After Action Report - Rally For America, Houston, TX (1 March 2003)

01 March 2003 | PetroniDE

[PetroniDE]

It seems a lot of people, Freepers and just ordinary Americans alike, are sick and tired of the lies and propaganda that the anti-American crowd has been forcing down the throats of the American people. In a rally earlier today at Jones Plaza, located in downtown Houston, TX, a crowd estimated at over 10,000 people showed their appreciation for their President, their freedom, and the brave people (i.e. the military) that protect it.

Before I begin the rally recap, special kudos to talk radio station KPRC (950-AM) for organizing and sponsoring this rally; in less than two weeks, they lined up speakers and musical entertainment, while dealing with all the messy logistics that a successful rally requires. Another person who also gets kudos is Glenn Beck, who was in San Antonio earlier today for a similar event. KPRC carries his radio show and it was his rally in San Antonio that prompted KPRC to do the rally today.

It was a beautiful day for a rally with cloudy skies (no rain) and temperatures in the mid-60’s. The noon start time didn’t deter one Freeper (PetroniDE) from doing a Sheila Jackson-Lee imitation. He arrived at 8:00 am to put together the large “We Support Our Troops” banner in a strategic location (he also nearly performed a Ted Kennedy imitation since he was driving the wrong way down several streets; he is a Yankee; lucky he knows how to drive at all). Vintage military vehicles on display for the rally arrived at about 9:00 am and some time was spent on the balcony of Jones Plaza with the large banner on display for passing motorists.

The massive crowd began to arrive around 10:00 am. Some assistance was provided regarding building of the large balloon rainbow. Jones Plaza was basically completely filled by 11:30 am. Several people with large signs began walking around Jones Plaza in circular formation; by then a few other Freepers had arrived and joined in this makeshift parade. Anyone in Jones Plaza by 11:30 saw the banner, and the FreeRepublic and HoustonLiberty signs below it.

A sampling of other signs spotted at the rally. Some humorous, some with more serious themes.
- God Bless America. Thank God Al Gore is Not President.
- Martin Sheen: You are NOT President, You Only Play One on TV.
- Texas Terrorist Hunting Permit; No Bag Limit; No Tagging Required.
- We Have Nothing to Fear, Except Fear Itself, FDR, 1941; Let’s Roll, Todd Beamer, 2001.
- Liberate Iraq, Just Like We Did France.
- Babes Back Bush
- Numerous people showed up who have family members in the military and are currently stationed overseas; most of them had photos of the loved ones in uniform.

The following people gave speeches.
Pegi Ivancevich (Regent, Daughters of the American Revolution, San Jacinto Chapter)
Dan Pastorini (Former Houston Oilers Quarterback)
USAF Retired Major Ellis Buchanan (Formerly of NATO Command). During his speech, there were three flyovers by retired Air Force personnel. Michael Berry (Houston City Council). Kudos to him for voting against the anti-war resolution in Houston City Council earlier this week.
Kevin Brady (US House Deputy Majority Whip)
Tom Delay (US House Majority Leader)

Two other people gave speeches at the rally. In a major surprise, U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee made an appearance and gave a speech. The crowd response was mixed (some polite cheers and some boos), but considering that the crowd was nearly all conservatives, this was a polite response. KPRC stated up-front that this was a pro-America rally and politicians from both parties would be invited to speak (trying getting that from the other side). The other surprise speaker was Ahmad Hassam, a personal friend of moderator Chris Baker, who immigrated (legally) to this country 24 years ago and is grateful to today call himself a citizen of the U.S.A.

One funny moment at the rally involved musical artist Kevin Black. Twice while playing his first song, the speaker system went out, just as he was hitting the song’s highest note. System went out at the exact same moment both times.

The Houston Police Department estimated that about 10,000 people attended the rally in support for America. However, the anti-American crowd tried to make their presence felt; a grand total of 6 (five on one hand plus one on the other for the liberals reading this) arrived to counter the rally. One Freeper (Ron H.) confronted them and essentially told them to “stick it”.

After the two-hour rally, local radio talk show host Pat Gray posed for a picture with our banner. Several Freepers, including Humblegunner, Flyer, Eaker, and RetiredAFWarrior had cameras and took some excellent pictures. Afterwards, most of the Freepers stopped by Griff’s for some post-rally celebration.

List of Freepers Attending Rally
Action-America
Allegra
Anymouse
Bobbyd
BuffyT
Carlo3b
Dix
Eaker
Flyer
Houmatt
Humblegunner
Humidston
IamRight
Janette
OllieMB
PetroniDE
Rejoyce
RetiredAFWarrior
RikaStrom
Ron H.
TxLady
Xenalyte
Zboa

If any other Freepers attended the rally and are not mentioned above, please mention so on this thread; I apologize in advance for any omissions, and kudos to all whom attended.

[PetroniDE]

One world explains the “Rally for America” today in Houston, TX. WOW. Now that was a rally.

Pictures are on their way. If anyone has anything to add, please feel free to do so. Yahoo, Yeah Baby, and We Rock.

[PetroniDE]

Ping.... Good Job.... Ping...

[PetroniDE]

FR Upper Management Ping... No Fri Serva No Mor!!!

[FreeTheHostages]

BTTT. Complete and total and heart-warming bump from DC. GOOD JOB GUYS!

[UCFRoadWarrior]

A big woo hoo to Houston and area Freepers! Great turnout!

Lets hope the mainstream liberal media coverage is better for this weekend's rallies than last weekend. The Orlando rally got poor local coverage (esp Orlando Sentinel) and hopefully rallies in Houston and other cities this week will get better coverage

Actually.....it got better coverage I must say (Houston rally did) Tom Delay's speech was on a number of newscasts today

[Humidston]

BRAVO to you for getting there at the crack of dawn and preparing everything for the rest of us, DE!

You Da Man!!!

[Jim Robinson]

I'll second that emotion. Kudos to KPRC (950-AM) and Glenn Beck! And kudos to the Houston FReepers! Truly outstanding work!!

[mykdsmom]

WOW....you guys did good!

I can't wait to see the pics?

MKM

[PetroniDE]

Houston Chronicle Report - Posted at 4:46 pm today
-----------------------------------------------
Thousands cheer at rally downtown
By ALLAN TURNER
Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle

Cheering, chanting and waving flags, thousands jammed shoulder to shoulder into downtown Houston's Jones Plaza today to hear politicians, soldiers and entertainers praise God, America and President Bush's firm stand against Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

The ostensibly nonpartisan "Rally for America," sponsored by talk radio station KPRC, quickly turned into a spirited affirmation of Bush's policies. Speakers included House Majority Leader Rep. Tom DeLay, House Deputy Whip Kevin Brady and City Councilman Michael Berry.

The only speaker who opposes military intervention in Iraq, Houston U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, was greeted with boos as she stepped onto the stage midway through the two-hour rally. She and her party later were led from the plaza under protective police guard.

KPRC spokeswoman Melissa Brezner said 8,000 to 10,000 people attended the event. "This is not anti-war and it's not pro-war. It's not leaning either way," she said as the event began at noon.

[mathluv]

Just mentioned on FNC - In the Heartland. Picture of Tom Delay and mentioned Houston rally - now interveiwing a kid who went to Iraq as human sheild.

[RoseofTexas]

Please give me an opportunity to vent here!! I am so FRICKIN disappointed at FOX, CNN, and MSNBC! I stayed home to watch some of the coverage on the tube, to NO AVAIL!! These a88hole can cover any little movement by the liberal WHORES but couldn't even donate a few minutes to show some clips of the rallies. I AM SO PISSED OFF AND UPSET, we need to get our message across!! I HATE THE LIBERAL MEDIA WHORES!!

[Humidston]

BTW, I caught Ch 13's coverage and the male news reader made a special point of explaining how our rally numbers couldn't hold a candle to the "MILLIONS" of anti-war protesters "from around the WORLD."

Ahhhh shucks. I guess we'll just never measure up in his opinion. BLEEEK!

[SeaDragon]

Oh WoW!

Way to go Houston.............

[Bigg Red]

..over 10,000 people !

That's wonderful! Good job, TX freepers!

[Jim Robinson]

Saw a clip of part of Tom Delay's speech on FOX News. And lots of flags waving and cheering. Didn't see the crowd, but from the sounds of it, knew it was large. Great job, everyone!

[TheGrimReaper]

I noticed that even KHOU (Channel 11) included the booing of Queen Sheila in its report ... I found this astounding considering the way that all the local media generally suck-up to her.

Congratulations to everyone on an outstanding rally!

[msgrrl]

Great After Action Report, PetroniDE! I had such a great time today.

It WAS funny when the sound went out, but what was even better was the fact that all of us just kept right on singing it for him! :o)

I can't wait to see pics!

[Ditter]

Add me to the list of freepers in attendance. Sorry I was not able to make myself known to you & the others, but 10,000 is a BUNCH of people & I just didn't see your FR sign!

[PetroniDE]

RoseofTexas: Watch the Channel 26 news at 9:00. Channels 26 and 39 had cameras in the plaza, so they should have the best coverage. First report out of the Houston Chronicle spent too much time on Sheila Jackson-Lee.

JimRobinson: Pictures coming. At least four sources that I know of.

Humidston: Poor Edwina Johnston. Didn't look like he made it. Too afraid? We are just innocent little putty tats. Aw. He must have did this when he saw the size of the crowd:

[iamright]

More Kudo's for setting things up and also for posting a quick after-event report; great job as usual, PetroniDE!

YOU ROCK!

[Txslady]

I made it home - I actually took 107 digital pictures and have been working on uploading them since I got home.

I figured I better take a break and say HELLO! This rally was fantastic!!! Was great to meet everyone too!

See you all in a bit... going to go work on these pictures. Hopefully, I'll be able to post a few here in a bit. :o)

[PetroniDE]

IAmRight: Thanks. We All Rock.

Others: OK - I need pictures, or I start posting more kitty pictures.

[snippy_about_it]

After Rally ping

[Humidston]

I see it differently, Grim. I see it as the media playing up her "victimization" at the hands of the evil VRWC. She was such a minimal player in the grand scheme that she isn't worthy of the coverage she received.

The rally was so positive, so family-oriented, so UPLIFTING that the coverage of her smells to high heaven, IMHO.

[Consort]

Houston Flag

[Txslady]

Okay - here are some pictures! :o)

http://public.fotki.com/Txslady/rallyusamerica/

[PetroniDE]

Look what someone posted in the indymedia forum.

http://houston.indymedia.org/news/2003/02/7845.php

---

Over 10,000 people rallied at Jones Plaza in support of the United States of America. What a crowd; what a great rally.

BOO-YAH...

... Link to FR Thread ...

[Action-America]

W O W !

I haven't seen so many US flags at one place in Houston since the GOP State Convention 2-1/2 years ago.

FReep On!

 

[Txslady]

Fox showed Congressman Tom Delay at the Houston Rally. :o)

[Houmatt]

What? Are you kidding me? They actually said that?

[Eaker]

I have 68 pictures to process but here is a tease until later. Sorry for the large size but it is worth it!!

Tom Delay

Kevin Brady - The Next Mayor of Houston!!!

Kevin Black - Clint Black's Brother

Proud Americans

Proud Americans

A Few Signs

FReeper Dix

Posted by one PROUD American!!!!!!!!!

[PetroniDE]

Eddie Johnston claims that it was he that disabled the sound system. If he did (don't take anything from his mouth at face value), wouldn't put it past him.

http://houston.indymedia.org/news/2003/03/8045.php

[Humidston]

EXCELLENT job, Txslady! (And you're such a nice person too! ;-)

[Samurai_Jack]

now THATS a turnout!!!

Looking at the photos its easy to see 10,000 people there.

Congratulations Houston Freepers and Well done!!!

And thanks for the pics Txslady

[Txslady]

Thanks and you all were wonderful!!! Couldn't have met a nicer bunch of people! *smiles*

Can't wait until the next H.A.T.S event!

[Humidston]

Well, he didn't specifically compare - but he made sure to remind his audience how much larger the anti-war protest count was, "All Over The World."

[Houmatt]

To quote Gordon Sinclair:

I was there! I saw that!

I had a great time!

And it was nice to put faces to names.

Still did not like Queen Sheila being there, though.

Does anyone know if Ellis Buchanan is a Freeper?

[Txslady]

Great pictures Eaker!

[PetroniDE]

More -- More -- More -- More

[Houmatt]

I think someone needs to bring me up to speed on Edwina Johnston.

[Nita Nuprez]

Thank you for representing those of us who couldn't make it.

[RikaStrom]

And why weren't you there?! One of these days I am going to drag you to a freep!! LOL

[Humidston]

Lil Eddie Haskel really has a "rich imagination" doesn't he?

BWAAAAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

[PetroniDE]

Edwina Johnston is a cry-baby socialists who is still complaining that Gore got more votes in Florida. He was behind most of the "anti-Bush" protests during Election 2000. He is about as anti-American, anti-capitalist, and anti-Bush as they get in this town. Look at it this way, he makes Sheila Jackson-Lee look like a conservative (and that is hard to do).

[PetroniDE]

Somebody posted a rebuttal. Don't know who this "CougarCajun" is.

[Txslady]

It takes a while to upload and edit pictures. lol I understand... I finally just used a site that was suggested earlier. Otherwise it would have been next week before my website would have got them.

Your right though - more -- more -- more--Eaker! Those are some good pictures!

[GUIDO]

Once again you guys are GGGGRRRREEEAAATTTT. Thank you so much for all you do and for the report.

I am waiting for the San Anyonio report. Had plans to attend but my 82yr young dad had an emergency triple bypass this morning and of course I had to be there. With the tremendouse faith he has and love for the Lord, he did WONDERFUL. The doctor was very pleased.

If you see the SA report before me please ping me, as I am curious. It was a dreary drizzly day all day long today so the weather got me worried about the attendance.

[GOPcapitalist]

"Several counterdemonstrators showed up, including a man who burned copies of the Confederate flag. I was dressed conservatively and managed to disable the sound system several times. What a hoot!"

So Crazy Edwin is still up to his old games, I see. I guess that means he's out of jail for the time being, though tampering with other people's sound equipment could send him back there. Was the guy with the hat car there as well? He always provided, shall we say, "entertainment" at those protests...like the time back in the 2000 recounts when he bumped into and knocked over some old guy with his protest sign, and appeared on the news for it, leaned up against a police car! Somebody told me a while back that they saw him stopped on the side of the road one day a few elections ago...pulling up GOP campaign signs.

[Humidston]

It was great, Nita. Absolutely inspiring to see so many clean cut faces in that crowd, all the smiles, all the patriotic signs and banners. I hope all these pictures can convey that inspiration - after all the sad news we've all had to deal with lately.

Only thing that would have made it better would have been seeing you again! Take care now, hear? ;-)