Replies

I arrived early and pitched my camp stool in the front row center stage next to two lurkers I had met at the Sarasota rally. Made some passes around the crowd to find other freepers till the crowd got too big and dense to navigate. But I knew they were there somewhere!

(Note to self: next time bring 12-foot tall sign with Free Republic on it).

I estimate between 4-5000 people. A sea of red, white and blue behind me. A formation of Blackhawk helicopters made two low fly-overs right over the crowd and must have loved the sight below of thousands of Old Glories and patriotic arms waving to them.

MC, radio talk show host Glenn Beck, announced good and bad news from the bandstand. Bad news first, the governor of the state of Florida is not showing up for his speech.

Collective groan from the massive crowd.

Then the good news, "I'm honored to present the brother of the Commander-in-Chief of the United States of America, Jeb Bush!".

A collective roar from the crowd!

My favorite signs?

"Give Peace a Chance! - We Did and Got 9/11"

"Thank God for a President with a Backbone!".

Got home in time to see myself in a pan shot on the noon local TV news.

This was BIG, folks. I'm still on a high!

Leni