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:
Ummmmm....yes....that's the ticket, quiet and sweet. That's us! (unless some stupid or nasty person get's our dander up) LOL!
JustAmy is absolutely right on about one thing though, you wouldn't believe for an instant if you meet her any place (except for the corner of Shaw and Blackstone) that she is the type who would be such an "enthusiastic" FReeper. She does appear on the surface to be a very easy going and quiet person. We FReepers know better though! LOL! (Just kidding, Just!)
We missed you and Jkphoto and your son and his wife too! Like JustAmy said though, the corner of Blackstone and Shaw last night wasn't a place for those precious little grandkids of yours though. However, we adults had a blast!
You're right, I am glad they weren't there last night. But they had such a good time the FRiday before. Of course the little one didn't have a clue why he was there, but he stood there proudly with his sign the entire time. LOL
Sorry, I can't help posting their pictures again. I am so proud of my little patriots! :-)
God bless each of you !!!!!
We've been stirring our pot here and things are really starting to cook. Y'all are a great inspiration.
Thanks you guys! You just can't imagine how much your kind words mean to us!
One young man I was speaking to pretty much felt that the U.S. had arranged to bomb the WTC for an excuse to invade Afganistan and get an oil pipeline, as if we need one. A similar conspiracy theory has floated around.
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