big as he is!!! what a cutie. name?

[cyborg]

LOL awwwww...

[cyborg]

I expect a thunderstorm here later with this heat wave we're having.

[LUV W]

Awwwww--sorry about the storm making you have to shut down! Hope it passes soon--and Rusty will get off Dad's lap before he crushed him! LOL!

[The Mayor]

June 10, 2005

Eyewitness

Read:
1 John 1:1-7

That which we have seen and heard we declare to you. -1 John 1:3

Bible In One Year: Ecclesiastes 1-3

"You don't want to interview me for your television program," the man told me. "You need someone who is young and photogenic, and I'm neither." I replied that we indeed wanted him because he had known C. S. Lewis, the noted author and the subject of our documentary. "Sir," I said, "when it comes to telling the story of a person's life, there is no substitute for an eyewitness."

As Christians, we often refer to sharing our faith in Christ as "witnessing" or "giving our testimony." It's an accurate concept taken directly from the Bible. John, a companion and disciple of Jesus, wrote: "We have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us-that which we have seen and heard we declare to you" (1 John 1:2-3).

If you know Jesus as your Savior and have experienced His love, grace, and forgiveness, you can tell someone else about Him. Youth, beauty, and theological training are not required. Reality and enthusiasm are more valuable than a training course in how to share your faith.

When it comes to telling someone the wonderful story of how Jesus Christ can transform a person's life, there is no substitute for a firsthand witness like you. -David McCasland

Let us go forth, as called of God,
Redeemed by Jesus' precious blood,
His love to show, His life to live,
His message speak, His mercy give. -Whittle

Jesus doesn't need lawyers, He needs witnesses.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
How Can I Share My Faith Without An Argument?

[deadhead]

Like Oliver and Rusty, my Lucy does not like storms. We are gonna get a storm soon, it is windy and getting dark out, Lucy is already panting. Feel bad for her. Gosh, just picturing Rusty and your Dad.

Dolly, Oliver is so cute :-) The photo I posted is Lucy from a couple of years ago

Good for Giz, "taking it like a man" LOL

[deadhead]

Hi Mayor, I saw your website, it looks great.

[The Mayor]

Thanks...

I lost my computer so I haven't been able to update it.

[DollyCali]

You know Coleen, the storms hit Akron 20 miles south & Cleveland 15 miles north but we have just had a few drops (and I mean very few). At least is has been overcast & a tad cooler. Still hope for some good rain tonight

[JustAmy]

Apricot Iced Tea

Pour two cups boiling water over 5 Ahmad Tea Apricot teabags. Let steep for 5 minutes. Pour into a pitcher containing three cups cold water. Pour into glasses filled with ice cubes. Or for a pretty, summery touch, use Flower-filled Ice Cubes (below).

Note: Any of Ahmad Fruit Teas can be substituted for the Apricot Tea.

Flower-filled Ice Cubes:

Fill ice cube trays half full of water. Freeze. Remove from tray. Add small edible flowers such as violets, violas or rose petals to bottom of ice cube tray. Replace frozen partial ice cubes to tray, covering flower. Fill with water. Freeze until solid and serve.

[LadyX]

Very much in keeping with your theme of support of our troops, this seems like a good time to post the contents of mail from my 'Congress Critter' -- U.S. Representative Joe Wilson.

We always wonder about the ones for whom we vote - are they honest, experienced and competent? Will he/she do a creditable job?

"My Guy" has a new moon shaped area stretching from up by Columbia, through this side of the state, and over and down toward Charleston, with a really diverse assortment of constituents!

Last night I received a report from him - an article he wrote, published in The Washington Times, about his most recent trip to Iraq.

[I added the 'bolds' for emphasis]

=========================================================

Outsmarting the Terrorists

By Joe Wilson

Friday, June 10, 2005

When visiting the Middle East over Memorial Day weekend, I must admit that I did not expect to see a sign for "Big Bob's Truck Stop and Up-Armor Facility" in Balad, Iraq. But again demonstrating the fortitude of the U.S. military, our soldiers established this facility in response to the increasing numbers of roadside bombs used against our convoys. As I toured "Big Bob's," I was overwhelmed by the U.S. military's tremendous ability to recognize a problem, work to find a solution and adapt to the challenges of the global war on terror. A ruthless band of cowardly terrorists are no match for our brave men and women in uniform.

Since September 2003, I've traveled to Iraq four times, and I've witnessed extraordinary progress on each visit. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the father of three sons currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, my connection to Iraq is both professional and personal. In February, my oldest son Alan returned from serving a one-year tour of duty in Iraq with the South Carolina Army National Guard.

After participating in congressional briefings on the global war on terror and receiving daily e-mails from my son Alan about his experiences in Iraq, I recognize the tremendous dedication and patience needed to win this unpredictable war. However, I remain convinced that we are making consistent and significant progress in the global war on terror.

When I traveled to the Middle East in July 2004, touring the Iraqi Police Training Facility in Amman, Jordan was one of the highlights of my visit. The facility was new, and I was encouraged by the number of Iraqis who courageously volunteered to defend their country and safeguard their democracy. However, I expressed my concerns about whether they had the proper equipment to defeat the mounting insurgency.

Upon return to Iraq, I was pleased to see that the Iraqi Security Forces, led by Gen. David Petraeus, are now a skilled team of soldiers who are better equipped to protect their country and defeat terrorists. Today, seven basic police academies are operational. Together, they train and equip over 3,500 police officers each month. There are now more than 168,000 trained and equipped Iraqi police, soldiers, sailors and airmen. Day by day, Iraqi forces are taking increased responsibility for the security of their country.

Each visit to Iraq reminds me that U.S. soldiers are articulate, capable and dedicated to the cause. During my recent trip, I spoke to an economist who had been serving in Iraq for a year. He extended his tour of duty for five more months after recognizing the tremendous opportunity to serve his country and ensure that Iraq continues down the path to freedom. His selflessness is one of the many shining examples of men and women who are working so that Iraqis will one day enjoy the freedoms we have as American citizens.

Recently, I've heard critics complain that U.S. leaders are viewing Iraq through rose-colored glasses. Not so. We recognize that the challenges in Iraq are large and often overwhelming. During my most recent visit to Iraq, the Iraqi defense minister spoke of the difficulty in sealing Iraq's borders, and he informed us that most of the terrorists filter in through Syria and Iran. As we fight an asymmetric enemy that can adapt to U.S. technology and tactics, violence will increase at times. However, the skill of the U.S. military and the dedication of the Iraqi people will continue to confront and systematically defeat terrorism.

On June 3, the New York Times reported that 75 percent of Iraqis support the Iraqi government, and that 65 percent of Iraqis believe Iraq is headed in the right direction. The report also noted that Iraqis are providing authorities with far more tips on insurgent activities than even a few months ago. The recent major discovery of an underground bunker that served as a haven for terrorists is yet another example of the Iraqi people working with coalition forces to defeat the terrorists. After Marine and Iraqi security forces received tips from local citizens, they discovered the bunker, as long as three football fields, divided into rooms that apparently housed terrorists.

In America, some of our smallest freedoms are also some of our most cherished. The people of Iraq are beginning to experience privileges shared by citizens in democracies around the globe. The opportunity to invest money in the stock market, to send their children to school, to cheer their athletes in the Olympics, to fly domestically, to surf the Internet, to read independent news and to complain to their neighbors about their government leaders are all freedoms that are emerging in communities throughout Iraq.

The progress in Iraq is real. Our soldiers and the Iraqi people will continue to defeat the terrorists and establish a flourishing democracy. When I return to the country in the future, I'm certain I'll see more examples of the innovation and determination that exists today at "Bob's Truck Stop."

Rep. Joe Wilson, South Carolina Republican, serves on the House Armed Services Committee.
In 2003, he retired from the South Carolina Army National Guard after 31 years of service.

[Billie]

Just peeked in for a minute at My Comments...

Amy, I am so thrilled and excited to see all the pretty table borders and layouts you've been doing since Tuesday! This looks great - *you're* doing great! Keep it up - it's fun, huh?

[DollyCali]

Here is a pix of fivekids Mud ponies.. I will let her give more info....

[Billie]

Since September 2003, I've traveled to Iraq four times, and I've witnessed extraordinary progress on each visit. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the father of three sons currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, my connection to Iraq is both professional and personal. In February, my oldest son Alan returned from serving a one-year tour of duty in Iraq with the South Carolina Army National Guard.

Wonderful, Maggie! I think SC's got a winner with Representative Joe Wilson!

[Billie]

Awww, thanks for posting those li'l sweethearts!

[JustAmy]

Yep .... it's lots of fun and sometimes frustrating. :)

I think I may have learned something after I posted the above table.

Since Fotki resizes, I lose some of the detail. I'm going to start resizing by cropping before uploading them.

Thanks for your help today.

[DollyCali]

Frustrating when you are VERY tired & can't sleep. so I am doing a little photo "play".. here are a few shots from my outing to Arcola Estuary yesterday. This is a very small Lake County Metro park's Park on line between Lake & Astabula Co on Lake Erie. Many years ago at THIS SITE was a very large industrial complex & this little river was a major inlet for ships. Hard to believe. Over the years I have kayaked & more often tubed up the stream. Oliver tags along & swims the water or runs the shore after "whatevers". I take friends now & then who enjoy this sort of thing. It is rarely crowded & most often deserted. Now & then folks are there with their dogs & Oliver has a friend to romp with. They are much of same shot but differnt clouds & brightness with changing cloud cover. for most of these I am standing with my back to lake Erie with my feet in shallow water

[LadyX]

A week ago I reported a bill he introduced was passed -- gives to National Guard members and their families access to CHAMPUS medical care!!

A tremendous accomplishment, so deserved, and long overdue...