A lot of the leaders of the conservative movement in Washington were on hand. What's interesting is how they didn't put on airs. I'm not famous, and intend to stay that way, but I got to meet a few leaders just by walking around. As soon as I walked in, I met a friendly gentleman in a cowboy hat who turned out to be Fred Singer, prominent scientist who reguarly shoots down environmental screeds. We chatted for a bit.
Later, Grover Norquist (leader of Americans for Tax Reform) happened to sit down across from me and said "hi, I'm Grover." I then happened to see his full name tag, so I complimented him on his work. If I hadn't said anything, I don't think he would have tried to impress me with who he was.
I happened to be wearing my Navy baseball cap today, and when I was walking back to my car, Wendy Wright, who is (I think) the director of Concerned Women of America, walked past and asked me if I was in the Navy. I said I was in the reserves, and she thanked me for my service. Like Norquist, she only introduced herself by her first name.
In general, I find the lefists in this city try to impress you with how high and mighty they are, and the conservatives downplay who they are. It was a day that made me glad to be a conservative.
(It does bring up a question, though: when you meet a prominent person whose work you admire, and they don't make a point of bragging about who they are, is it proper to say you admire their work? Or should one give them the chance to be just Joe or Jane Average for a change? I'm not sure.)
I was there. Wasn't it nice to see Sen. Allen recognized with LI's Conservative of the Year Award for holding firm to his conservative principles. Some others from FR congegrated under a shady tent. I'm sorry we missed you!