PATRIOTS RALLY FOR AMERICA IV ON C-SPAN TODAY, 1:05 P.M. EST, 3/02/03

C-SPAN ^ | Sunday, March 2, 2003 | Kristinn

[FreeTheHostages]

And I would like to reiterate my thanks to the DC leadership here for everything, including these three things:

(1) Making the solid tactical move of having a rally when the leftists weren't scheduled to rally, so we could try to get our message out in a clearer format.

(2) Creating that call-in/contact phone list to try to get through to the conservative radio stations. While I'm jealous of cities where they have local conservative talk radio heros, I know for a *fact* that we had people who found out about us from Sean Hannity's show: talked to them!

(3) Focussing hard on turn out from the get-go and, despite the weather, preventing this from being a bust.

I thought you guys did a *great* job.

[FreeTheHostages]

"it will run from 1:05 to 2:30"

Hmm, that would be half of our rally. Unless they're going to speed up the tape speed or somethin'. Hmmm. We shall see.

[FreeTheHostages]

CSPAN 1

[FreeTheHostages]

Yeah, Kristinn was totally on-message. That was a good clip. Too short, though! But otherwise pleased with the Channel 7 coverage. A lot of the locals watch the ABC local news too -- it's beating out NBC for thoroughness of local coverage nowadays, for my $.

[sneakers]

I was there. I signed up under my real name, with my screen name in parentheses. My son was with me.

[FreeTheHostages]

Some interesting reading from today's washington times while we're waiting:

Several hundred demonstrators gathered on the snow-covered grounds of the Mall yesterday to show their support for President George W. Bush and U.S. troops being sent overseas in the fight against international terrorism.

With the Washington Monument serving as a dramatic backdrop, the flag-waving crowd attending "Patriots Rally for America IV" listened to speeches by representatives of groups supporting current U.S. foreign policy regarding Iraq, including Aziz Altaee, chairman of the Iraqi American Council and Kevin Martin of the African-American Leadership Council and Veterans for Constitutional Renewal. Former Rep. Robert K. Dornan, California Republican and U.S. Air Force veteran, also addressed the crowd.

There were repeated cheers for American solders throughout the four-hour rally organized by Free Republic, a conservative grass-roots organization based in the District.

"This is a pro-American rally to support the troops. We're not pro-war. We have values and we know how important life is. We just recognize that sometimes force is necessary, and if it is, you have to go into it to win," said Kathryn Wood, one of the leaders of the 5-year-old group.

"My husband served in Vietnam, so I come from the perspective of 'been there, done that.' The men and women overseas are doing their duty and what their country has asked of them. We need to be supportive," Mrs. Wood said.

Mr. Dornan energized listeners by assuring them it would be "an amazing year in American history."

"This will be the month of freedom and liberation for the Iraqi people," he said in thunderous tones that resonated throughout the Mall grounds.

Tiffany Myers, 20, of Brandywine didn't mind the freezing cold or having to stand on snow — if the troops can withstand the brutal elements, so could she. Mrs. Myers came out to cheer on the troops and one soldier in particular: her new husband, Marine Lance Cpl. James Myers. The couple were married in October.

"He was deployed in February, and I came to the rally to support him," Mrs. Myers said, adding that it must be "devastating" for those in the armed forces to hear that people are protesting against the war back home. "My husband and other troops are over there fighting for our rights," she said, "and for those who don't have any."

Another demonstrator, Heather Welsh of Manassas, has a boyfriend stationed in Rome. She said she felt compelled to attend the rally to support him and other U.S. military personnel.

"Freedom isn't free. It's not just our men paying the price — wives and children pay dearly and they're willing to do that because they believe in what they're doing." Ms. Welsh, 32, said.

Mr. Altaee, one of the keynote speakers, said it was important for him and a delegation of 20 Iraqi Americans to attend the rally for a number of reasons. Gratitude to America topped the list.

"There are a lot of Americans being misled about the facts behind the current war against Saddam Hussein. This is a war for humanity against brutality. ... I'm here to tell the facts about people who lived inside Saddam's large prisons," he said.

After September 11, he noted, many Iraqi Americans were unfairly scrutinized or even shunned by their fellow citizens.

"We could face a backlash if the war starts. Iraqi Americans are neighbors and have contributed positively to this society," Mr. Altaee said.

Steve Rosenthal, 54, said that firm action against Iraq will not only serve the cause of anti-terrorism, but will benefit the Iraqi people as well.

"Saddam Hussein has to go. His ministers have to go. His underlings have to go. Everyone who supports him must go," Mr. Rosenthal said. "When they're gone, the people of Iraq will have a decent leader and a proper form of government."

[TAdams8591]

Why don't you plan one BIG successful rally to be held in D.C., with thousands of people in attendance, instead of a bunch of small, piddly ones?? Which is, BTW, an excellent suggestion Rush once made to a caller from Free Republic quite awhile ago.

You are an admirer of Rush's, are you not Angelwood?? It might be prudent if you would listen to his advice a little more often.

[leadpenny]

Unless they're going to speed up the tape speed or somethin'.

I'm imagining B-1 Bob on Fast Forward.

BTW, just as Bob started to drone a bit, he launced into the "Clinton Duplicity" mode. That 10, or so, minutes of his speech, including the George Stephanapoulusauaallass(sp?) reference was worth all the cold feet at the Sylvan.

[FreeTheHostages]

hi! sorry we didn't get to talk!! I'll add you to the list.

Angelwood, Kristinn: I'll freemail you a *complete* honor roll list for the after-action thread in about an hour or two, after I've made sure it's more complete than this working draft.

[leadpenny]

Do you normally go around pi$$ing on other people's campfires?

[TAdams8591]

I see nothing wrong with some honest criticism, particulary when it is well deserved!! If the Koreans can drum up a million people to support the war, I don't see why Americans couldn't drum up say, at least maybe 50,000. But, oh, that's right it might take a lot of intelligent planning and honest hardwork - those piddly events require much less and then for a much smaller effort you get to have your mug on C-Span.

And, BTW, lots of people HAVE rained on my parade. If I can take it, so can they!!!!

[jmstein7]

I think is point was simply that if you want to have the coverage, you've got to have the numbers. Little rallies are better than no rallies, but I think he's says that we really need a media-stopping event with THOUSANDS. For that, we would need to coordinate with other groups -- e.g. the Colleg Republicans, who have NUMBERS -- and work the conservative media to advertise, hype, and get the word out -- e.g. Rush and Co. It's a great idea, actually.

[leadpenny]

I'm as frustrated as the next person when it comes to turn-out. IMO, this is not the place to belittle the efforts of those who put hours and hours into making the Rally a success yesterday. Me? I just showed up. You both bring up Rush. When was the last time he got out from behind his golden microphone and headlined a rally? Maybe there is a large percentage of Americans who feel it is doing enough to just talk on, and listen to conservative talk radio?

[jmstein7]

If there was a massive event, I would put my law books down, put off studying, and haul my butt down to D.C. to join with the rest of you guys.

[Mudboy Slim]

Kewl...DeeCeeFReeperPingList...MUD

BTW... angelwood; kristinn; doctorraoul; sauropod; pippin; w04man; tgsltakoma; littlebill; taxman; AGreatPer; ChicagoLady; Republic; rface, HighRoadToChina; VietVet; Shadow; Hobsonphile; Frustrated Citizen; gunsareOK; daughteroftgsl; badray; darthraven; alwaysfree; rodgerd; bushorbust; leadpenny; freethehostages; congressmanbillybob , Thanks!! Had an awesome time with y'all!!

BTW2...Could not find anybody named 'DeeCeeFReepers'
Could not find anybody named 'Jedi Warrior'
Could not find anybody named 'Clinton'a a Liar'

[leadpenny]

I hear ya. Hope you can help make the next one a Big One.

The lead-in to the C-SPAN tape is on now. I watched it earlier. Thought it worthwhile.

[Mudboy Slim]

"Hope you can help make the next one a Big One."

You mean THE Big One!!?!!

FReegards...MUD

[leadpenny]

uuhhhh . . Yes!

How ya doin', Mud?

[Mudboy Slim]

El Dio Es Perfecto Per Usual...MUD

BTW...missed ya out there...we had the VETS On-Stage this time...reckon they won't fit on the Sylvan Theater Stage (facin' smack-dab towards the Washington Monument...AWESOME!!!) once word gits 'roun' 'bout the next DeeCeeFReeper PRO-America Rally!!

FReegards.

[cake_crumb]

"Little rallies are better than no rallies, but I think he's says that we really need a media-stopping event with THOUSANDS."

Maybe. Thousands DID rally yesterday. Have you seen this thread, 2,000 Show support for military at rally (Melbourne Florida)? The link opens in a new window...anyhow, what I'm saying is that there was no national coverage of it. Only some local. I search the wires and found no photos either. If all the numbers of all the PRO SUPPORT rallys were taken together, the way the media does with the peace protests, we SHOULD be seeing scads of headlines proclaiming "Thousands Rally in Support of Liberation" all over the news.

Perhaps the media simply refuses to be interested, because pro support rallies which include actual IRAQI pro-liberation supporters simply don't fit the media agenda.

After all, the peace protests loudly claim to speak for the Iraqi people...but Iraqi dissidents only speak at pro liberation rallies. If the media covered pro liberation rallies equally, the public might get the idea there's a good reason to get rid of Saddam.