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.

[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? ;-)

[WaterDragon]

Awesome, awesome, awesome. Texas does things BIG. Bless your hearts!

[Humidston]

Well, KUDOS for CougarCajun - whoever it is!!!

[GOPcapitalist]

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

Ha! He sure does. I'm up in washington right now and couldn't make this one, but it is truly good to hear that he's still providing us with somebody to point and laugh at when we protest! I wonder if he's got any new restraining orders or stalking complaints against him from the pacifica management...

[Humidston]

I remember when a couple of us FReepers talked on FR about going to his house and harassing him. He got all fearful and talked to his comrades about hiding inside while gathering forces around to protect him from us. I'd say (since I'm an old grandma) that makes him a real WEENIE, LOL!

[TheGrimReaper]

Poor Queen Sheila -- a victim??
Oh for shame! I am so sorry for being a part of the terrible, nasty, vicious VRWC that is victimizing poor Sheila....
(/insincerity off)

But, seriously, I guess the Queen just couldn't resist the seductive lure of the TV CAMERAS!!

[dix]

What a day this was. I have always been fiercely proud, and thankful for being an American, but today showed that the flame of patriotism is burning as brightly as ever. I never have questioned my above statement, but listening to the incessant hectoring from the left was getting really old. Never fear, our country is going to be just fine.

That Chronicle article is such a crock of bull crap. People hooted, laughed, and yes booed SJL, but at no time was she threatened. Tom Delay was magnificent, he was so excited with the crowd he could hardly contain himself. He had the same look on his face that we all had when we hit our first home run in Little League. Michael Berry also impressed me. The boy just might have some possibilities.

Kudos should go to Chris Baker, he was gracious, and thanked me when I gave him a Freerepublic card. But special thanks must go to Petronie for getting there early, and setting HAT up in the best possible location, so our banner was prominently displayed, and Flyer because he goes way beyond the call of duty, and I have never heard him complain about his work load one time. I am so proud to be associated with all of you.

As far as media coverage goes, I stood right next to a Fox News cameraman, and he told me the rally was being broadcast nationally. Channels 39, and 26 have their news at nine so be sure to watch. 2,11, and 13 will be on at ten, so get those clickers ready.

[Texas_Jarhead]

Just saw the big troop support banner on Fox 26... lol on SHeila J Lee

[Humidston]

Excellent coverage on FOX/Ch 26!! They just did it and it was fair and balanced fer sure!

[Action-America]

W O W !    Great Coverage on 26!

I just watched the news on Channel 26.  They had great coverage.  They had several clips of Tom Delay.  But, the best was that they covered queen sheila getting booed.  They closed with a clip of the banner.

 

[Houmatt]

OMG! BIG Freeper presence on FOX 26! Rejoyce was on there! Did I see you too, Petroni?

39's coverage was not too bad, either.

The biggest news? The gave you the boos Queen Sheila got!

YES!!!!!