Posted on 04/15/2002 3:23:38 PM PDT by tgslTakoma
Imagine a group of individuals who decide that they don't want the so-called "anti-war movement" protesters' lies and hatred of the USA to go unanswered on April 20th. Now imagine that they decided to hold a rally of their own, on the same day that the commies and leftists want to take over our nation's Capital, and these patriotic Americans announce plans to hold a press conference regarding their rally.
The press conference, hosted by members of the DC Chapter of Free Republic and Rally4America.org - and including several of the speakers at the upcoming rally, was held this morning in the National Press Club building in downtown Washington, DC. How many of the press do you think showed up?
If you guessed that two members of the print media showed up, you'd win the prize. The Washington Post reporter, Manny Fernandez, was the first to show up; and to his credit, he did stay for the entire press conference, and took extensive notes. The other reporter was from an Indonesian Christian news service.
While the press conference was not well attended, those two reporters were supplied with a wealth of information regarding: who we are - our goals and our politics, why we have organized our counterpoint rally, our strict rules for protesting and standards of behavior, how much money is being spent by DC and federal government for police overtime to keep the other side's protesters from rioting - money which could be better spent on social programs for the city's residents (as the other side constantly demands) if only the other side's protesters weren't so bent on lawlessness, the "parenthood" of the planned anti-war movement (communist party USA), activities that some of these groups are encouraging protesters to engage in (property damage, building takeovers, etc.). So much ground was covered in our press conference that I can't remember it all; I neglected to take notes. But I did take pictures, and will email them to Dave Dilegge, who will put them up on this thread (right Dave??). I'll leave the other DC Chapter members to add their comments.
Speaking at the press conference were: Maria Heil, Angelwood, Kristinn, Kevin Martin and Sauropod. They all did a great job presenting our message!
Our lurker friend who attended the planning meeting last Saturday was also in attendance here today, but she had to leave early.
We had the NPC videotape the press conference, for our archives.
:-)
Regardless of the "press" turnout today - there is every indication of a huge turnout for Sat. Today there were rallies within our nations's captitol that we did not know we would have to compete with when we made the arrangements. Anyway - this is shaping up to be a most interesting week to say the least.
We expect confirmation from additional invited speakers shortly.
Dave's working on posting pix right now.
Oh common already, you didn't shake down anybody or bomb anybody. What do you expect from the United States of America Press?
Gees, a gathering where they can be recognized as those "not" burning the American Flag is no big deal.
That said, thank you all for being there today. See you all Friday night and definately Saturday.
BTW - you guys look great! EAGLES UP!
Thank you Maria, Kathy, Kristinn, Kevin and Dave - you guys did good!
I think it's understandable that the media did not show up for the press conference. They have long since figured out that we are the 'good guys' who support our country and our form of government. Which means we are not coming to Washington DC to tear it down. Remember, if it bleeds, it leads.
Overall, their absence is a good indorsement of what we stand for.
/pontification.
pro2AMom....."Am I really doing this on a Monday afternoon? I must get those cookies baked."
Angelwood....."Somebody better say something quick. I gotta be back to work in 13 minutes.
Kristinn....."I know, I know, I may look like Wolf Blitzer, Honest, I am on your side."
TrueBlackMan.....Look uns, the only thing I care about is America. Period.
Sauropod....."It is my humble pleasure to be here today, but, let's quit the Bull Shipp and you two media persons better spell my name correctly."
Great pix Dave. Thank you.
Dave Dillegge....."These clowns want me to take their picture talking at chairs?"
FreeGards From The Socialist Republic of NY,
Karen AKA KLT
So, can you imagine the conversation on the stage this Saturday......
"I'm B-1 Bob", ,,,"No, I'm B-1 Bob",,,, "No, I'm the origional B1 Bob", ,,,"But, I'm the new B-1 Bob".
And the price for admission is what for this entertainment?
Now it's our turn to do you proud and bring a big crowd. We don't need the media to get the word out... look how far FreeRepublic has come to gather large numbers of like-minded people in such a relatively short time.
One important thing for all sign makers, remember to put "www.freerepublic.com" somewhere on the sign. That's how I found this place in November, 2000...
This is going to a wonderful rally.
We set up a reception table outside the Murrow Room with two small flags, two sign-up sheets, two FR DC Chapter pens, and two of our Patriot Rally buttons.
We thought we were on a roll when a reporter stopped to sign the sheet and came in to discuss a problem with our set-up of the microphones. On the way to the offices to discuss what she needed, we happened to pass another room set up for a press conference dealing with Enron. Oops, she told us in a super apologetic manner. That's the press conference she was supposed to cover today.
At the end of our press conference, as we were being scooted out of the room by the staff who were setting up tables for a luncheon event, we noticed that the flags were still on the reception table but one each of the buttons and pens were missing. There was only one scratched-out name on one of the sheets.
I'll let everyone know how well the press conference went after I see the tape. The Press Club had it sent by FedEx almost before we were out the door.
Hey, I just saw a good lookin lady that looks like she should be home making cookies. Nothing personal or intrusive intended.
"I think it's interesting that you think the two women weren't particularly interested, but that the men were."
Nothing indended again. Maybe it is an inherent flaw that I don't know about. Thank you for the critique."
"Care to explain that one?"
No.
"Where, by the way, were you?"
Finally, a question that I can answer. At home on my ask.
Finally, I will be there Friday and Saturday, will you? If so we can discuss? I think your over reacting, a bit.
"Humor can be a great thing, if it is not taken out of humor.......Yogie Berra"
Love ya guys!
Thanks for the wonderful pics, Dave. Angelwood, Kristinn, TrueBlackMan, pro2AMom and Sauropod: What a great-lookin' bunch of FReepers!
FReegards,
nutmeg & zelig
I'll be happy when The Post puts our rally in the right place on their map and gives the correct date, also, in their on-line page about this weekend's protests. Grrrr.
We read this Breaking News here first on FReeRepublic.com. The truth has been told and scooped by FR.
The Washington Post may have a larger circulation, but truth seekers come to FR.
Looking forward to everyone's comments this weekend.
Stay the course. All of you make us so very proud to be associated with you.
I'll see you in Washington, DC!!
'Pod
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