My day at the protest with the Here in Spirit sign, long version

[The Witch]

OK, I am going to try to write this up before I go to bed tonight.

Last night I put together the Here in Spirit sign on a huge display board. There were too many names for me to write out so I printed them all up and taped them on (I had to do some creative snipping for them all to fit!) But the text on the sign said:

"Due to illness, disability, astronomical gas prices (thanks, Dubya!) or other situations, we can't be in DC, but we are:
HERE IN SPIRIT
(all the names)
DEMOCRATIC
UNDERGROUND.com"

This morning I woke up and discovered about another 25-50 names on the threads and in my inbox, so I hand-wrote them on sketchbook paper. There was no room left on the sign, so I taped the paper sheets to one end and they just stuck out on one side :D But I didn't want to leave folks unrepresented.

I went to the Vienna Metro at about 9:30 a.m. and the Metro car was full of fellow protestors in fantastic T-shirts -- including one DU'er (hi :hi: Catherine, I don't remember your username now) who was right there. I spent the ride in chatting it up with a bunch of nice ladies from southwestern Virginia.

A steady stream of people led the way from Federal Triangle to the site of the protest. I can't begin to tell you how exciting it was to see all those people out for it. It put the annual cherry blossom festival (my favorite time in the city) to shame. I've never seen so many white tents, so many banners, so many signs, so much hugging, such a vibrant atmosphere. I was whooping it up.

We passed the rows of crosses and the Impeachment Tour Bus, circling around several times before we met up with the other DUers (hi :hi: guys!) Lots of people asked about the sign - loads of people took pictures of it. My standard explanation for the sign was:

"These are all people who wanted to be here but because they were sick or had to take care of sick family members or had to work to pay the bills, God forbid!-- so they wanted to be represented."

I told everyone about the Conservative Wannabeground post -- "Yup. I've been officially freeped. I feel famous."

We moved toward the stage, still on the outer rim of the Ellipse, and listened to Cindy Sheehan, Jesse Jackson, Ralph Nader, Jessica Lange, and lots of other people speak. The whole time, DU'ers were coming to our banner and there was lots of hugging going on. People were having trouble trying to figure out which name to introduce themselves with!

We took a bunch of pictures which I hope some people will be able to post late tonight or tomorrow.

When the Daily Kos people went by, we cheered :) I said, "I'm feeling the bloglove!"

The signs and T-shirts were great. At one point one of the DU'ers bought a T-shirt and wanted to change into it on the spot, so we shielded her with protest signs and she did a quick-change right on the Ellipse! (I started with the Randi Rhodes Bounce your Boobies skit... I couldn't help myself.)

DU'er CatchaWave :hi: helped me hold the sign. We went to the rim of the Ellipse where people were walking by taking pictures and we got to show all of you to lots of folks and explain the sign. It made me really happy to hear people say it was a good idea.

Finally we got time to march. We were standing at 15th and Constitution forever waiting to actually move. CatchaWave and I kept picking the sign up, putting it down, picking it up again ;-D

We were sandwiched between Unions for Peace and some pro-choice demonstrators. They were singing some songs that were somewhere between racy and obscene, but I was listening to the speeches on C-SPAN radio on my walkman and couldn't really make it out... they were discussing Bush getting his paws off THEIR bush, I think. :evilgrin:

The Grover Norquist/Bathtub quote/New Orleans flatbed truck was there too.

There were some really funny protest songs/chants going on, one talking about the war being for profit, another "we know how you got your job, your daddy" (to Hey Mickey)

There was a really nifty "skeleton" on a "skeleton horse" that I can't really describe, but it was like an oversized stick puppet that they were carrying over the crowd. I hope someone got a picture of it.

We got walking down 15th finally and it took forever!

Chanting Hey Ho George Bush has Got to Go... and other chants...

We got separated from the rest of DU, of course... but we held your names high and I was so proud and grateful to be a part of this... and lots of people asked about it even as we were marching.

I called my mom and she told me my grandmother would be proud...

We passed a grand total of two pro-life counterprotestors on the side of the road. But they were so marginal nobody even noticed them except for one guy... I got emotional and told CatchaWave all about how this culture of insane control had affected me once... she told me a similar (but worse) story about her own life...

I was really dehydrated and actually had to go home after we got to about Pennsylvania. But you were there with me all morning and afternoon and you marched proudly for peace.

I hope that I did enough.. I wish I could have stayed longer!

:grouphug:

Thanks folks for letting me represent you.
Anyone know what I should do with the sign now? hmm...

Anyway..

thanks...

must fall asleep now...

ZZZZZZ

--the (exhausted) Witch

[WritingIsMyReligion]

1. My first day as a DUer....

...and I'm very proud! :yourock: Pity I couldn't have been on that sign, but it's okay.

:patriot: :grouphug:

[alittlelark]

35. Your fist day as a DUer and you have 115 posts?

Writing must indeed be a religion for you.

[BigBearJohn]

41. Thanks witch

[Lydia Leftcoast]

2. Thanks, Witch!

:-)

[stillcool]

3. wow...you are too cool.....

i missed your post yesterday, but was surely there in spirit with you today. Thank you so much for going and taking part...you should be very, very proud of yourself.

[Suich]

4. Thanks for doing this, TW!!!

:yourock:

[Z_I_Peevey]

5. Thank you so much.

I'll never be able to attend such a march as today's, but at least my spirit was there.

[OhioChick]

6. Thank you for representing all of us

:yourock:

[mandyky]

7. Auction the sign on Ebay!

If you don't need the money donate it to DU, Guy James, or Camp Casey Covington or something :)

Rest!
You did great! I am proud you represented us!

[The Witch]

9. To tell you the truth, that DID cross my mind. :-)

but who the heck would buy it? :D

[mandyky]

12. A DUer with money

LOL
who else?

[The Witch]

17. Do they exist? :D

:rofl:

[SaveAmerica]

49. That's what I said! I should start reading posts before replying!

Edited because I typed like a freeper111 and made a hugh mistake!!11!!

[Ladyhawk]

8. Thank you so much for doing this for us.

I wish I could have been there. :)

[entanglement]

72. Your 'flying spaghetti monster' letter is HILARIOUS!

:rofl: :rofl:

:yourock:

[yorkiemommie1]

10. i missed your post too

but i was there in spirit!

[Individualist]

11. Thank you so very much

for taking us with you. :hug:

[Spike from MN]

13. Thanks so much for all the work you put into making the sign.

I saw a pic of it on another thread and it looked great! And thanks for the report. I'm sitting at home with a cold-from-hell and feel like total crap but seeing the pic of your poster and reading your report made me feel better. Witch, you rock!

I missed the story about the Conservative Wannabeground post. Once you have gotten a chance to rest up, if you could fill me in I would appreciate it. I always love a good Freeper story. ;)

[The Witch]

18. What thread did you see a pic of it on!?!?

Please tell, I haven't found it yet!

[Z_I_Peevey]

23. Faces of Protest -- HEY FREEPS

That's the thread title. I tried pasting a link but my ancient computer froze up.

[proud2BlibKansan]

29. Here it is

[loudsue]

31. Are all of those DUers??? What a handsome bunch!!

:hi: Way to go!! :yourock:

[The Witch]

64. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

i am so glad to see it was recorded for posterity. I was so proud to be able to represent you all!

[globalvillage]

83. Here's another

Good to meet you, BTW.
:hi:

[wovenpaint]

74. Yay! Thanks again

:hi: :applause: :patriot: :woohoo: :yourock:

[Spike from MN]

45. I signed off after I posted but I see others have stepped up

to help out in typical DU fashion. DUer's rock! Here's a link to the thread if you want to see all the pics. Post #8 has one that's a close-up of you with the sign. What a great pic! Oh man, that must have been a lot of work to make that sign. Don't think we don't appreciate it because we most definitely do. You really went out of your way to do this and I for one am most grateful to you for all the effort you put into making the sign. You're awesome!

There are a lot of other great pics on the thread as well so I thought I'd post the link so you could see them all. Love the pic of the DU group. What a great-looking bunch! Kudos to DUers and everyone else that attended a protest today, whether it was the one in DC or a local one. I'm sorry my cold kept me homebound but I was there in spirit and, thanks to TW, I was in DC in name as well. What a fantastic idea to take us all there with you! Hats off to you for a job well done!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4875929

[kitp]

14. Our thanks, Witch n/t

[Synnical]

15. Thank you for being there for me when I could not

:yourock:

This is the first major protest I've missed in DC since January 2001.

-Cindy in Fort Lauderdale

[kineneb]

16. Thanks from NorCal

I had to spend part of the day in bed with a bad sore throat, so I couldn't attend any of the "local" rallies. But I was with you in spirit.

[smartvoter]

19. Thanks so much for doing this. nt

[Sydnie]

20. Thank you for taking us all with you today

You lived "he aint heavy, he's my brother" today for so many of us. You have my never-ending gratitude.

:grouphug:

Now, get some rest sweetie, you have earned it.

:woohoo:

[chalky]

21. Thanks so much , witch!

n/t

[goclark]

22. Thanks for making us feel closer to the day! nt

[Digit]

24. Oh how I wanted to be there!

I was one of the ones who had posted my name late, so I wanted to say thank you for taking the time by adding my name.
I am a native of DC now living out of state, so I wanted to come "home", meet all the other DU'ers, and be apart of the protest.

Unfortunately, I am unable to walk beyond a short trip to a grocery store, so even though I wanted to be there, I knew I could not endure the walking.

So, again, Thank You....and believe me, I was there in spirit with the rest of you.
:hi:

[Lindsay]

25. Thank you so much for taking us with you,

and for sharing the story at the march, and for sharing the story of the march.

Sleep well. You have done so much for so many.

:grouphug:

[I Have A Dream]

26. Totally RECOMMENDED! Thanks again for doing this, Witch!

I really appreciate all of the effort that you put into doing this for all of us who couldn't be there. Much good karma to you!

:hug:

[Oeditpus Rex]

27. I have an idea about the sign

Though I'm sorta hesitant to mention it because... well, it'll cost ya more work, and you've already done so much.

But I was just thinkin', it'd totally rock if I had my little piece of the sign to stick on my Wall o' Fame (aka my home-office door). I bet other people would really love that too.

Maybe if we all sent you a SASE... if you have a PO box... or... somethin'...

:loveya: :loveya: :loveya:

(Am I sucking up enough?)

[Spike from MN]

50. Hmmm...I'm thinking Kinko's. Poster-sized copies. ;)

OK, just wishful thinking on my part. I'm betting TW would like to keep the original so chopping it up might not be in the works. But making copies for those of us that want them would be a HUGE amount of work. She'd have to find out how many people wanted them, collect the money, go to Kinkos, and then spend a good chunk of the rest of her life mailing them out to us. WAY too much work. Not fair to TW at all. And while I would love a poster, I'm just happy that someone got a picture of it. So much work went into making that sign it would have been a shame not to have seen it. Now it's on the Internets for everyone to enjoy. ;)

And Oeditpus Rex, you can never suck up too much. The current administration should have taught you that much by now. ;)

[Oeditpus Rex]

61. Roger, Spike

The difference between the Wregime and me is I suck up only to the best. :pals:

[The Witch]

65. I'll have to think about it

too tired to make longterm plans right now.. :)

[anarchy1999]

28. Thank you a thousand times. Peace. n/t

[troubleinwinter]

30. It was a WONDERFUL thing you did for us! Thank you, TW!!!!

[deadparrot]

32. Thank you SO much, The Witch!

:yourock:

Hope you're getting some well-deserved rest. :D

[Qibing Zero]

33. You're the best. Thanks! nt

[Melissa G]

34. You Rock Witch!!! Next time I go protest

I'll be happy to put you on my sign anytime!!!

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

36. Thank you dear Witch for bringing me there in spirit! Blessings and

the sweetest of dreams. You rock!!!!

:hug:

[nonconformist]

37. Thank you SO MUCH!!

I really can't express how much it means to us that really, REALLY wanted to be there but couldn't.

Get some rest girl!

[bear425]

38. You're awesome. Thanks for making the effort to take us with you.

You're right. I couldn't be there because I care for someone disabled and other family issues. Otherwise, I would have been there. I was crying today watching the coverage on C-Span. The peace movement is growing; it cannot be silenced now. We must continue it on a daily basis in our own communities however we can. Again, thanks so much.

[Wheezy]

39. Thank you

The Witch! Er...I mean Witchypoo. :)

How thoughtful and kind of you to go through the effort of getting so many peoples' names on there. I surely appreciate it.

[AirmensMom]

40. Thanks, Witch

I watched as much on CNN as they showed. Wished I could have been there! I'm so glad you took all of us with you. Thanks so much!

:grouphug:

:yourock:

[justgamma]

42. No words. I'm in tears. Thank You!! n/t

[FreedomAngel82]

43. I'm glad you had fun!!

Sounds like a successful day! Get plenty of sleep sweets! :hug:

[Lugnut]

44. Thanks Witch

I'm so happy to know I was there in spirit and on your sign. Thank you so much. Rest well. :)

[understandinglife]

46. Thank you.

Peace.

[Straight Shooter]

47. It's late, you're asleep by now.

Sweet dreams, Witch. Thanks from all of us.

:yourock:

[SaveAmerica]

48. EBAY the sign! Then $$ to Habitat for Humanity!!

Thanks again, I could say it 100 times!

[WillyT]

51. You Be Da Best, Witch !!!

:applause::yourock::applause:

Thank You!!!

:hi:

[Sunkiss BlueStar]

52. Best Witch EVER

and Im so sorry I couldn't post before 5:00. DU has so much great news and I try to go through it with as much understanding as possible. I'll try to be on Time from now on ,if not present at the event. You guys did great. HUGS for everybody:grouphug:

[dalaigh lllama]

53. Thanks so much

and kudos for the great idea and for taking all of us with you!

:grouphug:

[Kurovski]

54. Thanks, darlin' one! To think that you took the time

to include last-minute additions by hand...well, that is just sweetness itself...
:hug: :hug: :hug:

I think we need a blossoming bouquet emoticon especially for The Witch!

Thank you again for bringing the DU family along with you to DC.

[vanboggie]

55. You're wonderful, Witch

Thank you for taking me there. You're the best.

:yourock:

[memory]

56. Thank you for letting me be there in spirit!!

It really means a lot to me!

Thank you for all the work that you did on that wonderful sign!!

:applause: :woohoo:

[vard28]

57. I am SO bummed we missed y'all!

We got to the Vienna metro quite a bit earlier than y'all did and we ended up not catching up with the group at all. We did meet one other DUer woman, but that was it.

I've never posted a photo here before, and apparently I'm too tired to figure it out! If someone could explain to me in "Posting a Photo for Dummies" type language just how I stick a picture in here, I'd appreciate it!

What a great day this was for me! I have become more involved in politics the last several years, and Cindy Sheehan has been a true inspiration to me as a mom, a woman, and a democrat. I wish I could have gone to Texas when she was there, but I had to wait until today to show my support. The crowd was huge! Don't listen to the numbers that they're saying on the radio or network TV.

I went to the march with just one other person today, but felt like I belonged in that crowd. Everyone we met was so kind and friendly; what a feeling! It was invigorating and uplifting to be with like-minded people with NO hatred for others who might have had a different agenda, wore different clothes, were from different generations, listened to different music, but were obviously there for the same purpose! I have been frustrated, depressed, angry and at some times... actually scared about where our country is headed. Today was just what I needed to give me HOPE that together we can end the madness and get back on track.

I genuinely appreciate all the people that were able to make the trip. I had it easy; we live just outside DC in the Virginia suburbs. It was cool to see how far people had traveled. I thoroughly enjoyed the signs, banners, t-shirts, etc. that were proudly held high and displayed. One of the best things about the day was the number of YOUNG people that were there and involved.

Okay, enough babbling. I only got two hours sleep last night because I was so exciting about going today. My heart is filled with hope and I know I'll sleep better tonight, not from exhaustion, but from exuberance!

:hippie: Peace!

[The Witch]

67. Oh, no! Sorry I missed you!

:hug: We can get together some other time if you like :hug:

[Butterflies]

58. Hi there! I'm the DUer from the metro this morning!

I was so glad to see another DUer right away in DC, and you were really thoughtful to take that sign for absent DUers (it was kind of awkwardly large.)

It's 2:30 am and I've got to sleep, but I had to check here for reports from the rally/march first. I'll talk to you more soon :hi:

[The Witch]

68. Hi, sweetie!

:hi: I had such a great time with you! Sorry I lost you all halfway through!

[AbbyR]

59. Thank you SO much, Witch...

You're wonderful!

[earth mom]

60. Thanks so much!

:yourock:

[DemReadingDU]

62. Thank you!

[Vinca]

63. Thanks!

Having you represent us means a great deal.:grouphug:

[rosesaylavee]

66. Thanks for taking me there in spirit! And thanks

for the details of what it was like to be there! I am very grateful to be part of this protest and the DU community.

:grouphug:

[benny05]

69. Great Report!

thanks for representing us....have a good rest...

:patriot: :kick:

[catmandu57]

70. Hang on to that sign ms witch

It's a historical document that should be preserved, maybe, someday signs and other memorabilia like them can go to a museum. If we persevere and stop these lunatics and reclaim our country these are things our children and grandchildren need to see, to see that freedom is more than waving flags and mouthing off.
Thank you for taking us to the march with you, rick, aka catmandu57.

[Window]

71. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you

for allowing those of us who couldn't attend be there in spirit. You are a wonderful, caring person.

Thanks also for the excellent narrative of your day.

Peace

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

73. Thank you for representing me !

I watched some on CNN then had to drive to introduce one of our foster dogs to his prospective new family (they loved each other!) and was so happy to find live rally coverage on the radio on WBAI from NYC !

[watercolors]

75. Thank you

for being there for us, we did our part in Melbourne FL. 250 strong!

[Shine]

76. May your generosity of spirit be returned to you a thousand-fold

Blessings to you, dear Witch. :hug:
~Shine

[DancingBear]

77. Good morning (afternoon?) Witch!

Thanks for a great write-up, and for holding the sign.

It was a pleasure to meet you, and yes, I''m tired too. :)

[The Witch]

80. Hi nice to see you again!

I hope you had as good a time as I did :) get some rest!

[CatBoreal]

78. Thank you Witch!

You Rock! :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock:

[The Witch]

79. hey, where'd you get that icon?

:searching for it:

[BobMorr]

81. Thank You Witch!!

Thanks for doing this for us!!

:yourock: :applause::applause::applause::a:applause:
:applause::applause::applause::applause::applause:
:applause::applause::applause::applause::applause:

[CatBoreal]

87. See you found it!

:evilgrin:

[Greylyn58]

82. Thanks for doing that Witch

Did you or anyone take a picture of the sign. Would love to see it.

[Rainscents]

84. Thanks Witch for doing the great work and representing DUer's

who couldn't make it to rally! :toast:

[Rainscents]

85. Thanks Witch for doing the great work and representing DUer's

who couldn't make it to rally! :toast:

[Wilms]

86. Thank You! n/t

[Catchawave]

88. Yayyyy, I found your thread !

Just wanted to thank you again for allowing me the honor to help you carry the DU Spirit sign:hug:

To all of those DUers printed on the sign were more than with us in spirit, you MARCHED !

And people read your names and were just as inspired as though you were really THERE !

What a day, and so glad all of your were there with us :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

[cyberpj]

89. Thanks for your post. Watching on cspan from a wheelchair was

so frustrating! I got much more pleasure from all of your posts and photos. thank you all.

[cyberpj]

90. Thank you so much Witch. It was so nice to feel included and you're

THE BEST for thinking of us!

:applause:

[MN ChimpH8R]

91. Thanks, Witch

:yourock:

[Catchawave]

92. A Kick for The Witch :)

So more people can know they marched :hi:

[Catchawave]

93. Another kick !

Hope it's ok :) Whew.