Posted on 03/02/2003 12:48:35 PM PST by JPDuffy
http://www.mywesttexas.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=7232119&BRD=2288&PAG=461&dept_id=475626&rfi=6
Approximately 100 Midlanders gathered Saturday to support the United States at a local radio station's Pro-American Rally, which involved speeches from Midland political figures, declamations from citizens and burning pictures of Saddam Hussein.
"In response to the recent protests against our country and President Bush, the event is designed to support the president, our country, our military, the flag and God," said Craig Anderson, operations manager and talk show host at KWEL 1070 AM, which hosted the event.
Anderson said the idea for the rally came about last week after callers were upset about anti-war protests.
"We were tired of the liberals and the Hollywood celebrities protesting war," said Anderson. He said he wanted to give average people a chance to express themselves as American supporters.
"We are not pro-war," Anderson said. "We support our country."
One frequent call-in personality is Johnny Kidd, who calls himself the Texas Rapscallion.
"Let's declare war and stop going to the movies," said Kidd when he went up to the lectern, drawing cheers from the crowd.
After airing his opinions about war, Kidd ended with, "I apologize for those I have insulted, unless you are a liberal, then I don't care," to which the audience laughed and clapped.
Mayor Mike Canon was one of Saturday's speakers. Canon served in the military as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, field artillery, during the Vietnam War era, but did not actually serve in war.
"We all knew, unfortunately, if it came time to fight for America, that's what we would do and that's where we would go," said Canon.
Canon said he grew up with President Bush in Midland and said if anyone can lead America during wartime, it's Bush.
"It's a real tough time right now for our president and the people who are advising him," Canon said. "I know what he's like and he's doing the right thing... I also know the last thing he wants to do is put a young American in harm's way if it isn't necessary. But I also know he wants to stand up for America and freedom."
Midland County Sheriff Gary Painter was another speaker. With a son stationed at an Air Force base in California, Painter said he attended to show support for Americans, the military and Anderson's talk show.
As for the possibility of his son going to war, Painter said he was "apprehensive, but I trust him and trust our president and I know he's properly trained and when they go over, it will be for (freedom)."
Though there were no anti-war protesters at the event, there was a member of the Disabled American Veterans in the audience who wanted it known his attendance did not mean he was for war.
"I hope we don't go to war," said Johnie Lee Qualls. "I have a feeling we won't. I'm in support of this event, supporting America, supporting our troops, but I got a sneaky suspicion we will find Saddam."
During "open mike" time, Clayton McKinney, who introduced himself as a Texan and patriot, gave his opinion of what he thought about Dan Rather interviewing Saddam.
"I'm sure they can find him if Dan Rather can find him," McKinney said.
The mention of the CBS anchorman's interview with Saddam seemed to anger the crowd, causing them to boo and hiss.
"We have never had a shortage of heroes and we haven't lost many fights either," McKinney said.
One Odessa pastor took the opportunity to talk to the crowd. "I don't see many of our churches, our pastors, our Christians supporting the president," said Clark Racca, pastor of Christian Church of Odessa. "I challenge all of us Christians to support our men in uniform."
Mike Conaway, a candidate for the 19th Congressional District seat, also was on hand to give his support.
"I see an awful lot of folks dressed in red, white and blue," Conaway said.
The candidate said given the opportunity, Painter would have Saddam in red, white and blue as well: a white T-shirt, red jumpsuit and blue shackles.
Painter also promised, in jest, not to make any arrests for burning pictures of Saddam.
When the time came to set pictures of the leader on fire, participants pulled out lighters and one even used a blow torch, which seemed to capture the mood of the day.
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