Posted on 07/27/2007 2:46:58 AM PDT by doug from upland
Sometimes you try really hard to make things happen and they go nowhere. Other times, things just kind of fall into place. Thursday night in San Diego (actually Chula Vista, a little closer to our enemy south of the border) things just fell into place. It will be a night to remember.
I hadn't gotten tickets to the Freedom Concert earlier because I was not certain whether I would be in town. When I got back from Seattle, where I saw a good Mariners' game and visited our daughter, I put out the word looking for a ticket. Ron Dog sent FReepmail with the phone number of a new friend, who is about to become a FReeper, named Jay. He had some extra tickets, and we made a deal. We carpooled, and I drove. We had a great discussion on the way, and I gave him some tips on how to get money back from his teachers union. I hope he will do it and convince other teachers to do it.
We left Upland very early, about 12:30. Traffic was great going down the 15 Freeway at that time. The extra 7 million people in Southern California who don't belong here were not on the freeway. Perhaps they were in front of all the Home Depots or out committing the crimes against Americans that Americans won't do.
We stopped at a mall when we got close because I wanted to find a book called THE FRED FACTOR, hoping that I could meet Fred Thompson and have him sign it. We ate a quick lunch at the food court.
Because we got there several hours early, and a few hours before the gates even opened, we tried to figure out what to do. First, we figured out that you don't need to pay $20 for parking. You park about 100 yards away for free across the street on the unpaved lot.
No one would be let in for another two and a half hours but, hmmm, the vendors were there. We tried to walk into an open gate but were stopped. We needed a blue wrist band. How do we get a blue wrist band? Well, there was a guy at a KFMB table. I showed him my FreeRepublic unofficial press pass, acted as if we were supposed to be there, and he gave us the wrist bands. We were in.
Let's get out of the way now the only two negative things about the evening. First, my camera battery died right when I got there. It had not been charged after the trip to the Northwest. Fortunately, trueblackman was there taking pictures and will send them to Kristinn to post. The second bad thing was bending over to pick up a pen and ripping the crotch in my jeans. Without paying attention, I had pulled a really old pair out of the closet without paying attention. It was bound to happen sometime. Again fortunately, I wore a very long patriotic shirt with an eagle and flag. It hung low enough to cover the offending part of my clothing. There would be no male version of a Brittney Spears moment here, and no one would think I was a pervert as might normally and traditionally be found when groups of Democrats get together.
Curiously, there was a Republican booth at the event to register voters but no Dem booth. They would have certainly registered anyone, but my guess is that it would be easier to find an Anglo in Santa Ana, CA than a Democrat at that patriotic event. I mean, what would the odds be?
The Minutemen had a booth there, and there were other booths selling merchandise. A cup of Coors was ten bucks. That's more than gasoline!
I hung around where they were going to broadcast the Hannity and Nitwit show. When Sean got there, we spent about five minutes talking. He thanked me for the heads up on the Katherine Prudhomme confronting Hillary story, and I told him it would be nice if he busted Susan Estrich's chops next time. About a year ago, the advisor to tank commander Michael Dukakis essentially called Juanita Broaddrick a liar and didn't believe the rape story. How did Susan know? Bill told her it didn't happen. I tried to arrange a meeting between them, and Juanita really wanted to tell Susan a thing or two. Estrich refused.
From the previous thread, I want to emphasize what Sean said. We are on the same side in this battle, so let's get along. We need to unite to beat Hillary. Yes, his friend Rudy is his choice because of what he did for New York, but he loves Fred Thompson. Any GOP nominee will get his full support. Well, I didn't ask him about that idiot with initials RP. You know, the guy at 1% who thinks that America brought on 9-11.
I spend a considerable amount of time talking to Sean's producer and trying to convince him to have Peter Paul on the show again. I think we'll get there soon.
After calling The Spirit Of Allegiance, the first thread was posted. Had I stayed where I was, right on the rail behind the two seats, you would have seen me on TV. But something better was about to happen.
Who do I see about 20 yards away but a friend who is a documentary film producer. I had no idea he was going to be there. Hey, what is this? What is that green badge? Oh, it is only what you need to have to pretty much go anywhere on onsite, included the free food and booze in the VIP area and backstage. I want one of those. Ask and ye shall receive. A young lady associated with the event had one, and my friend introduced as the guy working on the film that would stop Hillary. I got the pass.
My friend said to follow him. We went to the VIP area. I left my spot for the taping of Hannity and Nitwit, so I wasn't on TV. That's fine.
In the VIP area I met Jon Voigth and Duncan Hunter. I told Hunter of the recent Tom Tancredo event at the Nixon library. Tancredo said he would be on either end of the ticket with Duncan Hunter. Hunter appreciated that and called Tancredo a good man.
In the distance I saw Rev. Jesse Peterson, whom I had first met at the protests in front of the Federal Building in Los Angeles during the 2000 recount days. He introduced me to a friend at the table who said, "I know you. You are the rhyming guy." Yes, I'm the rhyming guy. At some event in the past we had met.
There was lots of good food, but since I haven't eaten meat since 1991, I passed on the tri-tip and baked beans. It was Caesar salad, garlic rolls, and a brewski. Gee, at the Coors Amphitheatre, raise your hand if you can guess what was on tap.
I tried to introduce myself to Ollie North, but he rushed by me without taking my hand or stopping. Perhaps he thought I was a potted plant (some of you will get that reference). Although he was near me standing up at a table, I didn't try again. He is a great patriot, but in this particular circumstance, I guess I couldn't blame him for talking to those without beards who have different parts.
After leaving the VIP area, I went back to the FOX area. It was a mob because they had opened the gates for the rif-raf at 5:30. Just kidding. Everyone there was a proud patriot. There was Mark Levin heading for his seat because he was about to go on. As he rushed by, I got to introuduce myself and shake his hand. He didn't have time to sign my book, for which I paid retail, but said to make sure I saw him later. I kept looking for him but didn't think I'd ever get it signed. Don't worry, this story has a happy ending.
The show was about to begin. Let's see what this pass would do for me. It indeed got me backstage to watch the concert. After the intro by KFMB's Rick Roberts, I gave him a 15-minute promo video and asked him to watch it. I hope that he will have Peter Paul and I on his show.
I came close to getting to meet Lee Greenwood, but just as I was able to get close, he had to perform. Lee was just great. Michael W. Smith was great. Montgomery Gentry was loud. Okay, for you MG fans, they were pretty good.
Four relatives of soldiers were called to the stage, and they were surprised by getting to see their loved ones on a TV screen direct from Iraq. Three girls were called out, who have been given Freedom Alliance scholarships. This charity work is so great. We can never forget the sacrifices.
Occassionally, I would go back outside by the buses looking to find Levin to get my book signed. What is this? There is a big balding guy who I've seen on television. Hey, that is the next president of the United States! I walked up, introduced myself, told him that I would work as hard as I could for him, and said that I was doing the film that would help him beat Hillary. My producer friend got a copy of the promo video to him.
Fred had made a great comment onstage that generated big applause. "We not only support the troops; we support their mission!"
My pen had trouble, but wouldn't you know it, the soon to be candidate and next president happened to have a Sharpie with him. What are the odds?
It was getting near the end of the evening, and I wandered back behind the stage and in front of the buses. There he was. The Great One. Mark and I spent about 10 or 15 minutes talking. We discussed the evil teachers unions, among other things. If we have a new hook, he will get Peter on the air again. Mark was also amazed to hear that we are going to get Hillary under oath. It really is going to happen.
I told Mark I was really glad I found him, especially because I paid retail for MEN IN BLACK. He called me a sucker. :) Mark was on East Coast time and looked very tired. Hey, it wears you out yelling at big dopes to get off the phone. In person, Mark is very gracious.
A few final notes. The evening was particulary enjoyable because we heard people speaking English. I didn't even have to press "1".
Kristinn, when trueblackman sends you the photos, please post here. If anyone else was there who took photos, let's have 'em.
Finally, please tune in to Hugh Hewitt's show on Friday. The plan is for Peter and I to be on at about 3:20 Pacific. Online -- krla870.com
I also met Inga Barks near the end of the evening. Does anyone hear her show in Bakersfield? http://www.kernradio.com/showdj.asp?DJID=6896
Excellent wrap-up Doug; sounds like you had a great time and got to talk to some truly great Americans. Shame about your jeans, however.
“Without paying attention, I had pulled a really old pair out of the closet without paying attention.”
Yeah, but were you paying attention?
Just joshin’ with ya. Great report. Without your solitary effort, I and many others would not even know that Peter Paul existed. I am in you debt.
I hate to have to ask this, but what does DFU stand for?
Study his “name”...
Great report indeed! That was just the neatest story..especially laughed about the jeans!
Please keep us posted as the Hillary deposition approaches.
I simply can’t wait to see how see tries to weasel out of it (pressing Senate business?)
You are too kewl dfu...thanks for an awesome report!
Hunter S. Thompson, is that you?
“Old Pants Fear and Liberal Loathing in San Diego!”
Excellent work, Doug! I look forward to seeing the photos. Glad you had fun.
The only disturbing part is that you passed up the tri-tip!
Can't wait to see pictures!
What?? You did NOT just post this.. (sigh) Oh well, I guess it's your post....but, well, I just lost a little respect for you...
Tell me it's a medical reason, please, and not just "because I'm a vegetarian"!
Ping for later
initials for my FReep name
I showed him my FreeRepublic unofficial press pass, acted as if we were supposed to be there, and he gave us the wrist bands. We were in.
—
sounds Blues Brothers-ish.. “We’re on a mission FRom God, Ma’am.” 8-]
ps,, I got a tri-tip in waiting and beans too, destined for the menu this weekend.
Great Job and Report, DFU!!!
BUMP
PING!
I guess I can’t be pigeonholed. I’m a right wing, bearded, Birkenstock-wearing vegetarian. I do eat some fish, particularly Salmon because it is good for the heart.
The decision to not eat meat and chicken was both for health reasons and my own moral reasons regarding killing animals. I am allowed to do that and still be a right winger, right? :) I’ve outlived my dad and his dad by two years (and would like to make it by about 30 or so), and my last heart scan three years ago was totally clean.
I push my right wing political beliefs without hestitation because, well, I’m right. I’m not a PETA person and don’t push what I do onto others. It may be a good idea, however, for many of you to see what you eat does to your body. Just a suggestion. :) I don’t miss meat or chicken in the least, but I do miss gravy at Thanksgiving.
I think we can all agree that what is often done to some of God’s creatures is quite inhumane. If they are raised and killed for food, it should be done as humanely as we can. That’s not unreasonable, and we can do better. Animals shouldn’t be made to suffer. Michael Vick, however, is another matter. He should meet a couple of his own pit bulls in the ring.
Finally, I want to make it clear that my compassion and concern for animals does not extend to some human animals called Islamofascists. I want them dead.
Kevin said he would get the photos to you. Will you please bring them to this thread? Thanks.
HE DON’T EAT NO MEAT ?!
(that’s okay, we make lamb - my wife’s recipe, i grill ‘em. yum-o!!)
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