This was quite an interesting rally, Hate Group (not), 3 police cars, channel 24 news and all. I guess we are really getting under somebody's skin.
I talked with the police on station during our rally- nice folks BTW- and I asked them why they were there tonight since they are not normally present during our regular SUPPORT THE TROOPS rallies. They stated that the police dept. had received a notice that a "hate group" was meeting on the corner and they were there to keep everything peaceful. He could not tell me where the notice originated. I was the last one to leave and they were present until everyone left the hate-crime scene.
It is interesting that the Fresno Human Relations Commission got involved! It is obvious that someone has it in for FreeRepublic and is trying to stir the pot.
I went to the City of Fresno website to try and find the communications numbers for the Fresno HRC. They have a commission and a director and a weak mission statement. I also noticed the HRC is really with it- they still have the tel. area codes from several years back. Instead of area code 209, the current area code is 559. They are really on top of things. Unfortlunately they do not have a listed email, just snail mail, tel and fax.
FRESNO HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION (HRC)
City Manager's Office, City Hall
2600 Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93721
W. Ray Johnson, Director of Community Service
Tel: (209) 498-1646 -(correct area code 559)
Fax: (209) 488-1015 - (correct area code 559)
TDD: None
The Commission promotes harmonious relations among the different cultures and people of Fresno. The HRC monitors discrimination and hate crimes, develops positive programs to address these issues, mediates disputes, and celebrates cultural diversity. Geographic area(s) served: City of Fresno Type(s) of publications: None
One more comment. Channl 24 has visited our rally several times . They know what we stand for, they know we are there to support the troops and that we are not , in any fashion a "hate group". Yet they chose to primarily target FReeRepublic amid "Controversy" The controversy is the responsible party that is trying to disrupt the rallies and what we stand for. Channel 24 , being aware of FReeRepublic from previous visits is irresponsible in the way they presented the article.
SO WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT THE NEWS MEDIA - TYPICAL REPORTING!
Free speech means they can endanger our troops with dishonest and careless statements and reporting from their international soapboxes - from Hollywood and DC, press rooms and Universities around the world. They can slander our CinC, and revise our history and spit on the flag. Everyone who disagrees with them practices "hate speech", according to these so-called defenders of liberty. Hypocrites.
In every community where Freepers peacefully protest, the police say, "thank you."
During election 2002 in Florida, a local political reporter for Gannett, acting on a tip from DU (and incensed at me on their behalf) planned to write a hit piece on FR - on "Freeping polls." We have enough info on fraudulent polls to sink that, but it required some exposure of the opposition - who we're up against and why we fight. I sent my own list, with a description of the work of the opposition, mostly unopposed, in America.
If anyone comes to FR looking for a "hate group" - as the letter recommends, let them spend time at FR.
Let them then read comments from those who would send such a letter to the Fresno City Council. Take your time, visitors. You decide who to trust. Who's inciting hate. Who's attacking America:
Thank you, Freepers, for being at that corner week after week - standing up for the troops and reminding Fresno that our troops are paying a very high price for our freedom.
And hold on to the list - hand it to the next shameless accuser - along with a copy of the US Constitution.
Now that's the worst hate-mongering bunch I've ever seen since I once attended a quilting bee.