Posted on 08/18/2002 5:18:22 PM PDT by Auntie Mame
Me, too, Auntie Mame. I learned quite a bit about so many things.
Everything you've written is true.
We will post a bit later. And maybe Mr. Liberty will get some of the photos up!!!
Thanks for being your usual wonderful self, AM!
For those who think that way, you are going to be disappointed. I was there this weekend and saw the Free Republic Network in action. It is powerful and it is growing. And everybody who participated is a Freeper. It will not be stopped.
BTT Auntie...
Hoping to be able to attend the next FRN Conference.
My husband, Jim, came with me to the conference, as sort of a vacation, but didn't really plan to get immersed in the serious stuff. When he saw that the first topic was on "Politicians and Politics", he thought he would listen in on that one. Well --it was so good, he stayed for the second lecture, the third, and before you know it, he took part in the whole program!
It was really that good!!
Meeting old friends is always wonderful, but meeting new Freepers is pure delight ---- again it is like meeting strangers who are your friends. How often can people from all over, all ages, all different, be 'one' in an instant?
It was pointed out that the word "National Conference" should be changed to "International Conference". And indeed -- asFreepers ConnieW and Entropy Squared from Canada were in attendance. Again - it was like meeting old friends for the first time! These talented two have created "Free Dominion", and if you've never visited their site, please do. They have provided a haven for Free Republic, when we have cyper problems, here.
I ditto all that Auntie Mame has said. This was indeed a unique experience.
P.S. --My huaband kept trying to get rid of some loose quarters in the slots, but they kept coming back! Try as he could to lighten his pocket, it kept filling up!
All right, all you activists out there. Get ready! The people who attended this conference, a literal "who's who" of FReepers, are all just a tad bit smarter thanks to the Leadership Institute! Not only was the Friday night cocktail party, with newsbabe Laura Ingraham, a rave success. Saturdays educational program and dinner/awards banquet was, shall we say, smashing! Yea baby! :o)
What a joy it was to meet, greet and talk to other freepers in person. The cocktail party was set up 'almost' perfect, but nothing that a group of twenty manly FReepers couldn't correct by moving a 20' banquet table! (with food still on it) I never asked, but I hope the union didn't get 'mad'... hee hee. After the party, we all headed to the Battle Bar in order to mingle before gambling or sleeping, take your pick. Saturday morning came early after the craps table kept me interested until almost 1a. But Matt Lewis from the LI was very good at keeping your interest, even on 4 1/2 hours of sleep.
The Saturday education program was littered with very useful information. From public speaking to 'spinning' (ah, that's how they do it :), to fundraising and dealing with the press(titutes). They are a fantastic organization, though our speedy session was too speedy. We ran through the subjects so fast (mainly because we FReepers had so many great questions), I want to, no, have to go through the training again. (sneak peek) Next year, a more focused program is intented, where we will be able to swallow the information whole. Although, given the low cost, and the LI's willingness to work you into other visits, the FRN Chapters should seriously consider getting on their calendar! (Hint Hint Chicagoland)
The speech by Chuck Muth at lunch was perfect. He gave great insight into his life work, and he is inspirational. I've never subscribed to any of his newsletters, so I was only aware of his recent ascention to the director (or president, it's late, I'm tired ;) of the American Conservative Union. I will make it a point to try and learn more about this man, he is a sturdy individual with views that are based on logic and intellectualism. I'm glad the conference had him as the lunch speaker and panel moderator.
On to the Awards Ceremony and Dinner. Bob J gave a fantastic speech. He surmised, very well, the need for us to work like a team. Go Blue! (inside joke) He used a great role model in Bo Schembechler in identifying just how we can lead the Conservative movement to victories in the politcal stadium. My head was spinning from the thoughts of just how right Bob was. Rich Galen was informative, but I found him kinda dry. I will admit that since I was doing a lot of video, I wasn't able to give him 100% of my attention.
The winners of the awards, Peacerose, representing the CCRM Chapter (Best New Chapter), Sauropod, representing the DC Chapter (Best Chapter), JimRob, representing John Robinson (Lifetime Achievement) and finally Jeff Head (FReeper of the Year), all graciously, and eloquently accepted their awards. I'm sure many of you listened live last night, if you didn't I suggest you watch for the archive. Their words were wonderful and inspiring.
Early today, after I beat the craps table (YEAH), we all met and had a lively discussion. We talked for 2 hours (before I had to leave) about what the conference did for each of us, what we should do next year, and how we should work towards imporoving the effect of the FRN and the many chapters of this great forum.
I'm sure proud to have been part of this wonderful event. I can't begin tell you how impressive these people are. The thoughtfullness of their words, the quality of their questions, and the depth of their experience sure gave me more than I bargained for.
Thanks to all! See you next year!
Oh, they were. Every single one of them was excellent. If I had to pick a favorite, mind you, only if I HAD to, it would be Chuck Muth. He was so great I didn't get too many notes, he was just so riviting. But from my notes, here's a little bit more from him:
"The best candidate doesn't win. The best campaign wins."
"Bias in the media isn't what they write. It's what they write about.
The few other notes from Mr. Muth are, "Don't use acronyms [in your writing] except FBI, CIA, etc. Most people don't know what acronyms like 'ACU' mean," and "Keep it simple and straightforward." Mr. Muth is about as straightforward as they come.
I wish I had more notes from his speech to share. As a speaker, he is so engaging, all you want to do is sit there and take it all in.
Please do, Slip, once you're rested. It's vitally important that we share as much as we are capable of remembering with the Freepers who didn't or couldn't go.
We've got a country to save and we need everyone who wants to help. Do I sound pumped, or what? LOL.
I *KNEW* we should've held a freepathon for OPH's bail money BEFORE Friva.
That's the same way I feel, AM. My brain is pumped, but my body is pooped.
I'm reading away, though . . .
I hope so, too. I'd really like to meet you. Be sure and come rested and ready. It really was intense. I hope they have it in Las Vegas again. It really was the perfect venue. We didn't have time to even go outside to notice the heat. Well, to be completely honest, WIMom and I did find a couple hours on Friday before the reception to visit the outlet mall where we must have tried on about 100 pairs of shoes. And I also took a half an hour to run across the street to Macy's. Hey, I'm a girl, what can I say?.
GASP! Not our OPH!
He's probably got the Miranda warning tattooed on the inside of his eyelids.
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