RALLY REPORT FROM POINT PLEASANT,WV

03/22/03 | WVNan

[WVNan]

This rally was my brainstorm on Tuesday. Take some advice from me. Never try to put together a rally in four days.

I arrived at the courthouse in Point Pleasant at 12:30 and found the streets pretty empty, which is normal on Saturday. I took out my flag balloon and tied it to my antennea. I stuck flag clings to my car windows, put two patriotic CDs in my changer, opened all the car windows and blasted the stereo.

A lady arrived with her two grandchildren and flags. After a few minutes, my friend and FR lurker, Kathy arrived with her sign. Then some vets arrived. We moved from the front of the courthouse over to the street by the intersection where all the traffic is. A lady judge also joined us. In all we numbered 16 or 17.

Our little bunch created a lot of noise on that corner. I moved my car over behind us so we could hear Lee Greenwood. It was parked where the cops usually park, but the judge said if there was a problem she would fix it. LOL.

My sign said, HONK FOR TROOPS on one side and FREEDOM IS NOT FREE on the other. Kathey's said SUPPORT OUR TROOPS and GOD BLESS AMERICA. I made up another sign that said, LIBERATE IRAQ IN OUR NAME. Response was about 99% favor. The other 1% stayed quiet, except for one who gunned his engine and sped through the light.

I had sent a brief e-mail about our rally to all the local TV stations (Charleston & Huntington), and the NBC affiliate showed up. We were featured on the nightly news along with the rally in Charleston. The reporter was actually pro-America and he made our little rally appear larger than it was. They showed interviews of myself and two of the other ladies. Anybody want my autograph?

The best part. The judge and two other ladies want to do it again next Saturday. They are full of ideas. The judge will help me get some of our Republican politicians out to speak. We're going to bring in a tank if possible and involve the VFW, Amer. Legion and firefighters, and church choirs. Oh my. Another week of work. It really felt good to see that so many of my community supports the President and America.

[WVNan]

Pictures will be coming shortly.

[diotima]

Good news! Its great you had a sympathetic photographer!

[Bob J]

You done good RevNan...I still remember you're moving invocation at the MARCH FOR JUSTICE!

[Rabid Dog]

I think you did a fantastic job!

[rface]

I guess this is what they call "grass Roots"

good going!

[MadelineZapeezda]

Northern Panhandle Bump and Salute to you!

[Birdiegirl]

AWESOME WVNan!!! We are so proud of what you did today to show your support. Trust me, you made a difference. Although your group was small, you were part of the masses who support us around the world. Way to go!!!!!

[mountaineer]

You did great! That's a good turnout for short notice and a small town. Good job.

[WVNan]

Yes, he was really cute because every time I said something about the anti-Americans he would do a thumbs up and smile.

[WVNan]

That seems like a long time ago doesn't it Bob? I had a blast coming to D.C. for that. My son was still single and he was glad to drive me over. Now he's married and I'm too chicken to drive around D.C. Today was fun and next Sat. will be much larger. Let us pray it will be a victory celebration.

[WVNan]

Just about as grassroots as you can get. It was me and Kathey. I ran all over the county pushing this thing. Maybe my work this week will help with next Saturday's rally.

[CAPPSMADNESS]

Did the Mothman show up? :^)

Seriousley - great work!!!

[WVNan]

Did you have a rally up there today or is it tomorrow?

[EternalVigilance]

Way to go, my friend! :-)

Our FReep at the Iowa State Capitol today was a smashing success!

The State Patrol estimated the crowd at about 2000, which I think was pretty accurate.

Not a single peace-monger dared show their face, even though all of the local media touted the event in the last couple of days.

We got full-blown media coverage, including all 4 local TV stations.

We had a fantastic singer, bagpipers, full support by the veterans groups, and I spoke for about 15 minutes.

The highlight was that we put all of the families of those in active service on the steps in front of the podium...probably at least 200 people, and then I went down the row and had them share who their loved one was, which branch, and which outfit. Lots of tears flowed--it was very powerful.

EV

[WVNan]

LOL....that Mothman shows up for everything around here. We have so much fun with him. You wouldn't believe how many people come here just to see where the Mothman lurks.

[WVNan]

Ohhhh Tom, I'm so jealous. 2000 eh? I have an idea. Why don't you fly over next Sat. and speak for our next rally. I'm going to contact Lisa Smith and see if she will come. Hey, do you reckon Jay would come?

[mountaineer]

A pat on the back for you, too, EV! Good job.

[EternalVigilance]

Bet he would.

I'd probably do it if someone would pay for the ticket. ;-)

I'm going to post my speech, once some people get me some pictures here.

[WVNan]

Pictures on the way soon. Mama_Bear is going to post them for me. Kathey made these pictures. My hubby took some with my camera, but I can't get them to the computer. Too dumb.

[EternalVigilance]

The timing was just perfect...the interest level was so high that we hardly spent any money.