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Freepers among 100's of thousands in Simi Valley
June 8, 2004 | Ron C

Posted on 06/08/2004 5:53:09 AM PDT by Ron C.

Edited on 07/14/2009 11:50:39 PM PDT by Admin Moderator. [history]

Blame it all on Dales ECB website (I ran across it in a google search) - and the going home of our nation’s greatest President, who always remembered my name every time we met at a GOP gig.

It has been a long time since I’ve posted here (roughly 2 ½ years) - I left to face a lot of trouble (legal, personal) and try to reorder life nearer the sane-level (still not quite there yet, as you’ll soon see...) - and knowing that I couldn’t do what needed done unless I quit spending so much time having a ball on FR for hours every day.

Sunday I decided my duty to go say goodbye in person was not negotiable - and apparently about 250 thousand others decided they were as bound - and decided to bring their neighbors with them.

I have a very bad back that attempts to kill me every time I stand or walk for more than about 20 minutes - I usually throw a few pills at it and it grudgingly subsides for a little while.. so I thought, hey - I can manage three hours, all I have to do is sit down once in a while.  But... the line, to get on the bus was at least one and a half miles long.  Got there at 6:11PM on the dot - and was about two thirds of the way along 5 hours later - and I heard from those returning - it was a three hour gig once on the bus.  I began to think I wouldn’t make it.

Well - I had read that Bob J would have a Freeper-motor-home on the lot, and hoped to find it, drop in, say Hi, and mooch a free drink and a cookie or two - which I promptly did once I found it.

Thus began one wildly funny night... mostly at my expense.  It wasn’t funny at first - and finally standing beside President Ronald Reagan’s casket, it was all I could do to keep from bawling like a child.  The emotions ran deep, and all I could think of was how blessed I was - the world was - that we had this great man as our National Guiding Light.  And - there’s more to say - before I get to the funny stuff...

No one expected the turnout - it was wildly underestimated.  We were lucky.  It was only three miles before the exit that we ran into a brick-wall of stopped cars (and I dove quickly to the last available exit before we hit it - and went in the little-known back way in rapid fashion.)  At that time it was a three hour wait on the freeway to get to the bus parking lot - before you got in that mile-plus long waiting line for the bus.  When I left Simi Valley, the freeway was backed up more than twice the distance, the later it got, the more people came.  At the Reagan Library there were at least seven TV vans there just to serve the Asian continent with video from the site (all pointed at the 180 degree Intelsat bird.)  More media was there than anyone had expected - including the media that I work with in satellite telcom.  Even the liberals among them were standing in awe of the staggering numbers around them.

But - we escaped the daunting 4 to 5 more hours we would have faced to get to the Library - we got some sudden unexpected top-notch VIP treatment (another funny, more on later) that whisked us (who, in a minute) right up to the Library with parking right outside the door.  But, not before we had to face an unexpected thorough search of my car - by FBI agents, and a dog sniffing for explosives.  Hehe... (sick nervous giggle) there was only one problem - that I realized far too late.  Thank God I remembered it, otherwise things could have gotten a lot out of hand in very little time.  Just as I was pulling up I remembered - my loaded gun under the seat.  I had no choice, and I wasn’t about to back out and head back down the hill - I leaned out the window and told the officer I had it, and asked him what he wanted to do about it.  Five other people in the car either groaned audibly, gasped or uttered various adjectives and invectives under their breath.  For a few reasons, I wasn’t really worried about it... though everyone else thought I was headed straight for jail.  In less than three minutes I was told they would unload and hold the gun for me, that I wasn’t going to be cited (for a misdemeanor) but that they would have to check out the car - which they did - very thoroughly.  I praised them for their work.

On pulling away from the checkpoint, Bob J and Diotima, along with my wife Mary and my friends Carol and Alf - all - I think, were ready to lynch me on the spot!  Hehe.. but, they didn’t have a chance - we were directed through two more checkpoints right up to vacant VIP parking right outside the side door of the Library, and told to wait for the arrival of a special attendant to escort us past the crowd.  Now, about how that happened.  My wife, the ever gregarious lady she is, spotted a guy in a suit with a tag hanging around his neck - walking along past and amidst the hordes waiting thru the interminable lines for busses.  She thought - hey, he might be one of those who was assigned the job of moving people - she acted on a hunch, and approached him, handing him her business card that shows she is an elected ‘member of the LA County Central Committee.’

It is amazing what that line can do at times... the gentleman informed my wife that she did not have to wait in line - and that he could get her (and others with her) parking right at the Library.  He promptly called security at the Library, gave her name to the horde of security folks 6 miles away and told us to head up there in our car - they would be waiting for us.  What the poor man thought was that three of us were ‘elected members’ of government - like members of the Assembly, or Senate.  Well, two of us were elected, I’m appointed - all real dues paying members of the GOP, and it was always Ronnie’s .. er, President Reagan’s habit to treat us ‘low life’ members of the Party as if we had just as much right to the perks as those who wrote laws to take our money away from us.  In fact, on at least two occasions that I was present, while he was Governor of CA he ‘escaped’ from the big-wigs to spend a little time telling us how thankful he was for our work.

So, our escort came, one of Ronald Reagan’s staff while he was in the White House, and took us directly across the patio, bypassing the line, to the door where our Greatest President lay in repose.  All six of us were suddenly taken by the gravity of where we were - our ‘VIP status’ was forgotten, I felt almost weak kneed, and tears came quickly.  The fact that I could tell the guy running the camera across the way was homed in on my face didn’t help matters a bit - and he follow me almost the whole way around.  At that point the line was moving faster - and I was both glad, and disappointed that I could not linger.

Bob and Dio were going to take the bus ride back to the motor home - and we headed for Jerry’s Deli for a late dinner.  Bob lamented about the ‘the tale that couldn’t be told’ (and the laughs they had over my stupidity, that could not be shared with other Freepers) - well, Bob - Dio, I’ve told the tale - so don’t hold back.  Hehe.. It was a historic day, a wild ride, a heart stopping, heart rending, emotional roller coaster that my wife and friends laughed like crazy about - all the way to the restaurant, and all the way home.  Freepers - I just wish you could hear Alf... he really is funny - and merciless!  We were able to stand once again for a few brief moments beside one of the greatest men this nation has seen, to cry, and to laugh at ourselves - as ‘Dutch’ so often taught us to do.

And yes, I’ll try to stop by more than once every couple of years.

Much love to all.


TOPICS: Activism/Chapters
KEYWORDS: 40; 40thpresident; bobj; california; ceremony; funeral; reagan; reaganlibrary; ronaldreagan; simivalley
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To: Ron C.

Hi Ron! It was great to see you yesterday!

I'll give my report here, so that I don't start another thread.

Bob and I decided to rent a motorhome so that there would be a place where freepers could stop by and relax, have some ice tea and water, pick up snack, chat, and wait to get on the bus. We were unable to secure a reservation on Sunday since the offices were closed, so we went to Costco for snacks, gathered portable chairs, tables and ice chests and headed out to rent to RV at 8am monday morning.

We were able to get a 30ft motorhome, packed it up and went on our way.

Luckily we had little traffic. I think we were running slightly ahead of the trip from the funeral home to the Library because people were gathered at the bridges across the 405 holding flags and signs. It was a sight to behold.

Many people were already there when we arrived. We parked the RV and put up our banner so people could find us. I estimate about 10K people where there when we arrived. In time I think we had about 30 freepers stop by during the day. It is difficult to predict the logistics on an event like this, and we had good location however, there were so many people arriving and the line was so long, I was surprised anyone found us. Our RV was located near the front of the line, where people boarded buses. It was prime location for observing the attendence and watching the media.

Initially, we had planned to take a bus to the library and pay our respects in shifts. Unfortunately, the time to get to the library and back ran around four hours, at first. The time to get to the library only got longer.

Reagan was America's president. I was not able to watch the media coverage on TV while I was there, however the mix of people who came pay respects was impressive. I saw many children, teenagers, young, old, black, while, asian, hispanic and everything else. I watched CNN try and snag interviews with the most stereotypical conservatives they could find: a nicely dressed elderly woman who looked affluent, as opposed to the many blacks, hispanics or other minorities. Don't believe the coverage, this was a memorial for AMERICA'S president and every element was there to pay last repsects.

I also noticed some of the ushers and security going around the line and bringing military and handicapped people to the front. I thought that was a nice touch.

Previously, I though the line would get shorter and people would stop coming and Bob and I would be able to take the trip to the library. It became obvious that the line was not getting shorter, it was getting longer and longer. People were snaked up and down the entire campus. We thought we might just stay overnight and 2 or 3 am we would be able to go. Luckily, as Ron C mentioned, we were escorted to the library by one of the ushers. (After our encounter with the SS, the ATF, the bomb squad and a nice bomb sniffing dog.)

I had not shed a tear all day long, choosing to focus on the beauty of the event and feeling proud that the honorable President Reagan was receiving a tribute he richly deserved despite attempts to the contrary by the usual suspects. Once we arrived at the library I confess that I shed many tears. The honor guard, the coffin with the flag and those who had come to pay respects was overwhelming. I don't think I will ever see such another event in my lifetime.

When we left the library at around 11pm, one of the gentleman working there told me that there were 15k people at the college standing in line. As we left the college and drove home around 11:45pm, we measured six miles of cars backed up on the 118 and were unable to see the lines on the back route the college.

I suspect that today will see even more people coming out to pay their respects.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and spent sometime with us.


21 posted on 06/08/2004 7:46:36 AM PDT by diotima (Juke Box Hero)
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To: Ron C.





All six of us were suddenly taken by the gravity of where we were -
our ‘VIP status’ was forgotten

Amen.


22 posted on 06/08/2004 7:46:38 AM PDT by Sabertooth
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To: abner; DoughtyOne; Nick Danger; Bob J; Seeking the truth; MinuteGal; diotima; Libertina; ...

ping!


23 posted on 06/08/2004 7:53:26 AM PDT by diotima (Juke Box Hero)
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To: Ron C.; Bob J; diotima
Good on ya!

DeeCee is going to be a mess.

24 posted on 06/08/2004 7:56:26 AM PDT by sauropod (Which would you prefer? "Mr. Gobachev, tear down this wall" or "I did not have sex with that woman")
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To: Ron C.
I left Long beach around 3pm got home around 2am.What stuck me was as we were leaving -around 1am- the stream of cars still arriving up the two lane highway. It was awesome to see this river of light flowing up the canyon. I hope someone took the pic.
25 posted on 06/08/2004 7:57:48 AM PDT by rubofthebrush
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To: diotima; Ron C.

What an amazing day for you....am so glad to have found this thread. Ron, I'm so glad you didn't get introuble..and diotima...renting the RV was SO KIND and thoughtful.. God bless both of you.

When I saw Mrs. Reagan lay her head on the casket, the tears came and wouldn't stop until the tv was turned off. Every time she looked up at the minister, it made me think of how she would look up at President Reagan. Her eyes are amazing..and very memorable..


26 posted on 06/08/2004 7:58:00 AM PDT by Freedom2specul8 (Please pray for our troops.... http://anyservicemember.navy.mil/)
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To: diotima

Today's local paper is reporting at about 16,000 people had been to the viewing. Just looking at the crowds and incoming traffic as of 10:30 last night, it appears that there are way more people than the original estimates.

Sorry I wasn't able to find you! Glad you got in to see him. By the time, I got there - we were looking at a 6 hour wait - not something I had planned for at all - no water, inappropriate dress for an extended evening stay, etc. We are going to go back to pay our respects after he is buried at the library.


27 posted on 06/08/2004 7:59:48 AM PDT by Rabid Dog (Join your FreeRepublic Chapter and make a difference!)
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To: Rabid Dog

16k? LOL, no way.

I just heard on Fox, its 3hours to get off the 118 and 5-7 once in line. (16k? what a joke.)

I don't think anyone anticipated the numbers and the waiting time. We should organize something after the burial.


28 posted on 06/08/2004 8:06:07 AM PDT by diotima (Juke Box Hero)
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To: diotima

Awesome job guys.
You are so lucky to be able to go and pay respect to the greatest President of our lifetime.

Thanks for sharing.

I am really looking forward to Bob's photos.


29 posted on 06/08/2004 8:07:00 AM PDT by abner (FREE THE MIRANDA MEMOS! http://www.intelmemo.com or http://www.wintersoldier.com)
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To: commish

Let us pray this sets a precedent for the number of voters in the coming elections who will choose country over Kerry.


30 posted on 06/08/2004 8:08:47 AM PDT by AD from SpringBay (We have the government we allow and deserve.)
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To: abner

I better go find the camera...


31 posted on 06/08/2004 8:13:31 AM PDT by diotima (Juke Box Hero)
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To: diotima

Bump!


32 posted on 06/08/2004 8:16:07 AM PDT by The Mayor (A true friend will put a finger on your faults without rubbing them in.)
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To: AD from SpringBay

We were at the Freepers mobile home last night on our way to wait in line and met some nice folk. Unfortunately, the wait was over eight hours and we had kids with us, one of which had to be at school today to practice for graduation or not participate in graduation.

Finally abandoned the idea at 12:30AM and took them home. FYI, the wait on the freeway is 3.5 hours. The wait in line is 8 hours. If you are not at the college and in line by 2-3:00 today, chances are you are not getting in. We're going to try for the services this weekend or over the fourth of July.

Boy, am I beat, but the AMAZING sight of the huge crowds and the stunning lines of cars up and down the freeway are so inspiring. You just wouldn't believe it. I don't care what the polls say. The silent majority will speak in November just like they spoke when Reagan was elected and just as they are speaking right now here in my home town.


33 posted on 06/08/2004 8:16:51 AM PDT by Hi Heels
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To: diotima
I better go find the camera...

Yep.

The media won't report the crowds. You must.

34 posted on 06/08/2004 8:18:32 AM PDT by abner (FREE THE MIRANDA MEMOS! http://www.intelmemo.com or http://www.wintersoldier.com)
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To: Ron C.

Bumping a great post!


35 posted on 06/08/2004 8:25:14 AM PDT by RandallFlagg (<a href="http://www.michaelmoore.com" target="_blank">miserable failure)
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To: Ron C.; diotima

Thanks very much for the great first-person reports.


36 posted on 06/08/2004 8:28:33 AM PDT by Interesting Times (ABCNNBCBS -- yesterday's news.)
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To: Ron C.

BTTT. Thanks for the report, and welcome back to FR.


37 posted on 06/08/2004 8:32:59 AM PDT by spodefly (This post meets the minimum daily requirements for cynicism and irony.)
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To: Ron C.; diotima; Bob J
Wonderful reports and welcome back Bob.

Hope to be in D.C. tomorrow and pay my respects.

What a class act getting that motor home.

38 posted on 06/08/2004 8:36:59 AM PDT by AGreatPer
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To: Ron C.; diotima

Great to see you back Ron C. I'm so glad you were able to get to pay tribute to President Reagan without the back pain. A great report from you and Dio.


39 posted on 06/08/2004 8:41:00 AM PDT by WVNan (Be faithful in little things, for in them our strength lies. (Mother Teresa))
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To: Ron C.

It IS astounding! Our house shares the lot line with Reagan Library property, so we got very little sleep last night. The shuttles ran up and down past our bedroom window all night, gearing down, etc., but it was so worth it to see that outpouring of love for President Reagan.

I wish we "knew" somebody for easier access to the viewing because we weren't even permitted to walk up from home. We tried to get to Moorpark College last night. Hit the stopped traffic to exit Collins at 8:00, and went about one mile by 9:00. Finally, we had to turn around from the Collins overpass and return home (hubby had to travel early today). From that overpass, though, the line of traffic coming from San Fernando Valley was awesome and unending -- we heard it was backed up from Sycamore.

The makeshift memorial at the Library entrance just keeps growing. I've never seen so many elaborate arrangements, and from distant states, too.


40 posted on 06/08/2004 8:55:54 AM PDT by MayflowerMadam
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