Austin Rally 3/30/03 after action report

3/30/03 | The Bat Lady

[The Bat Lady]

Finally the south steps of the Capitol in Austin TX. were covered with American flags and support the troops signs. Lots of support for President Bush. It was thrilling after so long of just a few of us meeting to support the troops to see the place covered with flags, cheering people and many saying we won't be silent any more.

[The Bat Lady]

I will continue the report with pings but the pictures won't be back until tomorrow.

[The Bat Lady]

I was dressed as the Statue of Liberty, even painted my face green. As I roamed thru the crowd taking pictures of great signs people would stop me to take my picture.

Most signs were individually done except for the printed ones done by the Young Conservatives who put on the rally. Theirs said support the troops and President Bush. It was noted that even tho they put on this rally they still attended all their classes.

There is hope for the next generation, what fine young people.

[DrewsDad]

Thanks Bat Lady for getting the thread up. I think we had a few thousand there on a beautiful Texas spring day. There were wonderful speakers, Rick Green, Jerry Pattterson, John Carter, Don Crawford, etc...

I'll try to post some pictures. HERE is a link to the photo page.

[DrewsDad]

basil

battar

blessed

cap1

drewndad

eternity

france

gracey

wpeace

petro1

pray

rick

statsnc

timnkids

troops

ukflag

meetneat

[basil]

It was an absolutely great rally, and I'm so glad I got back into town in time for it. Bat Lady looked great impersonating the Statue of Liberty--she got a lot of attention, of course. We had quite a few freepers there--and fellow freepers from Houston and a couple from Fort Worth were there, too. Thanks for coming, guys! If there were any there from Dallas, I never saw them, but the crowd was so large that I could have easily missed them.

It was great to see so many standing up for America today!

[PlanoMike]

Great to see y'all doing your usual great job!!!!!!!!!!!

[The Bat Lady]

Forgot to say that I got there about 1 hour early and there was already a crowd there. I barely found a close parking spot and when I got in place it looked like as many people as we usually have at rally's. I guess like me, they couldn't wait to get there.

As the statue of Liberty, I had a small sign that said "LIBERTY IS FOR EVERYONE" and the flip side "LIBERATE IRAQ"

and the people just kept coming.

[DrewsDad]

I am terrible with names, but I think we had whipitgood from the Ft. Worth area, PetroniDE from the HAT Chapter, and a few new freepers as well such as DWills.

[DrewsDad]

I had one veteran who probably read only part of my sign and thought I was with the A.N.S.W.E.R crowd. He kept asking if I served in the military. My sign actually read:

At FreeRepublic.com, Find Out
WHAT ANTI-AMERICAN
GROUP IS ORGANIZING
THE ANTI-WAR PROTESTS
A.RAB SOLIDARITY CAUSE COMMITTEE
N.ORTH KOREA TRUTH COMMISSION
S.OCIALIST PARTIES
W.ORKERS WORL PARTY(STALINIST SECT)
E.UROPEAN FUNDING
R.AMSEY CLARK(TYRANT'S ATTORNEY)

[Angelwood]

I'm glad to see that you made it back for the rally. It looks like a beautiful day for a patriotic gathering to support our troops.

Great pictures, DrewsDad. Thanks for the report, Bat Lady.

[anymouse]

Way to go Texas FReepers. Eagles up!

MeeknMing, another Texas-size ping please.

[The Bat Lady]

Now for some about the program:

Started with great music and we were fired up. Then the prayer was given by Travis Cty Republican chairman's wife. It was a Jewish prayer asking for protection of our leaders and troops. What a wonderful country America is that we have freedom of all religions.

Colonel Hugh Shine Army told us how hard it is to send our youth to war.

Don Crawford used to be on KLBJ The Flip Side but because of a 5 minute discussion of the American Muslim soldier who threw a grenade into American tents his show has been canceled. Please contact the radio station and ask for it to be brought back.

Then My personal favorite, former Rep. Rick Green who told us how much we needed the rise in patriotism after 9/11 but more important, we need an INFORMED PATRIOTISM. (Tell your friends and neighbors the history and what it is and how to keep it going) Rick is a spirited speaker who loves his country and he shows it!!!

Congressman John Carter was interviewed by a foreign press that he left unnamed (BBC) and he said they have some kind of listeners but he wasn't sure what kind. Everyone laughed.

Then my second fav of the day... Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson. He said that he wasn't qualified to be at a rally (former Marine, son is a Marine serving now) because he didn't have orange hair, no piercings and wasn't beating a drum.. .. just kidding. He went on inspiring the crowd.

[The Bat Lady]

KLBJ reported at 7pm that we had 10,000 tho I don't think they would exagerate theSarce thinks about 3,500-4,000 is more likely.

I was talking to a couple of ladies and mentioned the teenage girl who waved to the troops and later was hanged. I said that her death was on the hands of Susan Sarandon and Martin Sheen. A crowd around me ALL AGREED

[diotima]

Great pictures, looks like a fantastic rally!

[The Bat Lady]

We had freepers from Houston (missed you anymouse) and Dallas, Austin and San Marcos. Afterwards we went to eat together and that was great to be able to talk it over.

On the radio I heard the rest of the story about the troops who were taken POW's. You know all we have heard was they took a wrong turn. Well it turns out that the unit of cooks, clerks and maintenance were led by a 2nd Lt. who did take a wrong turn and the 28 of them ended up facing a crack Iraqi unit of 120 and 2 tanks.

They took casualities, and took out unknown number and the 2 tanks before being overwelmed. This is the ones that include Soshana Johnson of Ft. Bliss. Seems they did a great job but it wasn't reported in the US very well, who has heard this?

The guy on the radio (from Ft. Bliss) said that he heard snippets from the Canadian press, the Mexican press and very little from FoxNews.

WHY ISN'T THE US PRESS TELLING THIS STORY, THOSE SLIMES!

[Ms. AntiFeminazi]

Good job on a good rally! I'll have to come back and read all the details tomorrow.

If there were any there from Dallas, I never saw them, but the crowd was so large that I could have easily missed them.

I thought there were supposed to be at least 15-20 Dallas freepers there. I hope they finally caught up with some of the local Freepers. Maybe they'll check in later. If I could remember who all told me they were going, I'd ping them.

Good job Austin!

[anymouse]

Wish I could of come up to join the fun in Austin, but I was holding down the fort in Alvin. Pretty big crowd for small town America. Here is the FR thread link:

"Alvin, Texas Supports the President and the Troops Rally. Mar 30."
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/880302/posts

About those fallen troops bravery. I'm sure the real story will get out there eventually. Too bad the media is too busy bashing the President and our troops to get the real story out there.

[LurkerNoMore!]

Relevant Thread ping!

[The Bat Lady]

So I don't want to start another thread to tell about the rally in San Marcos, Tx (30 miles south of Austin) a couple of ladies organized it and I found out about it about 3 days before. It was held 1 hour before the Austin rally so I sent my hubby. He said that about 300-400 attended. When I drove by on my way to Austin they had signs on each corner of the courthouse and lots of flags. They also had yellow ribbons all over.

Way to go ladies! Not much notice and a great turnout for a small town.

[Houmatt]

Hey there! I had a great time!

Let me tell you about a couple things that happened there:

First off, I met a guy there named Mike who was in Manhattan, five blocks away from the WTC on 9-11-01. He told me about hearing the jet engines as the first plane hit the South Tower. He also told me about being outside and seeing police running as the North Tower fell; a thick cloud of smoke, dust and ash following them at about 15 miles an hour.

It is hard not to remember what he said and think about the news footage. Of course, seeing it on TV is nothing compared to being there, which he was.

Well, I got kind of hungry, so I went inside the Capitol building and asked a Trooper if there was a place inside to get something to nibble on. He said there was a cafeteria one floor below. So I took the elevator, and noticed the place was closed. I hoped to find a vending machine for snacks or soda, so I walked along for a bit, even going down another floor in my search.

When it became obvious there was not one, I figured I should turn around and come back. One problem: I did not know where I was. So I looked for the first elevators I saw and went up to ground level. I went from there and followed to the entrance outside, and realized I was exactly across from the back of the Capitol building. I had to walk straight back through to get back to position A.

In the bottom of the rally, I noticed one anti-Amer....I'm sorry, anti-war protester not too far from us Freepers. I pointed her out to Allegra, then said to the female protester (holding the sign NO WAR ), "I hate to tell you this, but the war has already started." Allegra had a few things to say of her own, and a woman moved to another spot where she got in a row with another Rally participant. This did not go very well, as she walked away, calling the guy a creep.

As she left the area, I heard her say, "Viva la Cuba."

To which I promptly replied, "Viva la stupidity."

I hope everyone there had a good time!

Got some pics on the way as soon as I can figure out how to post them!

[Jeff Head]

Whew! Way to go!

Wish I could have been down there with you all.

Keep after 'em at every turn, we will not be silent and we will not tolerate a fifth column to undo or hamper the just and worthy efforts of our personnel in Iraqi Freedom.

All the way to Baghdad. Let's Roll!

[Houmatt]

Missed you two! What happened?!?

[LurkerNoMore!]

I had to work all weekend
:-(

[Ms. AntiFeminazi]

Wow, that's a good turnout for such short notice and to be so close to Austin where another rally was being held.

I love Texas!

Shooter, Michaelman, Clinger - did you make it today?

[Ms. AntiFeminazi]

life. :(

[LurkerNoMore!]

likely story...

;-)

[Ms. AntiFeminazi]

LOL, you're one to talk!

[Shooter 2.5]

Nope. Sorry to say that I missed it. The bus trip was cancelled and I didn't really know where to meet anyone else at the late time.

I'm glad you had a nice time and made it back safely.

Only one anti[I won't call them anti-war. That's the military's job.] protester. That's great.

[Ms. AntiFeminazi]

I'll make sure you find out about our next local event in time to make plans. :)

[blam]

"I was dressed as the Statue of Liberty, even painted my face green."

Excellent rally!!

The Statue Of Liberty is clad in copper. When copper oxidizes, it turns green. A few years ago when it was restored, a metallurgist from Texas Instruments (Dallas) was in charge.

[Gracey]

Thanks. We had a great time and a fabulous turnout.

Here's a video link of the event Good Coverage on the Rally-
just click on the icon of the camera to watch.

http://www.news8austin.com/content/news8cast_video/

[Shooter 2.5]

Thank you. I do appreciate it.

Going to the rallies is enjoyable and it's the least I can do.

[PetroniDE]

Houston Supplement to the After Action Freep Report - Austin, TX (30 March 2003).

Earlier today several Freepers from the Houston Area Texans (H.A.T.) FR Chapter joined about 5000 others pro-Americans for another Rally for America. This event occurred at the South steps of the Capital Building in Austin, TX. This event was sponsored by the Young Conservatives of Texas at the University of Texas at Austin.

The Houston Freepers arrived at the State Capital around noon for the 3:00 event. At the arrival, an AFL-CIO sponsored rally for Cesar Chavez was wrapping up. By 1:00 pm, the AFL-CIO crowd was gone and the pro-America crowd began to gather. Once again, the "WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS" banner was in full display, along with a "Support our Troops/Support our President" yard sign, and a large U.S. Flag. Once again, the banner was a huge hit among the tourists and those attending the rally. Allegra served as the chapter photographer, but digital cameras were numerous at this event.

Speeches/Program Segments were given by the following people.
M.C. Dr. Alan Sager - Lecturer, Univ. of Texas/Travis County Republican Chair.
Susan Hawkins Sager - Invocation
Ret. Colonel Jim Foster - Pledge of Allegiance
Kyle Sisters - National Anthem
Colonel Hugh Shine - Veteran
Don Crawford - Radio Talk Show Host KLBJ (590-AM)
Rick Green - Founder of Patriot Academy
John Carter - U.S. Congressman (R, 31st-TX)
Jerry Patterson - Texas Land Commissioner

Numerous U.S. Flags and yard signs provided by Travis County Republican Party were present. Gracey from the H.O.T. FR Chapter brought a large Union Jack (England Flag). The Freepers were advised that media from the BBC would be present and several people gave them interviews. The local FOX station (Channel 8) was also noticed in the crowd. Among the other pro-America signs:
- Saddam, Can you hear us now, Can you hear us now, Can you hear us now?
- Two mural rememberances of 9/11/01.
- Signs indicating what A.N.S.W.E.R. really stood for. Sign by DrewsDad
- The Bat Lady dressed up as the Statue of Liberty.

One dissenter was spotted in the crowd with a "No War" sign. One participant of the pro-America had a sign for her that read "We Are The Red Diaper Dopper Babies", and this angered the dissenter. Angering the dissenter further was PetroniDE who had his bull horn on during the rendition of "God Bless America". All she could say on her way out in digust was "Viva Cuba". You want more humor, you got it. Plenty of material today.
- Houmatt got lost in the capital building during the pre-rally festivities.
- No Road Rally for America event is complete without PetroniDE taking a wrong turn somewhere. Getting to the event was no problem, but someone moved US-290 on the way home.
- El Arroyo was the chosen spot for the traditional after Freep meal. Among the menu items: DOG FRIES (no fry dog).
- A property tax reform group was in attendance and they passed out $2000 bills with a picture of President Bush. These dollar bills are somewhat complimentary toward our President, and the Houston Freepers tried to use them for purchases on the way home. No luck. Texans are too smart.
- At the next Freep or counter-Freep, bring Catnip. Tell the liberals it is "Free Weed". People in the crowd were cracking up just thinking about it.

OK - That is it for the evening. 368 miles and 13-1/2 hours later. Back at home base. Night All. Pictures from Allegra soon.

[BradyLS]

What's this madness about the Flip Side being taken off the air? I noticed it wasn't on, but thought it might be due to rally prep. I'll contact KLBJ and ask them to bring him back.

[jf55510]

I saw you on KXAN, good job!!!!!!

[PetroniDE]

I see we did have a Houston Chapter Split Squad today. Flyer, Anymouse, and TexasMom were in Alvin, with others in Austin.

If baseball teams can have Split Squads, so can Freepers.

[Allegra]

- A property tax reform group was in attendance and they passed out $2000 bills with a picture of President Bush. These dollar bills are somewhat complimentary toward our President, and the Houston Freepers tried to use them for purchases on the way home. No luck. Texans are too smart.

I'll be real curious to see if you have any success in passing off those Bush bucks for the real thing in Louisiana. :)

[TheDon]

Great pictures!

Liberty IS for everyone! But, for some reason, the pro-Saddam folks don't think so. Personally, I think they are racists.

[Gracey]

See video of Rally.. Post 31

[jrawk]

I had a great time, my girlfriend with me was moved to tears by the families of soldiers, and singing of god bless america.

Crowd estimation is such a tricky thing. But to help the locals along, the legal capacity outside at Stubb's is 2,400. That is when it fills up all the way back to the porta jons.

I do believe we had more than that, as the capital grounds is such an enourmous space. I did a sample, by counting the people around me in about a 10yrd by 10 yrd space, 30 people were spread out, which I think is normal dynamics for a crowd with such strong beliefs in the power of the individual. Socialist, and Communists stand closer together... ;)

Then looking back from my position near the front I counted the number of similar 10Sq Yard areas, and got around 100. (I actually just counted across and deep 10 and 10) That is my method for estimating a crowd, so I put it at around 3000. But people cycled in and out as well...

But more importantly, at all these rally's across the country you will find good, solid, honest, modest folk. Many of them, like myself, I don't think are comfortable gathering in public to rally around a political cause. They have strong beliefs, but that is countered by their modesty, and tendancies toward the strength of the individual. It is why they are known as the "silent" majority. It is not a normal social activity, and takes a much greater level of energy than the anit-war-bush-capitalism crowd. It takes a lot to get them together. Plus they have jobs ;)

In contrast, the anti-war-bush-capitalismc crowd, especially the young colleged aged and extreme group actually enjoy protesting. It is socially accepted and expected. In fact many are along for the social aspect, more than the socialist aspect of the protest. I back this up with the frequency of their protests. They are looking for any excuse to get out, beat drums, and block traffic.

I work downtown and a protests by these folks have happened nearly once a month for the last 3 years. Same signs, same tactics, same props, same people, different fake purpose each time. That has gone up of course now to highly aggravating levels.

I think that makes the troops rallies more important, and gives them more credibility. I know these people who are in the protest scene well. They are my peers I work with them, I hang out at the same clubs as them, many were, or are still my friends, many more frequent my social circles. (My favorite music hang out is Emo's, that will clue in locals Austinites to what brings close to their cliques).

You can trust in my assesment of them above. They talk excitedly at concerts, and keg parties about drawing chalk lines around themselves, and the last time they got arrested. And when the next one will be. With smiles on their face, not furrowed brows betraying concern for war, and their duty to destroy capitalism. They look like they are planning a party.


I have said too much ;)

-- lates

[Gracey]

I have said too much ;)

Thanks so very much for your interesting and enlightening assessment. Have had a tendency to believe your "social" side of these protests for some of the folk don't even understand political issues nor can they discuss with any kind of knowledge base. I live downtown and have had occasion to try some dialogue with some of them, with little to no luck.

Just read some of their signs. Some are about F..ing, loving, anti Bush, and all types of oral, anal rantings, some with no relevance to their protest.

Thanks again. I check out their calendar freqently and notice that they have protests several times a week. You only see those that occur downtown.

Say, do these people ever work? What do they do?

Thanks again.

[Bob J]

Great job with the rally Gracey and KUDOS to the Austin chapter!

[Humidston]

Good job, Petro! And the rest of you guys who traveled to Austin today!

And Gracey, good on you too! Looks like you guys had a perfect day. Me? I cooked B'day dinner for my eldest! ;-)

[MeekOneGOP]

bump to come back and check out the pics.

One ping coming up ! . . .

[MeekOneGOP]

Way to go Austin !

Please let me know if you want ON or OFF my Texas ping list!. . .don't be shy.
No, you don't HAVE to be a Texan to get on this list!

[whipitgood]

Bat Lady, you were awesome as Miss Liberty! My daughter and I had a great time at the rally. It was miniwhip's first rally. Great to meet some other FReepers. I appreciated the invitation to the after-FReep dinner but I spent the first part of the weekend camped out on the shore of Lake Whitney (freezing my b*tt off) with my youngest daughter. We got home Sunday just in time for a hot shower, some coffee, and then out the door to Austin. Took me thirty seconds to fall asleep last night.

[whipitgood]

Whipitgood was indeed there, along with daughter #2, aka miniwhip. I was wearing a T-shirt that had the words, "Blood for Freedom" on the back. Great to meet all the FReepers in attendance. I was somewhat dissapointed that more of the anti-war types didn't show up. I guess they only go where they can have the media's undivided attention.

[PetroniDE]

Here is the text from the Channel 8 Story..... Notice the BS number of 1000 (I estimated at least 5000). Since the entrance was about 2/3 filled with people, I think my estimate is low. Incidentally, I asked two DPS policeman for their best guess for estimates. One said 3000-4000 and the other 4000-6000. The vantage point on top of the steps provided an ideal view for estimating purposes. I took the liberty of correcting the article.

---------------------------------------------------

Young Conservatives of Texas rally for troops
Updated: 3/30/2003 9:32 PM
By: Ann Dolgan

Patriotism abounded on the south steps of the Texas Capitol Building Sunday.

About 1,000 5000 people dressed in red, white and blue rallied in support of the U.S. troops and President Bush.

"They feel like a lot of the country's against them. They want to see this type of coverage and they're not getting that as much on TV as they get the anti-war rallies. It does boost their morale. They want to hear that they're fighting for a reason people believe in." Steinhauser

The Young Conservatives of Texas organized the rally.

[MeekOneGOP]

Thanks for the pics !! . . .