Posted on 03/01/2003 5:37:47 PM PST by PetroniDE
It seems a lot of people, Freepers and just ordinary Americans alike, are sick and tired of the lies and propaganda that the anti-American crowd has been forcing down the throats of the American people. In a rally earlier today at Jones Plaza, located in downtown Houston, TX, a crowd estimated at over 10,000 people showed their appreciation for their President, their freedom, and the brave people (i.e. the military) that protect it.
Before I begin the rally recap, special kudos to talk radio station KPRC (950-AM) for organizing and sponsoring this rally; in less than two weeks, they lined up speakers and musical entertainment, while dealing with all the messy logistics that a successful rally requires. Another person who also gets kudos is Glenn Beck, who was in San Antonio earlier today for a similar event. KPRC carries his radio show and it was his rally in San Antonio that prompted KPRC to do the rally today.
It was a beautiful day for a rally with cloudy skies (no rain) and temperatures in the mid-60’s. The noon start time didn’t deter one Freeper (PetroniDE) from doing a Sheila Jackson-Lee imitation. He arrived at 8:00 am to put together the large “We Support Our Troops” banner in a strategic location (he also nearly performed a Ted Kennedy imitation since he was driving the wrong way down several streets; he is a Yankee; lucky he knows how to drive at all). Vintage military vehicles on display for the rally arrived at about 9:00 am and some time was spent on the balcony of Jones Plaza with the large banner on display for passing motorists.
The massive crowd began to arrive around 10:00 am. Some assistance was provided regarding building of the large balloon rainbow. Jones Plaza was basically completely filled by 11:30 am. Several people with large signs began walking around Jones Plaza in circular formation; by then a few other Freepers had arrived and joined in this makeshift parade. Anyone in Jones Plaza by 11:30 saw the banner, and the FreeRepublic and HoustonLiberty signs below it.
A sampling of other signs spotted at the rally. Some humorous, some with more serious themes.
- God Bless America. Thank God Al Gore is Not President.
- Martin Sheen: You are NOT President, You Only Play One on TV.
- Texas Terrorist Hunting Permit; No Bag Limit; No Tagging Required.
- We Have Nothing to Fear, Except Fear Itself, FDR, 1941; Let’s Roll, Todd Beamer, 2001.
- Liberate Iraq, Just Like We Did France.
- Babes Back Bush
- Numerous people showed up who have family members in the military and are currently stationed overseas; most of them had photos of the loved ones in uniform.
The following people gave speeches.
Pegi Ivancevich (Regent, Daughters of the American Revolution, San Jacinto Chapter)
Dan Pastorini (Former Houston Oilers Quarterback)
USAF Retired Major Ellis Buchanan (Formerly of NATO Command). During his speech, there were three flyovers by retired Air Force personnel. Michael Berry (Houston City Council). Kudos to him for voting against the anti-war resolution in Houston City Council earlier this week.
Kevin Brady (US House Deputy Majority Whip)
Tom Delay (US House Majority Leader)
Two other people gave speeches at the rally. In a major surprise, U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee made an appearance and gave a speech. The crowd response was mixed (some polite cheers and some boos), but considering that the crowd was nearly all conservatives, this was a polite response. KPRC stated up-front that this was a pro-America rally and politicians from both parties would be invited to speak (trying getting that from the other side). The other surprise speaker was Ahmad Hassam, a personal friend of moderator Chris Baker, who immigrated (legally) to this country 24 years ago and is grateful to today call himself a citizen of the U.S.A.
One funny moment at the rally involved musical artist Kevin Black. Twice while playing his first song, the speaker system went out, just as he was hitting the song’s highest note. System went out at the exact same moment both times.
The Houston Police Department estimated that about 10,000 people attended the rally in support for America. However, the anti-American crowd tried to make their presence felt; a grand total of 6 (five on one hand plus one on the other for the liberals reading this) arrived to counter the rally. One Freeper (Ron H.) confronted them and essentially told them to “stick it”.
After the two-hour rally, local radio talk show host Pat Gray posed for a picture with our banner. Several Freepers, including Humblegunner, Flyer, Eaker, and RetiredAFWarrior had cameras and took some excellent pictures. Afterwards, most of the Freepers stopped by Griff’s for some post-rally celebration.
List of Freepers Attending Rally
Action-America
Allegra
Anymouse
Bobbyd
BuffyT
Carlo3b
Dix
Eaker
Flyer
Houmatt
Humblegunner
Humidston
IamRight
Janette
OllieMB
PetroniDE
Rejoyce
RetiredAFWarrior
RikaStrom
Ron H.
TxLady
Xenalyte
Zboa
If any other Freepers attended the rally and are not mentioned above, please mention so on this thread; I apologize in advance for any omissions, and kudos to all whom attended.
Pat mentioned he saw a website where someone was claiming to have done something to the sound system. My question is, how did he know about that? Is Pat a lurker too?
He also mentioned that when he announced the 9th Circuit's decision regarding the Pledge, Queen Sheila was actually applauding it, saying "YES!" Did anyone else see this?
KPRC-TV said "a few hundred"...but KHOU said "supposed rally for America"? Chris reported this.
Like this one.....good job PetroniDE
I have been busy since the rally and haven't had a chance to welcome y'all to FreeRepublic. Warning - it is addictive. But, you will meet the nicest bunch of folks here.
We sure hope to meet you in the near future. This Friday at Mecom Fountain might be nice (more on that later)
*PING !*
A ping is a post addressed to you to get your attention to a particular topic.
BUMP!
A bump can be addressed to no one in particular just to keep a topic at the top of the "Latest Post" list.
I keep a "Ping List" of Houston FReepers that we use when there is a topic of interest to the Houston area. May I add you to that list?
Txslady, Houmatt, houston_matt and Uncle Sam 27
Can I add y'all to the ping list, too?
All y'all. . .We have a local web site and forum just for us Houston FReepers. We meet and gossip, chit chat, and just have fun there every day. It is a grat way to stay in touch with the locals. You are welcome to register and join us there. (it helps if you use the same name you use here)
Thanks, you're there, right after txjeep.
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Sigh. . . I have a series spelling problem.
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