A Few Of FR's Finest....Every Day....04-30-03....Martin_Fierro - The Exclusive Inquisition

dansangel; Billie

[dansangel]

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: 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.

TOP: dakine's wife, MeeknMing's dad, Auntbee's nephew, MilitiaMan7, AlasBabylon.
BOTTOM:  Joe Brower, Temple Owl, Temple Owl's wife, dutchess' dad, Aomagrat.

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.

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 1A: TOP: Logos, SwedeGirl's hubby, Neil E Wright, FallGuy, 1John, Sneakypete MIDDLE:  T'wit, COB1, LadyX, Dick Bachert, 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub BOTTOM:  YankeeinSC, Delta21, JoeSixPack1

GROUP 2A: TOP:  Bosniajmc, AFVetGal, Archy, A Navy Vet MIDDLE:  4TheFlag, Aeronaut, 68Grunt, Xinga BOTTOM:  Codger, AAABest, Clinton's A Liar, Duke809, dcwusmc

GROUP 3A: TOP:  mc5cents, Norb2569, LBGA's son, VanJenerette MIDDLE:  Jim Robinson, KJenerette, davidosborne, KG9Kid BOTTOM:  gwmoore, Equality7-2521, SAMWolf

GROUP 4A: TOP:  porgygirl, Phil V., MudPuppy, NorCoGOP MIDDLE:  RaceBannon, OneidaM, rdb3, jwTexian BOTTOM:  USMC Vet, TheMayor, Vineyard, rhododogma

         

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.

                     

Martin_Fierro Freeper since April 12, 1999

This time, I have gone all out for the sake of satisfying my loyal readers' curiosity (hunger?) for the scoop on Martin_Fierro. Would you believe, Lars and I had to *wrestle* the private plane from FreeTheHostages and St.Louie1 (weren't they ever taught to share for crying out loud?). After airing it out for a few days (don't ask), we jetted off to Uruguay, personal assistants in tow of course, to hunt Martin_Fierro down and fire a few questions at him. Don't worry, dear fans, the doctor says I can be off of the antibiotics in about a month or so. (That darned itching…)

Anyway, since nothing is too good for my loyal following, it is with utmost pride that I bring to you:

Martin_Fierro - The Exclusive
National Inquisition Interview

dansangel: Please tell us what your national origins are.

Martin_Fierro: I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. My parents are a naturalized immigrant from South Korea and a "white American" (more on that later).

dansangel: : Why the affiliation with Uruguay?

Martin_Fierro: I spent part of the 70s living in Uruguay as an exchange student. People might be surprised to know that there's a lot of European influence (British, Italian, Spanish, German, Portugese) in that small Spanish-speaking country. Apart from isolated grumbling there about America's excesses (mostly in our exported Hollyweird culture), my experience was very positive. Uruguayans seemed to respect and admire all that we have and take for granted.

Martin_Fierro's favorite "ride"

dansangel: Why do you claim Uruguay as your home?

Martin_Fierro: I'm proud to say that I still remain in contact with my host family there. I acquired a taste for Máte, or strong gaucho tea. Never got the hang of the tango, though.

dansangel: Oh that's easy - why Lars and I can show….uh, never mind. Is Martin_Fierro your real name or an alias?

Martin_Fierro: My FR name of "Martín Fierro" comes from the fictional gaucho poet/philosopher in José Hernández's 1872 work, El Gaucho Martín Fierro. I admire that character's simple, spiritual values.



dansangel: What can you tell us about your younger days?

Martin_Fierro: I wasted a lot of time in college (also in the Pittsburgh area). Luckily, I graduated and left without destroying too many brain cells or being the defendant in a paternity suit.

dansangel: And here I always thought that's what a good liberal college education was for. Did you continue your education?

Martin_Fierro: Grad school was a much more rewarding experience. I've worked in my profession for several years (yes, I'm an attorney), and would like to try something else now.

dansangel: Give up the good life? FreeTheHostages might have to knock some sense into you.

Martin_Fierro: I've published scholarly articles relating to computers and the law, some of which have been cited in law review articles and elsewhere. A lot of developments have occurred in the overlap of those fields in the meantime, and I'd like to write more about them as time permits.

Martin_Fierro

dansangel: Oh, so you'd like to continue writing. Perhaps you can further the liberal cause with a good, mostly-true novel or two.

Martin_Fierro: My political leanings have never been Liberal. I experimented with Libertarianism after college, but became dissatisfied with its blind reliance on litigation and the morals of the marketplace. I've been a Republican ever since.

dansangel: Do I know how to pick 'em or what? OK, I'll bite. What caused you to walk on the wrong side of the tracks?

Martin_Fierro: As an "Amerasian," I strongly resent Affirmative Action policies or Census questions that compel a pigeonholed racial identity (Which parent's heritage would I choose? Why does it matter? To what does my choice entitle me? Who decides that?). The last time I checked, this country's motto was "Out Of Many, One" -- not the reverse. I also recall Dr. King aspiring to the day when we'd be judged by the content of our character, not merely by the color of our skin. Racial Balkanists like the "Reverend" Jackson have forgotten that.

dansangel: No need to be nasty about a man of the cloth….

Martin_Fierro: I'm an American, dammit, and not any hyphenized subflavor thereof.



dansangel: OK…I didn't mean to anger you….

Martin_Fierro: I find myself agreeing more and more with Michelle Malkin's columns on illegal immigration. Close the borders!

dansangel: A bit harsh, wouldn't you say? Let's talk about something else. What do you like to do in your spare time?

Martin_Fierro: My hobbies and interests include motorcycling, good food, jazz, writing, cartooning and computers. The only exercise I get is when I exercise my rights.

dansangel: And what about a love life?

Martin_Fierro: I love my wife very much.

dansangel: And that, my dear loyal readers, sums up the secret life of Martin_Fierro in a nutshell. I hope your appetites are sated until the next time we meet.

Please join me in giving another deserving FReeper a warm welcome to FR's Finest...

Today that Finest is
Martin_Fierro!

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 04-28-03 ... The FReeper Archives 04-29-03 ... Dear Mom and Dad

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

God Bless Our Military

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

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; Daisyscarlett; Dansangel; Dutchess; Mama_Bear; 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.

~~~~~~~~~~   ~~~~~~~~~~

We ask Lord, that You guide the leaders of our great country in their hour of decision. The burden that has been placed on their shoulders is overwhelming. We ask that with Your infinite wisdom You guide them gently to the right decisions.

Please give us the strength, Lord, to get through each difficult and devastating day that faces each of us and our country. Protect and guide our Military that are now being called to duty, strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

OhioWfan........................son mystery-ak..........son, husband Gogrammy................grandson Inspectorette...................son Blessed American..........nephew Slip18..........................nephew anniegetyourgun...........nephew Pippin....niece,nephew,loved one Doug from Upland......son-in-law weldgophardline.....brotherinlaw Future Snake Eater..........cousin WaterDragon..son-in-law,grandson BeforeISleep...................son Warrior Nurse...........active duty SK1 Thurman...........active duty David Osborne.........active duty fc2tomschermuly......active duty bkwells..................activve duty LadyX....................grandson LongCut..................active duty Trish.......................active duty The Mayor................niece

Maigrey................cousin ladtx....................2 sons Mama_Bear...........nephew gator girl............husband severa................husband MozartLover...........nephew LBGA........................son SpookBrat...........nephew Himyar.....................son boxerblues............2 sons the piper...................son sheeza...............husband kemathen7...........husband Diver Dave................niece deadhead................cousin JimRobinson.....2 nephews Armymarinemom.....3 sons Consort...........2 daughters Darheel..................niece dixie sass.............nephew BeAllYouCanBe.........son AgThorn.............2 sons

[LadyX]

We here can envision you as Super Mod well, Super Dooper Fruit of the Looper of the Year or sumpin' - - LOL

[WVNan]

The native Americans called W.Va. "Land of the Mists". It can be very stark and forbidding in the winter. But there is no other place like it in the U.S. I think S. Korea may be a lot like it from pictures I've seen. The mountains here are not like the ones you see in N.C., Tenn and Va. They are closer together and lots of them. The valleys are deep and narrow, providing very little space for people. Those who settle in the valleys get introduced to a lot of water on a regular basis. Floods are a fact of life. There are more trees in W.Va. per acre than any other place I know. Someone from Texas came here and was simply agast. Said they had never seen so many trees in one place in their life.

[LadyX]

ahm sorry....plumb sorry....phorgive me for misteaking tha phlowers ya'll were talkin' 'bout. I'll stop now, and sit in the corner and cry, I will - I think I will...yeah - I will...:))

[LadyX]

Because you have had a somewhat trying day, jw, I dug up an impromptu present - a little worn and raggedy, but loved, I tell you - -

He has healing powers, jw - BE HEALED, I SAY!!..:))

[jwfiv]

;)

[WVNan]

Ahhhh, we know you're just tarred from planting all those phlowers today.

[WVNan]

And this will make me not as old as I was?

[martin_fierro]

Super Dooper Fruit of the Looper of the Year or sumpin'

There's a compliment in there somewhere. I'll TAKE it! <|:)~

[WVNan]

Well, Mr. Finest of the Day and other phriends. It's past midnight and I've turned into a pumpkin. So adieu for now. Parting is such sweet sorrow.....God love you all.

[jwfiv]

Thank you, LadyX...the teddy bear looks like a trustworthy sort...he is an M.D., afterall...and, teddy bears are noted for their healing powers...)

[LadyX]

I've been through West Virginia, Nan.

By the way, I sneaked over and got your picture slaving away today, doin' housework.

You vacuum your PILLOWS to get the itty bitty mites out, do ya, NAN?!!
LOL

[martin_fierro]

BTW, I envision this as you:

<|:)~

[martin_fierro]

'Night WVNan! See you on another one of these threads!

[LadyX]

Honest Injun - an hour ago I slipped a little straight Cherry Coke into my Diet Dr. Pepper to have a different flavor!!
LOL

zippety doo dah - zippety aaaaa - my, oh my, it's a wunnerful day..:))

[LadyX]

We give nothing but compliments to our Finest Fellows, Martin!

You must phorgive those of us who come out of the woodwork at this late hour.
Never fear, pretty soon Diver Dave will appear and blow his stinkin' whistle, dressed in the referee uniform - to make Nan and me behave.
We are a bad influence...:>(kinda..:))

[jwfiv]

Cherry Coke is my personal fave...a taste cultivated way back in a soda fountain on Berry Street, Ft. Worth, Texas.

[LadyX]

A Man of Vision, I see!!

You looked at my Profile Page, DIDN'T YOU?!!

Yes, Martin, proud USMC veteran of the Korean Conflict, I am....went back to Parris Island in April of last year, and felt exactly the same as I had 50 years before - incredible transformation when I stepped upon that hallowed ground.....have done a wee bit of travelin' if you check out the Finest for March 21, 2003 - Gypsy Woman I be..:))

[LadyX]

There used to be something wonderful when I was a teen at the soda fountain - a Cherry Smash...used to get that and a grilled cheese for lunch, we high schoolers allowed to go off campus to eat lunch....cost a whole quarter for the both.

Ah, the things that we remember....but the present day Cherry Coke doesn't taste as good, do you think?

[LadyX]

Seems we have lost Aquamarine and Nan, Johnny Mac, and I should follow suit and go to bed 'early' at this nearly one a.m. hour.

By your leave, gentlemen, I bid you a pleasant night of slumber and a fine day upon waking....

We truly enjoyed your presence here, Martin!
(and Martin happens to be my last name in real life)

[jwfiv]

G'nite, Lady...and, yes, re: Cherry Coke...nothing so good as the real thing...)