Posted on 04/15/2002 3:23:38 PM PDT by tgslTakoma
Imagine a group of individuals who decide that they don't want the so-called "anti-war movement" protesters' lies and hatred of the USA to go unanswered on April 20th. Now imagine that they decided to hold a rally of their own, on the same day that the commies and leftists want to take over our nation's Capital, and these patriotic Americans announce plans to hold a press conference regarding their rally.
The press conference, hosted by members of the DC Chapter of Free Republic and Rally4America.org - and including several of the speakers at the upcoming rally, was held this morning in the National Press Club building in downtown Washington, DC. How many of the press do you think showed up?
If you guessed that two members of the print media showed up, you'd win the prize. The Washington Post reporter, Manny Fernandez, was the first to show up; and to his credit, he did stay for the entire press conference, and took extensive notes. The other reporter was from an Indonesian Christian news service.
While the press conference was not well attended, those two reporters were supplied with a wealth of information regarding: who we are - our goals and our politics, why we have organized our counterpoint rally, our strict rules for protesting and standards of behavior, how much money is being spent by DC and federal government for police overtime to keep the other side's protesters from rioting - money which could be better spent on social programs for the city's residents (as the other side constantly demands) if only the other side's protesters weren't so bent on lawlessness, the "parenthood" of the planned anti-war movement (communist party USA), activities that some of these groups are encouraging protesters to engage in (property damage, building takeovers, etc.). So much ground was covered in our press conference that I can't remember it all; I neglected to take notes. But I did take pictures, and will email them to Dave Dilegge, who will put them up on this thread (right Dave??). I'll leave the other DC Chapter members to add their comments.
Speaking at the press conference were: Maria Heil, Angelwood, Kristinn, Kevin Martin and Sauropod. They all did a great job presenting our message!
Our lurker friend who attended the planning meeting last Saturday was also in attendance here today, but she had to leave early.
We had the NPC videotape the press conference, for our archives.
:-)
Regardless of the "press" turnout today - there is every indication of a huge turnout for Sat. Today there were rallies within our nations's captitol that we did not know we would have to compete with when we made the arrangements. Anyway - this is shaping up to be a most interesting week to say the least.
We expect confirmation from additional invited speakers shortly.
Dave's working on posting pix right now.
Oh common already, you didn't shake down anybody or bomb anybody. What do you expect from the United States of America Press?
Gees, a gathering where they can be recognized as those "not" burning the American Flag is no big deal.
That said, thank you all for being there today. See you all Friday night and definately Saturday.
BTW - you guys look great! EAGLES UP!
Thank you Maria, Kathy, Kristinn, Kevin and Dave - you guys did good!
I think it's understandable that the media did not show up for the press conference. They have long since figured out that we are the 'good guys' who support our country and our form of government. Which means we are not coming to Washington DC to tear it down. Remember, if it bleeds, it leads.
Overall, their absence is a good indorsement of what we stand for.
/pontification.
pro2AMom....."Am I really doing this on a Monday afternoon? I must get those cookies baked."
Angelwood....."Somebody better say something quick. I gotta be back to work in 13 minutes.
Kristinn....."I know, I know, I may look like Wolf Blitzer, Honest, I am on your side."
TrueBlackMan.....Look uns, the only thing I care about is America. Period.
Sauropod....."It is my humble pleasure to be here today, but, let's quit the Bull Shipp and you two media persons better spell my name correctly."
Great pix Dave. Thank you.
Dave Dillegge....."These clowns want me to take their picture talking at chairs?"
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