Earlier today several Freepers from the Houston Area Texans (H.A.T.) FR Chapter joined about 5000 others pro-Americans for another Rally for America. This event occurred at the South steps of the Capital Building in Austin, TX. This event was sponsored by the Young Conservatives of Texas at the University of Texas at Austin.
The Houston Freepers arrived at the State Capital around noon for the 3:00 event. At the arrival, an AFL-CIO sponsored rally for Cesar Chavez was wrapping up. By 1:00 pm, the AFL-CIO crowd was gone and the pro-America crowd began to gather. Once again, the "WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS" banner was in full display, along with a "Support our Troops/Support our President" yard sign, and a large U.S. Flag. Once again, the banner was a huge hit among the tourists and those attending the rally. Allegra served as the chapter photographer, but digital cameras were numerous at this event.
Speeches/Program Segments were given by the following people.
M.C. Dr. Alan Sager - Lecturer, Univ. of Texas/Travis County Republican Chair.
Susan Hawkins Sager - Invocation
Ret. Colonel Jim Foster - Pledge of Allegiance
Kyle Sisters - National Anthem
Colonel Hugh Shine - Veteran
Don Crawford - Radio Talk Show Host KLBJ (590-AM)
Rick Green - Founder of Patriot Academy
John Carter - U.S. Congressman (R, 31st-TX)
Jerry Patterson - Texas Land Commissioner
Numerous U.S. Flags and yard signs provided by Travis County Republican Party were present. Gracey from the H.O.T. FR Chapter brought a large Union Jack (England Flag). The Freepers were advised that media from the BBC would be present and several people gave them interviews. The local FOX station (Channel 8) was also noticed in the crowd. Among the other pro-America signs:
- Saddam, Can you hear us now, Can you hear us now, Can you hear us now?
- Two mural rememberances of 9/11/01.
- Signs indicating what A.N.S.W.E.R. really stood for. Sign by DrewsDad
- The Bat Lady dressed up as the Statue of Liberty.
One dissenter was spotted in the crowd with a "No War" sign. One participant of the pro-America had a sign for her that read "We Are The Red Diaper Dopper Babies", and this angered the dissenter. Angering the dissenter further was PetroniDE who had his bull horn on during the rendition of "God Bless America". All she could say on her way out in digust was "Viva Cuba". You want more humor, you got it. Plenty of material today.
- Houmatt got lost in the capital building during the pre-rally festivities.
- No Road Rally for America event is complete without PetroniDE taking a wrong turn somewhere. Getting to the event was no problem, but someone moved US-290 on the way home.
- El Arroyo was the chosen spot for the traditional after Freep meal. Among the menu items: DOG FRIES (no fry dog).
- A property tax reform group was in attendance and they passed out $2000 bills with a picture of President Bush. These dollar bills are somewhat complimentary toward our President, and the Houston Freepers tried to use them for purchases on the way home. No luck. Texans are too smart.
- At the next Freep or counter-Freep, bring Catnip. Tell the liberals it is "Free Weed". People in the crowd were cracking up just thinking about it.
OK - That is it for the evening. 368 miles and 13-1/2 hours later. Back at home base. Night All. Pictures from Allegra soon.
I'll be real curious to see if you have any success in passing off those Bush bucks for the real thing in Louisiana. :)