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

[ST.LOUIE1]

To everyone: Thanks again for reading this thread about little ol' me. Please remember these good feelings if I should ever flame you. <|:)~

No!

LOL

[FreeTheHostages]

"Please remember these good feelings if I should ever flame you"

ROFL! I TOTALLY respect someone who says that! If we care about the issues, and we do, occasionally it's completely necessary to flame. Good for you. I will remember, and see you out there in the wild, untamed Free Repubic.

[Aquamarine]

To aquamarine: You wrote, "Your replies here at FR are some of the most level headed and well thought out." Good Lord, woman -- since WHEN?? <|:)~ But thank you.

LOL! I do like your comments.
Your humor here is insightful and reveals the truth.....How's that? :)

[LadyX]

The smile musta been for my "Tank" you!!
LOL - Tank you, tank you, tank you, Free-zee!!

Still have some residual blurring of sight from the corneal abrasion, and have peripheral neuropathy, and need to slow down on the Preview previewing....sheesh...

(So, FreeTha -- no one has seen you with Roberto, the cab driver, eh?!! Good evasive tactics - -)

(TMan - it's contagious and I caught it - but will get over it..eventually:))

[martin_fierro]

< Camelot music>If ever I should flame yoooooouuuuu / It woudn't be in springtime.....< /Camelot music>

[ST.LOUIE1]

< Camelot music>If ever I should flame yoooooouuuuu / It woudn't be in springtime.....< /Camelot music>

But Summer, Fall and Winter are open season?

Camelot music=great listening.

[LadyX]

"Good morning, Ms.X. : )"

HARK!! Who calleth LadyX??

Ah, 'tis Wolfie in St. Louie, methinks!

Be still, my heart....

[grantswank]

"ALMIGHTY" MEANS JUST THAT!

"My grace is sufficient for thee." II Corinthians l2:9

The cross is not the end. The cross leads to resurrection dawn.

Resurrection dawn is the most awesome miracle known to human history. God Himself came back from the dead due to God Himself bringing Himself back from the dead, just as He had said.

God brought Lazarus back from the dead. But no god of any world religion has brought himself back from the dead. No goddess of any world religion has brought herself back from the dead.

Only the Judeo-Christian faith points to a Messiah-Christ who was murdered by evil betraying hands, then canceled out their plot by bringing Himself back from the dead.

Consequently, the Word points to this outlandish One as the Almighty. Therefore, it is logical for the cross bearer to continually refer to his Creator God as the "Almighty."

That term alone will revive the concept basic to deity--that there is no other God but God.

When the believer carries the cross, he needs reassurance that he is going to make it. Indeed that he is going to do more than make it, but make it triumphantly! Therefore, one way by which to confirm that future realization is to present tense the moment with thanksgiving to the ALMIGHTY One.

Now thank the Almighty for being with you in lifting high the cross. Inform the Almighty that you are in love with Him for His saving grace upon your eternal soul. Reach out to that Almighty One to find Him also clutching your cross, assisting you with the cross.

Now realize that the Almighty, being almighty, cannot know defeat; nor can you since you are in yoke-league with the Almighty. Therefore, no matter how bleak circumstances appear now, the present tense cross is not all there is. There will be the resurrection dawn. That is the law of life. It must be fact or God Himself is a liar.

Since God Himself is the source of Truth, then Almighty present tense will work out His future tense resurrection dawn miracle in your life. Wait. Be patient. Do not chide God. Be kind to yourself. Let God be God. Fold into His mystery. Refrain from ordering deity to do anything. And the last thing you want to do--in fact, not do--is to pray a prayer of directives. That is, you do not want to phrase your own solution to your problem inside a prayer and then ask God to baptize it as a prayer. It is not a prayer at all; it is you playing deity. That cannot be for you cannot eat the forbidden fruit (that is, playing God) and live.

Therefore, right now rest in the Almighty's scheme of things, determined to become less and less strained about the end result.

But what to do with your energy while waiting upon the Almighty's way and time!

Direct your energy toward thanksgiving, refining your mustard seed faith, looking at the cross as your supreme blessing. In time, it surely will show you that it is more than wood stained; it is but the foreshadowing of resurrection dawn.

That is according to the law of life.

No wonder then that the Word urges believers to "pray without ceasing" (I Thessalonians 5:l7), that is, lay hold of the almighty resurrection presence every moment of every day.

When Paul urged his friends to talk to God all the time, it was so much a command for spiritual discipline as it was a realization of the nature of God.

God never slumbers nor sleeps, the psalmist reminds us. That is, God is always present tense. God is never unavailable. He is always there.

That is why Jesus stated to the disciples, "I will never leave you. . ." He meant it for He is ever there--in resurrection presence.

Consequently, when carrying the yoke-cross with Jesus, one finds that He never leaves our sides. He is yoked to our very beings. When we do not realize Jesus, it is because we are detoured. We become distracted and so lapse in memory of His companionship.

To carry the cross, one wants to develop a lifestyle of understanding God-availability. Realize that your Friend is but a thought away. Immediately redirect your thought toward Jesus and you are in audience with Him. This moment, think on God and you have stepped into the holiness of heaven's throne.

Some have interpreted this verse of Paul to be a heavy command. It is not. It is an invitation to converse with your Lord minute-by-minute. It is keeping in constant rapport, even when in sleep, realizing that your God is still awake. He is attentive. That is why the Word states that He supplies your every need. The reason is due to the fact of His forever vigilance. God takes no time off.

Such amplifies all the more the term "Father" in relation to deity. He is the perfectly attentive Parent.

When the cross becomes excessively burdensome, do not think you have to beg for Jesus' awareness of your problem. He is more aware than you are. Consequently, cry upon Him, knowing that He sympathizes and so is carrying the heavier end of the beam.

It may not seem that way in every minute you carry the cross. You may experience what Jesus Himself experienced when He felt as if the Father had forsaken him. But in finality, Father had not forsaken Jesus; it only seemed that way. And God has not forsaken you, though it may feel that way.

Reality is that God-availability is an expression of the nature of deity and therefore cannot be divorced from His essence. What He has stated Himself to be, He is.

Therefore, by faith, take full advantage of God being near to you, then draw near to Him for He does care for you.

[martin_fierro]

I meant to ask you:

Is this in GA? It's beautiful! I especially like the town lights 'way down in the valley.

Is this also GA? There are views like this not far from where I live in CA.

[grantswank]

UNBELIEVABLE DEPARTMENT. . .UN KISSES UP TO CASTRO

Or is it?

The United Nations’ sleek edifice in downtown Manhattan impresses with its handsome lines and sky scraping modernity; but that’s about it for depth.

Today, April 29, the United Nations re-elected Cuba to its Human Rights commission! Check it out for more nuthouse stuff at the esteemed UN.

Now is not that like putting a child molester into a day care center? Or appointing an atheist chief priest of the village? Or ensconcing Hillary Clinton in the Oval Office?

Oh well, there’s been a lot of that goin’ ‘round lately. Cuba just jailed respected journalists, social activists, and librarians—70 of them. There they are—sitting in Castro’s cellrooms complete with one window each.

But I thought we just got photo shots of all that from Baghdad, eh? Didn’t media just take us into some of those dungeon playgrounds where Hussein the Horrible held forth?

Now on that precious isle where Jimmy Carter and Hollywood celebs like to play, Castro not only imprisons law-abiding cits but also gets credit for it by being enthroned on the UN Human Rights Commission.
And France wants to make up with the US? And tiddlies of the EU want to form their own defense factory? And North Korea wants a non-aggression treaty from the US for dismantling nukes that could blow us all to smithereens.

So what else is new in the crazy ward? "This is a setback for the cause of human rights," spokesman Ari Fleischer said. "Cuba does not deserve a seat on the Human Rights Commission. Cuba deserves to be investigated by the Human Rights Commission.

"We deplore the action. We will speak out against the action," he said, according to NewsMax Wires. He went on to tell media that the UN action "raises troubling issues." It is presumed that he was speaking in understatement?

The UN refuses to enforce its own resolutions regarding Iraq and slaps around the US in its Iraqi Freedom; but it can get by with putting Castro on the Human Rights Commission, even announcing it without blush to the world.

Is not that in-your-face diplomacy of the worst sort? And with all that, the United States is expected to be respectful, mannerly and adhering to the wisdom of Annan’s entourage?

US leadership cautions Castro that Washington will up its efforts to end the Cuban dictatorship, according to today’s WASHINGTON TIMES.

The US will implement "new creativity and vigor to hasten the inevitable democratic transition on the island," stated Roger Noriega, US President Bush’s man for assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs.

Colin Powell dittoed with "Castro continues to do nothing but oppress, suppress his people, suppress opinion. And we’re reviewing all of our policies."

While the US is going after Syria and North Korea, may it stay with the program regarding Cuba. Just because Castro and Company are next door, let’s not forget they really do pollute the liberty air around this part of the globe.

It was US envoy Otto Reich who claimed that "no one knows how many people rot in Castro’s dungeons." Echoes of Baghdad? Sounds like it to me.

Of course, Castro whines to reporters that it is all the US’ fault. He claims that the US and Cuban exiles in Florida have staged a "warped plot" to stage a Havana crisis which would eventuate in a military move on the island.

Wish to God it were so—tonight.

[martin_fierro]

But Summer, Fall and Winter are open season?

LOL! Definitely. FR is ONE TOUGH ROOM!v <|:)~

[ST.LOUIE1]

"Good morning, Ms.X. : )"

HARK!! Who calleth LadyX??
Ah, 'tis Wolfie in St. Louie, methinks!

Youthinks right, lovely X. : )

Be still, my heart....

Mine, too. Gee, you're beautiful. Blowing those kisses electrifies my fur. AhRoooooo!!: )

[LadyX]

Johnny Mac - wherefore art thou??

Yonder breaks a rainbow - hope there is real one in this day for you, but I shall post this, just in case:

[jwfiv]

Good morning, dandevil...) So, like, uhhhhh....why the kid gloves treatment for young Martin? Seems to me, you were uncommonlly gentle and courteous, and that he escaped with only minor cuts and bruises. I must confess, I am a trifle disappointed, but only a trifle...thank you for another grueling read, Miss Dansy...you rock.

You're a lucky fella, Martin...dansy don't usually show quarter to anyone. Glad you've been honored here in the Finest spotlight...have seen your handle many times, and always appreciate what you have to say. You're wheels are cool...) I hope you enjoy your day.

Good morning to all our Hostesses, and all FRiends...another beeyooteefull day we find ourselves in...I'm verrrry glad to be alive.

[LadyX]

For you, Grant - double rainbows - - -

[FreeTheHostages]

I believe, let's check with Aquamarine, that these are photographs from Gaitlinburg, TN. "As the largest and tallest mountain mass in eastern North America, the Smokies generate a weather pattern which is much wetter and colder than that of the surrounding region." Per www.gaitlinburg.com.

[FreeTheHostages]

I think it must have been his handsomeness. ;)

[grantswank]

what an unexpected gift!!

thanks so much.

g

[ST.LOUIE1]

But Summer, Fall and Winter are open season?

LOL! Definitely.

Beware, my FRiend, I'll strike first! LOL

FR is ONE TOUGH ROOM!v <|:)~

For sure! I've been flamed by 'experts'....hope you're not one of those. : )

I don't get flamed since latchin' on to the 'Finest'. The ladies here are such gentle creatures and tend to stay away from flaming. : )

[jwfiv]

Thanks for the rainbow, LadyX...good timing, as per usual...and, with not a cloud in the sky, all rainbows are currently non-visible...so, glad to receive yours.::)