Posted on 04/06/2002 12:49:12 AM PST by mtngrl@vrwc
Tonight's Support Our Troops Rally in Fresno, California, is one that we won't soon forget! When I arrived this afternoon, I couldn't believe my eyes! What we later estimated to be one hundred or so peaceniks and anti-Israel protesters (and that might be a conservative guess) were set up on all four corners of the intersection of Blackstone and Shaw, where we congregate every Friday afternoon/evening to show support for America's troops who are fighting to wipe out terrorism.
I parked on our regular corner and found that JustAmy and Ann had already set up their signs and were trying to make themselves seen and heard over the wildly chanting throng of peaceniks who had taken over our corner. I do have to say this about the pro-terrorists who we encountered tonight (what else can you call these people who are aiding and abetting the terrorists who wish our country ill?); they are very vocal and enthusiastic about their "cause". Another thing that I noticed was their lack of good manners as they pushed and shoved their way until they were standing right in front of us at times.
And I have to say this for the FReepers and patriots who attended tonight's rally; although there were only seven of us (until six more joined us in the last few minutes of the FReep tonight), we did make our presence known and held our own quite well even though we were far outnumbered. We got out our megaphone and preceeded to try to out-chant the other side.
While they chanted things such as, "Hey Hey, ho ho, occupation has got to go" and "No justice, no peace", we tried to yell just a little louder (with the help of the megaphone), "We support our troops", "Down with Arafat", "USA, USA, USA", and "We support America". Pretty soon one of the peaceniks showed up with a megaphone of their own and then we had our work cut out for us. I don't think that a single one of us went home tonight without a strained voice box and sore throat!
This one woman kept yelling "Cowards kill our children, cowards kill our women". I finally had heard enough of this and so I said that she must certainly be referring to the American women and children that were killed in the World Trade Center. She said that no, she was talking about the innocent Palestinian and Afghani people who have been killed. She said that after all, "we are all brothers and sisters under God". I just can't get over the way these peaceniks show absolutely no concern for the innocent Americans that have been killed.
About fifteen minutes before the usual time that our opposition punches their time clocks (I swear they pay these guys to show up each week!), they left us alone on our corner and we were able to FReep like we normally do. Once we owned our corner again, the drivers-by immediately began to honk like crazy like they usually do, and it was very rewarding to see the return of the outpouring of patriotism that we usually see in Fresno. The other side quit right on time as usual and just as we were thinking about packing up and leaving, two people we hadn't seen before (and who said they plan to return next week to join us) and four of our regulars showed up, so we stayed another half hour or so. Then the police showed up like they did last week and asked us to leave FReeper Island and stand on the corner. They said they were worried about our safety out there on the island after it got dark. Standing on the corner, far fewer of those driving by notice that we are there.
We packed up and went to dinner at Lyons, discussing the way this FReep unfolded and planning strategy for next week's FReep. We all had a great time!
Freepers who were able to attend tonight's rally were:
Yes, we wish you had been there too, but you don't live close and we know what an effort it was for you to attend last week. You would have really enjoyed last night's FReep. The more confrontational the other side is, the more fun we have!
Don't be a stranger though, and please come see us when you can!
Well, you DID do that! LOL
...and keep the other side from being the only voice that could be heard.
I'll bet you did that, too! : )
These guys were LOUD and RUDE and kept trying to make it so that motorists would only hear and see them.
I see, and our guys and gals are ALWAYS 'quiet' and sweet as candy. LOL
Yeah, right!
You're little angelic sig doesn't fool me. LOL
LOL! Louie, you know me well. My love for 'cookies' is only exceeded by my love for our military and our country. I admit though, Ann's yummy cookies are a nice little added incentive to make that 45 minute drive up there. ;-)
mtngrl, gracie, Amy, Jim and family......I am so sorry we missed yesterday's rally, and I am so proud of all of you. I wish we could be with you next Friday but we will be out of town. :-(
You all KEEP ON FREEPIN' ON (I know you will) and Jeff and I will be back with you just as soon as we can.......cookies or no. LOL.
... 
I just thought you were feisty.
Didn't know you're not sweet. : (
: )
FReep On! :-)
Well said. I think you're analysis is right on.
Ok!Enough of your 'dark side'. You've convinced me! LOL
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