400 Demand Recount at Ohio Statehouse

[maddezmom]

COLUMBUS, Ohio - About 400 protesters gathered outside the Statehouse on Saturday to support a recount of the presidential election in Ohio and call for an investigation into Election Day irregularities.


Speakers addressing the crowd alleged that many voters were the victims of a fraud in which votes intended for John Kerry (news - web sites) were given to President Bush (news - web sites).


"I would like to welcome you to the Ukraine," said Susan Truitt, referring to the country where a new presidential runoff election was ordered after observers said the first one was rigged.


On Friday, a federal judge in Columbus ruled that a recount may proceed if two minority party candidates who sued for it can pay for it. Green and Libertarian party officials say they can.

more: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=694&ncid=716&e=6&u=/ap/20041204/ap_on_el_pr/ohio_vote

[leftchick]

1. rate this up!,,,, a couple photos....

State Rep. Dan Stewart, D-Columbus, speaks at a rally to draw attention to irregularities and possible fraud in the way elections officials counted the votes that gave President Bush (news - web sites) a slim victory, at the Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2004. (AP Photo/Will Shilling)

[proud_Kucitizen]

2. I was there today

I thought maybe a few more than 400 but I would have hoped for many more to show up. It is discouraging that more people don't care about fair elections.

They also asked for people to picket Blackwell's office on Monday. I believe they said the address is 280 E Broad St. in Columbus.

[KoKo]

4. It's great there were that many. Most folks don't know about recount,

even in Ohio because MSM refuses to put it in "context" they can understand. Don't be discouraged by those who didn't show up, but be proud of those who did...is the way maybe we have to look at it. :shrug:

[proud_Kucitizen]

6. You're right

even as I was standing there listening I was considering the fact that since this event had only been spread by word of mouth it was not a bad showing.

My son and I think maybe more like 600 but it's my first protest so what do I know about counting crowds.

[Barkley]

26. The press always underestimates demos and rarely shows arial views

I'm from Ohio (living in L.A.) and I am proud of you and your son for speaking out!

Thanks.

[burrowowl]

50. Welcome to DU, proud_Kucitizen!

I campaigned for Dennis in ABQ NM during the Dem Prez nominee primaries.

[jambojonusa]

71. that's a fact. I have been handing out election theft info flyers...

...I have made up and printed out, here in San Diego. So I'm getting a chance to talk with people.

So far I have hit public areas around the rapid transit system. The majority of people I get into conversations with have really scant information that anything out of the ordinary is happening in Ohio at all.

I am running into as much or more scepticism as I do any eagerness to learn more....then factor in the apathetic and the vaguely hostile. Most people have the air of "I'm busy & can't be bothered to care."

Its kinda like the reverse of "I know it true because I saw it on TV". If they haven't seen it on TV...then its obviously not true.

Still... my efforts DON'T seem like an excercise in futility.

Seeds are being planted.

Probably because I'm aware of that running the media blockade with a handful of flyers is a steep hill to begin with. (Its a hopeless thankless task, but SomeBody has to do it aye?)

I figure that every person that accepts one will probably talk about it to someone else...show the flyer around...The flyer is chock full of newsworthy urls, so they can go home and check things out. It'll do some good on the level of getting the word out.

I'm not so naive to think we'll stop the inauguration using these methods.

But it sure is alot better than sitting at home fretting.

Next stop is the area around San Diego U. That might prove to be a little more of a fertile area. Dunno til I go there. Like most everyone else, I can only devote so much time to activism.

& yes security and the cops have taken note of my activities...so I keep within bounds of propriety of course, and the law.

So I'm out proving to myself the falsity of the staement "I can't do anything about it." The question of how effective this is still remains. But I have resigned myself to never knowing. And I can't accept the alternative of just sitting here doing nothing.

For AnyBody interested in these flyer handouts, here's the flyer..broadsheet actually, since its printed on both sides.

These are in mini display form.
I hope somebody may wish to use them. They are working well enough for me.

access url to the full sized flyer online is-
http://www.vote-nobody.com/2004electiontheftpage.htm

front


back

[TripleD]

7. The protest outside of Blackwell's office

is at The Borden Building, on the corner of 4th St. and Broad St.

11:00am Monday.

[hippywife]

16. You folks in my home town

are doing me real proud! I wish I could afford to be there with you.

Howdy, proud_Kucitizen! Kucitizen forever here, too! :)

[proud_Kucitizen]

17. Thanks

[gmoney]

19. To behonest...

I would have gone but I didn't feel like being tear-gassed, fingerprinted, photographed and held indefinitely and put on some HomeSec shitlist to be hounded for the rest of my life.

Yes, I have been duly intimidated.

[0007]

32. Time to strap on your balls, because you may not get another chance

[liberalnurse]

37. Funny you should mention that.....

They told the crowd that the cops would pull our permit if any signs were attached to sticks. That included flags!

[renaissanceguy]

39. That's silly

and un-American if you can't stand up to the fascists.

Do you want to live your whole life in fear?

[kk897]

41. Nah, nothing that dire happened

There were some police there, mainly asking people to take the sticks off their signs (they later clarified that we could have them on the sidewalk up toward High Street, but not on the State House property). Nobody got hassled, as far as I could see. Very civilized. Now, whether we were being surveiled in some way---I had read back during the anti-war protests that they were doing surveilance, so I have to assume they were.

[liberalnurse]

36. Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee was at the school rally.

I got Greg Palast to autograph his book for me! I'm beat! I went to both events.....had dinner in German Village be for rally #2.

I do wish there were more but damn....it was cold. I'm so glad it was on the radio. The speakers were all pumped!

[Gregorian]

3. Ukraine minus the soul.

Only twenty shopping days until Xmas.

I don't know. Maybe we're all just worn out from four years of Bush. Or maybe it's because America doesn't have a fourth estate. Maybe it's because we can only hold up America by ourselves for so long.

I'd have expected throngs.

Maybe I have no right to criticize if I wasn't there. I guess I'm part of the problem. At least I know why I voted.

[buddysmellgood]

21. I understand you're trying to make a point, but I hate it when people

trash the flag. It leaves gives it to republicans to claim as their own. I fly the flag with a "War is not the Answer' sign in my front yard. I think it sends a stronger message.
Could you at least stick Dubya's face on it?

[countmyvote4real]

33. I don't think that was trashing the flag.

At least it doesn’t go near as far as the corporations have in trashing our democracy. I like the statement that altered flag makes.

[liberal N proud]

5. I have been away from the old PC for a week and did not know about todays

event.
I doubt my wife would allowed me to skip my daughters recital anyway.
I am with those people in my heart and will do what I can when I can get there.
I am planning at this point to attend the hearings in Lorain County next week. Sat, Dec 11th.
I don't know time or place yet.

[buddysmellgood]

22. I tried to organize 50 people to bus in from Wisconsin. I found three

others willing to make the 8.5 hour drive. Obviously we couldn't do it. If we had, we'd have represented about an eighth of the total crowd.

[BUSHOUT]

8. Rate this story. And leave a message of tollerance.

The messageboard for this story is CRAWLING with liberal hating knuckle draggers.

Let them know that peaceful protest and demonstration - regardless of the cause - is what American democracy is built on.

And make sure you rate this story up, it's a good one.

[Kolesar]

12. that forum is a fright ... eom

[acmavm]

24. I only go to that forum for either entertainment (it's bloody there) or to

remind myself that there are some truly ignorant people in this country, and they seem to be proud of that fact.

[Moderator]

9. Kick

:kick:

[Sannum]

10. kick

rate it a 5

[dobynsbc]

11. It sounded great

Unfortunately, I was out of the state, but my wife made it to the demonstration and came back really positive about it. It sounds like the Monday picketing at Blackwell's office is going to be a big deal, too.

[wildflower]

13. 400?

I read here earlier it was more like 3 to 4 thousand...?

It seems like the MSM always divides by ten.

-wildflower

[212demop]

14. kick!

[ExclamationPoint]

34. Well I guess we just can't rely on news stations for news

A very sincere thanks to Ohio for protesting. It is good that people were there. If there was only one lowly person protesting it still would've made a difference. You know those commercials that say army of one? Be a protester of one. :hippie:

[maryallen]

15. Thank you, Ohio !

And visiting protestors ...

[ZR2]

18. Yes, Thank You Ohio

Sincerely,
Florida

[bear425]

20. thank you n/t

You have given the news article 400 Demand Recount at Ohio Statehouse a rating of 5.
Its current average rating is 2.96 with 1453 vote(s).

[wildflower]

23. Listened to Marty Kaplan's show...Fitrakis said there were 1500 there...

At the afternoon rally. I don't know how many in the evening, though.

[meisje]

27. I drove by, looked like a couple hundred

Was quite cold outside and poorly advertised.

[VegasWolf]

25. It would be nice if Kerry were to support them. n/t

[Patriot Acts]

45. Kerry who???

.....oh yeah, that guy!

[kk897]

56. At the rally, there was a sailor

or at least a guy dressed as a sailor who came up and ordered Kerry to "report for duty" and gave a nice little speech in military style, ending with a crisp, "SIR!" and salute.

[lovuian]

28. 400 now maybe 4 million next!!! As the recount goes forwqrd

Its going to be obvious about the fraud!!!

The World hasn't seen anything if Americans get whiff the election has been stolen they just haven't gotten the whiff yet!!!

[daleo]

29. 400, 4000, 40000, or 400000, Bush would call it a focus group

It is too bad the U.S. (and western world) media doesn't care about American democracy as much as it does about Ukrainian democracy.

[jmatthan]

35. Not true

We in Europe are seriously cocerned about the collapse of democracy in the US.

But it appears that the Americans themselves are not concerned as they hardly show up to protest this fraudulent election!!

See how the Romanians, Cerbians, Georgians and now Ukrainians have risen in mass protest and changed their history.

Even in a small town liker ours of 100000 population, when we held an anti war anti bush rally we pulled out over 5000 protesters!!

But where are the Americans on the streets to remove this mass murderer who is acting in their name?

If possible I would even fly to US to participate but I would probably not be given a visa and even if I arrived there I would probably be arrested as I stepped off the plane!!

If you turn out in significant numbers the media will have to report it!! Not for 400 protestors!!

Jacob Matthan
Oulu, Finland

[renaissanceguy]

40. Well-said.

I'm disppointed with the apathy in this country, not just about this election, but about many things. Our culture is a disgrace.

[kk897]

42. this is an issue I've thought a lot about

and I do believe it's one of culture. I believe in Europe there is a much greater interest in political matters among everyone than in the US. People here, in general (bloggers excepted) don't tend to talk politics very much--I mean, like, on a daily basis, with friends, neighbors, and co-workers, the man on the street, anyone. Europeans seem passionate about politics, and will express that passion at the drop of a hat, or at least that's my impression.

Then again, we have an entertainment-oriented culture. We are constantly exhorted to turn off our minds, relax, and float downstream. I think maybe this isn't the case in Europe.

Another thing to consider is that in Europe and much of the rest of the world there's a strong tradition of taking to the streets in support of multitudes of issues and causes. Europeans seem ready to march for just about anything important to them. With so many protests and marches and rallies, Europe has a much higher rate of actually accomplishing something with their actions. Aside from the incredible Civil Rights Movement in the 50s and 60s, we don't have as strong a track record, and that can be discouraging.

I don't know what will drag people out into the streets here. My husband thinks that if there's a draft, that will ignite a strong youth movement, much as it did in the 60s.

[NEOBuckeye]

53. Europeans have entertainment as well

But it doesn't seem to stop them from taking up serious interest in their politics. I can't really figure it out either, why Americans are so apathetic. We all keep taking it up the ass by Bush and his ilk, our health care costs skyrocket, good paying jobs continue to move overseas, and college tuition climbs by the day, yet so many people seem resigned to things being the way that they are. Hell, it's not even about being resigned now. It's about kissing Bush's drunken, frat-boy, silver-spooned, loser ass.

I've been dreading it for awhile now, but I really think we need something to happen that's just so undeniably-can't-sleep-at-night-in-your-face-horrible that the American people won't be able to ignore any longer, the evils of this administration or the fact that we allowed things to get this bad. It seems like The Draft would wake up the young people, but I think we're in need of something that hits everyone equally as hard across the board. Another 1929 style economic crash would do it. So would $11.49 per gallon gas prices (i.e. Peak Oil). We'll see one or the other probably within the next four years.

[Patriot Acts]

46. So true...

...I'm all out of tears. What is a sole protestor to do? I even have liberal friends (maybe they arent true friends) that dont want to go to the demonstrations here where I live, In fear of looking silly... and some have mentioned that they dont want to be associated with all the drums and "hippy types." I normally get very excited after hearing something like that and tell them "WELL, Im trying to change the face of the protest... lets go!" With suit and tie on, I make like a baby and head out!

[jmatthan]

49. How did you stop the Vietnam War?

I cannot accept the defeatism and lethargy argument. Remember how the Democratic Party relentlessly harassed Nader to stop him getting on the vote list in different parts of the country!!! IMHO the Party has all the wrong priorities.

The Democratic Party is lacking a leader. The peace movement is lacking a leader. The Anti Fraud Election group is lacking a leader.

You need a Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Jack Kennedy - all rolled in one to pull all of you out of this hypnotic state, bring life and meaning to the movement and get back your Constitution and your democracy!!

If you listened to the Guy James Show last night you got a gist of the feeling - get the smoking gun and you will act.

However, without a smoking gun America could start to wipe out innocent people in a third country and the sheeple are silent!! Your Senators hide behind nuances!!

A bit ironic!!

Jacob Matthan
Oulu, DFinland

[Patriot Acts]

51. Kerry said he would continue fighting for us

"You need a Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Jack Kennedy"

Kerry should be leading some kind of movement. How does he go from telling us that this is the most important election EVER (vote or die, as they say), then he falls off the face of the earth, so to say! I smell something very fishy here...

[kc.ink]

59. Correct on the main leader issue. eom

[jambojonusa]

73. I hear you...solo protesting is a challenge (but not impossible)

I'm passing out election theft flyers by myself in a city that's foreign to me. Although I am just now getting in touch with some local activists. San Diego is a pretty conservative area...but I have to do SOMETHING.

What I'm doing is not the solution for anybody but myself.

At this point in time there's liberation in doing these single acts of resistance. If that's all there is to be had out of it, so be it.

Of course there is strength in numbers. And if we can't get enough people together protesting against BushCo, then we lose.

No answers at this point, but it has to start somewhere...person by person needs to be persuaded, won over, get a little clear vison going.

We need better strategies...I'm positive that experienced, well connected activists are working on this overtime.

Tom Hayden for instance. Remember him? One of the Chicago 7 along with Abbie Hoffman. Then a CA state assemblyman and married to Jane Fonda for awhile.

These are worth reading to connect with the strategic head who wrote them. Gives me hope.

Getting Physical

http://www.regimechangeguide.com/articles/act_gettingphysical.php n

Learning from the Loss

http://www.alternet.org/election04/20429/

How to End the Iraq War

http://207.44.245.159/article7365.htm

But until some better comes up, I'm passing out election theft info flyers that I have made myself. They seem to be working out.

check them out at-
http://www.vote-nobody.com/2004electiontheftpage.htm

perhaps they will fit into some plan of action for you too.

[kc.ink]

57. I do not believe it is because they don't care about democracy

analysis of those in America:
1. Where do they get their news from?
cnn, abc, nbc, fox, radio stations, etc. certainly not air-america or the british news. . . . .

2. Does anyone make a conscious choice to first question what is being told to them by these "so-called" news reporters?
No, the mainstream American looks at it like, "well, if it on the news it must be true." (they can't be lieing to us)

3. Do they question who owns/has money in these news reporting companies?

4. Do they question who stands to lose if the truth were reported?
No, they have no clue as to what is going on in America since the truth has been squashed and buried since before the Kennedy assassination.

It is easier to believe the lie than to question and investigate.
It takes time and energy to do this, therefore the elephant will remain in America's living rooms and America will continue to walk around the piles of shit because it is easier than acknowledging that there is a problem and by so doing, then it is necessary to clean up the mess.

Analysis : The choice of thinking for oneself v. sloth.

[porkrind]

30. The story is gone from Yahoo front page. Only lasted 2 hours.

WTF?

[NJCher]

48. nah, it's there

I was just there and rated it. 1700-something, still 2.96.


Cher

[Botany]

31. I live in Columbus but I could not make it.

Sorry everybody! I will go to Blackwell's office Monday. And the March on the statehouse on 12/12 .......
I hope that Conyers hearings next week go over big.

Still the press is running from this story. Liberal media my ass.

We need to go Ukrainian over this election theft. The evidence is so overwhelming.

:kick:

[Patriot Acts]

47. Should of

could of would of, went Ukrainian over this election like on... lets say NOV 5. It's been over a month now.

[seriousstan]

63. We need to go Ukrainian ?? You couldn't go down the street!

I am sick of people spouting about "taking the streets" and then refusing to move off the couch.

[dave420]

69. Unfortunately

Not many people in the US seem to care as much about their democracy as they do the democracies of others, on both sides of the political spectrum. It seems democracy is only paid lip service.

[yorkiemommie1]

38. done and rated

it's being slammed!

[mccoyn]

43. I just got back to Michigan.

The rally went good. It really felt good to be surrounded by people who didn't immediatly call conspiracy theory. The symposium later in the night was even better than the rally. I feel much less alone now. Thanks to every one who showed up.

[meganmonkey]

44. You beat me home!

:hi:

I really thought I'd pass out right away, but (gasp) I managed to turn on my damn computer and get sucked into this damn website as usual!

[burn the bush]

52. what was the last thing that Palast said? About having paperwork

to prove Jeb Bush was involved in the black lists? No body seemed to catch it and I don't know if it was something new or not. He was talking about Catherine Harris and a paper they were trying to get ahold of. Then he said he actually got them to send him the paper and I thought he said that there is now an investigation going on. Was that something from the 2000 election or was that new?

[meganmonkey]

55. If I got it right, Palast had been trying to get a letter that was written

by Jeb Bush to Harris (maybe the other way around? But I think the main point is that it had the Bush name on it) in September regarding lists of black voters being purged from the voter rolls. He had heard that the letter existed and had been trying to get it. Apparently he knew the date it was written and he (or his assistant) called and said some BS about this letter, the exact date, that Katherine Harris had told them about it and wanted them to get a copy. So someone's assistant or intern faxed it right over.

Greg mentioned this briefly at the rally itself but said more about it at the symposium afterward.
The main point of it is that it demonstrates that someone in the Bush family KNEW that there was criminal, racial profiling going on to get folks off the voter rolls and to ensure their votes wouldn't count.

There are lots of little things like this coming to light - the trick is going to be turning them into BIG theings, and getting them in the SPOTLIGHT. It may take a while, I may not get Bush booted before an inauguration, but it is VITAL THAT WE KEEP FIGHTING!!!

[kc.ink]

58. Palast has a copy of the actual letter that connects Jeb to 2000 profiling

What a brilliant mind that man has. . . . . he reminds me of me ;)

He also has the computer program listing all voters who were to be challenged at the polls. CAGING

Harvey Wasserman from freepress.org explained they sent letters of inquiry to all 88 Ohio Counties with regards as to the process that each had used in counting, tabulating and certifying the votes.
He stated (not exact wording)that one county had replied with regards to question 16, <b> they had thrown out/disposed of the actual ballots so they would not be confused with the actual reported vote.</b>

[meganmonkey]

60. For the record - I meant to say 'IT' may not get Bush booted,

Not 'I' may not get Bush booted. Now it's too late to edit.
That is not to say I won't do everything in my power to get him booted, but my post makes it look like I plan to singlehandedly get him booted. :P

[burn the bush]

66. yes that sounds exactly like what he was saying

except didn't he add that there was now a criminal investigatin started on it? This was at the speech in the evening. I was listening via the nets.

[BrklynLiberal]

54. AirAmericaRadio said it was 1500 people but no newsmedia n/t

[Megahurtz]

61. Recount, Re-Election, then Re-Vote BY OTHER MEANS

If they depend on the Diebold-Sequoia bullshit machines we will just have Re-Fraud.

Or as I said before Bush should then default to Kerry.

Besides, it's not going to do any good to recount thousands of fabricated votes for Bush.

[Name removed]

62. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Sparkly]

65. I don't understand what you mean

Are you upset at her comment, and if so, why?

[imaginary girl]

64. Turn out at Columbus rally

I, too, was a little disappointed by the turnout, but thought there were more than 400. My husband and I drove from Indy with our 11 mo old. Thanks to all others who were there!

I have a couple of pics I'd be glad to share, but not sure how to do so ... probably a help file somewhere, huh!

[BEdasein]

67. come down from the clouds

saturday was a lot of fun, there were many wonderful things said and it was wonderful to see not just the number of people there, but how spread out geographically they were. i came from idaho, i met folks from dc, maryland, new york, oklahamo, kentucky. there are more rallies scheduled. more gatherings. i think it is important for people to understand the necessity of their physical presence when it comes to participating in a democracy that is in so many people's minds moving in the wrong direction. i think that the internet is a wonderful way of organizing participation, but that by itself it can not replace your willingness to BE there. sacrifice will always be more powerful than thoughtfulness though both are necessary and wonderful. i went to ohio to contribute my spark in hopes that if enough over time keep on showing up there will be an ignition. this is not just some intellectual excersize that's fun to talk about. there were people denied their ability to have their vote heard simply because of the color of their skin. there was fraud, and widespread manipulation of the votes, how they were cast, how long one had to wait to cast, how they were counted, when they were counted etc.. all of these decisions have favored one candidate... this is not chance and your friends at work, school, church, etc.. need to know about it. this is happening again. many of us young folks would like to believe that we woulda been there 'back in the day', marching and even willing to go to jail exercizing non-violent civil disobedience to ensure that such blatant racism didn't lace our government. many that had the chance wished they would have. it's beginning to happen again, and they will do it again if it works again. we musn't wait for some big organization to lead us, we must lead them... that's how democracy works.. you have the chance to be a part of this now. obviously florida was not enough. you, yeah you, what will it take YOU to BE there?

BE

[argh]

68. Something is wrong.

Something is not right in Ohio unless this AP article Yahoo posted is wrong:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20041203/ap_on_el_pr/ohio_vote&cid=536&ncid=536

Here's the deal, they don't say how many overseas ballots were counted in the article, but they do say how many provisional ballots are counted. They also say Bush's margin of victory was cut by 17,000 votes. Of these votes 3,893 were from the computer "glitch" that was caught in Columbus.

That would seem to mean that 13,107 votes came from overseas and provisional ballots.

Since the AP didn't say how many overseas ballots were counted, I have to rely on an article which says they weren't expected to go over 10,000:
http://www.ohiocitizen.org/moneypolitics/2004/blackwellletter.html

Adding 121,598 counted provisional ballots and 10,000 overseas ballots brings us to 131,598 total ballots.

To get those 13,107 votes favoring Kerry the votes would have broken down to 59,245.5 Bush, 72,352.5 Kerry. Yes .5. That's because we don't know the number of overseas ballots, if I added 1 to the ballot total the .5 would have gone away, but I'd still have to explain why I added the 1.

This makes the percentages 55% Kerry, 45% Bush.

See a problem there? That's a massive deviation from the normal ballots: 49% Kerry, 51% Bush. Don't forget that a lot of those overseas ballots are military and supposedly are Bush votes.

Maybe the percentages are skewed because there were more overseas ballots you say? Okay, instead of 10,000 overseas ballots, let's say it's 100,000. That's still 53% Kerry, 47% Bush.

This is a huge red flag. It would seem to me either Democrats were purged from the voter rolls and forced to vote on provisional ballots or the count of Ohio's normal ballots is wrong.

[struggle4progress]

70. kick

:kick:

[amelia]

72. I wore my DU T-shirt to the rally

I went to the rally in Columbus Saturday. I also wore my Democratic Underground.Com t-shirt and I left my coat open so people could see it. I froze my butt off so you guys owe me big time. I only zipped my coat up once for about 10 minutes. I'm from WV and I made the trip because I felt it was important. The band that played for the rally was "The Carpenter Ants" who are also from WV. I was very surprised and happy about that.

There were more than 400 people there. I would say it was about 1500 like Bob Fritakis said. I met people who were there from Connecticut, and one from California.

My local paper, The Charleston Gazette, actually carried the AP story about the protest. I took some pictures and when I get them developed, I'll post them for you. I took most of them of the crowd instead of the speakers. It was a good protest and the speakers were excellent.

The crowd was the very essence of the Democratic party. There were many older people there who looked like your average grandparents, there were middle aged, young mothers with strollers, vets, hippies, union, college students, gays, and people who were clean cut and not so clean cut. WE were every color of the human race. It was good.