Posted on 06/26/2004 2:45:57 PM PDT by ItsOurTimeNow
AFTER ACTION REPORT - DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE RALLY!!
Well, what can I say? It was a HUGE success! We had about 300 men and women in attendance, not including children. The guest speakers were phenominal, and the music was awesome!!
Here's how things broke down:
Item 1: All week, the weathermen had been forcasting rain and thunderstorms for Saturday. Prayers went up for a dry afternoon, and as God would have it, we didn't have a sprinkle! Not a drop! 45 minutes after we got home this afternoon, it started pouring! Praise God!
Item 2: The rally was not without incident, I'm sorry to say. A small contingent of rabble was gathering while we were setting up. A total of 8 were there, lead by a skinny white boy in an ANSWER t-shirt. They were handing out flyers and had their usual signs and chants...which I thought was interesting that they could call us "bigots", "right-wingers", and "hate-mongers" without even hearing a word of our message.
Once the band started playing, the Rabble of 8 started marching THROUGH our protest area (that I had paid for), IN FRONT of the band, and making small circles around the crowd...chanting through bull-horns the whole time their ridiculous, and frankly, overplayed, slogans.
Here's a picture of them in all their glory. Not sure what the garden hose is for. Maybe Gunny Sgt. Hartman was right, and this particluar rabble CAN do an amazing trick involving the hose and a golf-ball.
Anyway, I had about 2 dozen of our people form a phalanx around the band, so that the rabble would have to walk behind the band, and up on the capitol steps, just to get around us.
They tried this once, and found it difficult, so about 2 dozen more people took to the steps and stood behind the band, thus making the Rabble's job of circling us all the more difficult.
At this point, the State Capitol security showed up and told the Miserable 8 to take a hike down the hill, to the end of the Capitol walkway, at edge of the curb. Essentially, about 100 feet down the hill from us.
Poor widdle sad commies:
It was at this point that one of the speakers, Pastor Jay, walked down to them to talk. He said to them, "I just want to let you guys know that we all love you and are here to help." To which the Rabble of 8 replied with...well...nothing except the same slogans they had been shouting. He then asked, "Why are you guys doing this? Why are you attempting to silence us? Why can't you let us have our say?" To which they replied with more moronic chanting. Apparently they weren't interested in debate, or even decent conversation. Pastor Jay then said, "Well, if any of you want to pray, you can come find me. I'm here for you, and I love you.", they cursed at him, and he left.
They, of course, the took to waving at cars and shouting their slogans, which we couldn't even hear at this point. After about 10 minutes of that, they got bored and left.
After they left, a group of "our" people, about 12 strong, walked down to the end of the walkway with our "Save Marriage", and "Let not judges put together what God has kept asunder", and "Marriage - One Man, One Woman" signs. About half of those 12 were kids aged 8-15...they came with a whole contingent of the local Homeschooling chapter, and let me tell you, those kids were so proud and happy to be a part of something like this!
However,
The former Rabble of 8 decided to take to their vehicles, and drive around the block over and over. Each time they'd pass the group of 12 (6 of which were kids), they'd shout obsceneties, flip the middle finger, spit, and curse. One time, towards the end of the rally, the threw a handful of coins at the group, and one of the girls, aged 10, was struck in the eye by a quarter. The father of the girl takes off after the car, which turns into the mall parking garage. The guy takes off after them, and runs into the garage, with the Capitol Security in tow.
Eventually, the cops got ahold of the kids who threw coins at CHILDREN. I'm not sure what happened to the perps after that point, if they were arrested or not.
But, yes, ANSWER and pro-gay protest groups...these are your brethren. Idiots with body odor, poor taste in clothing, who curse, spit, and throw things at children. You must be so proud.
Item 3: But, all in all, that was a minor event in a day filled with praise, worship, testimony, and prayer. Everything went according to schedule, our opposition was pathetically few, the band was rocking, the speakers were passionate, the crowd was loud and joyous. Man...what an event!!!
Item 4: Here's something that was particularly odd, yet refreshingly nice. During the entire rally, there were two large "butch" looking women sitting atop a knoll near the rally. Since one of our guest speakers is a reformed lesbian, she went off to talk to them. They said they were there to listen to what we had to say. After our speaker left them, the Rabble of 8 leader went over and tried to hand them a flyer. They refused to join up with the rabble, and remained seated. They actually stayed for the duration, took some of our literature, and listened to what our speakers had to say.
Odd, that. But nice all the same.
Pictures to follow
Excellent report and photos. Thank You all for being there.
Great job. Thanks for sharing.
This was our rally in Sacramento, California from May 22nd.
LOL!!!
Yeah, that's what it is. Pretty funny.
Thank you all so much for your feedback!
The next rally will be this fall. Considering that two people were able to assemble 300 in 4 weeks...imagine how many we can assemble with a 6-person committee, with 3 months to work with?!
And yes...a some of the posters had the www.freerepublic.com url on it. Notably the posters that read "Judicial Tyranny - A weapon of Mass. destruction". Gotta give credit where it's due, you know?
Here's a report of a rally organized by a fellow freeper, I'm not sure what state Redlands is in. It's another example of conservative activism!
Link to thread:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1160548/posts?page=86#86
To: little jeremiah; backhoe; Delphinium; sully777; Happy2BMe; Ragtime Cowgirl; Brian Allen; ...
"I can only shake my head, pray, and hope that there are enough right minded people who haven't chosen the dark side, that when push comes to shove, we'll win and those who have chosen the dark side will lose. I'm not predicted a shooting war or anything like that. I just don't know how things can get too much worse."
That the majority of the American people are not going to live like this; under these types of cultural and social conditions, goes without saying.
That being said, and on a related matter, I want to share with you guys a trend in my area I hope will be quickly spreading.
I don't know how many have been following the Redlands City "Seal" scenario, but I had the honor of attending a sizable rally this Wednesday, covered by all the local news media, hosted by the Save The Redlands' Seal group, which is headed by a few local pastors of some very influential churches.
I had been to a previous rally about a month ago concerning the same issue, but this one was much more notable. It was also broadcast over a local Conservative radio station.
First, Brad Dacus of the Pacific Justice Institute spoke and informed the community he was going to be representing the city against the ACLU free of charge (yeah, the community is going to be fighting this). Then, a few Pastors gave statements to the media and the gathering.
That's what really got my attention. One black Pastor, and I don't have his name at this point, gave a clearly Holy Spirit inspired speech that haled to the days of Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights era, in opposition to the ACLU wanting to pull the cross from the city seal. It was incredible. I haven't heard a public Christian stand relating to a cultural and political issue like this, well, ever.
Then, another Pastor, whose name I don't have right now but his speech is I believe posted at the site, gave another statement that knocked me on my heals just like the black Pastor. I cannot articulate sufficiently the tone, the mood and spirit, of these Christian leaders as they made these very un-PC, very Biblical, public pronouncements.
What impacted me immediately and hard, and this is as a recognized "activist" in such matters, was the tenor of the event called to my mind the memory of the "Black Robe Regiment" of the pre-Revolutionary War era and the distinctly American form of Christianity that was instrumental in birthing the American Nation. In all objectivity and impartiality I say this. It was incredible seeing and hearing what was being said.
Anyway, this is it for FReeping today, because I am going to be writing an article on it today, and I have to try and get the text of that one black Pastors' speech. Like I said, the other Pastors' is posted at the site. To bad there isn't a audio on it, because the written version in no way compares to have heard it live.
It is unfortunate the Spirit-filled Church has been lackadaisical up to now in defending our cultural heritage; yet the furnace of much growing adversity in American cultural and political arenas is even now burning out the dross and corruption in the American Christian Church leadership. What is happening in Redlands is proof of that. These Pastors recognize they are taking a leadership position in opposing the tyranny and darkness of the godless left and the ACLU, and stated such. I will do my part, small as it is, to see that they prevail!
Send me a regular email address FReepmail so I can put you on my regular mail list, for when I'm done!
82 posted on 06/27/2004 7:51:37 AM PDT by Salem (FREE REPUBLIC - Fighting to win within the Arena of the War of Ideas! So get in the fight!)
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If anyone wants to read more about this issue, click the link to the thread, and in the body of the comment a couple of links appear that disappeared when I copy/pasted. I think I'll check 'em now, then I'll find out what state this is all happening in.
Texas, maybe?
Oh man...that's awesome!
Our local ABC affiliate covered the rally. Gave us about 30 seconds worth of coverate on the evening news, starting their blurb off with "Opponents of gay marriage held a rally today..."blahblahblah.
As if to say that gay marriage is the norm, and we're the wackos for opposing it. Makes me want to puke.
4 other local news shows were notified of the rally, and none of them apparently thought it was news worthy. The Providence Journal, the state's main newspaper, was there, but I haven't seen a write-up for it yet.
This is how they win. This is how people can say, "Well, I haven't SEEN anyone opposed to it...so it must be ok, right?" The media black-out on our stance is sickening.
Last month in Hartford, about 6,000 people gathered in support of traditional marriage. The press was silent.
In Seattle, Dr. Dobson held a rally that gathered about 20,000 people. How much press did that receive?
On the other hand, 2 dozen queers show up at the state house here a few weeks ago, and all three news channels cover it for two days.
Unbelievable.
This is such a great story. Thanks.
What city? Good job with the rally.
Considering they hit a child, I'd say it's not likely they got off with a warning.
What a wonderful rally you had! Great job & great work!
Oh! Sorry...Providence, RI
Great Job! You put your faith into action! FYI- American family organization (afa.org) has an effort asking pastors to speak at church about the gay marriage debate on July 11. On July 12th- they are asking 'us' to call our senators so we can gain more votes as needed. Hope many freepers will join in and encourage their pastors to participate and to speak about this on July 11th. July 12th- call your senators.
This is fine so long as you are supporting traditional marriage between one woman and one man period. No divorce, no premarital sex, no extramariatal sex. But if you are supporting one marriage at a time, with multiple divorces, I can't go along with that. Too many heterosexuals are getting divorced then remarried, yet they THINK they support traditional marriage. Marriage is for the rest of your life until God parts you, period.
Actually, one of our speakers, Pastor Jason Williams, gave a very eloquent speech on that topic. His focus was that we, as Christians need to apologize to homosexuals for not leading by example on the issue of maintaining lasting marriages.
While it's vastly important that we stand against the issue of same-sex marriage, we also need to get our own house in order.
When I read Item 4 I literally got goosebumps. It sounds like you did some major "seed-planting." Prayers for all those in attendance.
Thanks for your good work!
Your Truly (in the black shirt), at the close of the event, shaking hands and praying with the event emcee, Kris from the Mass Family Institute. Remember, the camera adds an extra 150 pounds.
Great pic! You done good!
Remember, the camera adds an extra 150 pounds.
Heh...when I saw myself in the video of a church production I noted the saying "the camera adds 10 lbs" and asked "just how many cameras were they using?"
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