Posted on 03/24/2003 12:44:22 AM PST by JohnHuang2
LEN ALLEN, Va., March 23 — These demonstrators wore shorts and ball caps, pushed strollers and carried American flags, but what most set them apart was the support they displayed by the thousands today at a suburban office park for the American-led war in Iraq.
The rally here, just north of Richmond, was one of many events around the country supporting the military on this first weekend of the war. It was meant as a show of support for United States policy and troops, and it was meant as an angry protest against the antiwar sentiment that has been more visible elsewhere, particularly in large cities.
"Don't let these peace protesters confuse you," Glenn Beck, a conservative radio host from Philadelphia, told the crowd estimated at 10,000 here today. "We know we're facing dark and terrible, terrifying times. But I tell you, we will look these times dead in the eye, and we will climb these stairs."
Over the last few weeks, Mr. Beck, whose three-hour program is heard five days a week on more than 100 stations, has helped promote many similar demonstrations under the banner of Rally for America. Some have been financed by radio stations owned by his employer, Clear Channel Communications, the nation's largest owner of radio stations, in an arrangement that has been criticized by those who contend that media companies should not engage in political advocacy.
The rally near Richmond was paid for by WRVA, a local radio station that broadcasts Mr. Beck's program. Executives at WRVA, which is owned by Clear Channel, said they had decided to stage the event in response to calls from listeners, who in turn had been exhorted by Mr. Beck to seek venues for such rallies.
"What are we advocating?" asked Randall Bloomquist, the station's operations manager. "We're advocating love of America, support for our troops overseas and defending our homeland. We have no compunction about any of that."
And judging from the comments of flag-waving veterans, husbands, wives, children and even members of a barbershop chorus, there was no shortage of people who share Mr. Bloomquist's sentiments.
"What brought me here was seeing all the war protesters on TV," said R. C. Witt, 54, an electrician from Gloucester, Va., who served in the Marine Corps for two years and who drove 50 miles to the rally. "It's got to be disheartening for our troops over there, and it's got to be disheartening for the president.
"I'd expect it in places like France," Mr. Witt said. "But in New York and places like that, right here, it's embarrassing."
Polls taken since the fighting began late on Wednesday have shown that a substantial majority of Americans now support the war. But on American streets, support has tended to be overshadowed by opposition, including the more than 100,000 people who marched in Manhattan on Saturday.
In response, Mr. Beck, 39, has been promoting Rally for America events on his Web site. This weekend alone, he also appeared at rallies in Fort Wayne, Ind., and Duluth, Minn., and others were held in Memphis, Charleston, S.C., Jefferson City, Mo., Sacramento and Washington.
Mr. Beck said his expenses and those of his staff were being paid by his immediate employer, Premiere Radio Networks Inc., a subsidiary of Clear Channel. But he said those costs were being reimbursed by Bills Khakis, a clothing manufacturer whose advertisements appear on Mr. Beck's Web site.
In an e-mail message, a spokeswoman for Clear Channel, Lisa Dollinger, referred questions about the rallies to Premiere, saying only that the events were "not sponsored by Clear Channel corporate, and I have no information." A spokesman for Premiere did not answer a telephone message today.
The attorney general of Virginia, Jerry Kilgore, applauded the companies and the radio stations for their stance, saying, "Support of America during a time of war is something to be commended."
A similar demonstration was held in Chicago today, where about 3,000 people gathered in Federal Plaza to voice support for President Bush, the war and United States troops in Iraq. There, too, most waved American flags, and their chants of "U.S.A." echoed against a backdrop of country songs blaring from loudspeakers.
"We have to support the troops and make sure the world knows there are not just antiwar protesters out there," said Andrew Burns, 36, an organizer at the Chicago event who is a member of the local chapter of the Free Republic Network, a conservative organization.
"We are here to show the troops there is a side that is supporting them," Mr. Burns said.
Richmond lies in the heart of what might be considered the country's military belt, not far from the giant naval base in Norfolk and a number of Army and Marine bases. Many of those attending today's rally said that they or close relatives had served in the military, and that they felt a particular kinship with the American soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines in the Persian Gulf.
But Richmond also lies in an overwhelmingly Republican and devoutly Christian part of the country, and it was apparent that politics and faith, as much as military service, were factors behind the display.
Many cars and pickup trucks headed to the rally bore bumper stickers that expressed sentiments like this one: "God, Guns and Guts Made America — Let's Keep All of Them." The barbershop chorus, men in black blazers who call themselves the Virginians, sang tunes like "This Is Our Country."
Mr. Witt carried a placard that said, "Saddam and Bin Laden Love War Protesters." It was one sign among many offering support for President Bush and United States troops and denouncing celebrities who have taken antiwar positions.
Anthony Nardella, 49, a retired Navy commander who served in the Persian Gulf war, said he regarded the event as "a counterdemonstration against all the antiwar glitz." He added, "I'm pretty sure you're not going to see people here looting stores or lying down in the streets."
Angie Hutchison, 30, was at the rally with her husband, her parents and her 3-year-old son, Tyler. Ms. Hutchison said that she and her family were offering prayers for an enlisted marine who shares her son's first name and is serving in the war.
"Peter Jennings calls us the pro-war movement, but we're not pro-war," Ms. Hutchison said, referring to the ABC television anchor. "We're pro-military, and war is the last resort. But if it's a just war, then we shall set them free."
BUMP!
Great time, y'all...hope everything went well in DeeCee!! If you haven't yet, you may wanna get in touch Glenn Beck, as he is trying to organize a Pro-America Rally in DeeCee and y'all's experience could be invaluable in setting up a partnership!!
I'll post some links and FReepMail ya others...MUD
"TENS OF THOUSANDS RALLY FOR AMERICA!!!"
Gotta LOVE IT...and Glenn Beck wants to Rally in DeeCee Sometime SOON!! DeeCeeFReepers, let's let him know Y'ALL been doiwn that road a time or two!!
Go America!! Let's ROLL...MUD
I've got to get me some of these khakis!!
Yep, the pro-America demonstrators have to be at their jobs on Monday...
free dixie,sw
free dixie,sw
Many cars and pickup trucks headed to the rally bore bumper stickers that expressed sentiments like this one: "God, Guns and Guts Made America — Let's Keep All of Them." The barbershop chorus, men in black blazers who call themselves the Virginians, sang tunes like "This Is Our Country."
Don't you love this? It's like they're reporting on space aliens or something. Besides, it's "This is MY Country" !! not OUR country. Gee whiz....
And vice versa...MUD
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