FIT-AIM-ACT's "March Against TERRORISM" at the L.A. Marathon (March 2, 2003) [Is this a GOOD idea?]

www.FITAIMACT.org ^ | January 20, 2003 | Ted Hayes (with FIT-AIM-ACT)

[RonDog]

Activist Ted Hayes and Justiceville/Homeless USA are inviting Americans of every religion, ethnicity, race, and background to join the March Against Terrorismsm. Our primary goals are: 1) to give all Americans an opportunity to show their outrage against terrorism, 2) to advocate the liberation of people and Homeless people abroad, and 3) to actively support our military through FIT-AIM-ACT.

We encourage every American to join us in marching against terrorism, but if you cannot march with us for any reason, we offer ourselves to represent you.To be placed on our list as an anonymous supporter, supporter, or marcher, contact our Director of Programs. Let us know of your support, and if possible, make a donation online or by mail. Your fully tax-deductible contribution will enable JHUSA, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, to fulfill its Homeless defense mission.

Thank You For Your Support.

Click here for a message to Liberal-Americans.
Click here for a message to Muslim-Americans.

____________________________

Annual Events

March 2, 2003/Sunday
1st Annual Los Angeles March Against Terrorismsm - Event: The Los Angeles Marathon. March staging place: Figueroa Street and Olympic Blvd, downtown Los Angeles. March staging time: 9:00am to 9:30am. March time: 9:30am to 10:30am. Rally time: 10:00am to 11:30am. Rally place: In front of Staples Center. Post rally place: FLower Street & 5th Street (Race finish line). Instructions: Get there are early as possible...parking is a big issue. To help us identify our marchers, Please bring your American flags/FIT-AIM-ACT flags/stickers/self-made signs, and/or wear your patriotic shirts/FIT-AIM-ACT pins, patches, etc. We encourage you to be a positive force at the event and exercise the highest level of civility and citizenship. For FIT-AIM-ACT products, click here. For the official MAT hand-out flyer to be duplicated by our marchers, click here (not yet available). For general marathon information, click here. If you have any questions about this march, contact Paul Nissan.

March 23, 2003/Sunday
1st Annual Hollywood March Against Terrorismsm - Event: The Oscar Awards Ceremony (March details to come).

May 26, 2003/Monday
1st Annual Westwood March Against Terrorismsm - Event: Memorial Day Ceremony (March details to come).

[RonDog]

THIS THREAD is a "request for comments" from ANY FReepers in ANY state who care to post their thoughts here - NOT just from the folks with the Los Angeles Chapter.

As many of you know, we have been looking for a vehicle that will allow us to go on the OFFENSE with our support for the men and women in our armed forces in the War on Terrorism, rather than continuing to play DEFENSE, by allowing the "anti-war" crowd to set the agenda, and counter-protesting against THEIR events.

Kristinn, Angelwood, Doctor Raoul and ALL of the magnificent FReepers in the DC Chapter have been an inspiration for MANY of us on this forum, and they have shown that we CAN break through into the mainstream liberal media - IF we plan well, and execute professionally.

Perhaps we can do so with THIS event.

I first heard about the "March Against TERRORISM" this morning - at the Fourth Annual "National Day of Repudiation of Jesse Jackson."

At first glance, the "self-described "homeless advocate" Ted Hayes may seem to be a rather strange man to join forces with in ANY endeavor, but he is STRONGLY endorsed by the Reverend Jesse Lee Peterson, from BOND, and that endorsement means quite a bit to any of you who know "Jedi Jesse..."

Ted is a aggressive promoter, and he has been around the L.A. media scene for quite some time, as you can see from his interview on ABC during the Democratic National Convention here in 2000.

And, the organization that is behind this march SEEMS to be legitimate.

From their website,

We, the American people have been awakened by terrorism, and we must do everything possible to maintain our vigilance against it. To that end, we have established three national support campaigns called the FIT Campaign For A Stronger Militarysm, the AIM Campaign For A Total Missile Defensesm, and the ACT Campaign For An End To Terrorismsm.  F.I.T. is an acronym for Fully Intact & Trainedsm (secondary meaning - Fully Intact & Transformedsm). This campaign will be used to support our military in a variety of ways. We believe our men and women in uniform should have the best training and equipment to defend our freedom...with fair pay and benefits. We will also support the best possible services and benefits for our veterans, finding our POWs/MIAs, honoring our KIAs, and a FIT American citizenry.  A.I.M. is an acronym for Annihilate Incoming Missilessm. This campaign will be used to support the full development and deployment of every level of missile defense. We will also encourage Americans to AIM and defend themselves from all the "personal incoming missiles" they face each day.  A.C.T. is an acronym for Attack & Crush Terrorismsm. This campaign will be used to support the war against terrorism worldwide. We believe our nation must do all it can to takedown the terrorists before they attack us. We will also encourage Americans to proactively and peacefully ACT against the forces of terror in their own lives. In addition, our campaigns will be used to help educate the American people about current and future national security threats. Our Lead Organizations will use radio ads, television ads, print ads, billboards, and the Internet to inform the public about national security issues. Our Licensees and Sellers will provide FIT-AIM-ACT products and other related merchandise for public display. Our Lead Businesses will donate money, products, and/or services to help us get the Freedom Through Strength message heard.

Bottom line: Can we use this "March Against TERRORISM" to bring together activists from ALL ACROSS the spectrum of conservative thought - from the NRA, CRA, YAF, College Republicans, Federated Women and the GOP rank and file?

How can we best maximize the potential for this march?

[Brad’s Gramma]

People Like This Make a MOCKERY of All That Is Decent!
	Let's End This Folks, And Get On With Business Or mail checks to FreeRepublic , LLC PO BOX 9771 FRESNO, CA 93794 or you can use PayPal at Jimrob@psnw.com
STOP BY AND BUMP THE FUNDRAISER THREAD

[RonDog]

Ted Hayes (and his awkwardly-named organization, FIT-AIM-ACT) is planning to piggy-back this "March Against TERRORISM" onto the HUGE crowds expected to watch the L.A. Marathon on SUNDAY, March 2, 2003.

From http://www.lamarathon.com/run/faq.php:

-- snip--

Course will have ten major entertainment centers with community groups performing. Also on the course are over 85 bands and musical groups.

-- snip --

30. Recommended viewing locations?

Entertainment centers and live locally on NBC4 television.

31. Expected number of spectators:

Over one million

See also, L.A. Marathon - COURSE MAP

What say you, California FReepers?

Can we make this work?

[Drango]

Sorry, I vote you leave the LA Marathon out of it...

[RonDog]

from their website, http://www.fitaimact.org/leaders.html:

Good leadership in business, charity, government, and the armed forces is absolutely vital in American life. Like any family, our nation needs strong direction and decision-making. The following men and women have earned their leadership-status, and we appreciate their endorsement of FIT-AIM-ACT. For more information about endorsing our campaigns, contact our Director of Programs.

____________________________

Charity

David Christiansen - President of the Flags of Freedom Foundation. His work in promoting education of American history and values are clearly revealed in his Freedom Field Project, and we are thankful for his endorsement of our campaigns. Go to his website www.freedomfield.org and learn more about David Christiansen, the Freedom Field Project, and his organization.

Ambassador Henry Cooper - Retired U.S. Ambassador and President of High Frontier. His work in promoting missile defense began some thrity years ago, and we are grateful for his endorsement. Go to his website www.highfrontier.org and learn more about his missile defense work and organization.

Kevin Generous - President of the SAFE Foundation. His work in promoting homeland defense started long before September 11th, and we are grateful for his work in supporting our campaigns. Go to his website www.safefoundation.org and learn more about homeland defense and his organization.

Ted Hayes - President of Justiceville/Homeless USA. His advocacy for and direct work with the homeless are nationally known and we are thankful for his support of our campaigns. Go to his website www.domevillage.org and learn more about Ted Hayes and his work with the homeless, homeless veterans, and promoting freedom.

Reverend Jesse Lee Peterson - President of BOND (Brotherhood Organization of a New Destiny). His work to rebuild families is well established in the Los Angeles area and we are grateful for his support of our campaigns. Go to his website www.bondinfo.org and learn more about Reverend Peterson and his organization.

Richard Faris Jones - President of the Stark County Veterans Social Services Organization. His 22-years of service in the Air Forces and outreach to veterans have given him a unique vision to advance Americanism, patriotism, and the bridging of all organizations involved in the Support of America and her veterans. We appreciate his endorsement of FIT-AIM-ACT.

Senator Malcolm Wallop - Retired U.S. Senator and currently the chairman of Frontiers of Freedom Institute. His support for a national missile defense goes back to the Reagan administration and we are thankful for his involvement with our campaigns. Go to his website www.ff.org and learn more about Senator Wallop and his organization.


Harry Wu - President of the Laogai Research Foundation. His fight for human rights in China is known throughout the world and we are grateful for his support of our campaigns. Go to his website www.laogai.org and learn more about his organization and his personal struggles with China's forced-labor camps.

Government

Congressman Curt Weldon - A member of the House of Representatives since 1987, Congressman Weldon has taken leadership roles on a wide variety of issues, and we are grateful for his endorsement. Go to his website www.house.gov/curtweldon and learn more about Curt and his work to protect America's future.

Military

Major General Paul E. Vallely - Retired Army Major General and currently the senior military analyst for Fox News Channel in New York and Washington, DC. His thirty years of military service is highly distinguished and we are thankful for his endorsement. Go to www.vallely.com and learn more about Paul's past, present, and future.

Do any of you know any of these people?

Do you know how warmly they REALLY endorse this organization?

I would really HATE to be associated with a shady group like the A.N.S.W.E.R. RATs are.

[RonDog]

Sorry, I vote you leave the LA Marathon out of it...

The folks at the L.A. Marathon have no knowledge of this event, and they are NOT endorsing it, as I imagine that you understand.

And, Ted Hayes intends to be there - with or without our support...

I take it that you think the TV audience may be offended by a patriotic display at this "neutral" sporting event?

Or?

[Rockitz]

I'll be in the bike tour on inline skates. Maybe I can put something on my T-shirt.

[Taxman]

Proactive bump

[RonDog]

There is a precedent for having "pro-USA" displays at the L.A. Marathon, from last year's photos:

(Click the thumbnail images for a LARGER picture)

The sign says: "America will NEVER FORGET - September 11, 2001"

[OneLoyalAmerican]

Greetings RonDog, FReepers, et al:
This seems like a realistic grass roots launch pad. My $.02:

Seized the moral high ground phrase "against terrorism." Awesome. If you oppose FIT-AIM-ACT, you're pro-terrorist!

At first glance, reading the name Ted Hayes, I thought "what is Tom Hayden doing now." (Sorry Ted.) This could be advantageous. Some name recognition for this 40-45 year old male of the key organizers. Mostly from knowledge gained in the last two years.

An outreach for like minded celebrity sports people is recommended. They might lend high "Q" value name recognition and status. (I can imagine many of them stewing at home during the anti-USA protests.) Hey, if Hollywood script readers can speak out, why not sports celebrities?

FIT-AIM-ACT seemed like clumsy alphabet soup at first glance. But it grew on me. Who knows, perhaps Fit-Aim-Act?

Focus upon professional sports event presence. This medium crosses all age barriers of target audience. 10 seconds Super Bowl air time? I have a dream. :)

WWE presence would have a good youth male viewer demographic target audience. The ones most likely to join the fight against terrorists, if asked. And still very ticked off over 9/11.

Marathon presence is questionable "nitch-market" stuff. Works with expert knowledge of the local market. On the left coast, it seems with rock bands and hoop-a-la, it might work. In Chicago, there are more marathon participants than an audience for it.

MTV is a good target audience market. But they probably wouldn't run anything with such a positive message.

[NormsRevenge]

Affiliations Information

	The following lead and affiliate organizations have endorsed our campaigns, and we appreciate their support. In addition to endorsement, our Lead Organizations have committed to actively expand our campaigns by conducting FIT-AIM-ACT programs. Take the time to check out their programs, and if possible, financially support them. For more information about becoming a lead or affiliate organization, contact our Director of Programs. ____________________________ Lead Organizations  Justiceville/Homeless USA (JHUSA) - Dedicated to solving the problem of homelessness in America and protecting America's freedoms. We are grateful for JHUSA's active support of FIT-AIM-ACT. Go to their website www.domevillage.org and learn more about the organization. If you would like to financially support JHUSA's FIT-AIM-ACT programs, click here.  SAFE Foundation (Safeguarding America For Everyone) - Focused on homeland defense and the future of America's national security. We are thankful for the foundation's direct support of FIT-AIM-ACT. Go to their website www.safefoundation.org and learn more about the organization. If you would like to financially support SAFE's FIT-AIM-ACT programs, click here. Affiliate Organizations BOND (Brotherhood Organization of a New Destiny) - Dedicated to help men and their families find spiritual and personal freedom. We are thankful for BOND's support of our campaigns. www.bondinfo.org Flags of Freedom Foundation - Dedicated to educating the American people about our nation's heritage of freedom and what actions are required to keep her free. We are grateful for the foundation's endorsement of our campaigns. www.freedomfield.org Frontiers of Freedom Institute (FFI) - Committed to America's foundational values, constitutional authority, and a strong national defense. We are grateful for the institute's involvement in our campaigns. www.ff.org High Frontier - Dedicated to the development and full deployment of a national missile defense. We are thankful for High Frontier's support of our campaigns. www.highfrontier.org Laogai Research Foundation - Dedicated to collecting information about China's vast system of forced-labor camps. We are grateful for the foundation's support of our campaigns. www.laogai.org VetsCoR - Dedicated to the unity of veterans to help educate all Americans about the history, form, purpose, and scope of our Constitution. We are thankful for VetsCoR's support of our campaigns. www.vetscor.org

[Xthe17th]

Excellent article. Thanks for the ping. (I'll be back to read it later with commiements).

[Cinnamon Girl]

I can't figure Ted Hayes out. Some of the stuff he says about the need to address the homeless problem is right on, but then he's got some lefty ideas about other stuff. What is FIT-AIM-ACT?

[Feiny]

I have heard Harry Wu in several inteviews speaking out on the atrocities in China. He survived the laogai or slave-labor camps. Wu also testified before Congress about the horrors of China's slave-labor system.

[RonDog]

Marathon presence is questionable "nitch-market" stuff.

I have been thinking about a "hook" that would tie in the "War on Terrorism" with the L.A. Marathon.

There is, of course, the metaphor that while individual battles - like the Liberation of Iraq - may be rapid, the War on Terrorism will not be over quickly, i.e. this is a military MARATHON, and NOT a 100-yard dash...

Or, the historical angle - that the ORIGINAL "Marathon" was run by a messenger running 26-odd miles to announce the victory of Athens over Persia, i.e. victory of the USA over the Islamofascists - although that part may be a bit too obscure...

But here is a BETTER idea:

We have a guy dressed up like Saddam, and put him out in front of the 17,000 or so runners - to set the pace, just like the mechanical rabbit who taunts the greyhounds at the start of a dog race...

He can carry a big sign that says:

"Catch me, if you can!"

And then the theme of our rally can be:

KEEP
SADDAM
ON THE RUN!!!

We may have to modify this somewhat if Saddam is caught or killed before the L.A. Marathon.

[RonDog]

I can't figure Ted Hayes out...

Me, neither. :o)

But, Jesse Lee Peterson respects him, and he IS an experienced promoter.

What is FIT-AIM-ACT?

From their website...

CLICK HERE

...they SEEM to be pro-military, pro-USA, pro-missile defense - all GOOD things.

But, I also do not see the connection with helping the homeless...

[RonDog]

This seems like a realistic grass roots launch pad. My $.02:

And, as a WONDERFUL contrast to the stodgy "old white man" image of most conservatives in the media, imagine how POWERFULLY we can crush the "End Racism" part of A.N.S.W.E.R. by having two of the most recognizable BLACK men in Los Angeles lead OUR rally:

Ted Hayes


Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson

[RonDog]

The following lead and affiliate organizations have endorsed our campaigns, and we appreciate their support...

-- snip --

VetsCoR - Dedicated to the unity of veterans to help educate all Americans about the history, form, purpose, and scope of our Constitution. We are thankful for VetsCoR's support of our campaigns. www.vetscor.org

NOW, I am impressed!

Jim Robinson likes THOSE guys, so if they endorse FIT-AIM-ACT, it must be on the level!

[RonDog]

From http://www.lamarathon.com/run/entertainment.php:

Festivities - Entertainment Centers

Ten major Entertainment Centers located throughout the course reflect the ethnic neighborhoods in which they are situated, as well as the cultural diversity of Los Angeles and the Marathon runners themselves.

The entertainment ranges from local children's performers to international talents. The entertainment at each Entertainment Center is produced by a particular cultural group. There are singers, dancers, costumes, food festivals, crafts and other ceremonies depicting the traditions and interests of a diverse community. Runners from the community, celebrities and politicians are among the invited guests who participate in the activities.

The Entertainment Centers are open from the time the first wheelchair passes until the last runner goes by. Between 5,000 and 10,000 spectators come out for the free fun at each of the Entertainment Centers and a close-up view of the Marathon. View a list of entertainment centers in the table below or click here to view the entertainment sites.

So, if all of these Marathon-authorized "entertainment centers" are operating all along the race course, we should be able to maintain a presence there, too - right?

Ted Hayes told me that he plans to show up WITHOUT a permit, but I would prefer that we do this FReep "by the book" - or not at all.

Do we try to contact the folks who are running this Marathon - to ask if we can join their event - and risk them telling us "NO!"

Or do we try to go around them, and apply for a "parade permit" from the City?

Or, is the City running the Marathon?

Will the L.A. Marathon folks fight us attempting to add a pro-USA slant to THEIR event?

Are they ALL lefties?

What do YOU think about this idea for a pro-USA rally?

The alternative, of course, is starting OUR OWN event - from scratch - which sounds like a LOT more work...

[DoughtyOne]

I'm all for joining in support of our troops. Sometimes I think we have to be willing to take a support role. In light of this guy's views on other subjects, perhaps we should be willing to carry signs saying "We support our troops!" and "We support the war on terrorism!" without our FR byline, if necessary.

We push up the numbers of folks who are rallying for a good cause, yet don't lend our name to an org that may be involved with other questionable issues.

Let's bring this up at the next meeting and plan to help bump up the numbers.