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Pro Vs. Anti-American Rally in the Heartland
03/22/03 | Ophiucus

Posted on 03/22/2003 2:25:22 PM PST by Ophiucus

Greetings from Carbondale, Illinois, home of Southern Illinois University.

I would like to report an excellent experience today. As expected, there was an anti-war, anti-America protest on the main drag of this university town. Perhaps less expected was the large turnout on the opposite side of the street, literally and figuratively. The patchouli and hippie contingent were their usual drum-banging, bug dancing selves shouting their slogans of "No blood for oil" and "War is the problem, not the answer."

On the other side of the street where I stood, USA sign in hand, was a growing crowd of surprising diversity. Members from three school fraternities, church members, local businessmen, and veterans were standing together waving American flags and holding signs with pictures of Marines that read "True American Heroes." Eventually, the pro-American side of the street outnumbered the drumbeaters. The wind rippling the flags carried sounds of a tape player playing "God Bless America."

The stark contrast in the people on the two sides was nicely emphasized by the reception of the cars driving by on the busy street. Of every twenty cars, four or five would just drive by, easily twelve would honk while giving us the thumbs up, wave, or simply hold a fist up in silent salute. Maybe, one would honk and give a peace side to the war protestors.

The smiles and waves from the passersby to us were amazingly uplifting. The 'American Street,' as Petah Jennings or Dan Blather might say, was clearly in support of our efforts in Iraq, our valiant troops, and our President.

Heartwarming news from the Heartland that I thought would be appreciated despite the news from ABC, CNN, and their ilk.


TOPICS: News/Current Events; US: Illinois
KEYWORDS: carbondale; iraq; march22reports; protests; war
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1 posted on 03/22/2003 2:25:22 PM PST by Ophiucus
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To: Ophiucus
"The American Street."

Noted and filed -- thanks.

2 posted on 03/22/2003 2:26:28 PM PST by Interesting Times (Eagles Up! Join the Rally for America...)
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To: Ophiucus
Great news indeed! An especially good weekend for pro-America rallies!
3 posted on 03/22/2003 2:33:34 PM PST by spookycc (I raq, I rack 'em up, and I roll)
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Comment #4 Removed by Moderator

To: spookycc
An excellent weekend indeed! One of the great parts was the response of the students. There were more students on our side, and they were more energetic, than those on the protestors side. Another positive, there were only a few exchanged words across the street (three lanes on a one way street)so there was never a need for a police presence.
5 posted on 03/22/2003 2:41:31 PM PST by Ophiucus
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To: rippedlugan
Last time I heard clues were pretty cheap and getting cheaper by the minute. Might want to buy one soon...
6 posted on 03/22/2003 2:43:49 PM PST by wastoute
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To: rippedlugan
"The people protesting the war are informed of the corruption that the United States government is involved in to attack Iraq."

This is Free Republic. You're going to have to actually present a case for such comments if you want to be taken seriously here.
7 posted on 03/22/2003 2:44:31 PM PST by Sofa King (-I am Sofa King- tired of liberal BS!)
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To: rippedlugan
...you are destroying the purity of our government...

I've heard government described in many ways, but that's a new one for me.

8 posted on 03/22/2003 2:48:30 PM PST by willieroe
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To: willieroe
"I've heard government described in many ways, but that's a new one for me."

LOL
9 posted on 03/22/2003 2:49:25 PM PST by Sofa King (-I am Sofa King- tired of liberal BS!)
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To: rippedlugan
I presume that you are a deluded youth with little ability or experience to rationally evaluate the situation. Saddam Hussein was a threat not only to the US but to his own people and the rest of the world. Anyone who is truly a peace protester would have fist protested against Saddam Hussein and his weapons of mass destruction before protesting against the US for supporting the UN resolutions.

The reason that the protesters are deemed anti-American is because the protests are organized and funded by Communist Organizations, headed by the World Workers' Party. If you were a little more knowledgeable and a little less partisan, you'd already know the truth of the people you so readily support. My advice to you is to take some critical thinking courses and read with an open mind.
10 posted on 03/22/2003 2:51:18 PM PST by Eva
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To: rippedlugan
Don't be a hypacrite and inform yourself of this war and as many American affairs as you can.

Judging by your spelling and grammar, I would say you are probably a young student. You are in over your head intellectually in this forum. You will find a better reception for such naive thoughts elsewhere.

But, just a little tid-bit to whet your appetite for knowledge: many of the so-called "anti-war" protests are, in fact, organized and funded by communist groups whose agenda is distinctly anti-freedom and anti-American. This information is fairly easy to verify if you have the curiousity and the will.

Good luck to you.

11 posted on 03/22/2003 2:52:01 PM PST by Blennos (hoste, opto ut seis felicior.)
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To: rippedlugan
The people protesting the war are informed of the corruption that the United States government is involved in to attack Iraq.

No son, they are more likely either democrats that hate Bush or anarchists like your "Direct Action" people.

12 posted on 03/22/2003 2:52:09 PM PST by Dan from Michigan ("They may take our lives, but they'll never take....OUR FREEDOM!!!!")
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To: rippedlugan; Admin Moderator
Clean-up on aisle 4.
13 posted on 03/22/2003 2:53:28 PM PST by Rocko
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To: Eva
presume that you are a deluded youth with little ability or experience to rationally evaluate the situation. Saddam Hussein was a threat not only to the US but to his own people and the rest of the world. Anyone who is truly a peace protester would have fist protested against Saddam Hussein and his weapons of mass destruction before protesting against the US for supporting the UN resolutions. The reason that the protesters are deemed anti-American is because the protests are organized and funded by Communist Organizations, headed by the World Workers' Party. If you were a little more knowledgeable and a little less partisan, you'd already know the truth of the people you so readily support. My advice to you is to take some critical thinking courses and read with an open mind.

Your post, so similar in content, but far more eloquent, just beat mine into the thread. What do they say about great minds...?

Well spoken.

14 posted on 03/22/2003 2:54:29 PM PST by Blennos (hoste, opto ut seis felicior.)
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To: Rocko
C'mon. These trolls are fun to laugh at!
15 posted on 03/22/2003 2:54:54 PM PST by Dan from Michigan ("They may take our lives, but they'll never take....OUR FREEDOM!!!!")
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To: Ophiucus
When I was in Carbondale during Gulf War I, the SIU student body was most decidedly pro-Bush Sr.

When Desert Storm started, I was sitting in the SIU Student Center trying to get my homework done before going to work at the SIU Arena. The TV near me was tuned to Channel 12(KFVS) at the time and they started showing the bombing of Baghdad. I then ran over to the Arena to tell everybody the shooting started.

Nice to hear that the SIU campus fruitcakes didn't take the day...
16 posted on 03/22/2003 2:59:04 PM PST by saluki_in_ohio (Gun control is the ability to hit your target!)
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To: rippedlugan
If someone is protesting the war, it does not mean that these people are Anti-American. These anti-war protesters are most likely more patriotic that those so-called pro American rallyers.

In this case, those that support the prolonging of a regime that has involved itself with attacks against the US, the murder of Americans, and overt support, training, and supplying of terrorists are supporting a self-declared enemy of this country. Remember, Saddam built training camps for terrorists including Al-Qaeda, he has sucred weapons and munitions for them, and he not pays $25,000 to the families of homicide bombers but gives them bonuses for killing American. By definition, they are anti-American. The attitude that America is wrong first and deliberately works toward evil gains is an anti-American attitude whether one is from Kansas or France.

The people protesting the war are informed of the corruption that the United States government is involved in to attack Iraq.

What corruption is this? I know that there have been unfounded attacks from the left about Bush is just doing this for oil money. Attacks that lack logical sense and are devoid of fact. In simplest terms, Saddam runs a terrorist infest nation and encourages terrorism. He has developed and is developing good ole nukes and more powerful bioweapons to extend his range. He is a threat, he is evil in no uncertain terms. He must be removed. How many 9/11's will it take to understand this?

Next time anybody waves an American flag supporting the war, you are destroying the purity of our government by supporting corruption.

This is amazing hyperbole. I could see someone saying that of voting no in the impeachment of a Clinton. But in the efforts to eradicate the evil of terrorism? This is a far reaching goal of great vision not corruption - but wait, you're back on the oil thing again, right?

Don't be a hypacrite and inform yourself of this war and as many American affairs as you can.

A hypocrite is one who would profess beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold or possess. (American Heritage Dictionary) However, I do strongly believe in these feelings. Plus, as most in this community, I am a 'news junkie.'Yet, I do know the difference between politically motivated allegation and fact. Discernment is a better part of knowledge.

17 posted on 03/22/2003 2:59:09 PM PST by Ophiucus
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To: rippedlugan
If someone is protesting the war, it does not mean that these people are Anti-American. These anti-war protesters are most likely more patriotic that those so-called pro American rallyers.

In this case, those that support the prolonging of a regime that has involved itself with attacks against the US, the murder of Americans, and overt support, training, and supplying of terrorists are supporting a self-declared enemy of this country. Remember, Saddam built training camps for terrorists including Al-Qaeda, he has secured weapons and munitions for them, and he not pays $25,000 to the families of homicide bombers but gives them bonuses for killing American. By definition, they are anti-American. The attitude that America is wrong first and deliberately works toward evil gains is an anti-American attitude whether one is from Kansas or France.

The people protesting the war are informed of the corruption that the United States government is involved in to attack Iraq.

What corruption is this? I know that there have been unfounded attacks from the left about Bush is just doing this for oil money. Attacks that lack logical sense and are devoid of fact. In simplest terms, Saddam runs a terrorist infest nation and encourages terrorism. He has developed and is developing good ole nukes and more powerful bioweapons to extend his range. He is a threat, he is evil in no uncertain terms. He must be removed. How many 9/11's will it take to understand this?

Next time anybody waves an American flag supporting the war, you are destroying the purity of our government by supporting corruption.

This is amazing hyperbole. I could see someone saying that of voting no in the impeachment of a Clinton. But in the efforts to eradicate the evil of terrorism? This is a far reaching goal of great vision not corruption - but wait, you're back on the oil thing again, right?

Don't be a hypacrite and inform yourself of this war and as many American affairs as you can.

A hypocrite is one who would profess beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold or possess. (American Heritage Dictionary) However, I do strongly believe in these feelings. Plus, as most in this community, I am a 'news junkie.'Yet, I do know the difference between politically motivated allegation and fact. Discernment is a better part of knowledge.

18 posted on 03/22/2003 2:59:33 PM PST by Ophiucus
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To: Blennos
That's what so great about Free Republic, you are constantly reminded that you are not alone in your beliefs.
19 posted on 03/22/2003 2:59:51 PM PST by Eva
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To: saluki_in_ohio
Greetings fellow Saluki! I was just entering grad school here when that happened. I remember being at a basketball game when instead of using the big maroon SIU flag, they ran out with the American flag. The arena erupted with the loudest cheering I ever heard.
20 posted on 03/22/2003 3:03:53 PM PST by Ophiucus
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