Please help me decide re: flying to DC tomorrow.

[blonndee]

Okay, so I've been really excited about going to DC to my first rally ever! I booked a flight shortly after the Katrina debacle...that was what decided it for me. But now I'm supposed to fly out tomorrow morning and I still haven't decided whether or not to get on the plane.

First, I am a bit of a worrier, but I've always been able to shake off irrational fears pretty quickly. But for some reason, I've had a bad feeling about this almost since the beginning. I don't know for sure what it is that's bugging me. It first started after I had booked my flight, then I found out NWA was on strike and I read someone'DU post about them having old-ass planes. Then NWA filed bankruptcy. Then yesterday the little incident with the landing gear on Jet Blue.

But I don't know if it's the flying that's bugging me. Yesterday there was the Bush announcement about the state of emergency terrorism thing being extended, and now I find out about this secret military operation going on in DC this weekend (Granite Shadow).

http://blogs.washingtonpost.com/earlywarning/

And we know what tends to happen when "exercises" are run, right?

I think if it were JUST that exercise I wouldn't worry about it. I'm not afraid of getting arrested or even teargassed or whatever.

Maybe it's partly the weather. I live in OK and there's a chance of tornadoes, flooding, or who knows what when Rita's remnants get here Sunday or Monday. (I don't come back from DC till Monday evening). Plus, with the f**ing hurricanes and no apparent government anymore, it just feels like everything's falling apart. I just feel like I'm waiting for the next disaster to happen. If I were religious I'd be praying right now, thinking the end of the world is coming!

I've just never felt this deep-down scared. I am a little worried about my dogs (who are being boarded at the vet), but not too much. Probably the remnants of Rita are going to mainly go east of here, per the latest. Probably. So that's not it. Something just feels wrong. Like I said, I am a worrier, but not like this. I just can't shake this anxious, black feeling. Could it be left over from the Katrina outrage? Maybe I'm just scared because I think it's the end of democracy pretty soon? I know this sounds tin-foil-hatty, paranoid, etc., but I just got a feeling, you know?

Okay you guys, please be gentle and help me decide. Should I go with my gut and not get on the plane? Or should I go and have a (most probably) fun-filled weekend with friends in DC, which I've been looking forward to?

[progmom]

1. I'm flying NWA tomorrow, and I am sure it will be fine.

Come to DC, and we'll make you feel better. :hug:

[brettdale]

2. its going to be amazing

For all you lucky people who are going to DC.

[GOPisEvil]

3. Living in fear is the only way to die before your time.

Get on the plane. Join us. Rita will just be a big rain storm by Monday. The DC cops know how to deal with large groups. There will be very little violence if any at all.

Once again, get on the plane, go to DC, participate in history, or regret it forever.

Oh, you might get to meet me too, so there's that.

[blonndee]

7. You're right, I would regret it forever.

And I like that "dying before your time" thing. I'll try to remember that.

[ewagner]

4. Okay...what is Granite Shadow?

I have no clues....

[OldLeftieLawyer]

5. Consider this -

the verifiable fact is that flying is still the safest way to travel. You're in far more danger when you're in your car.

So, get on the damn plane. We all have to die sometime. And if you back out of something because of fear, you're letting the terrorists win.

Ever read "Appointment In Samarra"? You should.

[blonndee]

6. Well, here's the thing...I'm not afraid of dying myself, at least not TOO

much, but I worry about who would take care of my dogs if something happened to me. Maybe that sounds stupid to some people. I drive more carefully and try to take care of myself so that I can take care of them. I'm not married and don't have kids, so they're kind of like my immediate family.

But you guys are right about not living in fear. I really want to shake this off so I can just get on the plane and have a good time and make my voice heard.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

9. Don't worry

Whoever loves you will take care of your dogs. Tell them that before you leave.

Go. It's beautiful in DC tonight.

Go and have the time of your life. Enjoy my beautiful city.

[hootinholler]

28. Didin't realize you were in DC...

See you Saaturday.

FRS radio channel 4.

-Hoot

[OldLeftieLawyer]

30. Well,

right now we're on Prince Edward Island, but, yeah, we have a place in Alexandria, Virginia, right across the river.

I know you're all gonna do something wonderful.

Have a ball ....................

[mike_c]

8. go-- you'll kick yourself later if you don't....

:patriot:

[pitohui]

10. you'll be just fine GO

i fly northwest all the time, the hub flew them the day the strike started, no problems, they've had a long time to plan for the inevitable

call yr doctor & see if she'll prescribe a xanax for the flight, otherwise, bring two 5 dollar bills (cuz "we appreciate exact change") & have a couple of drinks on the plane

there are exercises going on every damn day of the year, you'd never be able to do anything or go anywhere if you seriously started sweating that stuff

enjoy yr trip

going w. yr gut can leads to yrs of phobia & regrets, been there, done that, you will NEVER be sorry you faced the fear & got on the plane

have a blast

[RoyGBiv]

11. Advice ...

The short version: Go.

At the end of the day, no matter what any of us think, feel, or rationalize, we currently have no way of predicting the future. You take a risk staying in OKC. You take a risk leaving. Do what you want to do.

A bit longer version:

I have always hated flying. Part of it is fear crashing. Another part is the lack of control, which is somewhat related to the fear of dying but also a somewhat more practical, but still obsessive, need to make my own schedule. I drive most places mostly because I want to be able to decide when I go, where I go, and when I leave.

Regardless, I fly occasionally. The first trip I took in a plane -- to New Orleans no less -- was preceded by weeks of irrational fear. I literally did not know if I would get on the plane before I actually walked onto it. I found all kinds of things that bolstered that fear, statistical, but somewhat absurd observations showing the airline and plane model I was taking was more prone to crash when flying into low-lying areas between the hours of 3pm and 7pm on weekdays in the Spring. All those fit my trip. There were also reverse statistics, things like planes originating at Will Rogers hadn't been involved in a major accident in X number of years, which theoretically increases the probability of a major incident the longer the trend lasted.

In the end, I got on the plane, had a good time, and am still here, typing this.

I know you're not expressing a traditional "fear of flying" thing, but it's based in the same sort of intellectual process. You're worried about things you can't possibly know. It's understandable, but as has already been said, the most sure way to die an early death is to avoid doing things you want to do because of fear.

And I'll throw this out ... certain conspiracy theorists of a more rational sort who think ShrubCo may attempt a full-scale implementation of martial law believe the predicating "terra" attack will not happen on the coasts. It'll be in the MidWest, in a very red state, where a lot of people live who will actually be clamoring for the federal government to come in and take over, whether they express it exactly like that or not. OKC is a perfect target for such a thing.

Go to DC. You'll be glad you did.

And be sure to tell me about it when you get back. :-)

[blonndee]

15. LOL I have to chuckle at your "statistics" thing.

That's great and makes me feel a little better.

And I'm also a control freak--that's gotten worse as the years have gone by and I've been on my own, in charge of myself. I wonder if that's a big part of it. I also prefer driving, and when I'm in a car with anyone else, *I* want to be the one behind the wheel.

You're so right about not ever knowing what the future holds, and that drives me batty. I'm the type of person that has to have everything planned out and know what's coming next. In fact, I was wishing today that there were real psychics who could tell me what to do. Heh heh. But I knew better and came to you guys instead.

***But if anything happens to the NWA flight from OKC to Memphis or from Memphis to Baltimore, make sure someone puts "She said this would happen!" on my tombstone. ;) ***

[meganmonkey]

12. Don't let them turn you into a victim

Because that's what they want you to do. They want you to be a victim. They want you to be too scared to do what you have every right to do.

Don't let them!!! You will feel stronger. I do already, and I am only halfway there.

I just checked into a hotel west of Pittsburgh. I am halfway to DC, and I am driving out alone.

I have roadtripped alone before, and I have gone to DC for rallies alone before (I didn't have DU then - this time I don't really feel alone :) ) but for some reason all day my stomach has been in knots, it is really weird. But about an hour ago, everything relaxed. I can't explain why, but I am so excited, and I feel sooooo goooood!!! I almost felt like driving all night!

And think of all the people who want to go and really can't, for one reason or another. Go on their behalf.

It will be a beautiful event, but only if you are there.

:hi:

:patriot:

[blonndee]

17. I'm glad you're feeling better. Your excitement is contagious.

I'm still really worried but I'm more encouraged to go.

"And think of all the people who want to go and really can't, for one reason or another. Go on their behalf."

Now THERE is some inspiration. Hope to see you there, even if I couldn't possibly recognize you. This will be something special.

[redwitch]

13. LOL I should have just posted here and not started my own thread

I'm nervous too and I am not flying and I didn't even know about Granite Shadow. I'll see you in DC I hope. I am looking forward to meeting lots of DUers and photographing the march. I also feel that being a part of this is important. I have been to local protests and rallies, but huge crowds kinda freak me out. I'll be there and you'll be there and it is going to be OK, OK?

[RoyGBiv]

14. You must go ...

Go for all of us who can't, go for yourself, but most of all go for our country, which isn't a totally horribly place, or wouldn't be if more people like those of you going were around.

[blonndee]

16. OK! That sounds great to me.

You'll deal with your crowd thing and I'll deal with my whatever-the-hell-it-is thing and we'll both come back feeling exhilirated and uplifted. =)

[redwitch]

20. You bet!

:bounce:

[sweetladybug]

21. Stop worring. Think positive. Get on the Plane and enjoy yourself.

I wish I could go but I just don't have the extra money. Have a good time! Gayle

[never_get_over_it]

18. Go

I was going to go and because I have a 14 and a half year old dog I decided not to go. I don't regret that decision - but I do wish it could be different. I made a promise to my animals that if I could I would be with them when their time came. I saw this dog being born and I will be with him when he passes if at all possible. This is an issue because in July I went to my nieces to take care of her kids while she went on her honeymoon. So between the wedding and the honeymoon I was away from home for ten days. I took the dogs with me but left the cats in the care of a friend because they hate the car. To make a very sad long story short one of my cats went into a diabetic coma the day before I came home. I got home before he actually died - but what happened is he crashed sometime between his early evening feeding and the next mornig feeding - and although they were able to get his sugar under control the length of time that had passed caused serious brain dammage - so I came home on Sunday and had him put down on Monday. I will always regret that the last 10 days of his life he spent mostly alone - and also I can't help but think if I had been home things would have been different - so there was no way I would leave my dog to go to DC

I'm sure your dogs will be fine, the flight will be fine - you will be all right in DC and you will be part of history. I use to live near DC and I have been to a zillion demonstrations - I have gone to them in DC when I lived in NY - I think you said you have never done this - well I say go, let your voice be heard, be part of history - I wish I could - so you go for me - ok?

[blonndee]

25. Oh, I'm so sorry about your kitty.

I understand why you're not going. I wouldn't go either, if I were in your situation. I'll keep all you guys in mind...especially when the big moment comes and I have to take a deep breath and step on board.

[SaveAmerica]

19. Please Go!! You have all that planned and it would be a shame to

not go when so many want to but can't. We were going but several things have happened to keep us here and I'm heartsick!! I wish so much to be there, it will be something you'll be so thankful you were part of. I'm also still carrying the cloud of Katrina but you should use that as one of your main reasons for going! I hope you get on that plane, you'll be representing so many of us from DU who can't go!! Tell us about it when you get back. Have fun!! If you see Skinner or Earl give them a pat on the back and a big thanks from me!

[Joyce78]

22. I won't be gentle

Your post sounds like pure bull shit to me ... you're trying to frighten anyone who plans to attend. I lived during the 60's and we all know the art of intimidation. Wipe your tears and goddam walk to DC if you have to.
PS Get on the plane and if it gets too close to DC, DC (Dick Cheney) will shoot you down.

[Name removed]

26. Deleted message

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

[Joyce78]

32. My apology

Dear Blonndee, Please accept my apology. I wish you a safe trip and a great visit to DC. Sorry. Best Wishes.

[blonndee]

35. Thank you.

I'm sorry if I unintentionally frightened anyone else. I see this as my own (probably irrational) fear, not fear of something specific.

[Joyce78]

23. Where exactly are you flying to DC from?

[blonndee]

27. Oklahoma City, connecting in Memphis. n/t

[soup]

24. Overload, blonndee.

That's what it sounds like to me. There's so much going on in this world we live in it can get overwhelming sometimes.

a little story

There were dozens of reasons my husband and I shouldn't have gotten married. dozens. I'm older than he is. I had two children from a previous marriage. We were raised in basically two different worlds and had very little in common. His family hated me - his father actually looked right at me and used these words when we told him we were getting married, "We'll see about that. Remember blood is thicker than water, girlie." My family thought I'd gone totally crazy. It was horrible.

All those things, and more were swirling around us at the time. There were so many reasons Not to get married. There was only one thing going for us. We loved each other. Inexplicably, it just happened, and that was that. That's all we had.

Up to the moment we got married, (which by the way, our families boycotted) there was so much doubt placed on our future together that I had moments of doubt myself. Maybe it wasn't the right thing to do.

That was 1977. We're still together. He is the love of my life. Was then, is now.

Guess what I'm trying to say is, think about what you want, and how strongly you want it. Think about what you love and what you would do for it. Consider what is right for you and do it.

Have a feeling that once you're on that plane and headed towards where you feel you need to be, there will be a moment when you realize that it is that important, is what you need to do for yourself, for your country, for the future of the world, for all that you love - and your heart will fill with the correctness of being where you need to be.

And two requests please -
1. When you stand in front of our White House, please throw this thought towards the general direction of the man who lives there, "NO SOUP FOR YOU!".

2. Pictures, dozens and dozens of pictures.

You are going to be so glad you went. I promise. Follow what's in your heart.

sorry I ran on... I'll be there with you in spirit.

[Joyce78]

29. The man who lives there doesn't really live there

and he won't be in Washington, D.C. this weekend. He's going to be invisible ... could be in Crawford (doubtful -- that's too scary, Rita's on the way and Robin Lowman Garner still resides in Texas), Camp David (who knows), Kennebunker with Poppy and Bar (well, that could be scary also with those parental creeps and Pickles sitting outside reading and smoking her cigs ... or weed, who knows?) We can find Waldo quicker than we can find George W. Bush and Dick Cheney.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

31. No one's ever in DC on weekends

Who cares? You think they're not aware.

Oh, they're aware. They're very, very aware.

[Joyce78]

34. Who's aware in DC?

Pat Leahy, e.g.?

[OldLeftieLawyer]

37. They're all aware of what's going to take place

They know about Cindy Sheehan, and they know there's going to be a massive demonstration on the Mall.

The problem is that these guys go home to their districts and states on weekends and work there, meeting with their staffs back home and with their constituents. A lot of them are gearing up for reelection, so that's another factor.

Who cares who's in town, anyway? This is a grassroots movement, and the strength of its population will sustain it. You guys don't need any Congressman or Senator showing up to tell you that you're doing the right thing.

But, rest assured, they'll be kept informed about what's going on.

[soup]

33. and as far as I'm concerned,

he has no right to be there at all.

[Joyce78]

36. Yep. Sad, isn't it.

I'm sorry that I vented at Blondee. I do not trust anyone anymore. This is a little personal observation ... for anyone who viewed Lord of The Rings trilogy ... John Roberts is Gollum (ew, creepy).

[NoBushSpokenHere]

38. The apprehension hit me in a similar way just after

booking tickets but.....

just after booking them, I read the story about the plane in trouble flying around LAX. And then logged into DU to discover a post asking the question, "What are the chances they will use tear gas and pepper spray?" The first answer was 99%. I was also a bit apprehensive about attending the rally alone. I was a bit surprised that would cause any sense of fear because I have often traveled on business alone. Then, I read that Rita had grown to a 5 and had gusts up to 215 mph and sustaining winds of 190. The hurricane boards were in a swirl of activity discussing the likelihoods of having such a huge cane right after Katrina. Is this the beginning of the end of the world? And, if there is something bad about to happen, shouldn't I be with my child? These were the thoughts in my head briefly last night.

Then, reality swept over me. It is for my child that I march. It is for the future of this earth that I want to be a part of the "march that changes the world." What if democracy died tomorrow (it really did die Nov 2)? What if this was our LAST CHANCE to change what is happening? I must risk the tear gas, pepper spray or whatever else they want to use, if we are going to have a peaceful world for our future generations.

Yes, I am still a bit apprehensive, but I am so looking forward to showing our strength in numbers. I will take the risks. I will march and proudly carry a sign. For my child, for your child, for your neighbors, for Katrina survivors and victims, for Iraq, for our troops, for Abu Ghraib victims and survivors, for Gitmo, for me, and for you.

[soup]

39. What a beautiful and powerful post.

'It is for my child that I march.' There is so much strength and determination in that statement.

Thank you, NoBushSpokenHere.

[NoBushSpokenHere]

40. Your welcome, started to write an essay on the subject n/t

[blonndee]

41. I know I responded in the other thread but wanted to say

that knowing that you are dealing with similar fears and going anyway gives me more courage too. And that you believe that this is or could be so important that we must either get over the fear or just get through it and do it anyway...that's what is so powerful. Thanks again for your post.

[NoBushSpokenHere]

42. Your welcome........

I understood your apprehension because I was feeling the same. Fear of the unknown, but there is greater fear in not doing everything (non-violent) possible to stop the regime. I realize the risks of going to DC, but I look at my child, and think of what his life may be like if we do not stop *, and there is no question about what we must do.

We have had 2 elections stolen, we are letting corporations have total control of the process, the only end to stopping what they set into place long ago, is to stand up in large numbers and speak with loud voices. Hopefully the media will hear us.