IAmNotAnAnimal: My thoughts on the Fayetteville, NC "pro-peace" March

me | 03-20-04 | me

[IAmNotAnAnimal]

My thoughts on my first Freep ever today in Fayetteville, NC. I arose early and set out on my two hour journey to Fayetteville. During the course of my trip, I kept going over different scenarios in my mind on responses to any sort of idealogical or factual argument I may have with the other side. I admit I was a little stressed.

arriving, the word was that we would have about 30 FReepers (if lucky), and that there were going to be about 1,500 "peace" people. As we gathered and waved our flags, spoke our mantras, the "enemy" slowly ascended the hill. My anxiety about being quick-witted in response to reasoned arguments rapidly vanished. The rag-tag crew that ascended the hill (about 600-700) people looked to be a mish mash of seasoned citizens wearing torn clothing and trash bags, and junior high school students waving such signs as "My dad is a Navy veteran, and he opposes the war".

Okay, so where's your dad? I can't help but mention the ecletic dancer with black and red hair who was "dancing" to the beat of homemade drums. It made me long for the sixties, even though I was born in 1968. I looked around at the 90, yes 90 Freepers and family assembled, all with flags and signs, reciting the pledge of allegiance, I looked at the Vietnam Vets against John Kerry, the veterans from various wars, the wives, and the babies, and then I had to laugh. Not at us, at them. I saw signs that were very germane from "Affordable Housing" to "Dennis Kuchinic" (who)?, and other such mind provoking drivel. I had to laugh, I just had to.

The reporter asked me if I had lost my legs in combat. I explained to the reporter that I had leg braces on, as exhibited by my very visible feet, that my legs were still there.

We marched behind this stately peaceful crowd where we joined up with our brothers and sisters in leather and on Harleys.

We would have loved to debate the other side, but no one seemed to want to come to "the line" to do that. So, I just watched one misguided veteran from the 101st, who upon weighing roughly 300 pounds shout to us that we didn't "get it". I would've shouted back, but he had already turned and gone down the hill, presumptively to get another hot dog.

The FReepers were great, it was like being amongst old friends, but I had just met them. We all shared in fellowship, and were quick to offer help to those who needed it. I would like to thank all the FReepers who were there for their kindness and patriotism. I am only left with one question - when we got to the park there were about a hundred open black umbrellas laying on the side of the "peace" people, and it wasn;t raining. What gives?

Looking forward to the next one. Ranger out.

[wita]

Because engaging stupidity is a waste of time, and time is something engaged people have very little of. Some of us have to work for a living so we have money to spend to keep the economy running, and the government flush with cash.

[metesky]

Blessings and good fortune to your husband and you and a rousing welcome to Free Republic!

[Huber]

Two more FReepers in attendance whom we forgot to mention earlier: rrrod and mattma!

[Huber]

At Rowan Park: Are those the horses' arses on the left or on the right?

The Taxman admires revolutionary socialistic peoples' transportation device.

Tell it like it is!

DaughterofTGSL, TaxDeduction2, MyKdsMom, BufordP and others

[clyde asbury]

It was my first Freep event, too. I enjoyed meeting you.
Rolling Thunder was wonderful.

Thanks and kudos to everyone I met and anyone else I forget:
Ms. "Fry Mumia"
Angelwood
Congressman Billybob
Constitution Day
Darth Sidious
dixie sass
mykdsmom (Did someone say there are two?)
SC Swamp Fox
TaxRelief

I'm looking forward to next time.

clyde asbury
and President Reagan

[Trteamer]

Colorado FReeper Bump!

Great Job, keep up the good work!

[funnynurse]

I am writing a letter to the editor, and want to mention some of the groups represented.

I feel so strongly that this must not be billed as "spouses of deployed soldiers" etc. Otherwise, the fine people of my community will not realize the rally was not just a bunch of wives.

Did anyone out there happen to keep up with the names/official titles of the speakers???? I can remember their agendas, but did not catch names. How I wish I had taken the camcorder!!

Have been looking all around, trying to make a list, appreciate any and all help.

Anytime you need speakers in or near Fayetteville, I will do my level best to find you some.

A bright spot: Last night I had the opportunity to tell my spouse about my first grand Freep adventure. He said "next time I will be home to go with you".

Before yesterday, I never even knew what Freeping was. Now, I can hardly wait to do it again, hopefully with the whole family in tow!

[Constitution Day]

Argh!! I had IE issues last night (caused page fault in a DLL file) and am now posting from my mom's computer.

[IAmNotAnAnimal]

Pics???? pretty, pretty please.

[Constitution Day]

dstarr is e-mailing me a bunch of photos.

I did not bring my camera because I knew there would be so many others there.

[IAmNotAnAnimal]

Wow! What a great time, you guys did a fantastic job!

[Constitution Day]

ROFL at your tagline!

[IAmNotAnAnimal]

Hey all, please ad me to any NC ping lists. Getting ready to work my twelve step program (i.e. it takes exactly 12 steps to get from my computer to the bed for my comfy Sunday afternoon siesta).

[IAmNotAnAnimal]

BTTT...waiting on pics, or could be a separate thread.

[Constitution Day]

IANAA, this is an excellent report and I am so glad you had a great time.
I'm also still feeling the rush from yesterday.
Giving the socialist hordes 'what-for' is a great feeling.

Below is the list of Freepers I had everyone write down at the brewpub.
I think it's pretty complete and I will use it on the After-Action/photo thread.

Old North State Chapter
Constitution Day
mykdsmom
TaxRelief
Huber
TaxDeduction2
TaxDeduction3
dstarr (and her sister, daughter and husband)
IAmNotAnAnimal
rrrod (and fiancee)
Vinnie (and wife)
Clyde Asbury
funnynurse (new FReeper)

DC Chapter
kristinn
Doctor Raoul
tgslTakoma
Daughter of tgsl
Angelwood (and husband)
BufordP
BillF
Taxman
always free
Congressman Billybob

SC Chapter
Dixie Sass
SC Swamp Fox
upchuck (and dog Snoopy)
Mattma
Hillarys Gate Cult

Citizens Coalition For Responsible Media
bert

Liberty Post
Cal
Fred Mertz (and his Army buddy)
Darth Sidious

Virginia Beach, VA Protest Warrior Chapter Leader
hockeyfreak

Last but not least
Longtime lurker 'Proud AF Dad' who did a very nice thing for a young military wife whose husband was recently deployed.
I will let him share that if he wishes.

[Trinia]

The umbrellas were supposed to Represent the soldier that died in the war, I read it in the paper this morning where it showed a lady "praying" which i think was just a photo op.

[Constitution Day]

BTTT for later.
Going to have lunch and go out with the family for a while; will post the separate after-action thread this evening.

[Helms]

So was I there or simply conjured up the event in my imagination, just kidding. What a great day, eh!

[Helms]

It was a beautiful sunny day and the Leftists were parting with roughly 50 umbrellas. NO SALE

[onyx]

Thank you for telling me.
It's such a great sign and I look forward to seeing more photos.

Yall done us proud!