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The rally was a wonderful experience. While I won't attempt to estimate the crowd, it was gratifyingly large. Protesters demonstrated great wit and wisdom in their signs, clothing, singing and conversation. I found it invigorating to be among so many people of common values in a setting where we could freely talk about them. I met people from all over the US, and they were all polite, determined, freedom loving individuals, most of whom were new to protesting.

Several of us noticed that the mall area was left very, very clean. Leaflets were being handed out, but they were tucked safely away or disposed of properly. One of our "neighbors" went looking for a trash bag. I initially thought he was preparing for possible rain, but later saw that he was securing overflowing trash beside the nearby trash bin. On the way back to our bus we saw that our fellow citizens were very carefully stacking and weighing down trash that didn't fit into bins to prevent it from blowing around. This crowd was just a joy to be with - even when waiting in line. There was no pushing or shoving, and the many people in wheelchairs were accommodated with adequate space. It felt like the America of my childhood.

As we left the capitol building, the crowd dispersed in an orderly fashion, with one gentleman describing it as though we were all in Catholic school, walking peacefully down the hall. There was a great deal of laughter, spontaneous friendships, and trust. I went to find the "ladies" and left my backpack with a new friend and realized that I'd just left everything with someone I'd only just met whom I knew only by a first name . . . and it was perfectly OK. I can't remember when I've had such a positive experience in a crowd of complete strangers. Even the bus ride was enjoyable - funny and upbeat. A great day.

I'm sorry to hear about all the porta-potty lines. We used the restrooms in the botanical gardens - quick lines, polite security personnel, and soap & water. Very civilized.

307 posted on 09/12/2009 8:06:39 PM PDT by Think free or die (The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money - M.Thatcher)
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To: Think free or die

If you had a town full of these people you could leave your doors unlocked at night like the old days.


335 posted on 09/12/2009 9:21:17 PM PDT by donna (Arizona DPS photo radar - just 24% of speeders pay up.)
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