Good job, H.O.T. Freepers and Patriot Warriors! Can't wait to see the photos.
The main group came around the corner, like a huge parade. There was a big paper machae GW (nice of them to include the president) flags, signs and bamboo poles that strung together with the BLACK flags. This was very effective! It made a fence, held signs (not very readable from a distance but not bad) and in general was the best tool they had/used today. More on this later after the pictures come in.
There were lots of signs, looking more homemade instead of pre-printed with all the usual clap-trap.
There were sheets painted with slogans (the World Workers Party) strung between 2 poles. Very readable from a distance.
They drifted to the bleachers and stretched out along the block. We thought about 200. We were about 17. After the rally began we were talking quietly not really trying to hear the speakers because that couldn't happen. But not disturbing their rally.
Every now and then one or two would come over to talk, or get in a heated discussion with us. At the beginning an officer explained to them that we (both sides) had agreed to stay on our own sides.
Them over by the City Hall plaza and
us on the tiny triangle.
For a while they would leave but then a whole bunch of them surrounded us and stood in front of us, so that their signs would be in front.
The police said they weren't going to do anything or ask them to leave. But I could go to the other side (the anti-war) side and ask the officer in charge to move them back. I didn't want to take all my stuff over there, so Tarawa talked to him. He can tell that chat.
I did wonder aloud (well very loudly) why their side never can follow the rules. They didn't seem to care, and my 1st amendment wasn't as important as theirs and they don't really encourage diversity of thoughts.
AND they smell.