Christopher Hitchens Friday (Tommorow) at Danish Embassy

[cirque23]

Christoper Hitchens will be at the Danish embassy in WASHINGTON, DC on Friday

(tomorrow) between noon and 1pm.

Thank you all. Please be outside the Embassy of Denmark, 3200 Whitehaven Street (off Massachusetts Avenue) between noon and 1.00 this Friday, 24 February. Quietness and calm are the necessities, plus cheerful conversation. Danish flags are good, or posters reading "Stand By Denmark" and any variation on this theme (such as "Buy Carlsberg/ Havarti/ Lego") The response has been astonishing and I know that the Danes are appreciative. But they are an embassy and thus do not of course endorse or comment on any demonstration. Let us hope, however, to set a precedent for other cities and countries.

Please pass on this message to friends and colleagues.

[ajolympian2004]

Virginia, Maryland, DC ping request

[Darkwolf377]

I'm not always the biggest Hitch fan--sometimes I am, not always--but he's refreshing in that he actually confronts things/people that need confrontin' and in this case getting out from behind his desk and DOING something.

[SE Mom]

Good for him! Hitchens is one of my favorite libs. (Trying to think of who the others are)...

[dfwgator]

When it comes to religion, Hitchens is an equal-opportunity hater.

[Shermy]

"Christopher Hitches Friday (Tommorow) at Dansish Embassy"

Rumors have it he may indeed pronounce it like that.

[oolatec]

A whole 5 people will show up... 4 of them being hotdog vendors.

[cirque23]

We all need to be there, we can not be like Europe and
let these guys get away with this.

Denmark was there for us in 9/11 WE WILL BE THERE FOR THEM

[Shermy]

Well, now the headline's been corrected. Too bad.

[Redbob]

"Lego my Carlsberg!"

[SE Mom]

Actually- that doesn't bother me. I'm an odd duck that doesn't mix religion and politics ...

[Zerano]

Hitchens is beyond liberal--he's a Marxist & a militant athiest. IMHO, he deserves no respect whatsoever.

[stephenjohnbanker]

My favorite beer....on tap....~ Bump!

[okie01]

What embashy was that again...???

[Katya]

bump and ping to DC freepers..though they were just out there.

[Thorin]

>>>>Hitchens is beyond liberal--he's a Marxist & a militant athiest. IMHO, he deserves no respect whatsoever.

You are exactly right.

[bukkdems]

Christopher Hitchens is formerly a rabid liberal. He is now a supporter of the war in Iraq. He exposed a Clinton aide who revealed White House plans to smear Monica Lewinsky as a stalker/slut. Republicans need to warmly welcome reformed liberals, especially ones who write extremely well.

[Zerano]

I think Hitchens' support for the War in Iraq has little to do w/ national security & more to do w/ his hatred for religion. Like I said in a previous post, he is a Marxist & a militant athiest. He should be shunned rather than respected.

[bukkdems]

I support anyone who does battle against George Galloway.

[Zerano]

I support anyone who does battle against George Galloway.

You've got a point, Galloway's a despicable man...but re: Hitchens, a stopped watch is right twice a day--but that doesn't mean I'm gonna use it as my only method for telling the time.

[Buzz Crutcher]

I have a hell of a lot more respect for a liberal who actually THINKS about what his position is on a given issue than just running with the pack. His principles are different than mine, but at least he's guided by principles, and when his position is the same as mine he states it better than I ever could.

I went to the Danish Embassy and there were about 100-150 people there. Tony Blankley and William Kristol were there besides Hitchens. No counterprotesters. I guess the Black Panthers were at the "Dutch" embassy today.

[Thorin]

>>>>>>His principles are different than mine, but at least he's guided by principles,

Hitchens' principles are the principles of Lenin and Trotsky. I don't find anything at all admirable in his fidelity to them.

[ajolympian2004]

SAMMENHOLD: FOR DENMARK

By Michelle Malkin   ·   February 24, 2006 02:46 PM

Instapundit has photos of the pro-Denmark gathering at the Danish Embassy convened by journalist Christopher Hitchens this afternoon. Looks like there was a great turnout.

Lovely photo spread over at Vital Perspective.

Blogger Greg Tinti was also there with camera and reports:

The mood of the event was unbelievably positive and all the signs and banners were nothing but respectful. People came to express their solidarity with Denmark and support free speech and that's exactly what they did. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and met some great people too.

Greg estimates there were about 200 people and a lot of media. A few of his photos:

Hitchens addressed the rally

Made with LEGOs!

Bill Kristol was there.

Lots more.

Wonkette's David Lat has more pics...and requisite snark.

***

Related:

A letter from Denmark

[hinckley buzzard]

In honor of the Danes I have been enjoying some Carlsberg for the first time. It is a very flavorful beer and I am glad to have found it. Many more to go!

[Barney59]

Time to head for LEGOLAND in Carlsbad!

[George - the Other]

I had the good fortune, to participate in my second rally in support of Free Speech in front of the Danish Embassy, in less than a week.

This one, organized by writer Christopher Hitchens, was all pro-freedom, with none of the hate-filled rhetoric that spewed forth from the mouth of New Black Panther Party leader Malik Zulu Shabazz, at last week’s Anti-Free Speech Rally.

Those who arrived early today (the event was from noon-1) were treated with the offer of a free Danish pasty. Many of us who received one, choose to hoist these aloft, along with the signs and flags, as we chanted and cheered our support for the Danes.

One of the signs was made of Legos and read, “Free Speech.” It’s owner was enthusiastically cheered along as he brought it up the hill into our sight.

The police presence was minimal, mainly to help the various delivery and work trucks navigate through our crowd. The officer nearest me was smiling a lot, which was in stark contrast to the grim expressions the police had last week.

There were lots of media around, conducting interviews and taking pictures as we chanted “We LOVE the Danes,” and other slogans.

When Hitchens arrived, there was already a considerable group gathered. He was modest about his presence, quietly speaking to everyone near him, letting the group honor Denmark in a free and spontaneous manner.

The only time he addressed us as a group was at the very end, when he stood upon one of the white rocks in front of the embassy, speaking briefly about the importance of defending Free Speech and thanking us for showing our respect and support. He mentioned that maybe there needs to be peaceful assemblies in front of other embassies as well.

With that, he told us he had promised the Danish embassy that we’d depart at 1pm … And since it was that time, we, in groups, and as individuals, slowly began the trek down the street.

More photos here - - -> http://georgetheother.blogspot.com/