"Saddam Captured" Celebratory FReep in Philadelphia Today

After Action Report | 12/14/03 | Doctor Raoul

[Doctor Raoul]

Having been awakened by a phone call that Saddam had been captured, the first thing that jumped into my mind was "City Line Avenue".

It was payback time for all the left wing looney tunes for their snarky remarks and unfounded wacko charges.

At about 9 am, I took up my position outside the local NBC affiliate and across from the ABC affiliate there on City Line Avenue. That the stations were there was just a bonus, the main reason is that the intersection sees thousands of cars per hour. It's a main traffic artery west from Philadelphia to the 'burbs. It feeds from US-1 and I-76. Lots of cars, trucks and buses.

And what did they see? Saddam Hussein in camo BDU shirt, with red shoulder boards, red beret and a belt of 30 caliber ammo across his chest. And oh yeah, bloody hands. His sign was simple, three lines, four words. First line was "SAVE ME" in black. Second and third lines were "VOTE DEMOCRAT" in red.

In the two and a half hours I spent on the corner, there were just two "Liberal IQ" salutes. The first one was from the first car that passed. At least the guy had some flair and delivered it sideways with style. The second guy in a red station wagon leaned all the way over to the passanger side and was shaking with rage.

But the overwhelming sentiment today was laughter at the democrats position. Being overcast with snow, rain and sleet, it was difficult to see in some cars, but those in which I could see, had a vast majority of smiles. There was a fair amount of thimbs up and horn honks, especially when a local TV camera showed up. People were honking, rolling down their windows and giving the thumbs up.

Whenever it was cold and I felt like leaving, there'd be another round of horn nonks and thumbs up, so I stayed longer than I expected. You forget the cold and the stiff fingers after that very quickly. If I hadn't consumed a 20 oz coffee on the way there, I would have stayed three and a half hours.

[alisasny]

Since you only live a little ways from NYC perhaps come to our FReeper party on Dec 28th?? Click on my homepage for info.

[VOA]

Let Freedom Ring!

[Doctor Raoul]

And hope Jim Gardner noticed you out there.

WPVI had a news van pass and double back to take a look at me. If you remember the outdoor shots they use looking down City Line Ave towards the Expressway, I would be in the shot, but oh so small. They have had a garage like structure for the last few years where they house the camera and the monitors so the person standing on the lawn can do the report. They also have extensive lights on the roof of the "garage" for the broadcast.

Those lights were on and the two smaller monitors were on for most of my visit. During the later part, the two large monitors were also on. If I had to guess, WPVI, being an ABC "Owned & Operated" station wouldn't say anything.

[dutchess]

Great freep Doc! You are the best....and oh what a glorious day it is indeed!

[Enterprise]

"Let Freedom Ring!"

Let the guilty PAY!

[metalboy]

Saddam is captured....I guess this dashes Katie Courics hopes that he escaped over the border into Syria.

[metalboy]

Saddam is captured....I guess this dashes Katie Courics hopes that he escaped over the border into Syria.

[norraad]

Go Doc Go & Hip hip horaaaa!

Yeah for the Delaware Valley & WaWa too (they now have 24oz. coffee, & Maryland crab soup).

[metalboy]

"What was Saddam living on in that hole?"

Fan mail from the democrats.

[Enterprise]

Can you imagine? All the RAT women crying over the capture. Molly Ivins, Ellen Goodman, Ellen Ratner, Maureen Dowd, Katie Couric. Oh, the humanity.

[Doctor Raoul]

Saddam is captured....I guess this dashes Katie Courics hopes that he escaped over the border into Syria.

Couric is on suicide watch I believe. She's given up the will to live.

Buy today's New York Times, it may be their last. They are SO distraught there's talk from the Editorial Board of a newsroom Jonestown. Will the reporters drink the Kool Aid at Pinch's demand?

[speedy]

I can remember when Jim O'Brien would stand out there. Back in the day. You are a one-man Army, Doctor Raoul.

[kimmie7]

Hats off to the good Doctor! Kudos!

[Doctor Raoul]

Saddam is captured....I guess this dashes Katie Courics hopes that he escaped over the border into Syria.

Don't worry Katie, there's always artificial insemination.

[fatima]

Thanks Doctor Raoul,Maybe we will see you on the local news,fatima

[solzhenitsyn]

Fantastic! Thank you so much!

[Doctor Raoul]

I can remember when Jim O'Brien would stand out there.

O'Brien was sort of like having Dandy Don Merridth do your evening weather and your weekend "local story" show.

The reporters still stand in the snow, rain, wind, whatever. Just now the cameraman and the equipment are sheltered.

[speedy]

Thanks, alisasny. I meant to say I only live a few hours from Philly -- I live in midtown Manhattan. I think Annie Moore's is where the old boxing writer Burt Sugar plants himself regularly. I may be away during that time, but if I can make it, I will Freepmail you privately soon. Thanks again.

[Doctor Raoul]

Thanks Doctor Raoul,Maybe we will see you on the local news,fatima

Odds are 50-50. Just because you are taped by the crew, you still have to get by the editor. Lots of laughs from people stopped at the light when they were taping. The cameraman said, "I thought you were captured?" to which I replied, "Howard Dean paid my bail."

[metalboy]