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We did have a lot of Freepers come from relatively far away – Kentucky (“I'm home safely in Kentucky now. . . . [B]oy are my arms tired;^),” says Fred Mertz), Connecticut, New York, New Jersey.

But many probably agree with a post from a Freeper named Meyer: “Nice job to all of you in DC that braved the chilly weather to make a show. I wish there had been more, but most of us have jobs and obligations. We aren't living off the public dole like a gang of leeches. They are and that is why a few thousand of them can afford to travel to Washington from all over the place.” Point taken.

Along those lines, consider this mock news report:

289 Million Americans Avoid Peace Rallies

Police across the nation estimate the crowd that avoided yesterday's anti-war demonstrations at about 289 million.

Americans from coast-to-coast voted in absentia against criticizing the Bush administration for Iraq's failure to comply with U.N. resolutions. . . .

Police reported no unusual problems with the droves that stayed away from the protests.

I left the marine barracks a little early to walk down the north side of Pennsylvania Avenue and get a better look at the parade than I could in those close quarters.

I jotted down notes of signs I saw and will post a link to my list of signs and descriptions of protestors soon.

One thing of great interest to me was a group of college Republicans on a balcony at 600 Penn. Ave., drinking champagne and taunting the protestors with a sign that said "Hippies Go Home." I tried to talk to them but the police officers guarding them didn't want anyone approaching and kinda assumed I was with the parade. I think these kids were college Republicans.

I also saw a protestor getting arrested by the Capitol Police Saturday near where Pennslyvania Avenue abuts the Capitol grounds.

I witnessed the usual environmental damage, including protestors leaving the parade early but cutting across the law of the Capitol on the grass, thus damaging it. Wouldn't be so bad if they each chose their own way. But I was fascinated/not surprised to note they tended to follow each other's path along the grass. Figures.

"But many probably agree with a post from a Freeper named Meyer: “Nice job to all of you in DC that braved the chilly weather to make a show. I wish there had been more, but most of us have jobs and obligations. We aren't living off the public dole like a gang of leeches. They are and that is why a few thousand of them can afford to travel to Washington from all over the place.” Point taken."

I don't accept this. I also have a job and many obligations. It's our duty to be out there!!!

We have access to major media at events like this. They were unimpressed with our showing. The FReeper who enunciated this is completely wrong. IT IS important to show Middle America that rational folks are out there in great numbers supporting our troops.

100 is not "great numbers," no matter the well-meaning spin about jobs and obligations keyboard patriots put on it.

IMNSHO, 'Pod