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After Action Report - Rally For America, Houston, TX (1 March 2003)
01 March 2003 | PetroniDE

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.


TOPICS: Activism/Chapters; Breaking News; Foreign Affairs; Free Republic; US: Texas
KEYWORDS: hat; houston; infinitefreep; kprc; march1report; proamerica; rallyforamerica; supportourtroops; talkradio
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One world explains the “Rally for America” today in Houston, TX. WOW. Now that was a rally.

Pictures are on their way. If anyone has anything to add, please feel free to do so. Yahoo, Yeah Baby, and We Rock.

1 posted on 03/01/2003 5:37:47 PM PST by PetroniDE
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To: 1riot1ranger; Action-America; Alkhin; Allegra; American72; antivenom; Antoninus II; anymouse; ...
Ping.... Good Job.... Ping...
2 posted on 03/01/2003 5:38:39 PM PST by PetroniDE (HAVE BULLHORN, HAVE SIGN, WILL FREEP - WAR ON !!!)
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To: Jim Robinson; Admin Moderator; diotima
FR Upper Management Ping... No Fri Serva No Mor!!!
3 posted on 03/01/2003 5:39:32 PM PST by PetroniDE (HAVE BULLHORN, HAVE SIGN, WILL FREEP - WAR ON !!!)
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To: PetroniDE
BTTT. Complete and total and heart-warming bump from DC. GOOD JOB GUYS!
4 posted on 03/01/2003 5:45:40 PM PST by FreeTheHostages
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To: PetroniDE
A big woo hoo to Houston and area Freepers! Great turnout!

Lets hope the mainstream liberal media coverage is better for this weekend's rallies than last weekend. The Orlando rally got poor local coverage (esp Orlando Sentinel) and hopefully rallies in Houston and other cities this week will get better coverage

Actually.....it got better coverage I must say (Houston rally did) Tom Delay's speech was on a number of newscasts today
5 posted on 03/01/2003 5:49:17 PM PST by UCFRoadWarrior (Its Not Hip To Be Janeane Garofolo)
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To: PetroniDE
BRAVO to you for getting there at the crack of dawn and preparing everything for the rest of us, DE!

You Da Man!!!
6 posted on 03/01/2003 5:51:37 PM PST by Humidston (Do not remove this tag under penalty of law)
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To: PetroniDE
I'll second that emotion. Kudos to KPRC (950-AM) and Glenn Beck! And kudos to the Houston FReepers! Truly outstanding work!!
7 posted on 03/01/2003 5:52:10 PM PST by Jim Robinson (Save the Constitution. Dump a Democrat!)
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To: PetroniDE
WOW....you guys did good!

I can't wait to see the pics?

MKM

8 posted on 03/01/2003 5:52:15 PM PST by mykdsmom (Let him who desires peace, prepare for war.... Vegetius Renatus (~375 AD)
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To: 1riot1ranger; Action-America; Alkhin; Allegra; American72; antivenom; Antoninus II; anymouse; ...
Houston Chronicle Report - Posted at 4:46 pm today
-----------------------------------------------
Thousands cheer at rally downtown
By ALLAN TURNER
Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle

Cheering, chanting and waving flags, thousands jammed shoulder to shoulder into downtown Houston's Jones Plaza today to hear politicians, soldiers and entertainers praise God, America and President Bush's firm stand against Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

The ostensibly nonpartisan "Rally for America," sponsored by talk radio station KPRC, quickly turned into a spirited affirmation of Bush's policies. Speakers included House Majority Leader Rep. Tom DeLay, House Deputy Whip Kevin Brady and City Councilman Michael Berry.

The only speaker who opposes military intervention in Iraq, Houston U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, was greeted with boos as she stepped onto the stage midway through the two-hour rally. She and her party later were led from the plaza under protective police guard.

KPRC spokeswoman Melissa Brezner said 8,000 to 10,000 people attended the event. "This is not anti-war and it's not pro-war. It's not leaning either way," she said as the event began at noon.

9 posted on 03/01/2003 5:52:23 PM PST by PetroniDE (HAVE BULLHORN, HAVE SIGN, WILL FREEP - WAR ON !!!)
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To: PetroniDE
Just mentioned on FNC - In the Heartland. Picture of Tom Delay and mentioned Houston rally - now interveiwing a kid who went to Iraq as human sheild.
10 posted on 03/01/2003 5:53:37 PM PST by mathluv
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To: PetroniDE
Please give me an opportunity to vent here!! I am so FRICKIN disappointed at FOX, CNN, and MSNBC! I stayed home to watch some of the coverage on the tube, to NO AVAIL!! These a88hole can cover any little movement by the liberal WHORES but couldn't even donate a few minutes to show some clips of the rallies. I AM SO PISSED OFF AND UPSET, we need to get our message across!! I HATE THE LIBERAL MEDIA WHORES!!
11 posted on 03/01/2003 5:55:06 PM PST by RoseofTexas
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To: PetroniDE
BTW, I caught Ch 13's coverage and the male news reader made a special point of explaining how our rally numbers couldn't hold a candle to the "MILLIONS" of anti-war protesters "from around the WORLD."

Ahhhh shucks. I guess we'll just never measure up in his opinion. BLEEEK!
12 posted on 03/01/2003 5:56:37 PM PST by Humidston (Do not remove this tag under penalty of law)
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To: PetroniDE
Oh WoW!

Way to go Houston.............

13 posted on 03/01/2003 6:01:52 PM PST by SeaDragon
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To: PetroniDE
..over 10,000 people !

That's wonderful! Good job, TX freepers!
14 posted on 03/01/2003 6:01:52 PM PST by Bigg Red (Defend America against her most powerful enemy -- the Democrats.)
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To: RoseofTexas
Saw a clip of part of Tom Delay's speech on FOX News. And lots of flags waving and cheering. Didn't see the crowd, but from the sounds of it, knew it was large. Great job, everyone!
15 posted on 03/01/2003 6:06:10 PM PST by Jim Robinson (Save the Constitution. Dump a Democrat!)
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To: PetroniDE; Humidston
I noticed that even KHOU (Channel 11) included the booing of Queen Sheila in its report ... I found this astounding considering the way that all the local media generally suck-up to her.

Congratulations to everyone on an outstanding rally!


16 posted on 03/01/2003 6:07:23 PM PST by TheGrimReaper (*)(*)
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To: PetroniDE
Great After Action Report, PetroniDE! I had such a great time today.

It WAS funny when the sound went out, but what was even better was the fact that all of us just kept right on singing it for him! :o)

I can't wait to see pics!
17 posted on 03/01/2003 6:07:53 PM PST by msgrrl
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To: PetroniDE
Add me to the list of freepers in attendance. Sorry I was not able to make myself known to you & the others, but 10,000 is a BUNCH of people & I just didn't see your FR sign!
18 posted on 03/01/2003 6:08:21 PM PST by Ditter
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To: RoseofTexas; Jim Robinson; Humidston
RoseofTexas: Watch the Channel 26 news at 9:00. Channels 26 and 39 had cameras in the plaza, so they should have the best coverage. First report out of the Houston Chronicle spent too much time on Sheila Jackson-Lee.

JimRobinson: Pictures coming. At least four sources that I know of.

Humidston: Poor Edwina Johnston. Didn't look like he made it. Too afraid? We are just innocent little putty tats. Aw. He must have did this when he saw the size of the crowd:


19 posted on 03/01/2003 6:11:42 PM PST by PetroniDE (HAVE BULLHORN, HAVE SIGN, WILL FREEP - WAR ON !!!)
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To: PetroniDE
More Kudo's for setting things up and also for posting a quick after-event report; great job as usual, PetroniDE!

YOU ROCK!

20 posted on 03/01/2003 6:17:06 PM PST by iamright ( fuque le french)
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