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.

[Taxman]

Enjoyed FReeping the creeps with you, TaxRelief, TaxDeductions 2&3 and the others who care about America and were standing with us Saturday.

Thanks for all your hard work and the great pics.

[Taxman]

Ya done good, sweetie!

Taxman Bravo Zulu!

[dixie sass]

Awwwww, Mudboy, you missed a good FReep! The North Carolina Chapter Rocks.

[dixie sass]

OuterBanks are okay, but the South Carolina beaches...

[tgslTakoma]

I've uploaded photos from the Fayettevile counter-protest and rally into two Webshots albums HERE and HERE

Look through them and link your favorites on the thread, if you'd like. I haven't titled any of them. Many familiar Freeper and LP'er faces and "Rolling Thunderers" in the photos, with many more possible new FReepers in the crowds, too.

I had a busy but totally fun and fantastic weekend in North Carolina - and not enough sleep for almost a week, so I think I'm gonna call it a night early...

(I'm so tired that I cut & pasted this same message to Fayettevile AA Report thread II)

[tgslTakoma]

Photos finally up, ping!

;-)

[Constitution Day]

Here is an updated from 'IAmNotAnAnimal', who is a US Army Ranger now stationed in Iraq.
His brother posted this on the N.C. board last night and asked me to ping everyone.

CD

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IAmNotAnAnimal 04/14/2004 6:56:55 PM EDT

I am not IAmNotAnAnimal, but glad to say I am his brother...he asked me to send you all a message. He's in the Fallujah area and his message is "I would love to tell you we're kicking ass and taking names, but we quit wasting time taking names" I don't know how all this works, but he also said to let CD ping this (ya'll speak a funny language). I guess online time is a premium that Todd can't really get to right now, but I'm sure if you send messages he'd appreciate it when he does get the chance to check.

[Constitution Day]

Typo alert. I meant "an update", of course. :(

[Bat_Chemist]

Thanks for the info on IANAA, CD.

IANAA, praying for you and your fellow soldiers.