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Washington set to be 'Thunder'-struck
The Washington Times ^ | May 25, 2008 | Jennifer Harper

Posted on 05/25/2008 5:36:27 AM PDT by kellynla

"Rolling Thunder" is a most fitting motto.

Indeed, thousands of bikers are rolling along the Washington area's roadways today with plenty of gumption and an unabashed carbon footprint. Exhaust pipes are vibrating, pistons are pumping, and it is, well, thunderous.

For the 21st year in a row, the two-wheeled crusade called Rolling Thunder has taken over the capital of the free world. An estimated 350,000 motorcyclists — plus their intrepid passengers, activists, organizers, fans and awestruck spectators — have assembled here to draw America's attention to fallen soldiers, lost warriors, prisoners of war, honored veterans and military families.

The mighty take notice. In past years, President Bush himself has twice greeted a select group of Rolling Thunder riders, who piloted their massive machines right up the White House driveway, then stuck out their hands for a regulation high-five.

"First thing, this is about supporting America and our folks in the military, past and present. It's about love of country, love of bikes. People have a calling to be here," said Pete Ries, a detention officer from Fredericksburg, who has ridden "Old Blue" — his spotless, chrome-crowned Harley-Davidson — in the annual event a half-dozen times.

(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Government
KEYWORDS: military; motorcyclists; powmia; veterans
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To: LadyNavyVet

I thought so - thanks! They have my support completely - anyone willing to stand up to phelps is a hero to me!


41 posted on 05/25/2008 6:52:12 AM PDT by WhyisaTexasgirlinPA (It's the Vast Wright Wing Conspiracy - labeling all whites as racist.)
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To: PSYCHO-FREEP

I highly suspect your ability to read simple English. Notice, (I’ll speak slowly) I specifically stated that I was DENIED the opportunity to kill a jihadist. Phrased more simply — I did NOT kill the enemy. Maybe if I’d bought a Harley...


42 posted on 05/25/2008 6:53:11 AM PDT by ProfessorGage
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To: WhyisaTexasgirlinPA

‘Tis true. We were always told that for the enemy it was in order of preference 1. Officers, 2. machine gunners, 3. radio men.


43 posted on 05/25/2008 6:55:24 AM PDT by ProfessorGage
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To: WhyisaTexasgirlinPA

They fight for legislation to support POW-MIAs and their families, do charitable works for veterans and injured service personnel, support patriotic education of our youth, you name it, if it involves honoring those who’ve served, including keeping the Phelps creeps away so families can mourn with dignity, they do it.


44 posted on 05/25/2008 6:56:56 AM PDT by LadyNavyVet ("No more of those candidates who are pledged to the same goals as our opposition ..." Ronald Reagan)
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To: ProfessorGage

Look you arrogant sociopath, You missed my point completely. I said it the way it was meant to come across. You brag about killing or being denied the pleasure. You are no true Combat Veteran and are an embarrassment to those who are.

I that clear enough English for you?


45 posted on 05/25/2008 6:57:57 AM PDT by PSYCHO-FREEP (Juan McCain....The lesser of Three Liberals.")
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To: LadyNavyVet

Thank you - I had no idea they were involved in so much!


46 posted on 05/25/2008 6:58:21 AM PDT by WhyisaTexasgirlinPA (It's the Vast Wright Wing Conspiracy - labeling all whites as racist.)
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To: PSYCHO-FREEP

Yoo hoo, got you mad. You are so pathetic. Reduced to calling a combat vet a liar because your girlishness. I am an honorably discharged USMC combat vet, and you were never even in the boy scouts, you loser.


47 posted on 05/25/2008 7:00:11 AM PDT by ProfessorGage
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To: PSYCHO-FREEP; ProfessorGage; All

I realize there is a lot going on here, but how about we all take a deep breath, step back and let this go? As a tribute to those who have served and are serving, can we shake hands and just stop the infighting? Please?


48 posted on 05/25/2008 7:00:56 AM PDT by WhyisaTexasgirlinPA (It's the Vast Wright Wing Conspiracy - labeling all whites as racist.)
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To: ProfessorGage
"Maybe if I’d bought a Harley..."

Nah! This is probably more your speed:


49 posted on 05/25/2008 7:06:24 AM PDT by sinclair ( It was all so different before everything changed.)
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To: ProfessorGage

“...because your girlishness.”

Now you are using sexual orientation as an argument. Losing your control of proper English grammar. Sounding a bit hissy. You have just lost the debate - just because somebody made you mad.


50 posted on 05/25/2008 7:06:52 AM PDT by abclily
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To: ProfessorGage

101st Airborne Div.S.F., Republic of Vietnam, 1968-72. (A-Shau Valley)

Eagle Scout, 1964-68.


51 posted on 05/25/2008 7:07:32 AM PDT by PSYCHO-FREEP (Juan McCain....The lesser of Three Liberals.")
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To: sinclair

Nah! This is probably more your speed:


52 posted on 05/25/2008 7:08:11 AM PDT by ProfessorGage
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To: ProfessorGage

Yoo hoo, got you mad. You are so pathetic.


53 posted on 05/25/2008 7:08:26 AM PDT by WVKayaker ( "Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome..." I. Asimov)
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To: abclily

Now you are using psychoanalysis as an argument. Losing your control of proper English grammar. Sounding a bit hissy. You have just lost the debate - just because somebody made you mad.
LOSER. Ha, ha.


54 posted on 05/25/2008 7:09:18 AM PDT by ProfessorGage
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To: WVKayaker

Yoo hoo, got you mad. You are so pathetic.


55 posted on 05/25/2008 7:09:50 AM PDT by ProfessorGage
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To: ProfessorGage

If you were ever a Marine, child, you would have learned to show a little respect for your elders. Your need for attention is duly noted, and the abuse button duly pushed!


56 posted on 05/25/2008 7:13:28 AM PDT by WVKayaker ( "Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome..." I. Asimov)
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To: WVKayaker

I was a Marine, son. And the timer on my microwave is duly pushed!


57 posted on 05/25/2008 7:14:55 AM PDT by ProfessorGage
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To: WVKayaker

You are correct.

Every Marine I know (And fought with) were the epitome of respect and protocol. They also know the great tradition of honor and the responsibility to portray that honor. Arrogance is heavily crushed among their ranks. There is no honor in disgracing the name of the Corps and they take it very seriously. As does the Vets in my division.


58 posted on 05/25/2008 7:19:33 AM PDT by PSYCHO-FREEP (Juan McCain....The lesser of Three Liberals.")
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To: kellynla

No Code Pink in sight!


59 posted on 05/25/2008 7:21:42 AM PDT by WellyP (How much does Huma know?)
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To: ProfessorGage
My father was in the Navy. I was in the Navy I am 60, and he is 86. My oldest son went Air Force. I am not related to you, child. You are truly confused, and grossly ignorant.

I never met a Marine who stated he WAS a Marine. That just further reveals you must be a Liar!

Go play with someone on a potty thread, who appreciates your antics. You obviously aren't wanted here. This thread is about heroes. You have shown you are just full of envy and bitterness...

60 posted on 05/25/2008 7:23:35 AM PDT by WVKayaker ( "Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome..." I. Asimov)
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