http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/groups/ en-us Sat, 17 May 2008 01:05:31 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2017153/posts WASHINGTON, May 16, 2008 – For the 38 grassroots groups who took up a temporary home in the Pentagon’s center courtyard today, the mission was clear: show support for the troops and share information about just how they do that. Tennessee's Helping Hearts table at the America Supports You Salute to Our Military Men and Women concert May 16, 2008, was staffed by the group’s pageant winners. From left, Paige Wilson, 12, 2007 Ms. Tennessee Helping Hearts; Shay Salmon, 16, 2008 Tennessee Helping Hearts Queen runner up; Amanda Britt, 18, 2008 Ms. Tennessee Helping Hearts; and Summer Salmon, 14,... America Supports You http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2017153/posts#comment Sat, 17 May 2008 01:05:31 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2016082/posts Barak Obama touts one form of Socialism after another and has the nerve to call it change. Hillary, already known for being a Socialist as well as a bald faced liar is simply annoyed that her chances of making the grade are slipping away. In all her campaign contributions, she has yet to garner enough money to give back the silverware she ripped off when she was in the White House. This is the Democrat’s idea of change. It’s time to face reality. What is really the Republican’s idea of change? The hand wringing over the lack of a genuine... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2016082/posts#comment Wed, 14 May 2008 23:54:28 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2004413/posts BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured a suspected Iranian-trained Special Groups commander and three other suspected criminals Sunday during operations in the Kadamiyah district of Baghdad. The targeted individual allegedly conducted attacks against Iraqi security and Coalition forces and was involved in extra-judicial killings in Baghdad. Reports also indicate the wanted individual was an associate of several senior-level criminal element leaders involved in attacks on Coalition forces. Intelligence led Coalition forces to the targeted individual’s location. En route, Coalition forces came under attack by small arms fire from unknown assailants. After arriving at the targeted individual’s location, Coalition forces came... Multi-National Force - Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2004413/posts#comment Sun, 20 Apr 2008 18:27:56 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2003982/posts Friday, April 18, 2008 As this unusual campaign season has unfolded, we’ve seen the candidates ratcheting up their politically expedient rhetoric in an attempt to distinguish themselves as the “candidate of choice” for every constituency, while testing the far reaches of credibility in the process. We’ve heard blatantly anti-gun politicians claim to be supportive of the Second Amendment. We’ve seen hypocrisy, and we’ve heard double-speak and insults to our intelligence. When it comes to campaign rhetoric on the Second Amendment, we’ve seen a change in the way many anti-gun politicians campaign. Rather than talk openly about their desire to ban... NRAILA http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2003982/posts#comment Sat, 19 Apr 2008 15:08:01 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1987646/posts MANSEHRA, Pakistan - Long-haired gunmen burst into the white stone building and killed four charity workers helping earthquake victims, then wrecked the office with grenades and set it on fire. Police came, but did not intervene. In a tactic reminiscent of neighboring Afghanistan, Islamic militants are attacking aid groups in the Pakistan's volatile northwest, and local authorities appear incapable — or unwilling — to stop them. The threat has forced several foreign agencies to scale back assistance to survivors of the October 2005 earthquake that killed at least 78,000 people and left 3 million homeless — risking the region's recovery... AP on Yahoo http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1987646/posts#comment Tue, 18 Mar 2008 18:27:12 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1959763/posts WASHINGTON - Barack Obama, who criticized big spending by outside groups that boosted his rivals in Iowa and New Hampshire, is getting some help of his own these days as the campaign moves on to delegate-rich Feb. 5 contests. Two related San Francisco-based groups headed by an Obama supporter are running ads and mobilizing voters in California and a handful of other Feb. 5 states, aiming to build support for Obama among black voters and young people. Vote Hope and PowerPac.org, founded by San Francisco lawyer Steven Phillips, have reported spending about $350,000 on Obama's behalf. Of that, $245,000 was... AP on Yahoo http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1959763/posts#comment Sat, 26 Jan 2008 01:56:48 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1941641/posts Political groups unaffiliated with the two major parties account for an increasingly large share of spending on federal campaigns -- 19% of the total in 2006, up from just 7% in 2000, according to an analysis of campaign-finance data by The Wall Street Journal. They now are horning in on crucial campaign activities once dominated by the parties, such as buying ads and getting out the vote. ...Over the past four years, the national Democratic and Republican parties have raised and spent less on elections than during the prior four years, when adjusted for inflation. At the same time, independent... Wall Street Journal http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1941641/posts#comment Wed, 19 Dec 2007 12:54:04 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1911642/posts WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2007 – Children of servicemembers recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here have a new recreation option thanks to the team effort of three nonprofit groups and a defense contractor. The Yellow Ribbon Fund dedicated a playground at Walter Reed’s Mologne House yesterday. The facility was constructed primarily for children staying at the residential facility for recovering servicemembers and their families. “This playground fills a longstanding need for children staying at our facility who, until now, had very limited recreational opportunities,” said Peter Anderson, Mologne House’s general manager. “We are extremely grateful to the Yellow... America Supports You http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1911642/posts#comment Mon, 15 Oct 2007 23:30:17 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1908990/posts WASHINGTON - Several labor unions and advocacy groups are targeting about three dozen Republican lawmakers in a $1 million lobbying campaign aimed at turning enough votes to override President Bush‘s veto and expand a children‘s health insurance program. To override Bush‘s veto of a $35 billion expansion in the State Children‘s Health Insurance Program, about 15 Republicans and eight Democratic lawmakers in the House would have to change their previous votes on the issue. Even Democratic leaders say that the prospects for an override are unlikely. Leading the campaign are groups such as MoveOn.Org and labor unions such as the... newsone http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1908990/posts#comment Wed, 10 Oct 2007 02:27:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1898636/posts WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2007 – President Bush praised contributions made by military support groups and veterans organizations at a morning gathering on the White House’s South Lawn today. “I want to thank the service organizations and those who have come together to support our families and our troops,” said Bush, who was accompanied by first lady Laura Bush and a group of senior administration officials that included Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Veterans Affairs Secretary R. James Nicholson, Army Secretary Pete Geren, Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter, and Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright. The Veterans... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1898636/posts#comment Tue, 18 Sep 2007 23:57:26 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1897894/posts SIMI VALLEY, Calif. Dozens of anti-illegal immigration activists faced off against immigrant-rights backers at a rally outside a church where an illegal immigrant is being sheltered with her U.S.-born infant son. One immigrant-rights advocate was injured with a chemical spray during Sunday's confrontation at the United Church of Christ, officials said. Members of the anti-illegal immigration group Save Our State, which organized the rally that drew about 120 protesters and counter-protesters, said they had hoped to make a citizen's arrest of the woman, who has identified herself only as Liliana. Liliana is living in the church's former parsonage as part... ap on Daily Comet http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1897894/posts#comment Mon, 17 Sep 2007 17:28:18 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1869275/posts WASHINGTON, July 20, 2007 – What began as a shared love of German cars has morphed through friendship into a passion to honor, educate and entertain servicemembers, Operation Wheels of Freedom’s program director said. Military children receive large-scale Hot Wheels toy cars during an Operation Wheels of Freedom event to honor, entertain and educate servicemembers. Mattel, one of the group’s sponsors, has provided thousands of the toys. Operation Wheels of Freedom courtesy photo   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. “We are a group of committed car guys who want to do our part to say thanks to the... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1869275/posts#comment Sat, 21 Jul 2007 00:12:42 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1828550/posts LOS ANGELES - Immigration advocates are struggling to frame images of this week's clash between police and protesters in a way that promotes their cause, with some activists considering using the event to attract supporters. Some advocates believe the police action against mostly peaceful demonstrators could add urgency to efforts to create a path to citizenship for the nation's estimated 12 million illegal immigrants. But others worry the reform movement could be blamed for the melee and that immigrants will be afraid to participate in future demonstrations. "These kinds of situations, if they are framed properly, can be a powerful... AP on Yahoo http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1828550/posts#comment Fri, 4 May 2007 20:24:54 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1801587/posts WASHINGTON, March 15, 2007 – The Defense Department recognized a troop-support group and a corporation here today for their teamwork in supporting the nation’s servicemembers. Jeanette Cram, founder of Treat the Troops, an America Supports You home-front group, and DuPont Teflon received the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service in a ceremony at the Pentagon. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Dorrance Smith presented both a medal and a copy of the citation describing their accomplishments. America Supports You is a DoD program that highlights and facilitates support for the nation’s men and... America Supports You http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1801587/posts#comment Thu, 15 Mar 2007 23:32:29 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1753162/posts WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2006 -- Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld today thanked members of the Defense Department’s “America Supports You” program for their unwavering support to the men and women of the armed forces. “Hero Hugs” founder Bailey Reese meets with Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld following the secretary’s remarks at the America Supports You Summit at the Pentagon, Dec. 13. Reese has sent more than 16,000 care packages to troops through her child-run organization based in Niceville, Fla. Photo by Carmen L. Burgess  '(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. America Supports You highlights support for U.S. servicemembers and... America Supports You http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1753162/posts#comment Thu, 14 Dec 2006 02:04:37 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1728793/posts WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2006 -- One hundred military families are sleeping easier this year thanks to USA Cares and the Homeownership Preservation Fund. “Across the nation, many military families are facing financial difficulty and a loss of income due to extended military service,” Hugh Dukes, executive director of USA Cares, said. “We’re helping relieve the stress our troops are facing, allowing them to focus on their jobs, by alleviating financial strains … that might force a foreclosure.” USA Cares, based in Radcliff, Ky., is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program highlighting ways Americans and the... America Supports You http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1728793/posts#comment Tue, 31 Oct 2006 00:06:11 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1723232/posts WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2006 -- Before a White House meeting with President Bush this afternoon, grassroots troop-support groups learned what their work means to servicemembers during a luncheon here hosted by America Supports You, a Defense Department program highlighting America’s support of the nation’s servicemembers. Bailey Reese, 10, of Niceville, Fla., founded Hero Hugs after seeing what the National Guard was doing in response to Hurricane Katrina. She wanted servicemembers to know they're appreciated. She and several other America Supports You groups met with President Bush at the White House on Oct. 20. Photo by Samantha L. Quigley  '(Click photo... America Supports You http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1723232/posts#comment Fri, 20 Oct 2006 23:41:24 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1712646/posts Groups, daughter endorse JeffersonBy JANET MCCONNAUGHEY Associated Press writer Published: Oct 3, 2006 U.S. Rep. William Jefferson delivers brief remarks Monday after receiving endorsements at his campaign headquarters in New Orleans. Jefferson, an eight-term congressman, has endorsements including more than a dozen political groups, including the Democratic Executive Committees of both Orleans and Jefferson parishes, 18 ministers, and 19 labor organizations, including the state AFL-CIO. Associated Press photo by BILL HABER NEW ORLEANS — U.S. Rep. William Jefferson’s initial endorsements this year are led by his daughter and five other state legislators, a former legislator and one of the city’s... 2theadvocate http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1712646/posts#comment Tue, 3 Oct 2006 11:34:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1702719/posts California leads the states in how much Section 527 issue-advocacy groups spend on state elections — $5.2 million, up more than 300 percent from the 2004 election cycle. The nonprofit, nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics says this is part of a national trend in which these tax-exempt groups, which can raise unlimited money, are shifting their focus from federal to state politics. California Common Cause policy advocate Ned Wigglesworth said the explosion in state-level spending underscores that "527s are the 'billionaire boys clubs' of politics — they're created specifically to skirt campaign laws and give some of the richest people... Oakland Tribune http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1702719/posts#comment Sat, 16 Sep 2006 18:15:16 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1693489/posts America Supports You: Groups Honor Troops with CelebrationBy Samantha L. QuigleyAmerican Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2006 -- Waxhaw, N.C., is planning an all-American celebration of freedom to commemorate the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and honor the nation’s servicemembers. Patte Kennedy, owner of Southsiders, and Tommy Nicholson are all smiles after hanging a collection of patriotic art and “Letters to the Troops” on the walls of Southsiders Deli in Waxhaw, N.C. They were hanging the collection in preparation for Flags Across The Nation's Sept. 9 event. “Waving Patriotism” is being held to remember 9/11 and support the... America Supports You http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1693489/posts#comment Fri, 1 Sep 2006 01:16:45 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/1691141/posts The Washington Post warns of "Pakistan's Awkward Balancing Act on Islamic Militant Groups." But if one looks closely at the actions of Pakistan's president, Pervez Musharraf, it is clear that he has made his choice to side with the West, there's no going back, and he is beyond the pale of reconciliation with his country's lunatic Islamists. The scale has tipped to one side. It is time for Musharraf to explicitly say so and do so, as he'll never appease Pakistan's radicals. Here's an excerpt from the Post: The basic problem for Pakistan's president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, is that he... http://netwmd.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/1691141/posts#comment Mon, 28 Aug 2006 04:12:31 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1682910/posts Retired utility worker Charles Warren worries his quality of life is slipping and says that illegal immigrants are to blame. The 55-year-old retiree complains about day laborers waiting for work outside the nearby Home Depot, saying they give his neighborhood "a Third World look." "Ten or 15 years ago, the neighborhood wasn't like this," Warren said. "The states are overpopulated, there is oversprawl, and immigration is contributing to this." After seeing a television commercial that blamed many of California's woes on illegal immigrants, Warren immediately donated $50 to the sponsoring group, Californians for Population Stabilization. And he's not the only... LA Daily News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1682910/posts#comment Sun, 13 Aug 2006 17:30:26 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1682227/posts WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2006 -- A trio of organizations with a long history of military support recognized 12 volunteer groups today for their programs that contribute to servicemembers’ quality of life. Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his wife Lynne, congratulate Clare Lanigan, 15, Kids Serve Too youth co-chair, for winning a $7,500 grant during the 2006 Newman's Own Award ceremony at the Pentagon Aug. 11. Kids Serve Too, in partnership with Warner Brothers, spearheaded "A Thousand Thanks to Military Children," sending letters of thanks signed by a wide range of children's... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1682227/posts#comment Sat, 12 Aug 2006 02:12:16 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1676096/posts WASHINGTON, August 1, 2006 -- Golf enthusiasts put their skills on the line to benefit two troop-support programs during the “Birdies for the Brave” golf outing at Tournament Players Club Avenel, in Potomac, Md., July 27. The event featured a morning golf clinic conducted by Birdies for the Brave founder and spokesman, reigning Masters champion Phil Mickelson, according to a Birdies for the Brave news release. During an afternoon reception, Mickelson thanked attendees for their participation and their donations to his effort to support the troops. Mickelson has pledged to donate $100 for every birdie and $500 for every eagle... America Supports You http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1676096/posts#comment Wed, 2 Aug 2006 01:23:23 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1673521/posts By Monique Reuben / American Forces Press Service Pat Monahan (right), lead singer for the group Train, and Jimmy Stafford, the group's guitarist, entertain a sold-out crowd at Wolf Trap Farm Park for the Performing Arts, in Vienna, Va., July 24. More than 100 servicemembers and their guests enjoyed the concert thanks to defense contractor Northrop Grumman and the USO of Metropolitan Washington. Photo by Samantha L. Quigley Entertainer Connie Stevens speaks at a barbecue dinner as part of USO of Metropolitan Washington and Northrop Grumman's military salute event July 24 at Wolf Trap Farm Park for the Performing... America Supports You http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1673521/posts#comment Fri, 28 Jul 2006 01:43:59 GMT