Free Republic's National Convention Pre-Live Thread and Updates (Updates: 137, 138, 139, 151 & 292)

DC Convention Organizing Committee ^ | August 7, 2009 | Brytani

[Brytani]

Welcome to FR's DC National Convention Pre-Live Thread &Update

After months of planning, FR's DC Convention is coming together.

Help make history, join in Free Republic's return to DC as a national group and help to herald in another wave of conservative activism Free Republic is famous for!

On behalf of Jim Robinson and the DC Convention Planning Committee, we are pleased the announce very special guests who will be attending our convention:

Andrew Wilkow Host of Sirius/XM Wilkow Majority

“Reagan is good for business” was Andrew’s introduction to politics. “I was real little, but that’s what my dad used to say.” Andrew Wilkow began his radio career at the college radio station. Conservative leaning politics were always his heart and he expressed his views on the air regularly, much to the anger of his co-workers. “I was basically just anti-P.C. at first.” He broke out of music radio in 2002 when he was given a trial/fill-in slot for Mark Levin on his hometown station, WABC in NYC. “That was huge and that’s when I first met Sean Hannity.” Soon after that he earned a weekend slot then a full time job at an upstate station. I basically did a 300 mile roundtrip every weekend for over 3 years to do both shows. Wilkow’s move to SIRIUS brings his new sound of conservative talk radio to a national audience. To quote Andrew, “Now is the time for the new school of conservative voices with a whole new style and passion – moving to SIRIUS lets me take that style and passion nationwide."

Lieutenant Colonel Allen West (US Army, Retired) was born and raised in Atlanta Georgia and is third of four generations of military servicemen in his family. His parents instilled in him a very basic principle, love of God and Country. In 2004, when it was time to retire from more than twenty years of service in the US Army, he brought his wife and two young daughters to Broward County, Florida, where he taught high school for one year. He then returned to Afghanistan as an advisor to the Afghan army, an assignment he finished in November 2007.

Allen West received his Bachelors degree from University of Tennessee and Masters degree from Kansas State University, both in political science. He also holds a Master of Military Arts and Sciences from the US Army Command and General Staff Officer College in political theory and military operations.

"Education is the great equalizer," he says. "With a good education, any child in America can live his dream."

Allen West knows that for our children to live their dreams, they need to be safe. He has served in several combat zones: in Operation Desert Storm, in Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he was battalion commander for the Army's 4th Infantry Division, and in Afghanistan, where he trained Afghan officers to take on the responsibility of securing their own country.

In his Army career, Col. West has been honored many times, including a Bronze Star, three Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals (one with Valor), and a Valorous Unit Award. He received his valor award as a Captain in Desert Shield/Storm, was the US Army ROTC Instructor of the Year in 1993, and was a Distinguished Honor Graduate III Corps Assault School. He proudly wears the Army Master parachutist badge, Air Assault badge, Navy/Marine Corps parachutist insignia, Italian parachutist wings, and German proficiency badge (Bronze award).

Allen is an avid distance runner, a PADI Master certified SCUBA diver, motorcyclist, and attends Community Christian Church in Tamarac Florida.

Excellence is a West family tradition. His wife, Angela, holds an MBA and PhD. and works as a financial planner. His oldest daughter, Aubrey, attends Archbishop McCarthy HS and his youngest daughter, Austen, attends Parkway Christian School.

Steve Malzberg has fast become one of America’s most recognizable faces and voices on the political talk scene. He has been recognized by Talkers Magazine as one of the nation’s, “Top 100 Talk Show Hosts” several times.

His quick wit, passion and biting analysis of the days events have earned him a huge and loyal following throughout the nation. Steve is among the most sought after “Talking Heads” regularly appearing on the Fox News Channel and CNN. Steve has also filled in for Joe Scarborough and Monica Crowley on MSNBC, and was a regular contributor on the Phil Donahue Show.

Steve has been a guest host on stations around the country sitting in for Bill Bennett and Mike Gallagher on the Salem Radio Network, and John Gibson and others on Fox Radio. He’s also been heard on WMAL in Washington DC, KLIF in Dallas, WBT in Charlotte and WGST in Atlanta among other stations around the nation. The Steve Malzberg Show is heard nationally via the WOR Radio Network.

Steve is perhaps best known for his ability to snag the top newsmakers of the moment for interviews, and using his warm engaging personality to get his guests to open up. He has won several A.I.R. Awards (Achievement In Radio) for “Best Interview” in both the news and sports areas.

Steve’s ability to bring that same passion from behind the microphone to live audiences has made him a successful and sought after speaker. He has been honored by many groups including the NYC PBA, who selected him as their 2004 Man Of The Year. Other honors have come from The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, The NY State Shields, United Cuban-American Organizations, The Chinese-American Society, Retired Detectives of the Police Department of the city of New York, Detectives Crime Clinic of NY-NJ, American Legion of Little Neck, NY, The Department of Veterans Affairs; and Steve received the Distinguished American Award from the Bergen County NJ Chapter of the National Football and College Hall of Fame.

Legenday Entertainer and Comedian Will Be Hosting A Special Introduction Video Specially Filmed for Free Republic. Jackie is now doing weekly video commentary for World Net Daily, the largest, independent online newspaper. www.jackiemason.com

Proud Black Conservative Entertainer/Speaker "American Tea Party Anthem", Lloyd is joining our own Jim Rob on the Tea Party Express and has graciously offered to perform for Free Republic. http://www.lloydmarcus.com/

Lisa Mei Norton, Patriotic Singer and Songwriter and Freeper. Lisa will also be performing for Free Republic. http://www.myspace.com/lisameinorton

Special Mention

John Manning of Alexandria, Va winner of World Net Daily's Top Tea Party Speech. John will be presenting his winning speech Defenders of Liberty.

Get your Free Republic Convention tickets here!

Reserve your room at the Sheraton National here!

[MinuteGal]

Another shining star in our banquet program galaxy of All-Stars is our own freeper patriot, Lisa Mei, a talented singer and songwriter.....and entertainer extraordinaire!

Lisa is a retired Air Force Senior Master Sergeant turned defense contractor by day and singer/songwriter at night.

She's a wife, mother, a Christian conservative, and proud "Right Wing Extremist".

Lisa has been involved in music her entire life in venues ranging from singing in school and church choirs and miltary Top 40's bands to performing around the world with the Air Force's elite entertainment troupe, "Tops in Blue". Lisa then fulfilled her Air Force career, retiring in 2000.

She decided to begin concentrating on her own music. She turned up the heat during last Fall's presidential election campaign with her personal tribute to Governor Sarah Palin which can be viewed on a YouTube video.

Today, she and her collaborator are actively writing political/patriotic songs to help spread the message and inspire others to use their time and talents in the fight to take our country back.

Lisa will be releasing her debut CD this fall. In the meantime you can hear her music live and up-close in our hotel banquet hall on our convention's big night. You'll love her talent and her spirited patriotic music.

And....she has a surprise in store for the audience as she leads us in the National Anthem!

A photo of the lovely Lisa is coming right up on this thread, folks.

Let's jam the banquet room, freepers. You have till midnight tonight to sign on at the stunningly-low room rate. You'll be thankful you did. Trust yer ole MinuteGal/Bahama Mama!

Leni

[Syncro]

Here is a picture of the lovely and talented Lisa Mei!

[MinuteGal]

Woo Hoo......great pic, Syncro.

Freeper ladies are sooooo....well, you know what I mean.

I don't even want to invoke the name of.....shhhh, Helen Thomas.

Leni

[mtngrandpa]

Looking forward to it, are you driving this time? Remember to not do all that honking this time... ;) I think I’ll be at the Sheraton National to welcome you on Friday evening late.

[Syncro]

Yes, Lisa Mei is quite very lovely!

And a GRATE singer, I watched some of her videos.

[Lisamei62]

Thanks so much for the promo! I’m looking forward to meeting all you great FReepers and marching with you in DC!

[seekthetruth]

That is great that you have the points to use up! And I certainly agree that $0 is better than $116!

See you in DC! It is going to be great fun to meet Freepers from all across the USA!

[MinuteGal]

Bump for all you readers on the Latest Posts page who want to see the photo of a BEAUTIFUL freeper gal!

See posts 201 and 202.

Leni

[RDTF]

just in case anyone wants to party! I’ll be there :)

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/event.php?eid=110552848573

Republican Party Animals are headed to DC! Join the fun on Thursday, September 10th, 2009, at 7pm. We are gathering at Bullfeathers, 410 First Street SE, Washington, DC 20003. The drinking, smoking, cussing wing of the GOP will be taking DC by storm, and showing the Dems how to really party. Please RSVP so I have a good headcount.
We aren’t affliated but most of our attendees will be at thet the National Taxpayer Protest at the Capitol on Saturday, September 12. Info: http://912dc.org/.

[JustAmy]

Good morning, MinuteGal. Hope you are having a great day.

I’ve been looking for a post regarding appropriate attire for our Convention.

Any suggestions? TIA

[freeangel]

“Any suggestions?”

Me, too, please.

[seekthetruth]

“I think I’ll be at the Sheraton National to welcome you on Friday evening late.”

Great, MtnGandpa! My hubby and I will sure be there to welcome the Tea Party Express Caravan with JimRob, Syncro, Lloyd and many other patriots! We will have the flags waving and will have lots of handshakes and hugs to deliver! :)

[seekthetruth]

Bump and ping to all to read this Tea Party Express Caravan news update!
http://teapartyexpress.wordpress.com/

[MinuteGal]

Your fashion stylist. Michelle My Belle MinuteGal, will be posting a comprehensive report on what to bring to wear during the convention. It will be posted on this thread by this evening....and I'll ping each of you.

First tip....no studded boob-high belts allowed.

Leni

[Jim Robinson]

I’m going to wear my very best t-shirt.

[MinuteGal]

WHAT TO WEAR CONVENTION WEEK

From Michelle My Belle MinuteGal, Your Clothing Czar

At the National Mall for the Tea Party.......lots of walking so bring comfy sneakers, slacks or jeans, freeper cap or patriotic head wear, patriotic casual shirt or tee shirt, bottled water, tiny fold-up camp stools if you can find them, sunglasses, any pills you need, back pack is a great help, I got my lightweight one at Sears, it holds a ton of stuff.....a candy bar or two, a couple tiny American flags for waving. Check the long-range temperature forecast for D.C. to see if you need a windbreaker, sweatshirt or bikini at the rally. It can be warm or cool in D.C. in the Fall.

At the Sheraton Hotel During the Day.... sharp jeans or slacks, anything casual that can be described as "Freeper Nice".......you get my drift.

At the Saturday Night Banquet.......hey, anything "Freeper Extra-Nice" goes!

Men.......business suit with tie or nice sport coat with spiffy open-neck. Or spiffy casual shirt with spiffy slacks with no jacket. Short sleeves fine. Nice shoes. No white socks. Wear some bling, Why Not?.......Tuxedo if you want, Why Not? This is a BANQUET, for cryin' out loud. I know at least one freeper who'll be wearing a tux. Dig yours out and see if it still fits. Dontcha know how the ladies love tuxes? They swoon when you walk in looking like James Bond headed for the roulette table......Clothes at this event will be eclectic (look it up, hah). However, leave the golf shirt, sneakers and Che Gueverra tee shirt in your room.

LADIES.......always proper is a non-Hillary pants suit feminized and glammed up with higher heels, swingy earrings, jangley bracelets and sparkly rings. A Sarah Palin hairdo with your glasses will rock the room!....Hey gals, wouldn't you LUV to really dress up? Then do so! Why Not?......Wear that swingy short black cocktail dress with disgustingly high stiletto heels! Yum, Yum......Wear that ankle length Dressy-Dress? Yes-Yes........Before packing day is upon you, visit your safety deposit box at the bank. Take a look at the family jewels you never get to wear. BRING 'EM, WEAR 'EM! There's safes at the hotel. The more you look like an evil, decadent rich capitalist, the better!

MOBSTERS.......Since you are participating in the Mall protest, you are automatically a MOBSTER. Why not look like one at the banquet table? Of course, you MUST wear an expensive, three-piece, black pin-stripe suit, sumptuously tailored. Leave your wide-brimmed white or black felt hat and your roscoe at the door. Accent your suit with a white silk hanky and a slick tie with diamond stud. Finish off with pearl-gray spats, real leather black shoes, a jewel-studded platinum watch chain, a huge diamond pinky ring and a fat cigar imported directly from Havana.

MOBSTER MOLLS.......you must not outshine your mobster man. Anything Faye Dunaway wore in "Bonnie and Clyde" is fine as long as its fringed. Don't forget to bring your little pearl-handled revolver tucked in your beaded bag. How tres chic!

BRING CAMERAS!

Leni/MinuteGal

[flaglady47]

Looks like cameras are going to be a must to catch all those fancy duds! BUMP!

[Syncro]

No CGI fireworks/sparksgalore show this time around!

Square motor-homes, round tunnels = *sparklers* LOL

Grate you and the others will be there to greet us late Fri evening, Thanks!

[Syncro]

Great link, seek!

I don't want to garble up this thread, so here is only a bit of that article, quite interesting and a great addition to the Tea Party Express!

Kenneth Gladney to join the Tea Party Express

August 25, 2009 · 1 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Kenneth Gladney to join the Tea Party Express

The Tea Party Express (website: www.TeaPartyExpress.org) is proud to announce that Mr. Kenneth Gladney will be joining the nationwide Tea Party tour hosting 35 rallies across the country, set to launch this Friday, August 28.

Kenneth Gladney didn’t expect to be the victim of an angry mob when he went to a town hall meeting hosted by Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-Missouri). While selling “Don’t Tread on Me” flags outside the town hall forum, he was physically and verbally attacked by members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), who knocked Gladney to the ground and proceeded to punch and kick him.

Mr. Gladney joins the Tea Party Express to continue exercising his free speech rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. He will encourage attendees at the tea party rallies to also exercise their own free speech rights and to contribute to the dialogue about the important policy issues now facing Americans.

[Brad’s Gramma]

I’m going to wear my very best t-shirt.

You're gonna wash it this time, right? ;)