Free Republic

FILE - In this Aug. 13, 2011 file photo, Republican presidential hopeful Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., steps from her campaign bus to greet supporters after winning the Iowa Republican Party's Straw Poll in Ames, Iowa. (Associtated Press, File) Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann announced today she will seek a fourth term in the U.S. House following her failed presidential bid. Bachmann declared her plans in an interview with the Associated Press. The Republican congresswoman had been mum on her plans since folding her presidential campaign after a poor showing in the Iowa caucuses earlier this month.

GOP New Hampshire primary debate tonight on ABC at 9pm ET By Nate, on January 7th, 2012 Tonight will mark the first of two debates this weekend focused on the New Hampshire Republican primary. This evening's debate will take place at Saint Anselm College and is sponsored by ABC News, Yahoo! and WMUR. Sunday morning will feature a GOP debate broadcast on NBC at 9am ET (yes, am) but look for more details on that later today. Air Time: Saturday, January 7th at 9pm ET / 6pm PT on ABC Live Stream: WMUR and Yahoo! News Participants: Santorum, Romney, Paul,...

Ready, aim fire. That’s apparently Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s idea of relaxation before returning to the campaign trail this weekend. Ahead of Saturday night’s ABC News-Yahoo-WMUR debate in New Hampshire Perry took a few moments to himself at an Austin-area shooting range. “Just relaxing a bit @ Red’s Range before we leave for New Hampshire!” @governorperry tweeted Friday along with a photo of himself wearing a green sweatshirt and a baseball cap with a firearm in hand. On the campaign trail, Perry, a staunch defender of second amendment rights, has not been shy about talking about his “long love affair”...

The “unlike some people” part isn’t stated, merely implied. But c’mon. He’s laying it on with a trowel here. ----------- Less than 12 hours after finishing in fourth place in the Iowa caucuses, Newt Gingrich opened a new, more aggressive chapter in his campaign, taking pointed shots at rivals Mitt Romney and Ron Paul, who both finished ahead of Gingrich. At one point, Gingrich hinted he would make Romney’s personal wealth an issue, telling a reporter “I’m not rich.”… When asked why he chose to congratulate Santorum and not Romney on his caucus success, the former House speaker said, “I...

GOP presidential candidate Ron Paul warned that the National Defense Authorization Act, which was passed by Congress this month, will accelerate the country’s “slip into tyranny” and virtually assures “our descent into totalitarianism.” “The founders wanted to set a high bar for the government to overcome in order to deprive an individual of life or liberty,” Paul, the libertarian congressman, said Monday in a weekly phone message to supporters. “To lower that bar is to endanger everyone. When the bar is low enough to include political enemies, our descent into totalitarianism is virtually assured. The Patriot Act, as bad as...

NEVER FORGET THE PRICE THAT WAS PAID WHEN GOD BECAME MAN AND PROVIDED US THE MEANS FOR OUR SALVATION. NEVER FORGET THE PRICE THAT WAS PAID BY BRAVE PATRIOTS WHO BY GOD’S GRACE WERE ABLE TO GRANT US THE LIBERTIES WE NOW ENJOY! Amazing to discover that in the minds of early Patriots, the 4th of July signified a religious holiday like Christmas. To many of the followers of Jesus Christ, who by The Grace of Almighty God, had helped form this nation of ours, God who became Man had granted us freedom of knowing God and becoming like Christ;...

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana Supreme Court may reconsider its ruling that eliminates the right of homeowners to resist unlawful police entry into their homes. The attorney for Richard Barnes, whose criminal case in Vanderburgh County led to the court ruling last month, filed a formal petition for a rehearing Thursday. Barnes' attorney argues the ruling violates the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. "We believe however that a right to resist an unlawful police entry into a home is against public policy and is incompatible with modern Fourth Amendment jurisprudence," part of the petition read. The court issued its controversial...

After independence, Jefferson explained that the Declaration was "an expression of the American mind" intended to "give to that expression the proper tone and spirit called for by the occasion." The result is a timeless document the spirit of which is as applicable today as it was then. The people have the means at their disposal to take back our country and the government from the disconnected oligarchy in Washington. However, this only works if Americans actually step up. To paraphrase Benjamin Franklin, the country will only be a republic if the people are strong enough to keep it.

Apparently the "rockets' red glare" isn't "green" enough for some environmentalists. Fourth of July fireworks displays have been deemed "ecologically hazardous" by some eco-warriors, who are urging environmentally-conscious Americans to shun the tradition. [F]ireworks shows spray out a toxic concoction that rains down quietly into lakes, rivers and bays throughout the country," wrote the Mother Nature Network's Russell McLendon on June 30. "Many of the chemicals in fireworks are also persistent in the environment, meaning they stubbornly sit there instead of breaking down." McLendon suggested avoiding fireworks and finding other ways to celebrate Independence Day. "The most eco-friendly alternative to...

They are the longest of long shots, the darkest of dark horses. Since 1946, Republicans have lost 31 straight elections for Minnesota's 4th District congressional seat, and Democratic Rep. Betty McCollum has won her last four elections by lopsided margins. Nonetheless, Republicans are fired up about their chances of unseating her this year. Four candidates are competing for the party's endorsement:

I don't know if this is a real letter or not. But either way, the message is a good one. Thanks Amy D.! This 4th grade teacher has said it all, and she was brave enough to attach her name to it. April 17, 2009 =2 0The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Mr. Obama: I have had it with you and your administration, sir. Your conduct on your recent trip overseas has convinced me that you are not an adequate representative of the United States of America collectively or of me personally. You are so obsessed...

Signals Iranian govt. officials are welcome at embassy parties!In the face of the violence in Iran, a strong American President, a real leader, would take some concrete action to match his outrage over Iran's behavior. A weak President, would do this: [video at site] No discussion of sanctions with our allies. No U.N. resolution condemning Iran. Nothing at all but empty words. Oh, and Iranians government officials are still welcome at our 4th of July BBQ. How do you want your burger cooked Mahmoud?(Excerpt) Read more at floppingaces.net ...

Massive dragnet sweeps up communications metadata, and financial records, while targets have all of their communications recorded In a scenario that sounds like the ramblings of a conspiracy theorist, former NSA analyst and now-whistleblower Russell Tice unveiled a massive NSA spying and wiretap program, which he claims vacuumed up an astonishing amount of communications and financial data on journalists and innocent Americans. ">snip<"

Approximately 19,000 Americans were killed and 41,000 wounded during the Battle of the Bulge, the largest land battle ever fought by the U.S. Army. An Allied victory was secured shortly after General George S. Patton's 4th Armored Division broke through the German rear. On December 26, 1944, General George S. Patton’s 4th Armored Division broke through the German rear during the Battle of the Bulge, effectively ensuring an American victory there. The largest land battle fought on the Western Front during World War II – as well as the largest battle ever fought by the U.S. Army – the Bulge...

Mohamed Shommo, an engineer for Cisco Systems Inc., travels overseas several times a year for work, so he is accustomed to opening his bags for border inspections upon returning to the U.S. But in recent years, these inspections have gone much deeper than his luggage. Border agents have scrutinized family pictures on Shommo's digital camera, examined Koranic verses and other audio files on his iPod and even looked up Google keyword searches he had typed into his company laptop. "They literally searched everywhere and every device they could," said Shommo, who now minimizes what he takes on international trips and...

Please keep us in your thoughts, as we are expecting our 4th any day now. My lovely wife is scheduled to be induced on 2 Sept, but the butterflies in my stomach say otherwise! ~patrick

Even though the July 4th holiday has passed, it's still important to remember what it truly means. Today's "Geeks On Caffeine" cartoon delves into history just a bit, but also takes a brief look at...um...lingere? See for yourself! NOTE: The author requests that you please visit the web site and not copy the cartoon into this thread. Thanks!

AUBURN (Placer County) -- Republican state Sen. Tom McClintock took the long jump from his Southern California legislative seat to a congressional race in the Sierra foothills today as he announced that he was running to replace retiring GOP Rep. John Doolittle. "I've heard your voices, I've heeded your advice," the 51-year-old McClintock told a crowd in front of the 1898 Auburn courthouse.At least two Republicans weren't calling for McClintock to run in the 4th Congressional District, which includes the Sacramento suburbs of Rocklin and Roseville and the northern half of the Mother Lode. Doug Ose of Sacramento, who held...

WASHINGTON, (AP) -- State Sen. Tom McClintock is strongly considering running for Congress in the Northern California district now represented by John Doolittle, his political adviser says. McClintock adviser John Feliz told The Associated Press on Tuesday that an announcement likely would come by the end of the week. A crowded GOP primary already was emerging in the Republican-friendly 4th Congressional District.

Supreme Court Dismisses Lawsuit in Mistaken Search Washington, DC -- Mistakes sometimes happen, the Supreme Court said yesterday, and threw out a lawsuit brought by a white couple in Southern California who were rousted from bed and held naked at gunpoint by deputies looking for several black suspects. The search of Max Rettele and his girlfriend, Judy Sadler, in their bedroom might have been an error, the justices said, but it did not violate their rights under the Fourth Amendment, which protects against "unreasonable searches and seizures." Police obtain search warrants based on probable evidence, not "absolute certainty," the court...

Our local TV station wants to give Congressman Steve Buyer's opponent some free air time. David Sanders has little money or support, however he is a “East Coast” liberal, so the local media are attracted to him. The poll asks, How interested are you in seeing a live televised debate on News Channel 18 between incumbent 4th District Congressman Steve Buyer and his Democrat challenger, David Sanders? If they get a large percentage in favor they will try to press Buyer to debate. Buyer has nothing to gain by this debate, Sanders on the other hand gets some free help...

Soldiers from the 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division capture insurgents during a demonstration of military ability that took place at Forward Operating Base Mahmudiah South Monday. Story and photos by Sgt. Trevor Snyder124th Mobile Public  Affairs Detachment BAGHDAD -- Iraqi forces took control of another area of Baghdad on Monday after the latest in a series of transfer of authority ceremonies near the capital. Army Col. Claude Ebel, commander of the 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division said responsibility for Forward Operating Base Mahmudiyah South, a base of operations for security forces south of the capital, was transferred to...

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2006 -- The Iraqi army is halfway to its goal of 10 divisions as the 4th Division assumed command of the area north of Baghdad yesterday. Lt. Gen. Abdul-Aziz Abdel-Rahman al-Mufti (left), commander of 4th Iraqi Army Division, and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad (second from left), present gifts to the division’s senior staff Aug. 8 during a ceremony at Forward Operating Base Dagger, in Tikrit. Photo by Staff Sgt. Russell Lee Klika, USA  '(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The division assumed primary control of its area of responsibility from the 101st Airborne Division....

Iraqi soldiers from the 7th Iraqi Army Division conduct a cordon and search for weapons caches at Al Anbar University in Ramadi, Iraq, BAGHDAD -- As further evidence to the continued progress of Iraqi security forces, the 4th Iraqi Army Division will officially assume the lead for security operations Aug. 8 in most of Salah ad Din and Kirkuk provinces, previously controlled by units from the 101st Airborne Division. The handover of forward operating bases and security lead demonstrates the progress being made by the Iraqi security forces, reiterates successes, and highlights the progress of the legitimate Iraqi government...

Happy Independance Day! "Independence" is a bit of an unfortunate misnomer as it yields the impression that our liberties do not depend upon anything. True, they are such "inalienable rights" ordained by God Himself, nevertheless most countries do not experience them, and none to the degree that we do here in America. They are, in fact, dependent upon certain qualities unique to our great land, yet waning rapidly as we respond to the lure of other nations, seeking to be like them.

Two hundred and thirty years ago our Founding Fathers illuminated the world with the signing of the Declaration of Independence. For the first time in modern history common people would be free from the tyranny of rule by noble birth. These great men came from various backgrounds but the vast majority were united as Brothers in the Light of God. Their God was not an abstract concept or a creation of myth; He was the God of Abraham. The original intent of our Founding Fathers was that the Light of God shall not be excluded from public life but that...

Two Western Pennsylvania men will belly up to the World Series of eating today. They will try to become the best of the wurst in the dog-eat-dog world of competitive eating, wolfing down wieners at Coney Island in Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest. Brian Subich, of Johnstown, Cambria County, and Chip Simpson, 24, of Harrisville, Butler County, are two of 16 contestants who qualified to compete in the contest that's been won the past five years by a 5-foot-7, 150-pound Japanese man, Takeru Kobayashi. He once put down 50 hot dogs in 12 minutes. The contest, which has...

Starts 3:05 PM Pacific - 6:05 PM Eastern Half a world away, a contingent of brave young men and women of the United States military are risking their lives to preserve America’s freedom, liberty and safety. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against terrorism, and left behind family members and loved ones. Those left behind are called "Gold Star Families" and Move America Forward has partnered with these families to take them to Iraq - to see the future of hope and opportunity and freedom that their sons/daughters died fighting for. These Gold Star families want to...

Possenti Society Blasts Vatican UN Gun Grabbers for 4th of July Insult to American Gun Owners; Urges Church Collection ProtestsContact: John Snyder, 703-212-9863 ARLINGTON, Va., June 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- John Snyder, Founder/Chairman of the St. Gabriel Possenti Society, issued the following statement today: As we approach next week’s 230th commemoration of the signing of our Nation’s Declaration of Independence, we face the reality of three institutional insults to our country’s Fourth of July celebration of freedom. The first insult comes from a United Nations group meeting in New York, taking place now through July 7, to undermine the traditional,...

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq (Army News Service, May 22, 2006) – A lone Soldier stands off to the side at a memorial service unnoticed. When the end nears and volleys are fired, the Soldier steps forward, raises a trumpet to his lips and solemnly blares “Taps," the 24-note final tribute to departed service members. For more than a century, Taps has added closure to military funerals and memorial services attended by grieving families and friends. In Iraq, the 4th Infantry Division Band’s six trumpeters alternate playing Taps at memorial services throughout the Multi-National Division – Baghdad area of operations. Each musician...

HICAGO (April 19, 2006) – A little less than two months before the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the U.S. Men’s National Team received their highest ever position in the FIFA World Rankings, moving up one spot to fourth place. Their record-setting position puts them two spots ahead of CONCACAF rival Mexico and in front of such powerhouses as Argentina, Spain, France and England. The U.S. jumped ahead of Argentina, who fell from fourth to eighth, allowing the U.S., Spain, Mexico and France to move up one position each. The USA's Group E opponents in this summer’s World Cup in Germany...

BAQUBAH, Iraq (Army News Service, April 10, 2006) – Soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division are helping train Iraqi soldiers on how to use the Global Positioning System and how to save the lives of wounded buddies. Global positioning system The 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, is training the 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, on how to use the GPS. Through GPS technology, Soldiers use satellites to locate and navigate to predetermined positions. Sgt. Justin Buck of the 3rd BCT, 4th ID, is in charge of the GPS training, which he does with the help of...

Clues lead to a shared past / Newly discovered 4th-century ceramics show Korean influence Kazuya Sekiguchi and Hiroshi Tanaka / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writers The recent discovery of Sueki unglazed ceramics at an archaeological site in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, has experts rethinking the chronology of early exchanges between Japan and the Korean Peninsula. The discovery revealed that the production of Sueki wares began in Japan in the late fourth century, 20 to 30 years earlier than archaeologists had believed, indicating that people from the Korean Peninsula who produced the ceramics arrived in Japan around the same time. Horseback riding and...

NORFOLK, Va. (Mar. 21, 2006) -- Balloons and streamers hang from the wall and ceiling. Anxious family members wait patiently inside as cold wind blows and rain pours, but doesn't dampen the spirit. Twelve Marines from Company A(-), 4th Amphibious Assault Battalion are returning from deployment and in about an hour, hugs and tears of joy will replace the anxiety. Mothers and wives discussing what to cook tonight for the Marines' first meal home provide a backdrop at the Little Creek Amphibious Base USO in Norfolk, Va., for this reunion. The 12 Marines were attached to the 3rd Provisional Security...

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N. C. (Feb. 24, 2006) -- The 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Anti- Terrorism) will disband in a ceremony held here Friday. The components that make up 4th MEB (AT) will be reorganized to better enable the Marine Corps to fight and win the Global War on Terror. The MEB is currently comprised of five subordinate units, each with a specific mission and tailored capabilities. The Marine Corps Security Force Battalion trains and equips Marines and Sailors for anti-terrorism and physical security missions to protect designated naval or national assets worldwide. The Chemical- Biological Incident Response...

BAGHDAD (Army News Service, Feb. 17, 2006) – Responsible for the rebuilding of Baghdad’s infrastructure – restoration and improvement of electricity, water, sewer and transportation systems, members of the 4th Brigade Combat Team Infrastructure Coordination Element – known as ICE – have their work cut out for them. It’s a daunting task that requires support from the Iraqi government, several U.S. governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations, reconstruction efforts are one of the many missions facing the 4th BCT, 4th Infantry Division. “We bridge the gap by developing relationships not only with the Iraqis to gain their priorities – that is...

MINNEAPOLIS - The U.S. Census Bureau reports that overall taxes in Minnesota are high, but the taxman has a light touch on smokes, gambling and booze. The state has the fourth heaviest tax burden in the United States, but so-called sin taxes are less than the national average. The overall ranking is because incomes are higher in Minnesotan than most other states and because Minnesota relies more heavily on a progressive state income tax. Nan Madden of the nonprofit Minnesota Budget Project says it's no surprise that sin taxes are lower-than-average. She says when the national economy slowed down in...

AL ASAD, Iraq (Jan. 25, 2006) -- Marines and Sailors from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 774 recently received a very personal message of appreciation. Brigadier Gen. R. David Papak, the commanding general of 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, and Sgt. Maj. Jimmy D. Cummings, the Wing sergeant major, visited the Wild Geese of HMM-774, Jan. 18, at Al Asad, Iraq. The visit was much more than just a trip to inspect the front lines, Papak said. "I came to see my Marines," Papak said. "I don't want these guys out here having all this fun by themselves." The Wild Goose, a...

NEW ORLEANS (Sept. 11, 2005) -- The empty silence of a decimated New Orleans street is broken by the call of an infantryman, "United States Marines. Is anyone in there?" For the past six days, Marines from B Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, have been conducting search-and-rescue patrols with the help of Assault Amphibian Vehicles from 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion. Since their arrival here Sept. 5 as part of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force St. Bernard, the Marines of 1/8 and 4th Tracks have rescued 78 residents of New Orleans' hardest-hit areas. "We provide a unique capability to...

Flagstaff, Arizona 4th of July Parade !"For Republicans, every day is 4th of July. For Democrats every day is April 15th" - Ronald Reagan. The 4th of July parade was sponsored by the Coconino County Republican Committee, with the help of the NAU College Republicans the participants received a great welcoming; with enthusiastic clapping and waving. The GOP shirts were very popular !

Margaret Carlson: Do You know Where Your Flag Is? Margaret Carlson Fri Jul 1,11:45 AM ET Do you know where your flag is? It's being waved in the House of Representatives in lieu of doing any work on, say, gas prices, stem cell research, global warming (fossil fuel emissions still voluntary). Health care reform? Why bother with a doctor when you can have Bill First diagnose your illness from the floor of the Senate. Members so fearful of being called unpatriotic get closer and closer to passing the amendment to protect the flag from desecration. It takes guts to protect...

Macedonia's Megalithic Kokino Observatory Places 4th on NASA List 11/05/2005 Kokino Observatory in Macedonia, discovered two and a half years ago, has placed fourth on the NASA list rating old observatories. Explorations aimed at learning more about the observatory resume next month. By Marija Lazarova for Southeast European Times in Skopje -- 11/05/05 Macedonia's Megalithic Kokino Observatory is more than 3,800 years old. NASA has ranked it the fourth oldest in the world. Macedonia's Megalithic-era Kokino Observatory is located 1,030m above sea level on the Tativec Kamen Summit near Kumanovo. Archaeological and astronomical analyses have shown that the observatory is...

1962 Sunday Missal Mass Readings/Propers for the Forth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday)   Colors:  Purple   INTROIT  Isaias 66: 10,11Rejoice, O Jerusalem: and come together all you that love her: rejoice with joy, you that have been in sorrow: that you may exult, and be filled from the breasts of your consolation. -- (Ps. 121. 1). I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: we shall go into the house of the Lord. V.: Glory to the Father . . . -- Rejoice, O Jerusalem . . .   COLLECT - Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty...

1962 Missal Mass Readings/Propers for the Forth Sunday of Advent Colors:  Violet   INTROIT  Isaias 45: 8 Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the Just: let the earth be opened and bud forth a Savior. -- (Ps. 18. 2). The heavens show forth the glory of God: and the firmament declareth the work of His hands. V.: Glory to the Father . . . -- Drop down dew, ye heavens . . .   COLLECT - O Lord, we beseech Thee, stir up Thy power, and come, and with great might succor us:...

Bainbridge Island has done the right thing. Finally. The mayor of the community, six miles west of Seattle, has apologized for the way a U.S. veteran of the Iraq war was treated during a holiday parade there.

ALL IS QUIET this morning, after the first night of heavy fireworks in the area. I expect there will be much more tonight. It's been years since I enjoyed the 4th of July. For me it means loud disturbance, frightened animals, and that I have to stay home to make sure all the critters get safely through it. DogMy poor dog is hung over this morning, still sleepy from her dose of doggie-downers last night. She's the worst about fireworks, of the dogs I've had. She isn't the 'hide in the back room' type dog, she's the 'bark at it'...

On Independence Day, we remember names like Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin --and we honor their courage and vision. We are grateful that our Founders pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to create an independent America. And we are thankful that this Nation under God is still free, independent, and the best hope of mankind. America is a place of freedom and opportunity. We are caring toward neighbors in need and generous to the sick and struggling. We are a strong, decent, and good-hearted country. All of us are blessed to be citizens of the United States...

This is long overdue for me. A tribute to our armed forces. Thank you, all. I do not consider your sacrifices in vain. The American Flame

Just wondered if any other Freepers besides myself were going to France in six weeks to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Normandy invasion. This has been in the works for me for over a year, and as a general goal for the last twenty years. Ever since Ronald Reagan spoke at the American cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach in 1984, really. Part of the motivation is that this will undoubtedly be the last such gathering of American veterans who actually participated in the assault. As such, it will be the last occasion to honor this extraordinary group of Americans and...

CARLSBAD, Calif. - When police noticed Dina Dagy's family was spending $250 to $300 a month on electricity, they suspected a marijuana farm was flourishing under high-intensity lights inside their suburban home.What they found when they showed up with a drug-sniffing dog and a search warrant was a wife and mother who does several loads of laundry a day, keeps a dishwashing machine going, has three electricity-guzzling computers and three kids who can't remember to turn the lights out when they leave a room."It's hard to believe a high utility bill would be enough to issue a state warrant," said...