There are those whose work positions or responsibilities, family responsibilities, medical problems, or geographic location preclude them from going out in person. Or they are veterans themselves and served the country more directly in the past.
There are also those who do not have the temperment to maintain their cool when confronted with America-hating traitors. And we don't want violence, so, for everyone's benefit, those people are encouraged to stay away from FReeps counter-protesting the left.
It's understandable that many people in those groups won't come out to FReep in person.
However, there are those who won't go to a FReep simply because a leftist might insult them (even as our troops are dodging bullets and braving IEDs). Some won't go to a FReep because they would have to drive 35 miles, but they then go to a ballgame or concert that is 40 miles away. You get the picture. And those people know who they are (I'm NOT talking about you, Marine Uncle).
It's not my purpose or place to condemn those who simply decide that FReeping in person is not for them, although I do try to persuade them otherwise. (Many of them help via phone calls, letters to editors and Congress, etc.) If many more would come out in person, it would help the troops and the country. Plus, I think that many FReepers would be surprised by how much they enjoy it as a fulfilling, sometimes fun, experience.
If you meant that "the vast majority of FReepers could not attend" because of geography, I would point out that there are unlimited opportunities across this wonderful nation. Jim Robinson and the fine Fresno FReepers (click here) have a weekly support the troops rally. GulfWar1Vet, Bluesagewoman and other great Columbia, MO FReepers (click here) have regular support the troops rally and counterprotest of leftists. There are numerous other FReepers who have taken the initiative to peacefully counter leftists and/or support the troops in their own communities.
I agree that driving or flying to DC is not a realistic option for many people located far away. However, the geographic excuse (i.e., "I'm too far away to FReep") may be valid for a particular event, but most of the time the person could organize something themselves in their own community.
I note that the below thread involved locations across the country. While many fine FReepers picked up the ball and took action either in person or via phone, email, fax, etc., most sadly simply typed at their keyboards, cursing the leftist darkness, instead of lighting a candle. That's their right, but I hope that all of us will put more effort into support our troops and opposing the hate-America leftists.
Global Day of Coordinated Actions (FReep ANSWER et al March 18-20)
International ANSWER ^ | on or before March 3, 2005 | some Stalin fan
Posted on 03/03/2005 3:26:42 PM PST by BillF
UPDATED FROM AN EARLIER POST. LEFTISTS ARE TIMING THESE TO THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF THE START OF OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. ALL EVENTS ARE ON SATURDAY, MARCH 19 EXCEPT WHERE NOTED. I've reformatted, left out some irrelevant info, and added emphasis. I will post rally info from another leftist group below on this thread. Check relevant leftist websites in case their plans change.
[snip list of events in almost every state]
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Organize a counter-protest of the anti-war protestors emphasizing support for our country, our troops, and our President. Alternately, organize a "support the troops" rally to take place on the same day and in the same city as the anti-war rally nearest you. Or, attend a counter-protest or support troops rally already being held.*The troops are fighting over there. Surely, you can give up a day or two of your free time to organize, support, and attend a rally to counter the hate-America first crowd.
HOW: Some suggestions:
Many fine FReepers at numerous locations organized to counter the leftists on that occasion. (I can't claim credit as many of the efforts were started before my thread.) However, a sufficient effort by FReepers on that occasion would have relegated the anti-war movement to the obscurity that they richly deserve.
Thank your nephew and all veterans on my behalf. Have a great 4th of July weekend!
"However, there are those who won't go to a FReep simply because a leftist might insult them (even as our troops are dodging bullets and braving IEDs). Some won't go to a FReep because they would have to drive 35 miles, but they then go to a ballgame or concert that is 40 miles away. You get the picture. And those people know who they are (I'm NOT talking about you, Marine Uncle)."
Bill I can only say I admire your selfless honorable acts, in behalf of our troops currently in harms way as well as all that serve. They continue to bring a lump in my throat as I conjure up images of them in all sorts of activities during peace as well as war time conditions. They SERVE WITH HONOR. I do hope what your response included can stir the hearts of those that can arrange to participate in peacefull civic oriented counter rallies to these often total mis-informed and often admitted malcontents of our society.
Their masters for to long have been given a free ticket to arrange hate displays and total disrepect for the country that has been so good to them. I prayerfully hope your mission shall be one of success. God bless you and all that participate in this act of love, for really that is what it boils down to, and may HE bless the good work you all perform.
Semper Fi
George
Please ping me to the report on today's FReep at Walter Reed.