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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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To: PetroniDE
Excellent write up Petroni.

I still cannot believe that SJL had the nerve to show up to that rally and expect anything more than what she got. Having her walk within 4 feet of me was enough to make me want to say some extremely rude things, luckily I was on my best behavior!

It was an amazing sight, 10,000 people in the park. Music, people, flags, signs and an abundance of patriotic feelings.

The signs were absolutely marvelous. I love the one that said:
Weapons of Chemical Destruction don't kill people, EVIL people with weapons of chemical destruction kill people.

The crowd recited the Pledge twice and literally shouted "Under God". It was wonderful.

81 posted on 03/01/2003 7:34:21 PM PST by RikaStrom
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To: Houmatt
Is it me or does Xenalyte look like she is possessed?

I just couldn't help posting a picture of her "good-side"!!!


Stay safe; stay armed.
Eaker FReeper Status

82 posted on 03/01/2003 7:36:55 PM PST by Eaker (64,999,987 firearm owners killed no one yesterday. Somehow, it didn't make the news.)
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To: RikaStrom
CONGRATULATIONS! I am so proud of all of you in Houston!
83 posted on 03/01/2003 7:41:14 PM PST by Siobhan (+Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet+)
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To: RikaStrom
I still cannot believe that SJL had the nerve to show up to that rally and expect anything more than what she got.

Amen, and amen.

The crowd recited the Pledge twice and literally shouted "Under God". It was wonderful.

A side note about that: I cannot believe those dunderheads at the 9th Circuit did not throw that ruling out. I mean, come on! It has been proven the whole damned thing was under false pretenses. The sensible thing would have been to throw it out and Davidow in jail.

Now I understand why the 9th Circuit is the most overturned court in the land.

84 posted on 03/01/2003 7:41:24 PM PST by Houmatt (Accept no substitutes.)
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To: GUIDO
Saw about your father, and am sending forth prayers for him and you and all your family.
All things and answers are with Him, and I know you know that....

{{{{{ Hugs }}}}}

85 posted on 03/01/2003 7:44:50 PM PST by LadyX ((( Thank you, Lord, for Friends. )))
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To: GUIDO
You have mail..... ;-)
86 posted on 03/01/2003 7:44:56 PM PST by Humidston (Do not remove this tag under penalty of law)
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To: All
In my haste I labeled a picture incorrectly and thanks to a brand new FReeper, theymakemesick, for helping me correct the boo-boo.

The picture labeled Kevin Brady is really Michael Berry (Houston City Council). Still gonna be the next Mayor!!

Further Kudos to him for voting against the anti-war resolution in Houston City Council earlier this week.


Stay safe; stay armed.
Eaker FReeper Status

87 posted on 03/01/2003 7:46:44 PM PST by Eaker (64,999,987 firearm owners killed no one yesterday. Somehow, it didn't make the news.)
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To: Eaker
Many thanks for the correction, Eaker. Because of your quick correction, I vote we allow your FReeper Status to remain alive. Carry on, bro!
88 posted on 03/01/2003 7:51:46 PM PST by Humidston (Do not remove this tag under penalty of law)
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To: Houmatt
SJL was also a Plantiff in that stupid laawsuit filed a few weeks ago against the POTUS regarding war powers.
89 posted on 03/01/2003 7:54:33 PM PST by Texas_Jarhead
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To: PetroniDE
...the lies and propaganda that the anti-American crowd has been forcing down the throats of the American people...

With respect, I'm as tired of THIS canard as I am any of the things that the "anti-Americans" are saying.

I disagree strenuously with what they do say, but they have the right to say it and nothing they have to say is "forced down the throat" of anyone.

It's called "freedom of speech and expression," and if it offends you then perhaps you need to rethink what it is to be an American.

90 posted on 03/01/2003 7:55:48 PM PST by Illbay (Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy. -- 2 Nephi 25)
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To: PetroniDE; All
Thank You Patriots
91 posted on 03/01/2003 7:57:51 PM PST by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
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To: Illbay
They have the right to say it, but we are not required to listen to it (that is the part they don't understand). That and they effort they exert to squelch our freedom of speech is the "forcing down the throat" I was refering to.
92 posted on 03/01/2003 8:00:56 PM PST by PetroniDE (HAVE BULLHORN, HAVE SIGN, WILL FREEP - WAR ON !!!)
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To: PetroniDE
LOL

God bless Texas!

93 posted on 03/01/2003 8:04:57 PM PST by jwalsh07
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To: Illbay; PetroniDE
and if it offends you then perhaps you need to rethink what it is to be an American.

Speaking of Americans, where were you today???

Petro is right that the liberal media has been giving excellent coverage to the commies and THAT is what we are sick of.

They have the right to say it, but they do not have the right to a bully-pulpit.


Stay safe; stay armed.


94 posted on 03/01/2003 8:06:45 PM PST by Eaker (64,999,987 firearm owners killed no one yesterday. Somehow, it didn't make the news.)
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To: PetroniDE
I just heard Channel 2 report "over a thousand" people attended. Unfricking believable! I was there and have the pics and video to correct their head count.
95 posted on 03/01/2003 8:09:06 PM PST by Diva Duck
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To: PetroniDE
More Fairly Good News Coverage on 13!

I just watched the news on Channel 13.  Nothing about FR, but they did mention that queen sheila got booed.  But then, they had to follow up with a blurb about last week's commie protests.  What can you expect from that bunch of liberals?

Channel 2 just barely covered the rally at all, but suprisingly, they left out the liberal slant.

 

96 posted on 03/01/2003 8:09:50 PM PST by Action-America (France, Germany & Russia are irrelevant has-beens. Ignore them.)
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To: 1riot1ranger; Action-America; Alkhin; Allegra; American72; antivenom; Antoninus II; anymouse; ...
Channel 2: They estimated at about "a thousand". No interviews, no sound footage. Were they even there? Channel 26 stated 10,000, and two police estimates concur with that value. Even Houston Chronicle story states between 8,000-10,000 people per KPRC Radio spokesman.

Channel 2 - Shame on You.

97 posted on 03/01/2003 8:09:52 PM PST by PetroniDE (HAVE BULLHORN, HAVE SIGN, WILL FREEP - WAR ON !!!)
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To: Eaker; PetroniDE
I guess if he'd been there, he'd know whereof we speak, eh?
98 posted on 03/01/2003 8:10:02 PM PST by Humidston (Do not remove this tag under penalty of law)
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To: Jim Robinson; Eaker; dix; Flyer; PetroniDE; Allegra; Xenalyte; RikaStrom; LadyX; Humidston; ...
Gee, it was such a shame the Patriots had such a poor turnout..
So sorry we could not muster better numbers than the 3000-odd
dirty hippies from the ANSWER crowd...

BWAAaahaaahaaaaaa!

A sea of flags!


99 posted on 03/01/2003 8:10:50 PM PST by humblegunner (USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA!)
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To: PetroniDE
I noticed that they quickly showed an arial shot from the News 2 Chopper. Proven LIARS!
100 posted on 03/01/2003 8:12:37 PM PST by Diva Duck
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