Free Republic Network Conference a Roaring Success! Participants post your comments here

Free Republic | August 18, 2002 | Auntie Mame

[Auntie Mame]

Dear Freepers:

I just returned from the First Annual Free Republic Network Convention in Las Vegas.

The Free Republic Network Cruise last October was the most fun I've ever had in my whole life. The Free Republic Network Conference I just attended was the most informative and inspiring two days I've ever had in my whole life.

The Free Republic Network is stretching its muscle, not by talk, but by action. The Free Republic forum is liberty's college. The Free Republic Network is liberty's workplace.

If you attended, please use this thread to post your observations, comments and highlights of the conference. I will give mine below. But before I do, I'd like to take this time to thank Bob Johnson and the FRN board for putting on this conference. It's hard for me to find the words to adequately describe how great this experience was--and how much I learned.

[dalereed]

Responsibility is a should, obligation is a must.

[Bob J]

Fair enough.

[Slip18]

Thanks, Bob. You know where I'm going with this. I guess I need to learn to argue correctly. Maybe three succinct sentences doesn't work for a certain few.

You were absolutely great. The presententations were way above what I thought they would be. If I had known the presententations would have been this good, I would have paid doubled!

Can't wait for this group to come to the Phoenix area for the two-day seminar. You can betcha bottom dolla, I'll be there.

[Slip18]

I loves you BADJOE. Go get 'em. I've seen you do this before! LOL!

[Bob J]

I guess I need to learn to argue correctly.

KISS. If they don't like your peck on the cheek...move on.

[Slip18]

We all have the responsibility of knowing what is going on in our government. Unfortunately for the working folks, some don't have time to read and read and read what is going on.

But, My Sweet Dale, you are right. I believe also that voting is an obligation. And, I, personally, have given my little speech to Republican voters who have been too lazy to do so.

[Jeff Head]

Bob, my hat is off to you and all of those involved in setting the conference up and pulling it off. Having been so involved in industry on several occassions, I know what type of toil, heartache, pound of flesh (perhaps several) and frustration goes into the making of such an event.

I also know some of the feeling of satisfaction, inspiration and enjoyment that comes from the successful conclusion. In this you each can take great pride and satisfaction. You were dealing with issues and planning far more important than any industrial conference could ever address. Eighty-plus bright flares have been lit for our Republic (perhaps lit is not the right word, because they were already on-fire prior to the conference ... perhaps emboldened, or flaired or some such ... you get the point) ... and they will give light to many, many more.

Congratulations and thank you for the opportunity to have been there and participated.

God bless you each in all of your honest and sincere endeavors and efforts in this regard on behalf of our nation, our Republic and the liberty that undergirds it.

[Neets]

Lack of research and investigation of issues and candidates and voting inteligently by the public is what has gotten us into the mess that we're in today.

So then you both agree that being an INFORMED voter is an obligation as well??

Kudos to you Slip for getting back into the convo...I am listening intently to what you are ALL saying. ((HUGS))

[Little Bill]

This is one reason too many conservatives get their butt's kicked in the media game

On the National level maybe, politics is played on the local level, get hard and nasty, they arn't going to publish you anyway. I have been interviewed at many FReeps, nothing positive in the press.

[Bob J]

I have been interviewed at many FReeps, nothing positive in the press.

Then we have to work on getting our message out in the local press.

[Bob J]

Every organization or movement needs heroes from which to draw inpiration and guidence. For FR, you are one of those persons. Thank you for the road map.

[Little Bill]

...........out in the local press.

Not likely, the majors own the minors, we need alternative press.

[Bob J]

I disagree. I believe the local press is one of the best opportunities we have to effect significant and lasting change.

[Slip18]

Thanks, Oneida! I just hate to see a beautiful thread go to the dogs. I shan't be a part of it.

We learned so much. My gosh, my head is still spinning. And Auntie Mame has said everything with such aplomb. She is a wonderful, albeit a character, person. I do believe this woman could move pyramids if called upon.

[A Navy Vet]

I think the parts of this "message" equation that you may be missing is three fold: 1) The average American is no where near as informed as us activists and political junkies; 2) Many times you have but moments to get your particular message out; 3) The media leaning left as it does can and will misrepresent your message if overly long. That's why media releases are short and concise.

Lewis's point was that in today's soundbite society you have to frame your message of the moment in a positive manner that the lowest common denominator can understand and see tangible benefits. It's unfortunate and even sad, but that's the state of the 21st Century American mentality.

I've been saying for years that we should utilize some of the liberals playbook in getting our issues/messages out to the public. Being media, politica, and cultural savvy is not comprising out principles. We don't "repeat the lie", we "repeat the truth".

[Little Bill]

Take a look at the demographics in the Boston area, outside of the Irish and Italian areas, you can't a protest notice published, you can't even get the VFW and the Legion off of their asses until they check in with their political masters.

[Slip18]

I totally agree with you on that issue, BobJ. We need to get the local press interested in what we are doing.

Maybe here in AZ we've relied upon Dittomom too much in that area. Dang, she knows everyone. I sure missed her at this event.

[dalereed]

"frame your message of the moment in a positive manner that the lowest common denominator can understand and see tangible benefits"

If you use more than 5 letters in a word, 7 words in a sentence, or 2 sentences in a paragraph you have exceded the inteligence of 98% of the population.

[A Navy Vet]

Oops, I should have read further in. All I did was repeat earlier posts.

[A Navy Vet]

"If you use more than 5 letters in a word, 7 words in a sentence, or 2 sentences in a paragraph you have exceded the inteligence of 98% of the population."

Great! That means I'm in the upper percentile because of the run-on sentences I write.

Good seeing ya again, Dale.