Actually, last Monday's (4/15) pro-Israel demonstration only had around 30,000 attendees total. Most of the local news stations got it right when they reported "tens of thousands" of them last Monday. I, too, was very dissappointed that much less then that turned out last Saturday to show support for America and her brave troops. :-(
"To all those who were within a day driving distance, I have to ask the question that MrConfettiMan asked so long ago about another outrage in the US, we were there - where were you?
I know many folks had good reasons that kept them away, but what about the others? "
That's a da*n good question. I fear that the answer may be that too many of the special interest group lobbyists and their shills who live in our area are now sufficiently content to just kick back and enjoy their increased influence over Congress and the new Bush Administration. In other words, there are far too many folks (including Republicans) around here who are far too fat and happy nowadays to either appreciate or support our FReeps and the sacrifices that many of us continue to make for "the cause." Not to sound like I'm complaining or anything like that, however, IMHO, we should consider their lack of support as rather analogus to the over two thirds of original American colonists who sat on the sidelines and, in some cases, actually opposed the first American revolution way back in 1776. Actually, less than 10% of original American colonists actively fought against British colonial rule at that time.
So, IMHO, I guess we may need to, at least psychologically, accept our lot (in the minority) as similar to that of TRUE PATRIOTS who value principle over party, and our country, over the interests of the euro, the "whatever" and even the almighty dollar. The ruling elite here in the DC area, regardless of party or political label as so-called "liberals", "moderates" or even "conservatives", have proven themselves to be more concerned over selfish economic interests than the cause of freedom or loyalty to America.
One also has to analyze the issue of safety. It's been pointed out several times that the situation was very tense and at times people were in fear for their well being. You can't plan on plopping 100 FReepers down in the middle of thousands of potentially violent leftists without some questioning their safety. FReepers are not like the leftists who attended the other rallies, who are primarily young, single, unattached college students who think they are going to live forever. FReepers have jobs, families, duties and responsibilities. Most could not afford getting arrested, which was a distinct possibility if altercations arose.
All of these issues must be considered when planning an event. If the primary goal was to oppose the lefties and not let them have DC all to themselves, than one must accept lowered attendance, considering conservative sensibilities. It appears this was the goal as intended by the rally organizers, so in that repsec, they were successful.
If the primary goal was to get as many people to attend as possible and make a big PR splash, it might have been better to hold the rally on a different day or in conjunction with the rally the previous week when you would have an additional 50k people (plus press) or so to draw to your stage and speakers.
It has been pointed out several times in these threads that the left is better at this than we are. It's not that they're better, it's that they have big head start, don't repeat mistakes and when they commit to organizing events such as this, they have very clearly defined goals and objectives that emphasis turnout and exposure. All their event decisions pivot around these issues. Right now, the opposition rally leaders, from the varying organizations, are having bull sessions analyzing what they did right, what they did wrong, and how to use what they learned to improve their impact next time. They know how to work together, even thought they may disagree on issues and strategy, because they realize there is strength in numbers and they increase the output of their efforts through cooperation. Free Republic, and conservatives in general, will never have the impact of the left until we learn to put our trivial ego and territory issues aside and work together as a team.
BTW - This is one of the goals of the FRee Republic Network.