Posted on 08/24/2005 11:27:50 AM PDT by Bob J
Just returned from the "YDSFMC" Tour in San Diego. I arrived shortly after 8am when the scheduled press conference with Howard Kaloogian was to begin. The YDSFMCT RV was parked right at the curb, adorned with MAF and YDSFMCT banners. I spoke briefly with Howard and he mentioned they were a little late getting started as some people had trouble finding the KOGO buiding. (Personally, I checked the map on the MAF website and was able to drive right to it.)
KOGO had set up an outside "easy up" type tent where Roger Hedgecock was already doing his morning radio program. There was also a small riser with a podium and mic next to it where Howard and Deborah Johns of Marine Moms would speak.
There were about 50 "YDSFMCT" supporters, about 25 counter protestors and 20 media people (It looked like most of the SD media was there). The counter protestors had hand made signs with the usual anti-Bush and "Really, we really do support the troops, really!" type signs but the YDSFMCT basically had mass produced reversible "MAF" and "Support Our Troops" Sign. If I could make a suggestion, at future stops we need better and bigger hand made signs.
The event basically lasted one hour spanning the Hedgecock show. I assume he moved indoors after that as he is on for more than one hour. Roger interviewed Howard, Deborah Johns and other supporters. Their message was clear and I think it went well!
During this hour, the two sides continually chanted and shouted slogans. The "Surrender NOW" group would chant "Shame on Bush" and the YDSFMCT group would chime back "SHAME ON YOU!"...heheh. There was some shouting and taunting between the two but basically it went well.
One thing that was apparent, I don't think any of the actual tour members, other than the main MAF RV had arrived nor were they going to arrive. Jim nor Syncro were there. I phoned Jim and got a machine. Howard mentioned they were at separate hotels and there were some problems getting directions straight, etc. Too bad. I hadn't seen Jim nor Syncro in a while and was hoping to catch them. I also wanted to check out Jim's new van lift that we raised funds for and purchased primarily so Jim could take part in events such as this. Next time I guess.
I was able to finally meet John and Robert from MAF, who have been the central organizers of the tour. Very nice gentleman. After the event I spoke at length with Howard about his upcoming run for the Congressional seat being vacated by the disgraced Randy Cunningham. It looks good for him!
Sorry, I left my camera on the kitchen table so hopefully MAF will post pic at their website later.
BTW - For those of you who don't know Howard, he is the retired CA Assemblyman who initiated and ran the campaign to oust Grey Davis. He is very popular among pubbies and conservatives in CA.
LOL!!!
Heheh...
You know if we can make it we'll definitely be there! The Fresno FReepers put on the best BBQ!
I'm not sure how many SD FReepers were there or how early the word was put out.
Did you hear Roger Hedgecock say on his radio program around 5:00 pm that he found out today that Cindy did NOT raise Casey.....his step-mother did? He said she was just an egg donor. Has anybody else heard this?
:) Looking forward to seeing you in Fresno.
I missed Roger's show this afternoon, but why would Casey have a step-mother when his father just recently filed for a divorce from Cindy?
Listen Live link on the left side navigation bar near top left side of the page.
Give 'em hell shipmate!!!!
Desert Storm Maritime Patrol Bubba
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.