Posted on 02/24/2006 1:21:10 PM PST by George - the Other
I had the good fortune, to participate in my second rally in support of Free Speech in front of the Danish Embassy, in less than a week.
This one, organized by writer Christopher Hitchens, was all pro-freedom, with none of the hate-filled rhetoric that spewed forth from the mouth of New Black Panther Party leader Malik Zulu Shabazz, at last week’s Anti-Free Speech Rally.
Those who arrived early today (the event was from 1-2pm) were treated with the offer of a free Danish pasty. Many of us who received one, choose to hoist these aloft, along with the signs and flags, as we chanted and cheered our support for the Danes.
One of the signs was made of Legos and read, “Free Speech.” It’s owner was enthusiastically cheered along as he brought it up the hill into our sight.
The police presence was minimal, mainly to help the various delivery and work trucks navigate through our crowd. The officer nearest me was smiling a lot, which was in start contrast to the grim expressions the police had last week.
There were lots of media around, conducting interviews and taking pictures as we chanted “We LOVE the Danes,” and other slogans.
When Hitchens arrived, there was already a considerable group gathered. He was modest about his prescience, quietly speaking to everyone near him, letting the group honor Denmark in a free and spontaneous manner.
The only time he addressed us as a group was at the very end, when he stood upon one of the white rocks in front of the embassy, speaking briefly about the importance of defending Free Speech and thanking us for showing our respect and support. He mentioned that maybe there needs to be peaceful assemblies in front of other embassies as well.
With that, he told us he had promised the Danish embassy that we’d depart at 1pm … And since it was that time, we, in groups, and as individuals, slowly began the trek down the street.
(photos by G.F. Spicka)
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***update: video of Hitchens' speech at Expose the Left...courtesy of Age of Hooper, which has more photos...more video here...***
Instapundit has photos of the pro-Denmark gathering at the Danish Embassy convened by journalist Christopher Hitchens this afternoon. Looks like there was a great turnout.
Lovely photo spread over at Vital Perspective.
Blogger Greg Tinti was also there with camera and reports:
The mood of the event was unbelievably positive and all the signs and banners were nothing but respectful. People came to express their solidarity with Denmark and support free speech and that's exactly what they did. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and met some great people too.
Greg estimates there were about 200 people and a lot of media. A few of his photos:
Hitchens addressed the rally
Made with LEGOs!
Bill Kristol was there.
Wonkette's David Lat has more pics...and requisite snark.
Marc G. posts a photo of Hitchens and Andrew Sullivan at Flickr.
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Related:
good post!!!!
Correction: It was noon-1pm gfs
GOOD JOB TO ALL!
"We are all Danes now"
Amen to that!!!
Freedom of speech should not be subject to Sharia.
Great Info. Thanks,
I've been so inspired by these events that I've started my own blog. http://georgetheother.blogspot.com/
Free country, just something I noticed. Didn't know Hitchens was a smoker.
Tony Blankley TWT editorial page editor was there too!
Read my tagline! If you can't read Danish, it roughly translates to "Stand by Denmark!:)
I'm hoisting a Carlsberg Elephant to show solidarity with the Danes.
bump
LOL.
So true.
:O)
Thanks you for supporting the rally and especially for reporting to the rest of us the "mood" of the event.
The pictures show a happy respectful group. It is so nice to see PRO events instead of all ANTI ones!
Freepers are the best BUMP!!
Thank you all who attended this to support the Danes.
I'm sure I saw Evan Coyne Maloney in the crowd.
we need a few bumps to attract the Freepers as they return from the WRMC tonight!
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