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:
Also OUR corner **sniff**:
Gracie, JustAmy, and Ann:
Chris Robinson:
Sheila Robinson:
Jim Robinson:
Friend Ann:
JustAmy:
Gracie on the right, trying to reason with two peaceniks:
Tonight's two newcomers:
JustAmy:
Gracie1:
Looks like you all had a great time.
We love you guys!
No cookies?
Guess that's why Mama_Bear didn't show. : )
A group of anti-American protesters are taking to the streets here in Modesto this afternoon, but a family reunion prevents me from hoisting Old Glory in their parade. GRRRRR.
Oh yes, Friend Ann brought cookies as usual, but we didn't have time to eat them until we were at Lyons for dinner. This was one hopping FReep!
(Thanks Ann for bringing the wonderful cookies!)
Hmmmmm....guess no one TOLD Mama_Bear there would be cookies. : )
This was one hopping FReep!
Y'all look 'hoppin' mad to me. LOL
You snooze....you lose. : )
Oh yes, I am sure that more than a few of those driving by were wondering what this country has come to. This thought passed through my mind too last night several times. Maybe the HUGE peacenik presence last night opened a few eyes. Perhaps a few more people will be moved to join us in the future.
Thanks for adding your observations to this report, Just! I have to say this in regards to you and Ann, you girls just amaze me; getting right out there in the face of so many nut cases last night all by yourselves took courage! You guys are the best!
Wow, I guess they are just everywhere, aren't they? Who'd have thought that in this very conservative part of California there would be so many anti-American demonstrators? The American people need to wake up to the fact that these guys are out there and get out and join those of us who are supporting our government and troops!
They are self-hating Americans. The cause of that self-hatred is guilt. The guilt is built on a belief in mindless equality, that is full of emotion and devoid of thought.
Oh my, we sure were! I didn't get any pictures during the heat of the rally because we just didn't have the time to break out the cameras. We were too busy trying to hold our ground and keep the other side from being the only voice that could be heard. These guys were LOUD and RUDE and kept trying to make it so that motorists would only hear and see them.
It was! To any FReepers out there reading this report who haven't FReeped, my advice is to give it a try! You will be amazed at how wonderful it makes you feel and how addicting it is.
One thing that I neglected to mention is that I am sure that the little peacenik kids (and maybe the adults too) who walked by us yelling "No justice, no peace" had no idea at all what they were saying or what it meant. Some of them had quite an accent but they yelled it out like good little robots.
It really bothers me that they have this for a slogan because we do too. In our case we mean that if justice isn't done to the terrorists for their killing of the Americans who died on September 11th, the people in Afghanistan and the rest of the countries who barbor terrorists won't have peace.
What they mean I suppose is that if the Palestinians aren't given justice in the form of a homeland, there won't be peace in the Middle East.
Or maybe they just repeat this line like the little robots that they are, not having any idea what it means...
The people are not anything related to "peace", nick or night...er not.
They are Communist Marxist Terrorists...same as those they support.
Good answer mtngrl about the innocent lives of women and children...which these rude anti-Americans are SUPPORTING the killing of even now same as all of the anti-American "Palistinians" in almost every country having anti America rallys. (They show their 'true colors' [Yellow stripes?] even more than Cindy Lauper...)
Wish I could have been there last night...Thanks to all of you small in numbers, but GIANT in spirit and PATRIOTIZM!!!!
Thanks for being there so faithfully. You all held the American ground faithfully!
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