Photo by Trooprally
Posted on 05/01/2006 6:47:02 AM PDT by PleaDeal
Thanks to alert FReepers who heeded the call to action, Phelps' Phreakshow did not go unopposed this Saturday at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
FReepers in attendance: Kristinn, Cindy_True_Supporter, Trooprally [Mr. and Mrs.] who brought James and Nancy, Albion Wilde, DollyCali with FReepups Josie and Toby, Wheelbarrow, BufordP, Sauropod, Helllinahandkart, Bill from MD*, Bert, Mindi (PW), IraqiKurd and friend Samir, Exit148, ProtestMania, BStein80, Laruen (PW), BillF, Hoodlum91, RockInRight, and PleaDeal.
I counted 19 members of Rolling Thunder headed by our good friend Smitty, but I think there were a few more.
The plan was to be there before the devil spawn arrived and set up our pro-Troops flags and banners. Trooprally [Mr. and Mrs.] were among the early arrivals and give this account:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We arrived on the side road off Jones Bridge Road around 11:40 AM in time to see Kristinn & BufordP on the same road getting ready to cross over Jones Bridge to the Bethesda Naval Medical Ctr. side (BNMC). A quick beep stopped them. Good thing to, because we arrived in Cindy_True_Supporter's car loaded for bear and we needed help carrying everything. We had the new MOABII, the red banner, a dozen flags and bags full of signs.
The police were already there setting up. They blocked the right turn lane on Jones Bridge Road to go north on Wisconsin Avenue. The Park Police had their mounted police unit there. The Montgomery County Police even had their riot control unit there. After the protests and counter rally started, they marched south on the west side of Wisconsin Ave., but I think you were there for that.
Photo by Trooprally
The five of us loaded up and proceeded up to the corner to cross. Imagine five of us, both arms loaded up, walking up to the intersection with staggered distances between us. As we were crossing Jones Bridge Road (From the SE corner to the NE corner) we noticed several of Phelps inbred clan on the NW corner.
We immediately located an officer to let them know that we were there. We were also immediately disappointed because of their layout for us. We were denied the ability to set up on Jones Bridge Road. Then they said that Phelps were going to be at the NE corner and we were positioned up at the main entrance, at least 700 feet north and just over the crest of Wisconsin.
 |
 |
| Cops, Cops and more Cops! | Six legged Cops | |
 SWAT Cops |
 Bike Cops |
|
 Even MPs on a grassy knowl. |
 DollyCali getting "SWAT"ted |
|
BufordP and I "discussed" the location with the police. My arguement about also being positioned on Jones Bridge Road so we could flank Phelps, and to be a lot closer to Phelps to counter his message, fell on deaf ears.
Maybe the police thought that BufordP was the "Good FReeper" and I was the "Bad Freeper" because BufordP won out. The police let us set up about 200 feet north of Phelps on Wisconsin Avenue.
But the police cautioned us about what would happen if we were to set foot on the other side of their newly strung yellow police tape.
Lurker Bill showed up around this time and we set up MOABII, the red banner and the flags.
 |
 |
Our crowd was still fairly sparse when Phelps' clan finally started their crap.
From the North flank, the several people up there held their signs towards the cars coming south on Wisconsin Avenue. This allowed the cars to know who we were.
I meet some people that came from this direction. One soldier (female in civilian clothes) from BNMC came by. I believe she was a nurse or medical person of some sort. Kristinn might know. I directed her to the flags and signs but she seemed content in just Thanking our group for being their.
Another, a Marine in civilian style camouflage shirt and jacket came by. I directed him to the signs and flags. He grabbed a sign and stayed for about half and hour.
A young couple from Gaithersburg, MD happened to learn about Phelps' demonstration on his web site. They came down to see what it was all about. Again I directed them to the signs and flags. They went and saw Phelps' group, then grabbed some signs and helped on the North flank. They also stayed for about half an hour.
A group of FReepers stayed to break down the flags. Since the police had already gone, we had Cindy_True_Supporter get her car and park where we were. Her car was loaded in 5 seconds because the six of us remaining grabbed the FR stuff and through it into her car. Then the three of us were off to Olney's FReep.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now for the Phreaks.
 Photo by Sauropod |
|
 |
This photo shows a man who I think may be the "Reverend". Not sure. Anyone else see him? or can verify his presence? |
These are some sick freaks. Not a lot I can add since the pics pretty much say it all.
 |
 |
 |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was a great day for a FReep, though. Lots of sun, low wind, temps in the high 60's to low 70's. There was DC Avon Walk for Breast Cancer at the same time and it was kinda eerie seeing all the pink-clad people walking right past the Phreaks and then by us on their route. I talked with a few of them while photographing the Phreaks and all of them were aghast at the phreakish behavior and signs. Bert, up from NC, couldn't help but note that we were continuously getting honks of support from the passing motorists.
 Isis getting a bug's eye view |
 RT's Smitty |
There was lots of "small time" press, including a photographer named Isis. She's an admitted "lefty" but a very nice lady, nonetheless. Check out Isis's work on her blog Isis Imagery. There was a crew from inside the hospital compound who were students and/or faculty from the military institute (can't find link to it). The leader "Terry" spent most of his time down with the Phreaks, but the others stayed and interviewed the pro-troops folks.
 Christisan, Lauren and Edward came down from Messiah College in PA. |
 Tim, BStein80 and Evan. Evan and Tim are two OIF Vets who also joined us Friday at Walter Reed. |
 Cindy-True-Supporter |
 CTT, Kristinn and Trooprally [Mr.] |
 Sauropod |
 Wheelbarrow and FReepups |
 Trooprally [Mrs.] and Isis |
 Turn blocked off so traffic couldn't pass Phreaks. |
I reported you as coming from NC, but Albion says TN? I'm sorry I got it wrong!
Oh, he's welcome to bring his crap down here. We look forward to it. We have three military bases in town, a huge population of retired/former military and Fort Hood only two hours up the road.
Yeah, Fred...if you had any guts you'd bring your tired butt down here and try things.
Go get 'em!!
[Mr] T
Bumpity bump!
Thanks Victoria
Hi, I am a proud american soldier. I joined the United States Army before I was even old enough to vote! The idea that these people (the phreaks) could say such things was so hurtful. I found a news video, about them and that's how this whole thing was first brought to my attention. When I heard about them coming close to me, I was so angry. I really wanted to be there, counter rallying with you. Unfortunately at 17, we still do what our parents say. Because although I'm old enough to serve my country, I am not old enough to do.. well most things. I want to thank you for all of your support, and all of your love for our Troops. I've just turned 18 so that will affect many things now. I want to join upcomming counter-rallys on these horrible people. If anyone knows information about when they will be in the Maryland/DC area again, please let me know!
e-mail at DeejPunk@yahoo.com
Can I put you on the "ping list" for the Walter Reed posts? I'll make sure you get pinged if there's another PhreakPhest in town.
Thanks for serving our wonderful nation! You're a great kid!!!
Someone, somewhere will "off" Phelps and that will be the last we hear of him and his little trained minions.
I don't expect that to happen. What I expect will happen is that some group, somewhere will confront Phelps in numbers so large that he'll completely crack. He'll go bonkers, become violent or physically destructive and be arrested for it.
Phelps will be in prison before the end of 2007.
DollyCali is one of the most enthusistic and "classy" ladies in FR...and she's a fantastic photographer
You got dat right!
They appear to be all ready for 'em, by the looks of it.
(Image by EAKER, posted on another thread recently)
Awwwwwww Yeah! Can that guy come up here this weekend and, um... visit the Code Pinkos on the Mall?
Git 'em all lined up in a row and flank 'em.
Just one oughtta do, dontcha think?
I think it'll git-r-done!
At long last my photos from the event. Those photos with borders can be clicked on if you want to see a larger version in a new window.
I've only included a few of my photos, i.e., those not too duplicative of the others' photos.
I parked in a nearby neighborhood and noticed that numerous Rolling Thunder (RT) bikes were parked at a house
RT and other patriots led across to the FReepers by police. Initially, the Phelps' cultists were enveloped. RT were on one side of
(near Yield sign in center of photo) and the main force of FReepers (not shown) were on the other side of the Phelpsins with police
guarding both sides.
After parking, I talked with the RT forces for a couple minutes. I then started the long trip around to join the FReepers by crossing the side street and moving to cross the main street. Shortly after that, the police closed off the side street to traffic temporarily as they led the RT forces around to join the FReepers, the police always keeping the RT far away from Phelpsins. I joined in the group.
Police motorcycles and officers guard the Phelpsins' perimeter.
Police officer watches as TV crews tape Phelpsins. Many of the sickos wear U.S. flags from their waists, dragging the flags, and
stepping on them.
Another Phelpsin. Sired from the "love scene" in "Deliverance."
FReepers, RT, and other patriots line the road. Tower of Bethesda Naval Hospital in background. Yellow police tape kept us at
least 50 feet from the Phelpsins.
DollyCalli brought Toby and Josy as "right-wing attack dogs." The sweetest attack dogs that anyone could meet.
RT and others ride their motorcycles off at the end.
It was an honor to stand up for our brave sailors, Marines, and other troops at Bethesda and oppose the Phelpsins.
It was a pleasure to see so many fine patriots and meet some for the first time, especially DollyCalli, Wheelbarrow, Toby, and Josy. Also, it was great to see Bert again.
Those mentioned just above came great distances to join with the DC Chapter FReepers and we always appreciate dedication like that.
Good point about the separation for differentiation.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.