Posted on 08/14/2005 11:32:00 AM PDT by basil
Edited on 08/14/2005 11:47:37 AM PDT by Admin Moderator. [history]
This is a new thread to which, hopefully, every freeper attending yesterday's rally in Crawford will add their observations.
Personally, this was a great day in my view. It's hard to describe the atmosphere that enveloped this gathering. Some of the nicest people in the country were there, and nary a disgruntled face was seen.
We can't say enough for the good police officers from the city of Crawford. They were tremendous in helping us keep this a clean, uninterrupted rally. They watched the road leading down to us, and turned away nearly everyone who didn't belong there. I can think of three people that made it by the police, but two were swiftly made to leave by freepers--and the third, well--more about her later.
This almost had the feeling of an impromptu Texas "hoe-down" (minus the music--LOL! ) Our stage was the back of a pick-up, our sound system while adequate, was not state of the art. Whitney Houston's recording of the Stars Bangled Banner was a bit jerky and scratchy--but she was joined by some very exuberant sing-alongers.
Folks decked out in red, white, and blue sat on the ground or in lawn chairs--dodging the fire ant hills. Everyone was generally relaxed and enjoying our meager program--no big names--mainly just freepers and Marine Moms.
Enough cannot be said about Doctor Raoul's contribution to this rally. His knowledge of the political situation appears to be endless, and when he wasn't speaking from our "stage" he was giving the media people an education, which they probably will never use--but nontheless, they know the facts now. What they will do with them is anyone's guess.
For me personally, being among my freeper friends--old and new, was of course a joy. There are a few more more that deserve kudos:
Kristinn--for helping us with research, advice, and getting the live thread going.
The Sarce, for spending all day Friday running all over Austin to find audio equipment for us--for loading it in her car, and hauling it to Crawford--all at her personal expense.
To the Bat Lady for rounding up and bringing a portable gas-powered generator for the sound equipment (also at her personal expense). For getting all the flags and decorations up, and finally, for donning her Statue of Liberty costume in the Hot Texas sunshine, reminding us all that liberty is what it's all about.
To Gracey for helping getting the email out to all of the Hot Chapter members, letting them know of this event.
To ValeriaUSA and The Sarce for their photography and video, which will be shared with you later
To Mr.Truth Seeker Val for his very stirring invocation
To Andrew, son of Drew's Dad, for his reading
To TXBubba and Blastus for bringing their family, and helping wherever needed at the rally.
I hope I haven't left anyone out--and if I have, please chime in and let everyone know about it! Thank you one and all!
Most of all, of course, let's give a huge round of applause to our men and women in uniform who are risking their all for our freedom and way of life.
And--last by certainly not least, the one man who makes it all possible: MR. JIM ROBINSON!
Tell! TELL! :)
Bookmarking this thread to read more from this event.
Keep up the great work!!!!
Patience is a virtue...........
bookmark and bump!
Well done, basil.
Thank you, all of you. You did a GREAT job.
Awesome job, well done!!!! Great read, too...thanks!
Ooh-rah!
And please ping anyone I left out of this list!
ping!
You all did a fantastic job, Basil! And I'd like to add kudos for Jeff, who took over the updates once Kristinn departed for his meeting. I was glued to your live thread for much of the afternoon. Thanks for standing proudly for those of us in other time zones!
Thank you Basil!! Great job TEXAS!!
We Buckeyes are so proud of you Lone Stars. Nice work. God bless you!
We had a great time. Thanks for everyone who helped. All thirteen of my staff's spouses are in the military. All but one has been to Iraq - the other was in Korea. I know they always appreciate any show of support.
Liberalism: Shame is a virtue
Thanks for being there H.O.T. and other FReepers!
Thank you all who made it to the rally.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.