[smalltowns]

Hey FF,
This thread is a good idea but I deleted my comments before coming to your thread here so wont try to repeat them. The subject was to what extent the Support Our Troops rallies should be organized as politicized events- with agendas that promote domestic issues like gun-control, foreign relation issues like Castro, and other peripheral threads which create an environment that is not inviting to lots of people who would otherwise like to join in.

That's why I think our rally in Stuart is a great model since there is no agenda beyond demonstrating in own way- support for the troops, their mission and the president. No one is in charge, no sponsors and constant excitement and gratification as the demonstrators and drive-by traffic get to interact and reinforce that common theme. The result is
an inclusive, grassroots, high-energy event that truly expresses the overwhelming support and thanks our community sends to the troops and our allies via local media and a website that has galleries of pictures families can email to the deployed- http://www.artfightingterror.org

In contrast, I watched the first half of the April 12 "Rally For America" in D.C. and as an independent who has thoroughly supported Operation Iraqi Freedom and am activist against the "Peace" and "anti-war" movement I was still put off by the degree to which the program was politicized to promote far right-wing agendas. I mean- was it helpful for G. Gorden Liddy, refering to America's war on terrorism, to instruct the audience that- "this IS a crusade against militant Islam"- reviving a word the administration has since tried to forget in it's foreign policy rhetoric. This- just preceeding an Iraqi dissidant
presumably a Moslem, thanking America for bringing down the Saddam regime and freeing his people and expressing the hope that Americans and Iraqis can be friends.

[Fearless Flyers]

Hey Small Towns,

I think I understand your feelings and have many times found myself attending rallies that were misrepresented by the announcements that advertise them.

I’m not sure if the D.C. events are a fair representation of your concerns, only because I have always considered the District one of the most partisan communities in our Nation. From what I understood about the rally you refer to, G. Gordon Liddy was one of chief sponsors, he is a nationally syndicated radio host who has never failed to make his opinions clear, so people should have known what to expect of the event before they arrived. If they were surprised by his views then they received a much needed education on the importance of being an informed individual when taking a stand for their positions.

I think it is important when we announce the rallies we are as informative as possible about the sponsors, this helps to prevent participants from being alienated when they arrive.

I find that when I attend events with honesty and sincerity and present my views with respect for others who have opposing agendas, I’m treated with respect and people at least listen to my thoughts.

As our Nation tries to unite in support of our troops and the war on terror, many people feel their interpretation of the Constitution is a relevant issue and believe a faulty interpretation of the Constitution is what has forced our Nation into the position it is in today. Not surprisingly you will see that Foreign Policy, the 2nd amendment and opposition to the U.N. in favor of National Sovereignty take a strong position at these events.